“`html
A scholar from Florida State University has obtained a multi-million-dollar funding opportunity to explore the impact enzymes — which affect almost every function in the human organism from digestion to the interaction among neural cells — have on human ailments.
Wen Zhu, Assistant Professor of Chemistry and Biochemistry, has been awarded the Maximizing Investigators’ Research Award, often referred to as MIRA, from the National Institute of General Medical Sciences, a division of the National Institutes of Health. For the forthcoming five years, the grant of $2,086,885 will thoroughly support the Wen Zhu Laboratory’s studies regarding enzymes.
“I am incredibly excited and profoundly privileged,” Zhu stated. “My laboratory investigates enzymes, or molecules in living organisms that enable intricate chemical processes. When a genetic alteration happens, the resulting enzyme might not operate correctly, which can lead to numerous health issues, including developmental disorders in childhood. By discovering how and why enzymes fail, we hope to pave new avenues for drug design and enhance treatment methodologies.”
MIRA is part of the broader R35 grant program by the National Institutes of Health, with the award distinguishing itself through its “program versus project” methodology, which endorses expansive research endeavors rather than singular projects with fixed objectives. Through this approach, NIH aims to bolster the efficacy of its funding by granting researchers increased stability and adaptability, thereby enhancing scientific output and opportunities for significant breakthroughs.
“I am eager to see where the scientific journey will lead us,” Zhu mentioned. “With the backing of MIRA, I can cultivate a more in-depth understanding of enzyme behavior and their functions in illness, creating a cohesive body of work that links fundamental findings with practical implications in drug development. This is vital because I want to make sure that scientific advancements are tightly connected to societal benefits, bridging the gap between foundational research and patient care.”
Among the laboratory’s focal points is an enzyme known as asparagine synthetase, which synthesizes asparagine, an amino acid crucial for protein synthesis and nervous system operation. Malfunctioning of this enzyme is linked to asparagine synthetase deficiency, a rare childhood condition triggered by a genetic mutation that hinders brain development and causes progressive brain tissue loss in infants.
“Enzymes influence nearly every function in our bodies, and when they misfire, the repercussions can be severe,” Zhu stated. “Our research seeks to elucidate how specific genetic mutations lead to enzyme dysfunction. I aspire that our findings will one day alleviate the plight of families impacted by rare genetic disorders caused by enzyme defects and ultimately aid in developing therapies that enhance health outcomes for individuals and communities.”
Zhu served as a research scientist at Astex Pharmaceuticals, a drug discovery firm, prior to creating her independent lab at FSU in 2023. She has procured $25,000 from the Florida for Pediatric Rare Diseases at the FSU College of Medicine and $20,000 from the First Year Assistant Professor grant program, which is part of FSU’s Council on Research and Creativity.
“Expanding and enhancing FSU’s role in molecular bio-design and drug discovery continues to be a strategic focus,” stated Wei Yang, Chair of the Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry. “Dr. Zhu exemplifies a trailblazing young generation of chemists in this domain, and her R35 award serves as a remarkable indication of the department’s advancement.”
For additional information about research conducted within the Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, visit chem.fsu.edu. Check out the Wen Zhu Laboratory page to discover more about Zhu’s research.
The post FSU chemist secures $2.1 million NIH grant to explore molecular origins of disease appeared first on Florida State University News.
“`