We are studying enzymes and other biological important plant proteins involved in natural product biosynthesis and other biological processes, using crystallography as the main experimental technique. By determining the three dimensional structures of proteins and protein-ligand complexes, we are able to reveal the structural basis of protein functions, the detail interactions between proteins and their binding partners, and the mechanisms of their actions. We also join the effort in Medicago truncatula functional genomics by collaborating with colleagues in the Foundation to study the proteins from M. truncatula.

Plants synthesize over 200,000 natural products to accommodate environmental challenges and protect against attack from microorganisms and herbivores. Many of the plant products can be used for benefits of human and animal health. For example, isoflavones, specific products from legumes, exhibit estrpgenic, antiangiogenic, antioxidant, and anticancer activities, and are popular as dietary supplements. Isoflavones are synthesized via the isoflavonoid branch of the central phenylpropanoid pathway. Through this pathway, there are many other important plant natural products synthesized. In the final step of biosynthesis, a significant proportion of natural products is glycosylated for facilitating their accumulation and storage in the central vacuole of the cell. Crystallographic study of enzymes involved in these biosynthesis pathways including the glycosylation processes will provide us a structural basis for understanding and for future attempts to engineer bioactive compounds in crop plants for improving plant, animal and human health.

List of Projects (click on project titles for details)

Project: Structural and functional studies of plant natural product uridine diphosphate glycosyltransferases.

(Supported by National Science Foundation)

Structural biology study of isoflavonoid phytoalexin biosynthesis

Study of nucleic acid binding proteins involved in gene regulation.