Understanding how manganese enzymes activate carbon-hydrogen bonds
Official title: Discovery and Characterization of Manganese-dependent Monooxygenases
Funded at University of California Berkeley · NIH-11051859 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how a special enzyme from a bacteria helps break down certain bonds in molecules using manganese, which could help us understand how these enzymes work and how they might be used in new technologies.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of California Berkeley NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Berkeley, United States) |
| Project start | March 15, 2024 |
| Project end | February 28, 2029 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| Award (this year) | $304,989 |
| NIH project number | 5R01GM153888-02 |
| Project ID | NIH-11051859 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for participation or benefit from this research would include individuals with conditions that could be treated or improved through advancements in biocatalysis and bioactive natural products.
✕Less likely to help
Patients with conditions unrelated to biochemical processes or those not requiring biocatalytic interventions may not receive any benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates the role of manganese-dependent enzymes in the oxidation of carbon-hydrogen bonds, a crucial biochemical process for aerobic organisms. By studying a specific enzyme from Rhodococcus wratislaviensis, the project aims to uncover how these enzymes utilize manganese to facilitate complex chemical reactions. The research involves structural and spectroscopic analyses to characterize the active sites of these enzymes, which could lead to new insights into their functionality and potential applications in biotechnology.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to the development of new biocatalysts for industrial applications, enhancing the efficiency of chemical processes.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has shown success in characterizing similar manganese-dependent enzymes, indicating a promising avenue for further exploration.
Where this research is happening
-
University of California Berkeley
Berkeley, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Rittle, Jonathan D — University of California Berkeley
- Study coordinator: Rittle, Jonathan D
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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.