ST. JUDE CHILDREN'S RESEARCH HOSPITAL
This grant involves exploration of the function of p53 proteins in apoptosis,
and in particular, the transcription-independent function of cytosolic p53 and its relationship to transcriptional
effects in apoptosis. A major component of this work is based on our observations that cytosolic p53 can
activate the pro-apoptotic effector proteins Bax and Bak to permeabilize the mitochondrial outer membrane.
Funds will support structural studies on the interaction of p53 with Bak, which will
greatly facilitate our efforts to understand the biochemical and cellular aspects of this interaction as outlined
in our proposal. We are requesting a Mosquito robotic system to screen crystallization conditions, supplies
for protein production and crystallization, and salary for the retention of a talented young structural biologist
in our laboratory.