This Project Grant award from the National Science Foundation's (NSF) Division of Chemistry, under the Mathematical and Physical Sciences (CFDA 47.049) Federal Grant Program, provides $551,717 in funding to the University of Washington for a 3-year project period from August 1, 2024 to July 31, 2027.
The project, led by Professor Frantisek Turecek, focuses on developing new chemical reactions for crosslinking biomolecular ions representing components of proteins and nucleic acids. The research aims to study the generation and properties of peptide and oligonucleotide conjugates containing nitrile imines, and to explore the reaction mechanisms and structural factors involved in nitrile-imine crosslinking with complex biomolecules. The project utilizes advanced experimental methods like photodissociation, UV-Vis action spectroscopy, and ion mobility mass spectrometry, combined with quantum chemistry calculations, to provide comprehensive understanding of precursor stereochemistry and photoproduct identification. The research findings are expected to contribute to structural biology applications and advance scientific knowledge in biochemistry.