Determining which of the halogenated small molecules from Asparagopsis is responsible for the observed activity in inhibiting methane production in cattle and sheep

This project involves the design and synthesis of halogenated compounds for the inhibition of the enzyme “methyl coenzyme M reductase” (MCMR). This will involve the optimisation of growth conditions from Methanobacter marburgensis, harvesting the cells, isolation of MCMR, optimising activation conditions of the enzyme, and developing a bioassay for screening inhibitors for this enzyme. Concurrently, one hundred designed and selected halogenated lead compounds will be prepared in order to achieve the final milestone of testing these compounds to find the most inhibitory lead for further development.