EAGER: Specificity of soluble adenylyl cyclase and regulation by bicarbonate and nucleotides

University Of Montana, Missoula MT

Investigators

Abstract

With this EAGER award, the Chemistry of Life Processes (CLP) program is funding Professor Stephen Sprang of the University of Montana to address fundamental structural, functional and mechanistic questions about the class of soluble adenylyl cyclase (sAC) enzymes. Namely, Professor Sprang and his group will use the tools of x-ray crystallography and mechanistic enzymology to address how sACs sense carbon dioxide and pH and whether they produce previously unrecognized second messengers for biological signal transduction. Student and research associate co-workers involved in this project will be exposed to cutting edge biophysical techniques at the interface of mechanistic chemistry and structural biology. Additionally, the PI will endeavor to broaden participation through the inclusion of members of groups that are traditionally underrepresented in physical science research.