Abstract

Due to the crucial antioxidant role of Thioredoxin (Trx) system in various vital cellular processes; DNA synthesis, oxidative stress defense, protein folding, apoptosis and cell growth, this fundamental system is widely expressed in mostly all life's kingdoms. Thus using metagenomic approaches to characterize novel Trx system in unexplored harsh environment will open the window for understanding the evolution of Trx system and its unique adaptation in extreme habitations. One of the unexplored unique ecosystems is the Red Sea's Atalntis II brine pool, specifically, the lower convective layer (LCL). The exceptional harsh conditions of the LCL; anoxic condition, high temperature around 70°C, high salinity (26%), and high metal content, have a significant contribution for being a unique infrequent ecosystem. The objective of this study is to characterize a novel Trx isolated from the LCL. Successfully, in the experimental part, Trx was expressed in E. coli and purified, where the purified Trx has shown a clear antioxidant activity with a unique thermohalophilicity. In conclusion, we have characterized a unique antioxidant Trx protein.

Department

Biotechnology Program

Degree Name

MS in Biotechnology

Graduation Date

6-1-2014

Submission Date

May 2014

First Advisor

El Dorry, Hamza

Committee Member 1

El Dorry, Hamza

Committee Member 2

Sayed, Ahmed

Extent

93 p.

Document Type

Master's Thesis

Library of Congress Subject Heading 1

Thioredoxin.

Library of Congress Subject Heading 2

Biotechnology -- Red Sea -- Egypt.

Rights

The author retains all rights with regard to copyright. The author certifies that written permission from the owner(s) of third-party copyrighted matter included in the thesis, dissertation, paper, or record of study has been obtained. The author further certifies that IRB approval has been obtained for this thesis, or that IRB approval is not necessary for this thesis. Insofar as this thesis, dissertation, paper, or record of study is an educational record as defined in the Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA) (20 USC 1232g), the author has granted consent to disclosure of it to anyone who requests a copy.

Institutional Review Board (IRB) Approval

Not necessary for this item

Comments

I would like to acknowledge Dr. Hamza El Dorry; my advisor for his supervision and guidance as well as his great efforts in the classes. Dr. Ahmed Sayed; my co-advisor for his endless support along the research project, his great laboratory guidance, his continuous motivation and his extraordiry support during Biochemistry classes. Dr. Rania Siam, for her efforts in the Biology department at AUC and accepting me in the Biotechnology program during the early interviews in July 2011. Dr. Ahmed Mustafa, for his efforts in the MS Biotechnology Graduate Program and being always a helpful person and very supportive Prof. during our courses. Dr.Asmaa Amleh, for her efforts during courses and allowing me to do the tissue culture part at her laboratory. Special thanks to my dear colleagues; Mr. Amgad Ouf, Mr. Ahmed Samir, Mr. Mustafa Adel, Mrs. Laila Ziko, and Mrs Salma Shafie for their support and efforts to help me achieving this work. Much gratitude for Alfi Foundation for fincing my studies at AUC. Many thanks to KAUST Red Sea spring 2010 expedition for samples collection. Filly, I would like to thank the whole Biology department and Biotechnology program “Really, you have taught me a lot; Dr. Ahmed Sayed, Dr. Ahmed Moustafa, Dr. Asma Amleh, Dr. Hamza El- Dorry, Dr. Rania Siam and Dr. Walid Fouad.”

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