Title of Research Project
Major
Organic Chemistry
Research Abstract
Quorum sensing (QS) is a process of bacterial communication that regulates the expression of virulence genes in many bacteria. The study of QS, could lead to new treatments for bacterial diseases. Interspecies bacterial communication utilizes the signaling molecule autoinducer-2 (AI-2). The LuxS enzyme converts S-ribosyl-L-homocysteine (SRH) into 4(S),5-dihydroxypentane-2,3-dione (DPD), the precursor of AI-2. LuxS inhibitors could prevent QS by halting conversion of SRH. We have developed an efficient synthesis of SRH from D-ribose and L-homocystine. This procedure provides us with both a supply of SRH for biochemical assays and a foundation for the synthesis of SRH analogs for LuxS inhibition.
Faculty Mentor/Advisor
Megan Bolitho
Included in
Establishment of an Efficient Method for the Synthesis of SRH, an Important Molecule in Bacterial Quorum Sensing
Quorum sensing (QS) is a process of bacterial communication that regulates the expression of virulence genes in many bacteria. The study of QS, could lead to new treatments for bacterial diseases. Interspecies bacterial communication utilizes the signaling molecule autoinducer-2 (AI-2). The LuxS enzyme converts S-ribosyl-L-homocysteine (SRH) into 4(S),5-dihydroxypentane-2,3-dione (DPD), the precursor of AI-2. LuxS inhibitors could prevent QS by halting conversion of SRH. We have developed an efficient synthesis of SRH from D-ribose and L-homocystine. This procedure provides us with both a supply of SRH for biochemical assays and a foundation for the synthesis of SRH analogs for LuxS inhibition.
