Molecular Visualization Laboratory (BIOL4450): The Study of Auxin Production and its Biosynthetic Pathways
Disciplines
Biochemistry | Molecular Biology | Plant Biology | Plant Pathology | Science and Mathematics Education | Structural Biology
Abstract (300 words maximum)
Auxin is an important hormone in plants, regulating numerous processes related to plant growth and development. Interestingly, it is also produced by some microorganisms, including Pseudomonas syringae strain DC3000, a common pathogen that infects plants such as Arabidopsis thaliana. P. syringae strain DC3000 shows evidence of inhibiting salicylic acid-mediated defenses of A. thaliana as well as increasing its virulence by synthesizing phytohormone auxin indole-3-acetic acid (IAA) via an indole-3-acetaldehyde (IAAld)-dependent biosynthetic pathway. These microorganisms utilize tryptophan as a precursor for five biosynthetic pathways that produce IAA. Many of these pathways involve different enzymes to catalyze the reaction, such as aldehyde dehydrogenase A (AldA), B (AldB), and C (AldC). We aim to learn about these enzymes and their purpose in the IAA biosynthetic pathway by utilizing advanced technologies to gain a better understanding of their biochemical and structural properties. We seek to display models, like auxin, in a more inclusive way to spread more information on these proteins, their significance, their structures, and much more. In the “Molecular Visualization Laboratory (BIOL4450)” class at KSU, we have explored the uses of 3D molecular models to visualize protein structures using recent technology. The technologies that will be utilized are virtual reality (VR), augmented reality (AR), 3D printing, and X-ray crystallography. These 3D models and biochemical techniques have helped us, as students, to better understand the structures of molecules. Most importantly, these technologies have enhanced our academic grasp of biochemistry topics, enabling us to effectively communicate this knowledge to others. Such topics include the relationships between macromolecules and small molecules. By understanding the IAA biosynthetic pathways and the 3D structures of aldehyde dehydrogenases, we can uncover the molecular basis for potentially reducing the virulence and replication of pathogens.
Academic department under which the project should be listed
CSM - Molecular and Cellular Biology
Primary Investigator (PI) Name
Dr. Soon Goo Lee
Molecular Visualization Laboratory (BIOL4450): The Study of Auxin Production and its Biosynthetic Pathways
Auxin is an important hormone in plants, regulating numerous processes related to plant growth and development. Interestingly, it is also produced by some microorganisms, including Pseudomonas syringae strain DC3000, a common pathogen that infects plants such as Arabidopsis thaliana. P. syringae strain DC3000 shows evidence of inhibiting salicylic acid-mediated defenses of A. thaliana as well as increasing its virulence by synthesizing phytohormone auxin indole-3-acetic acid (IAA) via an indole-3-acetaldehyde (IAAld)-dependent biosynthetic pathway. These microorganisms utilize tryptophan as a precursor for five biosynthetic pathways that produce IAA. Many of these pathways involve different enzymes to catalyze the reaction, such as aldehyde dehydrogenase A (AldA), B (AldB), and C (AldC). We aim to learn about these enzymes and their purpose in the IAA biosynthetic pathway by utilizing advanced technologies to gain a better understanding of their biochemical and structural properties. We seek to display models, like auxin, in a more inclusive way to spread more information on these proteins, their significance, their structures, and much more. In the “Molecular Visualization Laboratory (BIOL4450)” class at KSU, we have explored the uses of 3D molecular models to visualize protein structures using recent technology. The technologies that will be utilized are virtual reality (VR), augmented reality (AR), 3D printing, and X-ray crystallography. These 3D models and biochemical techniques have helped us, as students, to better understand the structures of molecules. Most importantly, these technologies have enhanced our academic grasp of biochemistry topics, enabling us to effectively communicate this knowledge to others. Such topics include the relationships between macromolecules and small molecules. By understanding the IAA biosynthetic pathways and the 3D structures of aldehyde dehydrogenases, we can uncover the molecular basis for potentially reducing the virulence and replication of pathogens.