Protein Chemistry Lab
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About
Research in the Maurer Group focuses on protein chemistry and protein structure-function relationships. We are particularly interested in enzymes involved in blood coagulation and related processes. Members of this critical protein cascade have far reaching effects on wound healing, thrombosis, heart disease, stroke and cancer. Further knowledge is still needed on the activation, regulation and substrate/ligand binding properties of individual players.
In our laboratory, emphasis is placed on examining the transglutaminase Factor XIII (FXIII), the serine protease thrombin and the structural protein fibrinogen. These proteins work together to create a strong, covalently linked blood clot network. For our research studies, we employ a variety of biochemical, bioanalytical and biophysical methods including protein expression/purification, enzymatic kinetic studies (uv-vis, fluorescence and HPLC based), solution NMR, mass spectrometry and analytical ultracentrifugation approaches.
New knowledge on the molecular details associated with Factor XIII, thrombin and fibrinogen may be used to develop new therapeutic approaches to control the actions of these proteins and the resultant blood clot architecture.
Key Research Areas
- Blood Coagulation
- Factor XIII
- Fibrinogen
- Thrombin
- Protein Structure-Function
- Biophysical and Bioanalytical Methods
Recent Publications
- Mohammed, R.D.S, Piell, K.M, Maurer, M.C. (2024) “Identification of FXIII β-Sandwich Residues Mediating Glutamine Substrate Binding and Activation Peptide Cleavage” Thrombosis & Haemostasis, 124, 408-422.
- Ablan, F.D.O, Maurer, M.C. (2023) Fbg αC 389-402 Enhances Factor XIII Cross-Linking in the Fibrinogen αC Region Via Electrostatic and Hydrophobic Interactions”, Biochemistry 18, 2170-2181.
- Mohammed, R.D.S, Ablan, F.D.O, McCann, NM, Hindi, M., Maurer, M.C. (2023) “Transglutaminase Activities of Blood Coagulant Factor XIII are Dependent on the Activation Pathways and on the Substrate” Thrombosis & Haemostasis 123, 380-392.
- Anokhin, B.A., Dean, W.L., Smith, K.A., Flick, M.J., Ariens, RAS, Philippou, H., Maurer, M.C. (2020) “Proteolytic and Nonproteolytic Activation Mechanisms Result in Conformationally and Functionally Different Forms of Coagulation Factor XIII“ FEBS Journal 287, 452-464..
Team
Muriel C. Maurer, Principal Investigator
muriel.maurer@louisville.edu | View Research Profile
- Uzzah Forgor, Doctoral Student
- Shane Paschal, Doctoral Student