Lukowski Lab
Principal Investigator: April Lukowski
Institution: University of California San Diego (La Jolla, CA)
Primary Subfield: Molecular & Cell Bio
Recruitment Status: Inquire for rotation/fellowship opportunities
Research Focus
Project Summary Halogen atoms (F–, Cl–, Br–, and I–) are incredibly versatile components of both naturally produced and synthetic compounds. Over half of the pharmaceuticals on the market in the United States contain at least one halogen atom, and likely many more compounds involve halogen atoms in their synthesis. Chemical methods for installing halogen atoms typically generate one or more undesired side products and require reagents that have adverse effects for human and environmental health. Methods improving both halogenation selectivity and sustainability are therefore highly desired. My lab approaches these general needs by studying enzymes to complement synthetic chemical methods. Specifically, we focus on halogenases capable of installing halogen atoms onto organic compounds with precise selectivity in an environmentally-benign manner. In the area of medicinal chemistry, halogenases have the potential to transform the landscape of environmentally-conscious catalysis, but shortcomings related to enzyme stability, scope of substrate preference, and reaction kinetics have limited their broad application thus far. To combat these known limitations, my group combines bioinforma…
Active NIH Awards
- 5R35GM159745-02: Discovery and application of halogenases for medicinal chemistry (2026)
- 1R35GM159745-01: Discovery and application of halogenases for medicinal chemistry (2025)
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