Robert P. Metzger

Chemistry

B.S., University of California, Los Angeles;

M.S., San Diego State University;

Ph.D., San Diego Sate University and University of California at San Diego

One of the areas of interest involves studies of various enzymes, with emphasis on dehydrogenases which operate on carbohydrate substrates, glycosidases which operate on polysaccharides from glycoproteins and glycolipids, and cyanide detoxification enzymes. There are several approaches. By studying the level of activity of enzymes of interest in different species of organisms, ranging from the primitive (protozoa, blue green algae) to the complex (mammals), I hope to estimate the contribution of each enzyme to the functioning of the cell. Similarly, and for the same goal, I compare the changes in enzyme activities from animals with various pathologies, such as diabetes mellitus, from normal animals. Some enzymes of interest are purified in order to study their physical and catalytic properties.

I also have research interests in identification and extraction of potential pharmaceuticals from plant and animal species. My group is testing a number of substances for their abilities to inhibit tumor growth, both on animals with cancers and as effectors of various enzyme activities. I am interested in the potential role of non-enzymatically catalyzed reactions of sugars and proteins, which are hypothesized to lead to browning of tissue, which makes it less elastic. Members of my group are examining the rate at which browning products form (in microscopic amounts), in order to see if their formation in humans leads to the problems of aging and complications of diabetes mellitus. The group is also synthesizing some of the molecules that are supposed to form in the aging process, allowing for further study with large amounts of material.

The information on this page represents that of Dr. Robert Metzger and not necessarily that of San Diego State University. Dr. Metzger takes full responsibility for the information presented.

last modified: 31 October 1995