Dr. Yousong Ding Associate Professor, Medicinal Chemistry University of Florida Learn more about Dr. Ding and his research Monday, May 13 2024, 11:30am iSTEM Building 2, Room 1218 Inorganic Seminar Natural products (NPs) are a proven and paramount source of novel drug leads due to their structural complexity and diverse bioactivities. This complexity arises from unique serial enzymatic transformations. In my talk, I will discuss the biochemical and structural characterization of several key enzymes involved in the biosynthesis of various natural products. Highlights will include the exploration of a nonheme diiron monooxygenase involved in synthesizing the anticancer drug lead dolastatin 10, as well as ATP-Grasp ligases critical for producing peptide-based graspetides. Additionally, the presentation will cover our latest research on the biosynthesis of anti-UV agents mycosporine-like amino acids. I will focus on the role of two ATP-Grasp ligases and a non-heme Fe(II)- and 2-oxoglutarate-dependent dioxygenase. These biosynthetic enzymes form an invaluable resource for fundamental research and biotechnology applications Research Areas: Inorganic Chemistry
