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Thesis topic proposal
 
Julianna Oláh
Theoretical investigation of the catalytic activity of potential drug target enzymes

THESIS TOPIC PROPOSAL

Institute: Budapest University of Technology and Economics
chemistry
George A. Olah Doctoral School of Chemistry and Chemical Technology

Thesis supervisor: Julianna Oláh
Location of studies (in Hungarian): BME Szervetlen és Analitikai Kémia Tanszék
Abbreviation of location of studies: BME


Description of the research topic:

The procedure of current drug design strongly depends upon the knowledge of the structure and/or mode of action of drug targets (receptors, enzymes etc.) Modelling methods can efficiently contribute to the understanding of the reactivity of enzymes, as they can provide atomic level description e.g. of the interaction between the enzyme and its ligands, identification of the most important amino acid residues for the catalytic activity. In the first part of the doctoral work the candidate will investigate the reaction mechanism of a newly discovered flavin-dependent thymidilate synthase enzyme (thyX), which catalyzes the final step of the biosynthesis of thymidin monophosphate, one of the four nucleobases present in the DNA. As this enzyme is not present in man (its task is carried out by a completely different, non-flavin-dependent enzyme), it could become a target for antibacterial drugs. In the second part of the doctoral work we will extend our studies to other enzymes relevant in the biosynthesis/biotransformation of other nucleotides. For the research work the candidate will use quantum mechanical, combined quantum mechanics/molecular mechanics calculations, as well as molecular dynamics simulations.

Number of students who can be accepted: 1

Deadline for application: 2018-05-22


2024. IV. 17.
ODT ülés
Az ODT következő ülésére 2024. június 14-én, pénteken 10.00 órakor kerül sor a Semmelweis Egyetem Szenátusi termében (Bp. Üllői út 26. I. emelet).

 
All rights reserved © 2007, Hungarian Doctoral Council. Doctoral Council registration number at commissioner for data protection: 02003/0001. Program version: 2.2358 ( 2017. X. 31. )