George Gassner

George Gassner is a Professor in the Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry at San Francisco State University, where he has been employed since 2000. His research focuses on the biochemistry of styrene catabolic enzymes, particularly their roles in detoxification pathways and biocatalytic applications.

• Email: gassner@sfsu.edu
• Location: SEIC-232

Research Interests
Styrenes are critical in industrial chemistry but pose health risks due to their toxic metabolites. Gassner's lab investigates bacterial enzymes like Styrene Monooxygenase (SMO), Styrene Oxide Isomerase (SOI), and Phenylacetaldehyde Dehydrogenase (PADH) to understand oxidative metabolism, active site plasticity, and regulatory mechanisms. These studies aim to engineer enzymes for environmental remediation and biochemical synthesis.

Notable Contributions
His work highlights the two-component flavoprotein SMO's enantioselective epoxidation and the structural basis of FAD-dependent reactions. Recent publications explore fusion protein designs, coenzyme recycling, and substrate channeling in SMO systems, advancing biocatalytic efficiency for industrial use.

Lab Training and Student Outcomes
Students in the Gassner lab engage in mentored research using protein purification, steady-state kinetics, and spectroscopic techniques (absorbance, fluorescence). Graduates often pursue roles in Bay Area biotechnology firms or further academic training in MS, PhD, or professional programs.

• Key Enzymes: SMO, SOI, PADH
• Methods: Recombinant protein expression, stopped-flow spectroscopy, enzyme engineering