The interplay between structure and function of protein towards the development of translational tools.

HERRERA MARIA GEORGINA; PIGNATARO MARÍA FLORENCIA; TONALI, NICOLO; WINKLHOFER, KONSTANZE; SANTOS JAVIER

Caparica

Conferencia; 4th International Caparica Christmas Conference on Translational Chemistry; 2021

The determination of protein structure and their physicochemical properties has a predominant role in connecting the chemical and biological worlds [1]. Also, the information obtained at the molecular level has contributed to developing different chemical and biological tools. This is of particular interest for proteins related to diseases, in which the lack of the protein or changes in its stability/conformation may induce pathology [2]. Here, we will present the results of our studies focused on human proteins that present a connection with degenerative disorders, particularly proteins related to Fe-S cluster biogenesis as frataxin [3], which malfunction produces Friedreich Ataxia and also TDP-43, which aggregation generates Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis. We will show the use of biophysical approaches to unveil the relationship between protein conformation, its modulation and disease mechanisms. Also, we will present the selection and production of frataxin protein binders, called affitins, that could be implemented as a chemical translational tool to explore protein binding, stability and function in the near future.