Download The Project - University of Canterbury

Dean of Postgraduate Research
Vice-Chancellor’s Office
Extension: 7285
Email:
[email protected]
Summer Research Scholarship Scheme
2014-2015
Project Application Form
Please complete and submit the application form as a WORD document and send to
[email protected]
The Project
Title of Project (max 30 words):
Characterisation of bioactive proteins present in Actinidia species
Project Leader(s):
Grant Pearce
Host Department/Organization:
BIC
Other persons involved in this topic/activity:
(List other significant members involved along with their affiliation to the research project.)
Name
Affiliation to project
Andrew Muscroft-Taylor
Co-supervisor
Brief outline of project
Describe the proposed research project – maximum of 400 words (box will expand as you type).
Note that this information will be published on the web in order to attract student applicants and therefore be
mindful of any Intellectual Property issues
It is well known that eating kiwifruit is good for you, mainly due to the high levels of vitamin C and
fibre. However the role that kiwifruit proteins play in promoting health benefits are less understood.
In this project, we will look at two kiwifruit proteins called actinidin and kiwellin. Actinidin is the
most abundant enzyme in green kiwifruit, and is a serine protease. We will purify the enzyme from
kiwifruit and see how well it can digest some model proteins. Kiwellin is one of the most abundant
proteins in gold kiwifruit. The exact role of this enzyme is unknown, but it can be cleaved into two
smaller proteins called Kith and Kissper, which may have bioactive properties. The proteins and
peptides will be isolated and tested for antimicrobial activity. We also hope to investigate the
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interaction of these proteins with bacterial cells.
If the project involves work away from the University campus (e.g., at fieldwork sites) please detail all locations.
N/A
If the student be required to work outside of normal university hours (8am-5pm) please provide details
N/A
Benefits student will gain from involvement in the project
Describe the research experience and skills that the student will acquire through involvement in this research project –
maximum of 100 words.
The student will gain experience in a range of biochemical techniques, including protein purification and
characterisation, cell culture, and bioactivity measurements. In addition, the student will get an insight into
working on a project that has an applied focus.
Specific student requirements
Please provide details of all requirements you have for the student to work on this project – for example, if specific
courses/experience are necessary.
Students require a background in biochemistry. It is preferred that they have taken BCHM281 and/or
BCHM381.
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