Research

A central research topic of our department is the analysis of the molecular reaction mechanisms of enzymes (biocatalysts). In this context, we study enzymes with vitamin-derived cofactors, with metal ions, and Schiff base-forming enzymes. A particular focus is laid on the structural and kinetic characterization of reaction intermediates by high-resolution X-ray crystallography, steady-state and transient kinetic methods, NMR spectroscopy and theoretical studies. Knowledge about the reaction mechanism is exploited to redesign enzymes for biocatalytic applications and for drug design.

Research Bioanalytik

Fig. Structure of a reaction intermediate in transketolase solved in our group (Asztalos et al., 2007).