| Summary: | Progress Code: completed Statement: The values provided in temporal and spatial coverage are approximate only. Taken from the 2008-2009 Progress Report: Field work: We conducted fieldwork to obtain octopus specimens from the northern limit in Norwegian sub-polar waters. Laboratory activity/analysis: We have used the COI genetic marker to examine the phylogenetic relationships of the specimens collected. This marker was adequate for some nodes but not others. Thus other genetic markers are being evaluated for relative usefulness. We have also conducted different assays to examine the enzymatic properties of the venoms. In the next year we will use reverse phase HPLC to purify the crude venoms into individual toxins and examine their properties. We will also commence cDNA library construction in order to obtain full-length sequences of the toxins. This will allow for comparison with those we have obtained from temperate and tropical species with the aim of identifying regions that confer temperature specific activity. Taken from the 2009-2010 Progress Report: Laboratory activity/analysis - genetic fingerprinting of each specimen collecting - analysis of temperature-specific adaptations of different enzyme types present in the venoms Metadata record for data from ASAC Project 2897 See the link below for public details on this project. Public The aim of this multi-disciplinary proposal is to examine the molecular evolution of toxic proteins across the full taxonomical spectrum of venomous Antarctic marine animals. The project will create a comparative encyclopedia of the evolution of the venom system in the Antarctic marine animal kingdom and elucidate the underlying structure-function relationships between these toxic proteins. Through a process utilising cutting edge analytical techniques, such as cDNA cloning and molecular modelling, a feedback loop of bioactivity testing will be created to contribute substantially towards the area of drug design and development from toxic animal peptides. Project objectives: ...
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