The effects of fluid flow on protein structure

A variety of physical and chemical perturbations are routinely used to probe protein structure. Mechanical perturbations have also been used and are particularly informative as they can allow the forces required to modify protein structure and function to be accurately quantified. We will explore and develop a new mechanical perturbation, fluid-flow turbulence, and assess its applicability for studying, and controlling, protein unfolding.Turbulent flows will be deliberately induced in purpose-built flow cells to cause unfolding in several test proteins and so identify suitable targets for further study. Protein unfolding will be characterised using Raman spectroscopy and Raman optical activity, as these are proven and informative techniques. The observed conformational changes will be correlated with the measure flow parameters to further refine flow cell design. From the new information obtained in this pioneering project we hope to assess the viability of this approach for future, and more focused, studies of controlling protein structure using flow characteristics.