Patrick A. Frantom, Ph.D.
Patrick A. Frantom
pfrantom (at) ua.edu |
Dr. Patrick Frantom began studying enzymes as an undergraduate research at LSU where he earned a B.S. in Biochemistry. He continued to develop an appreciation for enzyme structure/function relationships by pursuing a Ph.D. in Biochemistry at Texas A&M University. Under the guidance of Dr. Paul F. Fitzpatrick, Patrick studied the enzyme tyrosine hydroxylase, a key enzyme in the biosynthesis of neurotransmitters. Patrick used kinetic isotope effects and rapid reaction kinetics to provide evidence for several key intermediates in the iron-dependent hydroxylation catalyzed by the enzyme.
After earning his degree in 2005, Patrick moved to a postdoctoral position with Dr. John S. Blanchard at Albert Einstein College of Medicine. Here, Patrick began working on enzymes identified as possible drug targets against the pathogen Mycobacterium tuberculosis. These projects included an investigation into the allosteric mechanism of regulation for a-isopropylmalate synthase and the catalytic mechanism of glycosyltransferase enzymes. In 2009, Patrick joined The University of Alabama as an assistant professor in the Department of Chemistry. Here he has continued to develop projects focusing on identifying structure/function relationships in the DRE-TIM metallolyase superfamily and in glycosyltransferase enzymes. More recently, Patrick has added projects aimed at understanding structure/function relationships in proteins involved in the assembly of iron-sulfur clusters to the list of lab interests. Selected Awards and Distinctions: 2014 Distinguished Teaching with Technology Award (Alabama) 2013 NSF Early Career Development Award (Alabama) 2007 Charles H. Revson Fellow (Albert Einstein) 2005 Kunze Prize for Outstanding Graduate Student (Texas A&M) 1999 Outstanding Undergraduate Research Award (LSU) 1999 Phi Beta Kappa (LSU) |