UROP Project

Characterizing the Stabilization of Cardiac Troponin I N-terminal Extension (NTE) on Cardiac Troponin C, and Novel Relaxation-Inducing Small Molecule Discovery

Molecular biology, cell biology, cardiomyocytes, heart muscle, computational modeling, sarcomere, troponin, molecular dynamics, AlphaFold, fluorescence microscopy

Research Mentor: Dr. Christopher Solis, he/him
Department, College, Affiliation: Health, Nutrition & Food Sciences, Education, Health, and Human Sciences
Contact Email: csolis@fsu.edu
Research Assistant Supervisor (if different from mentor): Priyanka Perumalraja she/her
Research Assistant Supervisor Email: pp22z@fsu.edu
Faculty Collaborators:
Faculty Collaborators Email:

Looking for Research Assistants: Yes
Number of Research Assistants: 1
Relevant Majors: Open to all majors, but preferably Biology, Biochemistry, Computational Biology, Computer Science, and related majors.
Project Location: On FSU Main Campus
Research Assistant Transportation Required: Yes
Remote or In-person: In-person
Approximate Weekly Hours: 5-10, Flexible schedule (Combination of business and outside of business. TBD between student and research mentor.)
Roundtable Times and Zoom Link:

• Day: Monday, August 31
  Start Time: 4:00
  End Time: 6:00
  Zoom Link: https://fsu.zoom.us/j/8808046008
• Day: Tuesday, September 1
  Start Time: 2:00
  End Time: 4:00
  Zoom Link: https://fsu.zoom.us/j/8808046008
• Day: Wednesday, September 2
  Start Time: 4:00
  End Time: 6:00
  Zoom Link: https://fsu.zoom.us/j/8808046008
• Day: Friday, September 4
  Start Time: 12:00
  End Time: 3:00
  Zoom Link: https://fsu.zoom.us/j/8808046008

Project Description

The human cardiac troponin complex (cTn) is a heterotrimer located on the thin filaments of sarcomeres which is essential for regulating cardiomyocyte contraction and relaxation. Phosphorylation of Ser23/24 on troponin I (cTnI) causes Ca2+ desensitization in the site II motif of troponin C (cTnC) and thus the dissociation of the stabilizing cTnI N-terminal extension (NTE) from the N-terminus of cTnC. This project aims to characterize the stabilization effect of the NTE on cTnC during contraction and relaxation by performing a combination of in-silico and in-vitro experiments. Additional studies will focus on small molecule interactions that can potentially induce similar relaxation effects to Ser23/24 phosphorylation. Students will gain hands-on experience in mammalian cell culture, in-vitro motility assays, and microscopy. Understanding specific functions of how the NTE stabilizes the cTnC N-terminus may provide insight into potential points of action regarding cardiomyocyte health and disease.

Research Tasks: UROP students will be able to conduct research tasks according to their ability and interest, including in-silico (i.e., computational) modeling and molecular dynamics. Wet lab work includes assisting with in-vitro motility assays, cell culture, and microscopy. All work will require data analysis. Students will also conduct a literature review on NTE stabilization of cTnC, EF-hand/site II motif of cTnC, and troponin complex structure and function.

Skills that research assistant(s) may need: An interest in cell and molecular biology, cardiovascular biology, protein biochemistry, and/or computational modeling are highly recommended. Strong time management, communication, teamwork, and independent-work skills are highly valued. For students interested in computational work, a moderate background in at least one programming language, preferably python, and file management is recommended. Experience with laboratory techniques is useful but not required. Training will be given during the research assistantship. Students are required to be curious and excited to learn!