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All chemical reactions involving molecular oxygen proceed through highly oxidized, extremely reactive species. Oxidizing power of oxygen makes it possible to accomplish difficult chemical reaction, such as activation of methane to methanol in bacteria or oxidation of halides in inflammatory reactions. On the other hand, this reactivity requires strict control on the part of the enzymes to avoid multitude of harmful side reactions.
The role, the mechanisms and methods of control over of highly oxidized species in biology is our primary interest.
There are two common, often complementary forms of highly oxidized species in metalloenzymes. The two forms differ in the structure and location of extra oxidizing equivalent(s):
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Metal-oxo species localize equivalent between metal cofactor and oxo group, typically produced upon oxygen activation and reduction; more...
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Protein radical species are generated by oxidation of amino acid side chains, typically via metal-oxygen chemistry. At this time we are especially focused on the role of meta-stable protein radicals, as well was development of a more universal and accessible methods of their detection and characterization. more ...
Unlike many metal-oxo species, which have been thoroughly investigated, models for protein-based radical species have been scarcely characterized. Lack of spectral characterization of simple models is a roadblock for identification and characterization of radicals in biological systems. We work to fill this gap by developing methods of stabilization and characterization of isolated model radicals, as well as simple protein models.
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