Mapping of possible prion protein self-interaction domains using peptide arrays

Background  

The common event in transmissible spongiform encephalopathies (TSEs) or prion diseases is the conversion of host-encoded protease sensitive cellular prion protein (PrP^C) into strain dependent isoforms of scrapie associated protease resistant isoform (PrP^Sc) of prion protein (PrP). These processes are determined by similarities as well as strain dependent variations in the PrP structure. Selective self-interaction between PrP molecules is the most probable basis for initiation of these processes, potentially influenced by chaperone molecules, however the mechanisms behind these processes are far from understood. We previously determined that polymorphisms do not affect initial PrP^C to PrP^Sc binding but rather modulate a subsequent step in the conversion process. Determining possible sites of self-interaction could elucidate which amino acid(s) or amino acid sequences contribute to binding and further conversion into other isoforms. To this end, ovine – and bovine PrP peptide-arrays consisting of 15-mer overlapping peptides were probed with recombinant sheep PrP^C fused to maltose binding protein (MBP-PrP).     

First-principles study of defect-induced magnetism in carbon

We have studied the role of defects on the magnetic properties of carbon materials using first-principles density functional methods. We show that, while the total magnetization decreases both for diamond and graphite with increase in vacancy density, the magnetization decreases more rapidly for graphitic structures. The presence of nitrogen nearby a vacancy is shown to produce larger macroscopic magnetic signals as compared to a standalone carbon vacancy. The results indicate the possibility of tuning magnetization in carbon by controlled defect generation and doping.     

Molecular junctions by joining single-walled carbon nanotubes

Crossing single-walled carbon nanotubes can be joined by electron beam welding to form molecular junctions. Stable junctions of various geometries are created in situ in a transmission electron microscope. Electron beam exposure at high temperatures induces structural defects which promote the joining of tubes via cross-linking of dangling bonds. The observations are supported by molecular dynamics simulations which show that the creation of vacancies and interstitials induces the formation of junctions involving seven- or eight-membered carbon rings at the surface between the tubes.     

Functionalization of carbon nanotubes using phenosafranin

Spectroscopic analysis and atomic force microscopy (AFM) phase imaging studies show self-assembly of phenosafranin (PSF) to multiwalled carbon nanotubes (MWNTs). The shift in absorption spectra is associated with charge transfer of valence electrons from PSF to electron accepting sites on the MWNTs. The Raman-active disorder modes are used to fingerprint PSF attachment to MWNTs via defect states. AFM phase imaging was used to obtain a molecular topographic visual confirmation of PSF attached to the MWNT.     

Dynamic behavior of nickel atoms in graphitic networks

The dynamic behavior of nickel atoms in graphitic carbon onions, observed by in situ atomic-resolution electron microscopy, shows the formation of stable new C-Ni phases. Nickel is observed to take substitutional in-plane positions in graphene layers, forming a planar graphitelike C-Ni lattice. Evidence is furthermore seen for the formation of a cubic C-Ni phase, suggesting a possible phase transformation in C-Ni from a graphitelike to a diamondlike structure. The stability of the planar phases is shown by first-principles calculations which also indicate that the C-Ni planes are metallic.