Determination of Sequence Sensitivity on Secondary Structure in Reflectin Domains

Project Description

Reflectins are a unique class of proteins found in the iridocytes of cephalopods that imbue them with a degree of active camouflage. The amino acid sequence contains highly conserved repeat domains that, in conjunction with self-assembly into ordered arrays, contribute to its bulk refractive properties. Efforts to understand how specific sequences in WT reflectin contribute to these unique optical properties have been hampered by limited sample size, and its structurally dynamic behavior which alters the internal composition of secondary structures. This project aims to simplify both the complex sequence and variety of amino acids within the WT reflectin conserved domain into scalable constructs. A genetic algorithm for exploring secondary structure and other non-covalent interactions will direct peptide and biosynthetic polymer sequence design.

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