Rosetta@home

At its center grid computing is a relatively simple concept that has extraordinary potential and power. It involves the linkage of multiple computers to form a singular network, which is then exponentially more powerful than any single one of those computer could possibly be on their own. Each grid is aimed at a specific goal that can vary wildly among different grids, from finding the next prime number to developing treatments for different diseases. Grid computing is becoming more and more prominent and it is an amazingly easy way for an ordinary person to contribute to amazing international and often philanthropic projects.


For our computer grid service learning project our group has decided to choose the grid Rosetta@home to connect to (http://boinc.bakerlab.org/rosetta/). This grid studies the 3-dimensional design of proteins, and ultimately hopes this information could help lead to the cure of several diseases. Proteins are known as the building blocks of life. And as we have been taught in numerous science classes, a protein’s function is greatly determined by the shape that it takes when it is folded by the golgi apparatus. However, scientists are not yet able to predict what shape proteins will take, but this is what the Rosetta@home computer grid aims to accomplish.

Images of examples of protein structure from the Rosetta@home grid.

The reason this breakthrough would be so incredibly significant is because if we are able to accurately predict the shapes proteins will take, it could lead to drug discoveries and cures for different diseases. Some of the diseases that the Rosetta@home group is focusing their research on include Malaria, Anthrax, HIV, Alzheimer's and Cancer. In the research of Malaria, for instance, a new development indicates that a newly discovered protein that stops cell movement by stopping the cell motor, could be a drug target for malaria treatments (Read more here: http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/05/110530152333.htm).

We will be focusing more, however, on Rosetta@home’s work concerning anthrax. In recent studies of anthrax, scientists have determined the structure of a protein involved in causing anthrax. It is one of several proteins that are secreted by the bacterium Bacillus anthracis, which can be seen below, known as oedema factor or “EF.” EF is able to “[hijack] one of the key intracellular proteins involved in calcium-triggered signalling pathways, at once disabling the protein and using it to stimulate its own catalytic activity” (Winstead). In doing this EF lowers the body’s ability to fight off foreign invaders and “[allows] infection to proceed” (Winstead). Additionally, scientists have discovered a “structural 'pocket' ” that they believe new drugs could be developed to attack (Winstead). This and other developments gives scientists hope of finding a cure for anthrax (Read more here: http://www.genomenewsnetwork.org/articles/02_02/anthrax.shtml).

Bacillus anthracis.

Now that we are connected to the Rosetta@home grid, we will keeping you updated on their work with anthrax and further detailing recent progress in this field of study.

Sources cited:
Winstead, Edward R. "Structure of the Third Deadly Anthrax Protein." Genome News Network - Home. 1 Feb. 2002. Web. 26 Jan. 2012. <http://www.genomenewsnetwork.org/articles/02_02/anthrax.shtml>.