Acetogenins: chemo-enzymatic synthesis and molecular probing of respiratory NADH-dehydrogenases

Programme / Research groups

This AIMMS-PhD project 10-001-205 is part of the programmes Molecular mechanisms of biological processes and Design and characterization of molecules and medicines.

The project bridges the two research groups Bio-Organic Chemistry (FEW, PI: Eelco Ruijter) and Molecular Cell Physiology (FALW, PI: Rob van Spanning).

Keywords

acetogenins, electron transport chain, Reactive Oxygen Species (ROS), molecular probes, biocatalysis, asymmetric synthesis

Summary

Acetogenins are compounds isolated from edible fruits that display selective toxicity against certain cancer cells. The researchers will develop a new synthesis of these compounds using selective biocatalysts and investigate their effects on cellular respiration (ATP depletion vs. ROS production) to shed more light on their mode of action. (Read more)