Current Research

Characterization of an unidentified decarboxylase in eukaryotic coenzyme Q biosynthesis

My project addresses outstanding questions in eukaryotic coenzyme Q (CoQ) biosynthesis, namely the catalytic steps needed to synthesize this critically important biomolecule within the cell. The focus of my work is a previously-unidentified decarboxylase enzyme that acts on CoQ precursor molecules. My current approach includes purifying a candidate enzyme and measuring its activity through in vitro assays, as well as learning more about the structural properties of this candidate through both in vitro and in vivo approaches.