# RUI: Atomic Level Mechanism of NIS Synthetases

> **NSF 01002526DB NSF RESEARCH & RELATED ACTIVIT** · California Lutheran University (CA) · $417,066

## Abstract

With the support of the Chemistry of Life Processes (CLP) Program in the Division of Chemistry, Dr. Katherine Hoffmann at California Lutheran University will study the mechanism of a class of enzymes that biosynthesize iron-binding molecules essential for the survival of bacteria and fungi. The enzymes being studied (non-ribosomal peptide synthetase-independent siderophore synthetases, or NIS-synthetases) make molecules called siderophores, which help microorganisms scavenge iron nutrients from the environment. This foundational research exploring the biochemical mechanism of NIS synthetases advances the understanding of an important mechanism by which bacteria evade the immune defense system of an infected host and, thus, holds potential to inform strategies to combat bacterial infections. The project engages undergraduate students in all aspects of the research—from multidisciplinary laboratory work to conference presentations—offering them valuable scientific training and helping prepare the next generation of contributors to academia and industry. 

The objective of this project is to elucidate the biochemical mechanism of NIS synthetases—an enzyme class implicated in bacterial virulence. The novelty of this work lies not only in the unexplored enzymatic mechanism of NIS synthetases, but also their distinct conformational folds and chemistries. Specifically, the project addresses questions of what role does a proposed catalytic triad play in the active sites of these en

## Key facts

- **NSF award ID:** 2507173
- **Awardee organization:** California Lutheran University (CA)
- **SAM.gov UEI:** UTQ7GBV8BLL8
- **PI:** Katherine M Hoffmann
- **Primary program:** 01002526DB NSF RESEARCH & RELATED ACTIVIT
- **All programs:** RES IN UNDERGRAD INST-RESEARCH
- **Estimated total:** $417,066
- **Funds obligated:** $417,066
- **Transaction type:** Standard Grant
- **Period:** 09/01/2025 → 08/31/2028

## Primary source

NSF Award Search: https://www.nsf.gov/awardsearch/showAward?AWD_ID=2507173

## Citation

> US National Science Foundation, Award 2507173, RUI: Atomic Level Mechanism of NIS Synthetases. Retrieved via AI Analytics 2026-06-08 from https://api.ai-analytics.org/grant/nsf/2507173. Licensed CC0.

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