Steve Kennel

Genomes to life "Center for Molecular and Cellular Systems": A research program for identification and characterization of protein complexes

Goal 1 of Department of Energys Genomes to Life (GTL) program seeks to identify and characterize the complete set of protein complexes within a cell. Goal 1 forms the foundation necessary to accomplish the other objectives of the GTL program, which focus on gene regulatory networks and molecular level characterization of interactions in microbial communities. Together this information would allow cells and their components to be understood in sufficient detail to predict, test and understand the responses of a biological system to its environment. The Center for Molecular and Cellular Systems has been established to identify and characterize protein complexes using high through-put analytical technologies.A dynamic research program is being developed that supports the goals of the Center by focusing on the development new capabilities for sample preparation and complex separations, molecular level identification of the protein complexes by mass spectrometry, characterization of the complexes in living cells by imaging techniques, and bioinformatics and computational tools for the collection and interpretation of data and formation of databases and tools to allow the data to be shared by the biological community.

Quantitative analysis of amyloid mass by segmentation of microPET and CT images

Immunoglobulin light chain amyloidosis (AL) is characterized by the deposition of light chain components as insoluble fibrils in tissues and organs leading to dysfunction and death and is the most common form of peripheral amyloid disease in humans. Presently, there are no means available in the USA to image specifically these deposits and thus ascertain the presence or extent of disease. To this end we have developed an experimental murine model of localized AL and used this to evaluate a radioiodinated amyloid fibril-reactive antibody, 11-1F4. The goal of the present study was to validate the experimental model by correlating the accumulation of 124I-11-1F4 antibody in the amyloid, using segmented PET and CT images, with lesion mass, volume, and tissue activity.