I would like to re-constitute pure mitochondrial proteins into phospholipid
vesicles. Why? Because I want to see what effect treating such vesicles
with reticulocyte 15-lipoxygenase has. This enzyme oxygenates linoleic
acid in phopspholipids and could lead to free-radical damage to membrane
proteins. This in turn could lead to proteolysis and is the proposed
mechanism for maturational loss of mitochondria from reticulocytes.
So, any suggestions for candidate mito proteins? I have already chosed
cytochrome c oxidase, but are there others that are readily avaialble
(preferably commercially, unless you're offering!) that can be implanted
into phospholipid vesicles and are active? The simpler the protein the
better (cyt oxidase is in truth rather a complex multisubunit protein, but
still).
Any advice, suggestions gratefully received.
Fergus Doherty,
dept. Biochemistry,
University Medical School,
Queen's Medical Centre,
Nottingham NG7 2UH
Tel: 602 709366 FAX 602 422225 Internet: mbxfd at unicorn.nott.ac.uk
