The interface between biology and chemistry is an important and rapidly expanding area of science. The understanding of many biological events is being extended to a molecular level, and chemists, with their insight into chemical reactivity and structure, can play an important role in this new molecular science. With my background in synthetic organic chemistry I bring a very important tool to the study of molecular biological systems: the ability to design and prepare new materials and substances. In this proposal my research group will prepare and study new amphophilic molecules to learn about the structural requirements for ion channel formation and self-assembly in membranes. Our long term plans include further studies on the role of hydrogen bonding networks in the self- assembly process, studies on the interaction of natural products with their biological targets, and the development of new synthetic methods and strategies to support these projects.

Agency
National Institute of Health (NIH)
Institute
National Institute of General Medical Sciences (NIGMS)
Type
Modified Research Career Development Award (K04)
Project #
1K04GM000627-01
Application #
3073024
Study Section
Medicinal Chemistry Study Section (MCHA)
Project Start
1993-09-01
Project End
1998-08-31
Budget Start
1993-09-01
Budget End
1994-08-31
Support Year
1
Fiscal Year
1993
Total Cost
Indirect Cost
Name
University of Minnesota Twin Cities
Department
Type
Other Domestic Higher Education
DUNS #
168559177
City
Minneapolis
State
MN
Country
United States
Zip Code
55455
Laxmikanthan, Gurunathan; Xu, Chen; Brilot, Axel F et al. (2016) Structure of a Holliday junction complex reveals mechanisms governing a highly regulated DNA transaction. Elife 5: