Fusarium oxysporum is a widespread and highly pathogenic fungus that infects more than 100 plant species, contributing significantly to global agricultural loss.

 

During the five-week Summer Science Program in Biochemistry, I worked with a three-person research team to investigate and characterize Cdc14, a phosphatase involved in fungal cell division and virulence, as a potential target for future antifungal drug development. 

 

We combined computational and bioinformatic modeling with biochemical experiments to investigate the protein's structure and behavior, ultimately using the results to computationally design and evaluate a potential novel inhibitor for F. oxysporum Cdc14 (FoCdc14). 

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Computational:

• Protein homology modeling and structure visualization

• Active-site and binding-pocket analysis

• Multiple sequence alignment

• Molecular docking and protein-ligand analysis

• Structure-based inhibitor design

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Experimental:

• Recombinant protein expression and purification

• SDS-PAGE analysis

• Protein concentration measurement

• Enzyme activity and kinetics assays

• Inhibitor screening and characterization

• Quantitative analysis of biochemical data

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What stood out to me most was the constant exchange between predictions and experimental evidence. When the two disagreed, I learned to treat discrepancies not as errors but as a chance to revisit my understanding. The experience deepened my interest in combining computational approaches with experimental biology, which I hope to pursue in the future. ​