DIRECTED EVOLUTION OF BIOCATALYSTS FOR ASYMMETRIC HYDROGEN ATOM TRANSFER REACTIONS

The rise of biocatalysis is transforming synthetic chemistry by enabling highly selective and sustainable transformations. Despite advances, achieving precise stereocontrol in radical-mediated reactions remains a significant frontier. This interdisciplinary research program integrates expertise in organic chemistry, protein engineering, bioinorganic chemistry, and computational modeling to design and evolve enzymatic catalysts for metal-hydride-mediated radical reactions—a versatile yet historically challenging class of asymmetric transformations with broad synthetic utility. These engineered biocatalysts will unlock stereoselective olefin functionalization, enabling diverse carbon-carbon bond-forming and reductive processes without precedent in natural biochemistry. Mechanistic studies will reveal the principles behind these new enzymatic functions, enabling rational design of future biocatalysts. These biocatalysts will advance pharmaceutical synthesis and the construction of complex molecules important to human health. Project Number: 1R35GM162850-01 | Fiscal Year: 2026 | NIH Institute/Center: National Institute of General Medical Sciences (NIGMS) | Principal Investigator: Soumitra Athavale | Institution: UNIVERSITY OF CALIFORNIA LOS ANGELES, LOS ANGELES, CA | Award Amount: $420,981 | Activity Code: R35 | Study Section: Special Emphasis Panel[ZRG1 MBBC-J (55)] View on NIH RePORTER: https://reporter.nih.gov/project-details/11271777