MECHANISMS AND INACTIVATION OF HEMOPROTEINS

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This subproject is one of many research subprojects utilizing the resources provided by a Center grant funded by NIH/NCRR. The subproject and investigator (PI) may have received primary funding from another NIH source, and thus could be represented in other CRISP entries. The institution listed is for the Center, which is not necessarily the institution for the investigator. This is a general investigation of the mechanisms of catalytic hemoproteins and of the relationships between hemoprotein structure and activity. This investigation includes, but is not limited to, studies of the cytochromes P450, horseradish peroxidase, lactoperoxidase, myoglobin, myeloperoxidase, heme oxygenases, and oxygen sensors. A key element in the study of these proteins is the analysis of product structure, stereochemistry and isotopic substitution. The investigation of protein adducts is also important. In addition to product studies, heavy use is made of mechanism-based and other irreversible inhibitors to characterize the protein active sites. These irreversible inhibitors alkylate either the heme group or the protein. Mass spectrometry is essential for identification of the structures of the heme adducts, and consequently for the use of mechanism-based inhibitors as structural probes. The identification of protein residues that are modified by agents that react with the protein skeleton is also pursued as an additional tool for analysis of the active site structure and mechanism. The studies also include analysis of the autocatalytic intramolecular modifications that occur in hemoproteins. These investigations are expected to make substantial contributions to our understanding of hemoprotein mechanisms, to the development of potentially useful hemoprotein inhibitors and to our general understanding of protein structure and function.