Presenter: Jeremy Bakelar
Authors: Shaina Buccicardi, Weston Wilson, Kendrik Hansen
Faculty Advisor: Jeremy Bakelar
Institution: Dixie State University
Rv2633c is a gene encoding a novel catalase enzyme in Mycobacterium tuberculosis. Previous research has indicated that this enzyme is upregulated by M. tuberculosis after infection and may be an important factor contributing to virulence in M. tuberculosis and other infectious Mycobacteria. Although this catalase could be an attractive new target for antimicrobial compounds, structural and mechanistic studies are needed to characterize its cellular function. In this work we have developed methods for cloning and expression of recombinant Rv2633c in E.coli. Purifications strategies have resulted in protein purified to greater than 90% over background. Further, enzyme activity of the recombinant protein has been verified in vivo. This work lays the critical ground-work for future endeavors aimed at characterizing the mechanistic details of this unique protein.