Enzyme mechanisms, protein structure-function, inhibitor/antagonist design and synthesis.

We integrate tools in organic synthesis, enzymology, molecular biology, and computational methods to unravel complex biomolecular interactions and events. Carbohydrates are fascinating biomolecules- indeed the emerging field of glycobiology is concerned with their rich chemistry and myriad biological functions. Carbohydrate chemistry and biochemistry is the subject of many studies in our research group. In carbohydrate-containing biomolecules, monosaccharide building blocks are linked together by glycosidic bonds. We are interested in the mechanisms by which these bonds are formed (glycosyltransferase enzymes) or how they are hydrolyzed (glycosylase enzymes). Further, we design and synthesize inhibitors for these enzymes, providing us with new compounds with which to study and manipulate enzyme activity. We also have an active collaboration with Dr. Roger Papke of the UF Department of Pharmacology and Therapeutics, in which we develop and synthesize novel antagonists and agonists of nicotinic acetylcholine receptors "nAChr's".