Directory of Experts
Details for Dr Chris Arthur
| Personal details | |
| Name | Dr Chris Arthur |
| Job title | Research Fellow |
| Department | School of Chemistry University of Bristol |
| Contact details | This expert can be contacted via the University of Bristol Public Relations
Office. To help us deal with your request, please mention the Directory of Experts when contacting the Public Relations Office. work+44 (0)117 331 8092 email: public-relations@bristol.ac.uk |
| Qualifications | M.Chem.(Edin.), Ph.D.(Bristol) |
| Professional details | |
| Keywords | polyketides mass spectrometry natural products drugs from bacteria, fungi and plants analysis of proteins proteomics biosynthesis of fatty acids biosynthesis |
| Areas of expertise | Proteomics is the study of the proteins and enzymes that actually do the work of the cell whilst metabolomics studies the small molecules that cells make, when, how much and why. Mass spectrometry allows us to study the proteomic and metabolomic cell functions. This might include, for instance, identifying a protein involved in a disease. I am also interested in the biosynthesis of polyketides and fatty acids. Natural products are compounds derived from plants, fungi or bacteria. They are an important source of medicines, for instance antibiotics or anticancer agents. One of the most important classes of natural products are the polyketides. The polyketide family include the cholesterol lowering statins and the tetracycline antibiotics. Despite their structural differences polyketides are produced (biosynthesised) in a manner very similar to that of fatty acids. We study the structure, function and mechanism of enzymes that help make fatty acids and polyketide natural products. |