meet the allergens

LTP (Lipid Transfer Protein)

The Lipid transfer protein helps to transport lipids across cell membranes. Plant lipid transfer proteins are pan allergens responsible for allergies to a wide range of foods such as broccoli, carrots, celery, tomatoes, melons and kiwis. The extent of this protein's cross-reactivity is comparable to that of profilins. LTP is a particularly severe allergen because it is resistant to degradation by pepsin (enzyme used by the stomach to break down proteins).

Bet v 1 (birch pollen analog)

Bet v 1 is an analog of a birch pollen protein that is, along with other plant pollen proteins, responsible for allergies in 100 million individuals worldwide. Bet v 1 is a previously identified allergen whose homologues have been found in hazel, hornbeam, and adder trees, as well as fruits such as apples, cherries, kiwis, and celery. We found a homologue of Bet v 1 Arabadopsis thaliana that we found specifically for the purpose of this summer's project.

At the molecular level, homologues of Bet v 1 share 65% to 56% homology. The structure of Bet v 1 and its homologues have an alpha helix that is surrounded by seven beta sheets that terminate in a large fork formed by two more consecutive alpha helixes. This forms a forked solvent-accessible cavity that transverses the entire molecule.

While the biological function of Bet v 1 is not entirely clear, the protein is expressed in plants during periods of stress

Ger version 3

A Protein of Interest

GFP (Green Fluorescent Protein)

GFP (green fluorescent protein) is a fluorescent protein that shows green florescence when exposed to blue light. Because of its fluorescent property, it is commonly used as a reporter. As a proof of principle we are knocking down GFP in a strain of Arabadopsis that is modified to express GFP.

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Team:Harvard/allergy/allergens

From 2010.igem.org