Biological molecules are at risk of being damaged by free radicals. Such damaged molecules can impair cell functions and even lead to cell death and eventually resulting in diseased states. Free radicals have been implicated in many disease processes.
Cubic membranes are 3D nano-periodic structures that occur in a wide variety of living systems. Of particular relevance, cubic membranes are observed in amoeba Chaos carolinense. The mitochondria of amoeba Chaos transform from random tubular to cubic membrane organization upon starvation. From the previous study, we have learned that cubic transition of the mitochondrial inner membrane may offer a novel protective mechanism, reducing oxidative damage. In other words, cubic membrane may serve as a structural antioxidant to protect the important cellular materials during the dreadful situations.
he present project is aimed to test whether the cubic membranes can serve as a structural antioxidant by examining the oxidative damage markers in Chaos mitochondria under the various oxidative stress conditions such as hypoxia, hyperoxia and anoxia. The experimental approaches will include the assessment of oxidative damage on vital macromolecules such as DNA, proteins and lipids by techniques of TEM ultrastructural analysis, protein carbonyl assay, and TBARS assay. In addition, the activities of various antioxidant enzymes such as superoxide dismutase, catalase and glutathione peroxidase will be evaluated. Overall, this study is aiming to reveal the potential role of cubic membranes in protecting cellular materials during the oxidative stress conditions.