Chemistry

Biographical Info

We integrate tools in organic synthesis, enzymology, molecular biology, andcomputational methods to unravel complex biomolecular interactions and events. One ofour interest areas is carbohydrate chemistry and biochemistry. For example we haveapplied kinetic isotope effects to understand glycosyltransferase mechanisms. A newproject area is focused on study of the biosynthesis of azasugars. These compounds arewell known glycosidase inhibitors that feature a nitrogen atom in the ring, rather thanoxygen. How and why these compounds are produced in bacteria and plants is an ongoingquestion we are investigating. In another project area, we chemically synthesize newprobes and use homology modeling to define structural, functional, and selectivityfeatures of the ligand binding domain within the nicotinic acetylcholine receptor. Thisis part of a long standing collaboration with Dr. Roger Papke of the University ofFlorida Pharmacology Department.