Overview
We use a variety of biochemical and biophysical tools to investigate protein structure/function questions spanning the range of elucidating novel aspects of catalysis in individual enzymes to understanding the interactions of proteins within a pathway and how mutations influence flux through the pathway.
Micrococcin biosynthesis
Our work is focused on understanding the biosynthesis of micrococcin P1 from M. caseolyticus and understanding how key enzymes and transport proteins of bacterial mercury detoxification pathways work individually, with each other, and with other host cell proteins to rapidly remove the toxic threat of organomercurials (e.g., Methyl-Hg) and mercuric ions from their environment. We collaborate with Griffitts Lab at Brigham Young University (BYU).
Bacterial mercury detoxification
