Photoenzyme Dynamics

Our long-term interests focus on a series of photo-driven biological processes with the aim of understanding how nature efficiently converts solar energy to perform critical biological functions. The first system is a family of photo-driven flavoprotein complexes. Among these are photolyases, which utilize photon energy for a series of electron-transfer reactions to repair ultraviolet-radiation damaged DNA in many organisms. Damaged DNA can be a cancer precursor and such studies provide an understanding of the molecular basis of DNA repair, an issue central to molecular biology. We have been carrying out a series of experiments to completely map out the DNA-repair process through arresting various intermediate states. Exciting results have been emerging. These studies are practically important in regard to rational drug design for diseases caused by damaged DNA.