Research / Clinical Summary

Michael Burkart, PhD Assistant Professor, Chemistry & Biochemistry Tumor Growth, Invasion & Metastasis Program Contact by Email

Dr. Burkart is investigating an enzyme-based approach for the study of biosynthetic enzymes used to produce natural product antibiotics of terrestrial and marine origin. Using techniques recently developed in his laboratory to identify and isolate modular synthase proteins from culture, they study the enzymes that produce a series of antitumor natural products.

The biosynthesis of many natural products has been difficult to characterize genetically due to large genomes and gene duplication with multiple intron content of certain producer organisms, mostly marine. These complications are intensified by the fact that many producers are unculturable or exis as endo- or exo-symbionts. The tools they are providing will aid in the elucidation, discovery, and production of these natural products.

Additionally, he and his team are actively participating in the organic synthesis and derivatization of antitumor compounds. This research has a two-fold purpose. One is to critically establish secondary biosynthetic pathways of individual enzyme systems through interaction with precursors and derivatives of antitumor molecules. The second purpose will assess the relevance of these molecules as improved therapeutics.

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