Michael Guo

This project will perform targeted mutations on microviridin, a ribosomally synthesized and post-translationally modified peptide (RiPP) and incubate the mutant peptide with its processing enzyme. Analysis of the resulting changes in the substrate conversion and kinetics of the reaction will be used to better understand the effect of different residues on the protein-protein interactions between enzyme and substrate. A fluorogenic screen will then be used to test the for changes in the microvirdin’s ability to act as a serine protease inhibitor, in order to discover possible positive mutations. This research will help to better understand the mechanisms behind the biosynthesis of natural products as well as the interactions between such products and other biomolecules.