Site Directed Mutagenesis of a Blue Copper Protein.
Koung-Won Kang and Richard Row
Faculty Advisor:  W. Reef Hardy

     Stellacyanin is a small blue copper protein of unknown biological function. It contains a copper binding domain at the amino terminus which creates a noticeable blue color upon the addition of copper. We propose to study the electrochemistry of copper bound up by the protein. Stellacyanin is ideal for this purpose as it interacts with electrodes without intermediates and has its copper binding domain located at a terminus where it can be easily modified. We will alter the binding domain by the addition of bases to the gene that codes for the protein. This should create a weaker bond to copper and give measurable electrochemical effects.

Support provided by: Camille and Henry Dreyfus Foundation, Packard Foundation, National Institutes of Health, National Science Foundation