Scripps NeuroAIDS Preclinical Studies (SNAPS)

Facility:

Chemistry Core Facility

Directors:

Dr. Philip Dawson and Dr. John Elder

Objective:

The objective of the Chemistry Core is to provide access to state-of-the-art facilities and expertise in the area of synthetic protein chemistry. Methods pioneered by the Core PI allow small proteins, including a variety of chemokines and cytokines to be assembled in a straightforward manner.

Services:

1. Direct access to chemically synthesized proteins and protein analogs to laboratories conducting neuroAIDS related research
2. Access to non-standard peptide synthesis such as peptide-based HIV protease inhibitors, cyclic peptides and peptidomimetics
3. Develop new methodologies in synthetic protein chemistry to enhance the capabilities of the PCC
4. Hands on access to mass spectrometry for a) quality control of expressed proteins, b) Mapping of postranslational modifications, c) identification of unknown proteins
5. In vitro protein expression and purification of neuroAIDS related proteins

Pending the SNAPS Center competitive renewal (Spring, 2005), the Protein Chemistry Core will change function and operate as a Chemical Library Screening Core, offering