Exploiting Native and Artificial Cofactor-Dependent Enzymes for Non-Natural Catalysis
The use of enzymes as catalysts in chemical syntheses has become increasingly relevant in both academic and industrial settings. An enzyme’s ability to perform under mild, aqueous conditions and carry out highly regio- and stereoselective transformations are extremely attractive features which remain challenging to achieve with synthetic catalysts. Despite the synthetic potential of enzymes, many valuable chemical reactions have no natural counterpart. Therefore, it is highly desirable to develop enzymes which catalyze non-natural chemical transformations. In my research group, we will seek to accomplish this goal in two ways: (1) by exploring promiscuous activity of native cofactor-dependent enzymes in the presence of non-natural reagents and (2) by generating new enzymes through the introduction of artificial cofactors to proteins.
(1) Exploring the reactivity of thiamine diphosphate-dependent enzymes
(2) Genetically encoded metal-binding unnatural amino acids to generate artificial metalloenzymes
Students in my lab gain expertise in a variety of useful laboratory techniques in the areas of biochemical, synthetic, and analytical chemistry. Moreover, I aim to build more general skills in my students, such as the ability to parse scientific literature as well as write and speak effectively. Furthermore, the dynamic nature of my projects affords students the opportunity to develop and pursue their own scientific inquiries. If you are a student interested in working in my group, please contact me or stop by my office.