Stephen L. Bearne

Professor
Cross-Appointed with Biochemistry & Molecular Biology

BScH (Acadia), PhD (Toronto), MDCM (McGill)

Email: sbearne@dal.ca
Phone: (902) 494-1974
Fax: (902) 494-1355

* Accepting Graduate Students

Research Interests: Enzymology, Biological Chemistry

Enzymes are remarkable catalysts, bringing about huge rate enhancements and exhibiting exquisite substrate specificity. Our research is focused on: (1) understanding the nature of the protein-ligand interactions that contribute to enzymatic stabilization of reactive intermediates and transition states, relative to the ground state, and (2) understanding the chemical mechanism of enzymes that are of therapeutic interest. Knowledge about enzyme-ligand interactions is essential for the preparation of synthetic catalysts through protein engineering and the design of drugs. We are currently investigating the mechanism of enzymes that are targets for the development of antibacterial, antiviral, and anticancer drugs.

Visit Our Lab: Bearne Research Group