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Young Scientists on a Fast Pace Discovery

Young Scientists on a Fast Pace Discovery

One of the Centenary Institute’s up-and-coming young scientists recently accomplished the magnificent feat of crystallizing a protein in less than twenty-one days.

The protein the student mapped is critical to a number of strains of bacteria that can infect humans - particularly in the gastrointestinal system where bacteria can cause gastroenteritis.  The map of the protein’s structure is a vital first step in dramatically reducing the time it takes to develop new drugs that can be used to treat these infections. 

The second year PhD candidate's results are impressive as the crystallisation process can often take years.  The student is quick to add that collaboration with first year PhD candidate Amy Guilfoyle helped to accelerate the pace of her research. 

“Some of it has to do with luck, as proteins can be very unpredictable.  A large part of my success was due to Amy first establishing a protocol for a similar protein which I could follow.  This eliminated a lot of trial and error.”

Mapping proteins is no simple task as they are so small that scientists are unable to view them through a microscope.  To determine the shape of the protein the young scientists used a technique called x-ray crystallography.  In this process, a beam of X-rays strikes a crystal and diffracts into many specific directions. Researchers then use the angles and intensities of these diffracted beams to interpret a 3D structure.

The student explains, “It’s like throwing a ping pong ball at an invisible car.  You’re not able to see the car, but each time the ball bounces off the structure of the car you can make out the shape by where it hits.”

Executive Director of the Centenary Institute, Professor Mathew Vadas, remarks, “These young scientists' work exemplifies the core theme of collaboration that Centenary prides itself on as the key to its success.  Our talented scientists continue to embrace the opportunity to work together to achieve the best results in their fields.”