Biocatalytic Synthesis of an Unnatural Fluorescent Amino Acid

Faculty Sponsor

Dr. Thomas Goyne

Streaming Media

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.

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.

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