UNDERGRADUATE PRESENTATIONS Biology
Sarah Cannon * The Effect of pH on Ketoreductase Catalyzed Reduction of Ketones Endometriosis is the growth of abnormal endometrial tissue caused by inhibition of the immune system . One possible contributor is the metabolite kynurenine . Indoleamine 2,3-dioxygenase ( IDO-1 ) is an enzyme that catalyzes the first step in kynurenine production . Synthesizing an IDO-1 inhibitor could potentially stop the growth of the abnormal endometrial tissue . The first step in this synthesis requires the stereoselective reduction of a ketone to alcohol , an expensive and challenging process . Various vegetables were examined as possible sources of the enzyme that catalyzes that reduction . Radishes in a buffer with a pH of 8 appear to be the best source .
Grace deFreese * Investigation of Temperature on the Enzymatic Activity of Ketoreductases Many biological pathways are involved in cancer progression . The kynurenine pathway is studied for its potential to create cancer-fighting drugs because of its relation to cancer and the immune response . In this pathway , IDO enzymes catabolize tryptophan to kynurenine . When overexpressed , IDO reduces tryptophan levels resulting in inadequate T-cell activity . This means inhibiting IDO could be a target for cancer therapy . Ketoreductases were used as a “ green alternative ” to enantioselectively synthesize potent chiral IDO inhibitors . The effect of temperature on these ketoreductases was explored . Results suggested warmer temperatures increased enzyme activity and yield higher pure alcohol conversion .
Badr Fask * Solvent Effects on Ketoreductase-Catalyzed Reduction of Ketones Many factors have been identified as possible contributors to cancer development . One such factor is kynurenine , a product of arginine metabolism . Indoleamine 2,3-dioxygenase-1 ( IDO-1 ) is the enzyme responsible for this conversion ; it is expressed in greater than 50 % of all cancers . The development of an IDO-1 inhibitor may be a key to suppressing the cancer-promotion of kynurenine . This research investigated the optimal source and conditions for the extraction of a natural enzyme necessary for the first step in the production of an IDO-1 inhibitor . It was determined that water is the most efficient solvent for the enzyme extraction from radishes .
* Presentations were also delivered at the in-person University Research Conference
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Presentations were delivered exclusively at the in-person University Research Conference
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