Exploring and Engineering Iron Enzymes

From respiration to nitrogen fixation, iron-containing enzymes catalyze some of the most critical biological processes. These enzymes exploit their complex protein architecture to manipulate the chemical properties of their iron center and execute a diverse array of biochemical reactions. The Bhagi-Damodaran lab is dedicated to elucidating the structural and mechanistic foundations of iron enzyme function and developing small-molecule discovery and computational protein engineering strategies to optimize their biological capabilities. These enzyme engineering endeavors, while central to biological and inorganic chemistry, hold immense promise for advancing therapeutics and sustainable catalysis. In this seminar, Professor Bhagi-Damodaran will delve into her lab's research on (A) deciphering the molecular underpinnings of iron enzyme-mediated redox signaling pathways in cells, (B) rationally engineering iron enzymes for precise and adaptable C(sp³)-H functionalization reactions, and (C) redox selectively inhibiting iron enzymes for the development of next-generation antibiotics. This talk will appeal to a broad audience of Biological, Inorganic, Computational, and Analytical Chemists.