Kathryn Saulcy Chem430 F16

Biochemistry Research 430

Fall 2016

Kate Saulcy

Sophomore Biochemistry Major

Research Times

Wednesday 3-6pm (Trough Lab)

Proposed Research Project

Studying the structure and determining the function of insulin in the presence of various lipids.

Project Title

Insulin: Its Structure, Function, and Interaction in Model Cell Membranes

General Information

Advisor: Audra Sostarecz

Other Research Collaborators: Debbie Crans, Colorado State University

Proposal

This semester, I am continuing the research that I did during the Doc Kieft Summer Research Program over the summer. My work is based on investigating the effects of insulin, both human and bovine, on various lipids that are common components of biological membranes. I am also working to determine the structure of insulin while altering specific variables: concentration, temperature, and the presence of various metal cations (zinc, copper, etc.). I am using a model membrane system knowing as a Langmuir monolayer to determine the interactions of these substances as though they were in living systems. I will also be using the Atomic Force Microscope to image the various conformations that the insulin molecule may take upon exposure to the metals and other variables previously mentioned.

Instruments to be used

Langmuir Monolayer Trough

Atomic Force Microscope

References

Aggregation of Insulin at the Interface (http://pubs.acs.org/doi/pdf/10.1021/jp4101202?src=recsys)

Surface Chemistry and Spectroscopy of Human Insulin Langmuir Monolayer(http://pubs.acs.org/doi/full/10.1021/jp3046643)

Study of the Aggregation of Human Insulin Langmuir Monolayer(http://pubs.acs.org/doi/pdfplus/10.1021/la204201w?src=recsys)

Research pledge

I, Kate Saulcy, have read the Chem/Bioc 430 course syllabus and understand the general structure and expectations of the research program. The above material was prepared after consultation, and in conjunction with my research advisor.