Alexander Angerhofer
Professor
Research Focus
The Angerhofer lab is focused on the application of electron paramagnetic resonance to metalloenzymes. Specifically, we are studying the catalytic mechanisms of the manganese-containing enzyme oxalate decarboxylase with spectroscopic and structural methods. We are currently working to elucidate the role of the enzyme’s quaternary structure. Site-directed mutagenesis, including the use of unnatural amino acids, in combination with spectroscopy yields important information about a catalytically competent long-range electron transfer between the protein’s manganese ions. We also use chemical, molecular biology, and bioinformatics tools in an effort to improve enzyme performance at physiological pH for applications in medicine and food science.
Education and Training
1991–1995: Habilitation, Universität Stuttgart in Stuttgart, Germany (lab of H.C. Wolf)
1987–1991: Postdoc, Argonne National Laboratory (lab of James R. Norris)
1982–1987: Ph.D. Physics, Universität Stuttgart in Stuttgart, Germany (lab of H.C. Wolf)
1976–1982: Dipl. Phys., Universität Stuttgart in Stuttgart, Germany
Selected Awards
NSF (2020)
Selected Activities
Associate Chair, Department of Chemistry, University of Florida (2016–2022)
Selected Publications
Montoya, A.; Wisniewski, M.; Goodsell, J. L.; Angerhofer, A.* Bidentate Substrate Binding Mode in Oxalate Decarboxylase. Molecules. 2024, 29, 4414.
Pastore, A. J.; Montoya, A.; Kamat, M.; Basso, K. B.; Italia, J. S.; Chatterjee, A.; Drosou, M.; Pantazis, D.; Angerhofer, A.* Selective incorporation of 5-hydroxytryptophan blocks long range electron transfer in oxalate decarboxylase. Prot. Sci. 2023, 32, e4537.
Pastore, A. J.; Teo, R. D.; Montoya, A.; Burg, M. J.; Twahir, U. T.; Bruner, S. D.; Beratan, D. N.; Angerhofer, A.* Oxalate Decarboxylase uses Electron Hole Hopping for Catalysis. J. Biol. Chem. 2021, 297, 100857.