What is this?

Inorganic Chemistry?

Biochemistry?

The primary focus of the Metallobiochemistry program is research on processes that yield either energy-rich enzyme cofactors (such as NADH or ATP) or energy-rich chemical bonds (as in H2, CH4, or NH3). Our goal is to investigate the mechanism of how transition metals perform these catalytic processes, which are fundamental to the function of the carbon, oxygen, and nitrogen cycles in nature. Oxidation or reduction reactions occur as the key steps in many important biological pathways: the reduction of hydrogen ions to hydrogen or the oxidation of hydrogen (producing valuable sources of energy), the photolysis of water by plants (producing energy for the synthesis of most of the organic matter on earth), the reduction of nitrogen to ammonia (producing fertilizer), the oxidation of carbon monoxide to carbon dioxide and the reduction of carbon monoxide to acetic acid (detoxifying carbon monoxide and producing a useful chemical feedstock). Transition metals, such as iron, manganese, molybdenum, nickel and cobalt, placed at key sites in proteins, mediate these essential biochemical reactions in plants, animals and bacteria. Although it is clear that the metals in these proteins are the site of reactivity, the details surrounding these reactions remain obscure.

Students in the Metallobiochemistry Program participate in many aspects of the program. A graduate course titled "Metallobiochemistry" covers topics which include a survey of the fundamentals of transition metal chemistry and the biochemistry of metals, protein purification, enzyme kinetics, spectroscopy, 3D structural methods, electrochemistry, and applications of these methods to the study of metalloproteins and metalloenzymes. A monthly seminar series, organized primarily for the purpose of exchanging scientific information with faculty and students, brings top researchers in the field to UNL. During the academic year, colloquium speakers are invited to give an additional lecture, usually on a spectroscopic method or a technique of special interest; the atmosphere is informal and students are urged to ask questions and take advantage of the opportunity to interact with visiting scientists. An annual conference-retreat features a program consisting of three guest speakers chosen to give plenary lectures on Sunday evening, research lectures presented by the UNL faculty on Monday, and one-on-one consultation with the group on the nature, design, and future directions of the Metallobiochemistry Program.

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