This Project Grant award from the National Science Foundation's (NSF) Mathematical and Physical Sciences (CFDA 47.049) program supports research led by Professors Pablo Sobrado of Missouri University of Science and Technology and John Tanner of the University of Missouri-Columbia. The $133,259 award, effective January 1, 2025 through December 31, 2027, is exploring the mechanisms, functional diversity, and conformational dynamics of flavin-dependent monooxygenase enzymes found in plants.
The research aims to establish structure-function relationships for these enzymes, which are involved in the biosynthesis of important plant hormones and compounds contributing to unique flavors. The project will use a combination of advanced biochemical, structural, and computational approaches to quantitatively characterize the chemical and kinetic mechanisms of these enzymes. The findings are expected to inspire the rational design of new biocatalysts and engineering of biochemical pathways to produce high-value plant-derived compounds, as well as lead to improvements in crop traits like root development, leaf morphogenesis, and stress response. This work will also serve as a platform for training graduate, undergraduate, and high school students in critical scientific disciplines.
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