This U.S.-Poland Joint Cooperative Research on Chemistry of Phosphorous Selenium Compounds is between Dr. Richard S. Glass of the University of Arizona Tucson and Drs. Jan Michalski, and Aleksandra Skowronska of the Centre of Molecular and Macromolecular Studies of the Polish Academy of Studies. The researchers will develop the chemistry of selenophosphates, devise chemoselective synthesis of organoselenium compounds as models for selective introduction of selenium moieties into proteins and RNA's, and identification, by comparison with authentic compounds, of P-Se compounds produced enzymatically. The proposed international collaboration is mutually beneficial because the Polish group's extensive experience and expertise in the difficult synthesis of organophosphorus-selenium compounds is complemented by the mechanistic and 77 NMR spectroscopic experience of the American group. This collaboration will strengthen and broaden the research efforts and infrastructure of the collaborating groups. The proposed chemoselective methods for introducing selenium into biomolecules, if successful, would permit introduction of the valuable 77Se NMR spectroscopic label. This label would allow structure studies using NMR spectroscopy of these macromolecules (a project in which the American group and Dr. T.C. Stadtman of NIH collaborate). Such methodology would also facilitate synthesis of semisynthetic enzymes with selenium at their active site with potentially new and useful catalytic activities as well as synthesis of derivatives of biomolecules for multiwavelength anomalous diffraction structural studies. This proposed research in chemistry fulfills the program objectives of advancing science by enabling leading experts in the U.S. and the Poland to combine complementary talents and pool research resources in areas of strong mutual interest and competence.
