HRD - 9628634 Gutheil MeHarry Medical College The objective of this proposal is to expand research capabilities and training opportunities in Biochemistry and Physiology, with an emphasis on Molecular Biochemistry and Physiology, at Meharry Medical College. The proposal seeks to improve the research infrastructure which supports a research and training program focused on the molecular aspects of enzyme function and cellular communication. The specific aims of the proposal are: 1. To further develop the opportunities within the Department of Biochemistry for training in the discipline of enzyme kinetics, Dr. Gutheil's research proposal will focus on kinetic studies of the bacterial glutathione dependent formaldehyde dehydrogenase. 2. To further develop the opportunities within the Department of Biochemistry for training in the structure- function studies of flavin monooxygenases, Dr. Atta- Asafo-Adjei's research will focus on probing the structure and function of rabbit liver flavin-containing monooxygenase (FM05) by cassette and site-directed mutagenesis. 3. To further develop the opportunities within the Department of Physiology for training in the discipline of cellular signaling, Dr. Motley's research will focus on mechanisms of mitogen-activated protein kinase activation in VSMC. The Departments of Physiology and Biochemistry are currently in the process of expanding their capabilities in the areas of Molecular Biochemistry and Physiology. The proposed research will provide training opportunities for under represented minorities in the disciplines encompassed by the proposed research and allow these research areas within the institution to be further developed. This objective will be met by providing some salary support for each of the investigators, by providing support for two minorit y graduate students for two years, and by providing some support for materials and supplies for the proposed research projects.
