Programming the subcellular localization of enzyme inhibitors

Background The vesicular compartments of our cells contain a plethora of enzymes, however their function is dependent upon colocalisation with the correct substrates. Because of this, many enzymes with similar catalytic function can be found distributed in the cell and because of their similarity it is challenging to specifically inhibit a particular isoform of an enzyme.

Objectives In the project we will develop a strategy to deliver broad spectrum inhibitors to defined compartments in the vesicular system. The successful delivery of the small molecules will be assessed by fluorescence imaging of the delivery system and direct profiling of cellular metabolites using mass spectrometry.