Lab Research
Focus
We have cloned bile acid
CoA:amino acid N-acyltransferase (BAAT) and bile acid CoA
synthase (BAL) from liver to explore the biochemical basis for
the physiological importance of the recent evolutionary
development of glycine (as opposed to taurine) conjugation of
bile acids in mammals. Currently, we are in the process of
preparing a BAAT-knockout mouse model and using site-direct
mutagenesis to examine the roles of critical amino acids
residues in the functioning of these two enzymes.
In a second major line of research, we are
exploring the mechanisms of action and end-organ metabolism of
the naturally occurring isoflavone genistein, a tyrosine
kinase inhibitor with chemoprevention activity for
hormone-dependent cancers and atherosclerosis.
Mass spectrometry (electrospray ionization
and MALDI-TOF) analysis of small molecules and of proteins and
peptides is an important adjunct to both these efforts.
For more information see this web site http://www.ccc.uab.edu/research/shared/mass/mass.htm
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