Henry Jakubowski
THE COLLEGE OF SAINT BENEDICT/SAINT JOHN'S
UNIVERSITY
TRYPSIN RESEARCH PROJECT
I am orchestrating a multi-course set of
laboratory experiences to study the interaction of the protease
trypsin, with inhibitors. This research involves the synthesis
of trypsin inhibitors, and developing methods used to study the
interaction of the inhibitor with the enzyme. Laboratory results
will be correlated with molecular modeling using Quanta/Charmm,
molecular modeling and computational program on the Silicon
Graphics network. When developed, these laboratory experiences
will be used in General Chemistry, Organic Chemistry, Analytical
Chemistry, and Biochemistry. This work proceeds in tandem with
the thrombin project, since thrombin and trypsin are very similar
in structure and functions. Trypsin inhibitors should prove to
all inhibit thrombin, albeit with different efficiency.
Molecular modeling will be used to explain any differences in the
interaction of the inhibitors with the enzymes. Students
involved in this part of the project will perform many of the
techniques used in modern drug design.