Biocatalytic Synthesis of an Unnatural Fluorescent Amino Acid
Faculty Sponsor
Dr. Thomas Goyne
College
Arts and Sciences
Department/Program
Chemistry
Presentation Type
Poster Presentation
Symposium Date
Summer 7-24-2020
Abstract
The long-term goal of this project is to chemically synthesize an unnatural fluorescent amino acid, 3-[7-nitro-2,1,3-benzoxadiazol-4-yl]-L-alanine, that can later allow researchers to visualize a single “glow-in-the-dark” protein in an otherwise transparent living cell. In addition to our attempted organic synthesis, here we report a biocatalytic synthesis. Specifically, we plan to use the enzyme glutathione S-transferase from the cyanobacterium T. elongatus to catalyze the key nucleophilic aromatic substitution reaction. As part of this effort, we are planning a new synthetic route to the non-natural amino acid, beta-amino alanine. In sum, we hope to synthesize these two unnatural amino acids in a more time- and cost-efficient manner.
Recommended Citation
Niemeyer, Cassandra; Jarabek, Alyssa; and Michaels, Natalie, "Biocatalytic Synthesis of an Unnatural Fluorescent Amino Acid" (2020). Summer Interdisciplinary Research Symposium. 68.
https://scholar.valpo.edu/sires/68
Biographical Information about Author(s)
Cassandra Niemeyer is a senior Biochemistry major who is pursuing pre-med. Alyssa Jarabek is a junior Chemistry and Biology major who is pursuing graduate school. Natalie Michaels is a junior cellular and molecular biology major at DePauw University, pursuing graduate school.