Mechanistic Studies of IspG and IspH

Mechanistic Studies of IspG and IspH

Enzymes of the early steps of the DXP pathway have been relatively well studied. However, in vitro catalytic systems, especially the catalytic mechanisms for IspG and IspH still remain elusive. Preliminary studies suggested that both IspG and IspH are unique iron-site containing [4Fe-4S] proteins. In this project, by the combination of organic synthesis (especially site- and stereo-specific labeling), molecular biology and biophysical methods (e. g. EPR, Mössbauer, ENDOR, Resonance Raman), mechanisms of IspG and IspH catalyzed reactions (e. g. the proposed reaction intermediates) and the roles of the metallo-centers (e. g. the role the unique iron site in [4Fe-4S] cluster) will be investigated in detailed.