2019-2020 Faculty Research Grants

Peter Lyons (Biology)

Investigating the Function of Peptidases and Pseudopeptidases

Metallocarboxypeptidases (MCPs) are enzymes that are involved in many biological processes from intestinal digestion to neuronal signaling. While most function in the cleavage of protein substrates, some of these MCPs are inactive, and hence are referred to as pseudopeptidases. The goals of this proposal are to support a number of ongoing and developing projects leading to better understanding of MCP function. Funds will support the completion of a study to understand the function of a yeast pseudopeptidase, and the initiation of studies to understand the function of a zebrafish pseudopeptidase, likely involved in cartilage development. Additional funds will be used to understand the function of an active MCP, carboxypeptidase O (CPO), in the formation of lipid droplets and chylomicrons in a cell culture system. Finally, the development of a zebrafish model for understanding CPO function will be initiated through the purchase of a mutant zebrafish line. Altogether, these experiments will lead to the completion and publication of our study on the yeast pseudopeptidase, Ecm14, initiation of a new line of investigation of vertebrate MCPs using the zebrafish system, and development of new data toward understanding a possible role for CPO in chylomicron formation in the intestine.