MRI: Acquisition of Circular Dichroism (CD) Spectrometer

该奖项来自主要研究仪器（MRI）项目，该项目由化学部门共同资助，来自波士顿大学的Karen Allen教授及其同事将获得一个圆二色性（CD）光谱仪。该提案旨在加强各级的研究培训和教育，特别是在以下领域：(a)酶的化学和催化机制，(b)蛋白质的表征，(c)天然产物生物合成，(d)对构象纯化合物的绝对立体化学分配，(e)糖酵解酶突变引起的结构扰动的测定，以及(f) NF-kappa-b必需调节剂（NEMO）蛋白功能形式的稳定。圆二色分光光度计将产生光谱数据，提供有关分子结构的信息，特别是生物分子的构象，如核酸、蛋白质和酶。测量原理是基于光学活性样品（如DNA双螺旋结构中的样品）对左右圆偏振光的微分吸收。该仪器将提供研究和实验室培训的分析技术，允许测量有机和无机分子的物理性质的研究生和本科生以及博士后研究员。CD分光光度计将被整合到化学和生物系以及生物化学和分子生物学专业的学生培训中，用于研究分子间相互作用、几何异构体和蛋白质结构。

With this award from the Major Research Instrumentation (MRI) Program that is cofunded by Chemistry, Professor Karen Allen and colleagues from Boston University will acquire a circular dichroism (CD) spectrometer. The proposal is aimed at enhancing research training and education at all levels, especially in areas such as (a) chemical and catalytic mechanisms of enzymes, (b) characterization of proteins, (c) natural product biosynthesis, (d) assignment of absolute stereochemistry of enantiomerically pure compounds, (e) determination of structural perturbations caused by mutations in glycolytic enzyme, and (f) stabilization of the functional form of NF-kappa-b essential modulator (NEMO) protein.A circular dichroism spectrophotometer will produce spectral data that provide information on molecular structure and especially the conformations of bio-molecules such as nucleic acids, proteins, and enzymes. The principle of measurement is based on differential absorption of left and right circularly polarized light by optically active samples such as those in the double helix of DNA. The instrument will provide research and laboratory training in analytical techniques that allow measurement of physical properties of organic and inorganic molecules to graduate and undergraduate students as well as postdoctoral fellows. The CD spectrophotometer will be integrated into training of students in the Chemistry and Biology Departments, as well as the Biochemistry and Molecular Biology Program for the study of intermolecular interactions, geometric isomers and protein structure.