The Bridwell-Rabb laboratory uses a combination of metalloprotein expertise, X-ray crystallography, enzymology, biophysical methods, and biochemical experiments to explore several different areas of research. We are broadly interested in:
** the metalloproteins that are involved in the degradation of pollutants because they are attractive candidates for ameliorating an ever-deteriorating environment.
** the metalloproteins that are involved in the biosynthesis of natural products since they represent promising routes for accessing new pharmaceuticals and battling rising antibiotic resistance.
** the metalloprotein chemistry that permits organisms to survive in habitats with variable amounts of light and O2 as it brings versatile solutions for overcoming limitations involved in using photosynthesis to enhance our food supply and decrease our reliance on non-renewable fossil fuels.
** the proteins involved in degrading photosynthetic pigments since they are intimately connected to crop growth, produce lifetime, and the ability of photosynthetic organisms to combat stress.
Some aspects of these research projects are elaborated upon below:
Project 1
Tailor the photosynthetic pigments chlorophyll and bacteriochlorophyll to extend the usable range of photosynthetic light.
Project 2
Understand how Rieske oxygenases are structurally programmed to differentiate between catalyzing reactions with diverse outcomes.
Project 3
Translate environmental light conditions into a response.
