Dr. rer. nat. (Ph.D.), Universitat Stuttgart, 1987

Physical

Photosynthesis, Mn-Containing Enzymes, Urate-Derived Free Radicals

Photosynthesis:

We utilize modern EPR (electron paramagnetic resonance) methods at X-band (9.6 GHz) as well as at ultra-high frequencies (94- 670 GHz) to obtain structural and dynamic information about paramagnetic states in photosynthetic pigment-protein complexes. This leads to a better understanding of fundamental electron and triplet energy transfer processes in plant and bacterial photosynthesis.

Mn-Containing Enzymes:

We are developing new pulsed and high-field EPR methods to obtain structural information about the coordination environment of Mn(II) and Mn(III) species in synthetic model systems and in the Mn-dependent enzyme oxalate decarboxylase. The investigation of transient intermediates in the enzyme-substrate complex is expected to reveal the reaction mechanism.

Urate-Derived Free Radicals:

We are using EPR spin trapping in conjunction with other spectroscopies (UV/VIS, HPLC, mass spec, etc.) to identify the radical intermediates in the reaction of uric acid with biological oxidants. This research is performed in collaboration with Prof. Richard Johnson at the Dept. of Nephrology and has potential wide ranging implications on the mechanisms of diseases such as hypertension, cardiovascular disease, and diabetes.