Cloning and characterization of EF-Tu and EF-Ts from Streptococcus pneumoniae

Authors

Carlos Eduardo Rivera, University of Texas-Pan American

Date of Award

5-2014

Document Type

Thesis

Degree Name

Master of Science (MS)

Department

Chemistry

First Advisor

Dr. James M. Bullard

Second Advisor

Dr. Frank Dean

Third Advisor

Dr. Hassan Ahmad

Abstract

Antibiotic resistance is a prevalent threat to public health around the world, and resistance among strains of Streptococcus pneumoniae is growing rapidly. This increasing resistance elevates the demand for new drug discoveries. This research attempts to develop a means to combat S. pneumoniae by targeting protein synthesis for the discovery of new antibacterial agents. Protein synthesis components, elongation factor Tu (EF-Tu) and elongation factor Ts (EF-Ts) facilitate many steps in the biosynthesis of proteins and are therefore essential proteins involved in protein synthesis. EF-Tu and EF-Ts were cloned, expressed, purified, and enzymatically characterized to help develop a screening system that would allow identification of chemical compounds that can be used for inhibition of their function. EF-Tu and EF-Ts identified in S. pneumoniae were shown to be 72.4% and 37.3% identical to the E. coli counterparts, respectively, functional in GDP/GTP exchange, ternary complex formation, and in protein synthesis.

Comments

Copyright 2014 Carlos Eduardo Rivera. All Rights Reserved.

https://www.proquest.com/dissertations-theses/cloning-characterization-ef-tu-ts-i-streptococcus/docview/1560677918/se-2

Granting Institution

University of Texas-Pan American