It has been known for a long time that eel (order Anguilliformes) blood (serum) has some toxic properties. However, the biological and chemical properties of the toxin is not fully known. It is suggested that the toxin is a protein, but there may be several potential candidates for its toxicity. We would like to understand more about this intriguing topic.
In a preliminary analysis we searched for alternative proteins in the blood of the European eel Anguilla anguilla from coastal waters in west Norway. Some interesting candidate proteins has been identified. We now search for a student that would be interested in investigating the importance and toxic mechanism of these proteins. The project could take a diversity of routes, depending of the interest and background of the student.
Molecular evolutionary studies using data from a variety of transcriptome and whole-genome sequences available in databases. Some understanding of bioinformatics is useful.
Isolation and biochemical descriptions of the proteins using chromatographic and mass spectrometric methods. Good understanding of biochemical methods is useful.
Cell-biological studies exposing cell cultures of different background to the protein. This will necessitate collaboration with cell biologist.
The project will be developed depending on the background of the student.