Bruce Wilson (Chemistry): CoA Binding to ACS
The enzyme acetyl-CoA synthase (ACS) from the bacterium Morella thermoacetica is an ancient enzyme that catalyzes a reaction remarkably similar to the process thought to have first created a carbon-carbon bond on Earth. It combines a methyl group with carbon monoxide to create the two-carbon acetyl group attached to the coenzyme-A carrier (the main product in the reaction above). This happens at the active site, which contains iron, sulfur and nickel atoms.

I examine the role the CoA plays in the mechanism. How CoA bound to the active site of the enzyme, and in what sequence relative to the other reactants, were unknown. Using the method of 'equilibrium dialysis' we discovered how CoA binds to the protein, and its role at the end of the catalytic cycle.