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Katherine J. Franz

Professor of Chemistry
Chemistry
90346, Dept of Chemistry, 124 Science Dr., Durham, NC 27708-0346
2103 French Science Center, 124 Science Drive, Durham, NC 27708

Overview


Research in the Franz group is involved in elucidating the structural and functional consequences of metal ion coordination in biological systems. We are particularly interested in understanding the coordination chemistry utilized by biology to manage essential yet toxic species like copper and iron. Understanding these principles further guides our development of new chemical tools to manipulate biological metal ion location, speciation, and reactivity for potential therapeutic benefit. We use a combination of synthesis, spectroscopy, and biochemistry in our work. Please visit our group website to learn more about our research.

Current Appointments & Affiliations


Professor of Chemistry · 2015 - Present Chemistry, Trinity College of Arts & Sciences
Member of the Duke Cancer Institute · 2003 - Present Duke Cancer Institute, Institutes and Centers

In the News


Published March 25, 2025
Duke Honors 31 New Distinguished Professors
Published December 3, 2024
Research & Innovation Seed Grants Total Nearly $2 Million
Published August 20, 2024
New ‘Duets’ Podcast: Where Art – and Hope – Play Into Chemistry

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Recent Publications


Extrinsic and intrinsic factors affect copper-induced protein precipitation across eukaryotic and prokaryotic proteomes.

Journal Article Protein science : a publication of the Protein Society · June 2025 The susceptibility of a protein to aggregation upon exposure to copper ions (Cu) has been recognized as a contributor to Cu-induced cellular dysfunction and toxicity. Different cell types succumb to Cu to varying degrees, indicating innate differences betw ... Full text Cite

An Engineered Prodrug Selectively Suppresses β-Lactam-Resistant Bacteria in a Mixed Microbial Setting.

Journal Article ACS infectious diseases · June 2025 The rise of β-lactam resistance necessitates new strategies to combat bacterial infections. We purposefully engineered the β-lactam prodrug AcephPT to exploit β-lactamase activity to selectively suppress resistant bacteria producing extended-spectrum-β-lac ... Full text Cite

Intramolecular Histidine Cross-Links Formed via Copper-Catalyzed Oxidation of Histatin Peptides.

Journal Article Journal of the American Chemical Society · April 2025 Histidine is a versatile amino acid with metal-binding, nucleophilic, and basic properties that endow many peptides and proteins with biological activity. However, histidine itself is susceptible to oxidative modifications via post-translational modificati ... Full text Cite
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Recent Grants


Tri-Institutional Molecular Mycology and Pathogenesis Training Program

Inst. Training Prgm or CMEMentor · Awarded by National Institutes of Health · 2024 - 2029

Duke Preparing Research Scholars in Biomedical Sciences- Post-Baccalaureate Research Education Program

Inst. Training Prgm or CMEMentor · Awarded by National Institute of General Medical Sciences · 2022 - 2027

What Does This Goo Do With Cu? Discovery of a Specific Copper Binding Site in Gel-Forming Mucins

ResearchPrincipal Investigator · Awarded by US-Israel Binational Science Foundation · 2022 - 2026

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Education, Training & Certifications


Massachusetts Institute of Technology · 2000 Ph.D.
Wellesley College · 1995 B.A.

External Links


Franz Research Group