Vahe Bandarian
Professor of Chemistry
Biosynthesis, Enzymes, Modified Transfer RNA Base, Queuosine, Ubiquitous RNA Modification
Biological Chemistry Program
Education
B.S. California State University, Los Angeles
Ph.D. University of Wisconsin-Madison
Research
My research interests are centered in developing molecular level understanding of biosynthesis of complex natural products. Specifically, my lab has reconstituted the key steps in the biosynthesis of the modified transfer RNA base, queuosine, which is found in all kingdoms of life. Future directions in this area will include probing the biological role of this and other ubiquitous RNA modification. Additional new areas of research being initiated will focus on mechanistic studies of enzymes involved in complex radical-mediated transformations.