Project Info
Investigating the inhibition of the SUF-like pathway in S. aureus and B. subtilis
Richard Holz
rholz@mines.edu
Project Goals and Description:
Fe-S clusters are essential to the biological function of many organisms, including the
Gram-positive bacteria Staphylococcus aureus and Bacillus subtilis. Formation of Fe-S clusters
in the nonredundant biosynthetic sulfur mobilization (SUF)-like pathway utilizes essential
proteins, SufS and SufU, to capture and transport S to form Fe-S clusters on the scaffold protein
complex, SufBCD. Inhibition of any protein in the SUF-like pathway should prevent the
formation of Fe-S clusters and result in cell death. Given that the SUF-like pathway is not found
in humans, proteins in the SUF-like pathway are ideal antibiotic targets. SufU’s zinc-containing
active site makes it a potential target of compounds containing zinc binding groups (ZBGs).
These ZBGs could bind SufU’s active site, inhibit activity, and block the pathway. This work aims
to study the inhibition of SufU through inhibition assays and structural characterization.
More Information:
Grand Challenge: Advance health informatics.
Primary Contacts:
Dr. Rick Holz, rholz@mines.edu
Student Preparation
Qualifications
An undergraduate student beginning this project should possess a foundational understanding of basic chemistry and biology principles, biochemistry laboratory techniques, and a commitment to safety protocols. They should have effective communication skills, written and verbal, time management skills, and a willingness to learn and adapt to achieve success.
TIME COMMITMENT (HRS/WK)
5 hrs
SKILLS/TECHNIQUES GAINED
Participating in this project will provide hands-on experience in protein expression and purification, enzyme kinetics, spectroscopy, small molecule modeling, and crystallography. The student will learn to design experiments, analyze data, and communicate findings effectively.
MENTORING PLAN
We will conduct weekly group meetings where the student is able to check in with the mentors and the group as a whole. The advisor will be available for 1:1 meetings as the student needs. The graduate student mentor will likely meet with the student every week to check in on any goals and work they are doing together.
Preferred Student Status
Junior
Senior