Date of Award
Spring 2026
Project Type
Departmental Honors Paper/Project
Degree Name
Bachelor of Science (BS)
Department
Department of Chemistry
First Advisor
Jeffrey Pruet
Abstract
Microbial infections are some of the leading causes of death in the population at large, and antimicrobial-resistant “superbugs” have become a growing issue, so there is a great need to explore new and alternative pathways for fighting these diseases. One method for doing this is by exploring Methionine synthase (MetSyn), which plays a critical role in cellular one-carbon metabolism, catalyzing the methylation of homocysteine to form methionine, an essential amino acid required for protein synthesis and methyl group transfer reactions. Key differences between the B12-independant fungal MetSyn enzyme and the B12-dependant mammalian form can allow for selective targeting of the fungal enzyme. Inhibition of MetSyn disrupts central metabolic pathways and offers a promising strategy for therapeutic and antimicrobial development. This research’s focus is on the design, synthesis, and evaluation of a novel inhibitor selective for cobalamin-independent MetSyn. Computational modeling and molecular docking was used to guide structural optimization of lead compounds. This interdisciplinary approach, integrating computational chemistry, organic synthesis, and quantitative chemistry, aims to elucidate the structure-activity relationships governing MetSyn inhibition.
Recommended Citation
Virgo, Damon, "Designing a Novel Inhibitor for Cobalamin-Independent Methionine Synthase" (2026). Undergraduate Honors Papers. 11.
https://scholar.valpo.edu/undergrad_capstones/11
