Benjamin Stillwell Chem430 F16

Chemistry/Biochemistry Research 430

Fall 2016

Ben Stillwell

Junior Biochemistry Major

Research Times

T/TH 10am-12pm

Proposed Research Project

Investigating the metabolism of N-acetyl L-tyrosine modeled by an enzymatic, single-electron oxidation using HRP.

Project Title

Fate of Oxidation of N-Acetyl L-Tyrosine

General Information

Advisor: Dr. Bradley E. Sturgeon

Other Research Collaborators: Nadia Ayala and Ian C Salveson

Previous/On-Going Research: N-Acetyl L-Tyrosine

Proposal

Synthesize the primary products of this oxidation and investigate their activity in a similar system to determine the level to which N-acetyl L-tyrosine (NAT) is oxidized by this type of enzyme. By continuing the research conducted previously in the Kieft Summer Research Program, the compound NAT will first be oxidized using HRP in a bio-reactor at a controlled rate of flow. Next the compound will be separated using flash chromatography based on polarity. The final step in investigating the fate of oxidation will be to determine the isolated products that are formed. This will be done using NMR to identify the structure of the products.

Instruments to be used

HPLC, Flash Chromotography System, NMR, Immobilized Enzyme column, ESR

References (2 minimum)

1.Sturgeon, B.E.; Chen, Y.R.; Mason, R.P. (2003) Analytical Chemistry. 75(19), 5006-5011.

2.Sturgeon, B.E., Glover, R.E., Chen, Y.R., Burka, L.T., and Mason, R.P. (2001) J. Biol. Chem. 276, 45516-45521.

Research pledge

I, Ben Stillwell, have read the Chem/Bioc 430 course syllabus and understand the general structure and expectations of the research program. The above material was prepared after consultation, and in conjunction with my research advisor.