How molybdenum-containing enzymes work in the body
Spectroscopic Studies of Molybdoenzymes & Models
Researchers are using spectroscopy and computer models to learn how molybdenum-containing enzymes work, with the goal of helping people whose health is affected by these enzymes.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of New Mexico NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Albuquerque, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-11132358 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
The team uses specialized spectroscopic techniques and detailed quantum and reaction-path calculations to map the geometric and electronic structure of molybdenum cofactors and their surrounding protein parts. They focus on differences among MOSC, sulfite-oxidase–like, and DMSO-reductase–like enzyme families to see how structure controls the chemical reactions each enzyme can do. Experiments measure metal–ligand interactions using light- and magnetism-based methods while computations model bonding and reaction coordinates. Together these lab and modeling approaches aim to explain how these enzymes influence human biology and point to future clinical directions.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: People with known molybdenum cofactor disorders, sulfite oxidase deficiencies, or related metabolic conditions would be the most likely candidates for any future patient-facing components.
Not a fit: Patients with health issues unrelated to molybdoenzyme function are unlikely to receive direct benefits from this basic laboratory-focused work in the near term.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this work could reveal new molecular mechanisms or targets that eventually lead to improved diagnostics or treatments for conditions linked to molybdoenzyme dysfunction.
How similar studies have performed: Prior laboratory and spectroscopic studies have explained some aspects of molybdoenzyme behavior, but this combined multi-spectroscopy plus computation approach aims to resolve remaining key gaps and is relatively novel.
Where this research is happening
Albuquerque, United States
- University of New Mexico — Albuquerque, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Kirk, Martin L — University of New Mexico
- Study coordinator: Kirk, Martin L
About this research
- This is an active NIH-funded research project — typically early-stage science, not a clinical trial accepting patient enrollment.
- Some NIH-funded labs run parallel clinical studies or seek volunteers for related work. To check, contact the principal investigator or institution listed above.
- For full project details, budget, and progress reports, visit the official NIH RePORTER page below.