Structural investigation by tandem mass spectrometry of bacterial lipid As and otolith proteins

Trevena Youssef
PhD Student
Department of Biochemistry

Date: January 15, 2024
Time: 1:00 p.m. to 2:00 p.m. 
Room: CSF 1302

Abstract:

A wealth of undiscovered scientific information is held within our oceans. Elucidation of this scientific information will play a leading role in understanding the aqueous environment.

This project focuses on two main lines of research. The first one involves bacterial lipopolysaccharides (LPSs), and the second line involves fish otoliths, which will help uncover some of these mysteries. This will be accomplished by interpreting the structural and biochemical research using analytical biochemistry, which also includes state-of-the-art tandem mass spectrometry (MS/MS) techniques.

The first aim of my research is to identify the mass spectrometric fingerprint and the structural elucidation of marine bacterial lipid As. These lipid A fractions are isolated from different LPSs (also known as endotoxins) extracted from the Gram-negative marine bacteria belonging to the Vibrionaceae and Aeromonadaceae families. The Gram-negative bacterial Vibrionaceae and Aeromonadaceae families infect various fish species, such as Atlantic salmon and cod, in the oceans, in freshwater, and when they are cultivated in aquaculture ventures. Consequently, this study will provide the precise molecular structures of new lipid A biomolecules, which can be potential candidates for developing vaccines for fish health.

The second aim of my research is to investigate the unknown protein composition of the Atlantic cod (Gadus morhua) otoliths, which provide insight into aspects of fish life history. Fish life history research can help us understand fish forages, ages, growth, and reproduction throughout their life. Most importantly, it can help us understand what it takes to preserve fish populations for future generations. Fisheries scientists can use life history information to make practical regulations for fisheries that people like to harvest for food. This is the reason we concentrate our studies on the Cod otoliths. The otoliths are biomineralized crystals located in the inner ear of fish, contributing to both hearing and vestibular function in fish. The study of the otolith’s protein content has not been established yet. Through structural analytical, qualitative, and quantitative analyses, we aim to reveal the diverse roles of proteins in these otoliths and their relationships with the physiological and biochemical functions of growth.

In conclusion, this research will not only provide critical biochemical and physiological structural insights into the biotic components of the aquatic environments but will also lay the groundwork for future innovations in marine ecosystem management.