United Kingdom
In this funded project, I tested novel cloning approaches to generate SH3 domain-peptide chimera libraries. I applied two-level factorials using the Design of Experiments (DoE) approach to optimise protein expression and buffers for protein stability. Utilised nanoDSF to characterise the thermal stability of SH3 domain bound to engineered peptide targets.
During the 7-week project, I have developed a protein-screening pipeline for identifying proteins that potentially engage in PPI with Talin1. Applying bioinformatics, protein design, cloning, expression and purification, and Affinity pulldowns, I validated the method for screening protein-protein interactions.
During this 1 week education programme hosted by the University of Cambridge, I attended lectures in various fields of plant science by cutting-edge researchers. With groups of students, we formulated effective questions and possible solutions to current issues revolving around agriculture, GM-crops, and imaging techniques in plant cells. I participated in four different practicals involving Fluorescence Live Cell Imaging with the confocal microscope, studying the taxonomy of flower species in the field, pathology of Ash trees, and computation of developmental plant models. I had the amazing opportunity of networking with researchers and fellow students with an interest in plant sciences.