How molybdenum-containing enzymes work in the body
Official title: Spectroscopic Studies of Molybdoenzymes & Models
Funded at University of New Mexico · NIH-11132358 · Data updated 2026-11-12
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 start | June 1, 1998 |
| Project end | May 31, 2029 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| Award (this year) | $375,943 |
| NIH project number | 2R01GM057378-25A1 |
| Project ID | NIH-11132358 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
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.
✕Less likely to help
Patients with health issues unrelated to molybdoenzyme function are unlikely to receive direct benefits from this basic laboratory-focused work in the near term.
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.
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 gone: 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
-
University of New Mexico
Albuquerque, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Kirk, Martin L — University of New Mexico
- Study coordinator: Kirk, Martin L
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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.