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Celia J. Bonaventura

Professor Emeritus
Marine Science and Conservation
135 Duke Marine Lab Rd, Beaufort, NC 28516

Overview


Major Research Area: NIH grants support studies of structure/function relationships of oxygen and electron-transport proteins. Human proteins are compared to those of marine organisms in structure/function assays. Assays involve equilibrium measurements and complementary studies of rapid reaction kinetics, using UV/VIS and fluorescence spectroscopy and novel methods of spectroelectrochemistry. This work has led to an increased understanding of molecular adaptations in the respiratory proteins, with a focus on interactions with nitric oxide and reactive oxygen species. My comparative studies illustrate aspects of environmental adaptations and mechanisms of toxicity associated with exposure to free radicals and metals. Environmental Education Grants: NSF and Burroughs Welcome grants foster new approaches to communication of environmental problems, coupling the research interests of Duke students and K-12 teachers and students. Director, Duke University Marine/freshwater Biomedical Center

Current Appointments & Affiliations


Recent Publications


Molecular controls of the oxygenation and redox reactions of hemoglobin.

Journal Article Antioxidants & redox signaling · June 2013 SignificanceThe broad classes of O(2)-binding proteins known as hemoglobins (Hbs) carry out oxygenation and redox functions that allow organisms with significantly different physiological demands to exist in a wide range of environments. This is a ... Full text Cite

Haptoglobin alters oxygenation and oxidation of hemoglobin and decreases propagation of peroxide-induced oxidative reactions.

Journal Article Free radical biology & medicine · September 2012 We compared oxygenation and anaerobic oxidation reactions of a purified complex of human hemoglobin (Hb) and haptoglobin (Hb-Hp) to those of uncomplexed Hb. Under equilibrium conditions, Hb-Hp exhibited active-site heterogeneity and noncooperative, high-af ... Full text Cite

Steric factors moderate conformational fluidity and contribute to the high proton sensitivity of Root effect hemoglobins.

Journal Article Biochimica et biophysica acta · October 2011 The structural basis of the extreme pH dependence of oxygen binding to Root effect Hbs is a long-standing puzzle in the field of protein chemistry. A previously unappreciated role of steric factors in the Root effect was revealed by a comparison of pH effe ... Full text Cite
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Recent Grants


Supplement to NSF K-12 Program

ResearchPrincipal Investigator · Awarded by National Science Foundation · 2004 - 2005

NSF Graduate Teaching Fellows Program of the Duke University Marine Laboratory

Inst. Training Prgm or CMEPrincipal Investigator · Awarded by National Science Foundation · 2002 - 2005

Molecular Controls of Hemoglobin Function

ResearchPrincipal Investigator · Awarded by National Institutes of Health · 1996 - 2002

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Education, Training & Certifications


University of Texas, Austin · 1968 Ph.D.
San Diego State University · 1964 B.A.