FSU’s Wen Zhu is investigating the role enzymes play in human diseases. “When a genetic mutation occurs, the resulting enzyme may not function properly, which can lead to many health problems including childhood developmental disorders. By uncovering how and why enzymes malfunction, we aim to open new paths for designing medicines and improving treatments.”

Among the lab’s interests is the enzyme asparagine synthetase, which creates asparagine, an amino acid critical for protein production and nervous system function. Dysfunction of this enzyme is associated with a rare pediatric disorder caused by a genetic mutation that impairs brain development and leads to a progressive loss of brain tissue in infants. 

• Wen Zhu