Abigail Pitts Wins Best Poster Award at ABPP Conference for Innovative Research on Brassica Vegetables

Abigail Pitts, a 2024-2025 Provost’s Scholar, majoring in Medical Humanities with a minor in Biochemistry, was awarded a Spring 2025 URSA Travel Grant to attend the 14th Annual International Activity-Based Protein Profiling (ABPP) Conference. The conference was held March 30 to April 2, at the Francis Crick Institute and hosted by Imperial College in London, England. Abigail presented a poster titled "Elucidation of Brassica Glucosinolate-Protein Interactions in the Gut Microbiome," and won the Best Poster Award! 

Under the mentorship of Dr. Aaron Wright, the Schofield Endowed Chair in Biomedical Science from the Departments of Biology, Abigail's research, delves into the health benefits of Brassica vegetables, such as broccoli, kale, and Brussels sprouts. These vegetables are known for their anti-bacterial and anti-cancer properties, which are believed to stem from glucosinolates (GSLs) and their interaction with the enzyme myrosinase. This enzyme, present in both plants and human gut microbiota, hydrolyzes GSLs into reactive metabolites called isothiocyanates (ITCs), known to possess several biological activities.

To better understand these interactions, Abigail's project employs activity-based protein profiling (ABPP), a chemoproteomics approach that studies enzyme functions at a molecular level. Her innovative work involves developing two novel activity-based probes to enhance the specificity of ABPP, thereby broadening its applications and providing deeper insights into the health benefits of Brassica vegetables.

Reflecting on her experience, Abigail shared, "This project was my first solo chemistry-related project and has significantly helped me grow as a scientist. Designing the study and doing the work myself, with guidance, was invaluable. The URSA grant was my first grant-writing experience and attending the conference allowed me to network with top researchers. Winning the poster award has been a huge honor."

Abigail's career goals are ambitious. She is currently an alternate for a Fulbright award. If granted this opportunity, she would research cancer cachexia at the University of Maastricht for a year. Following this, she intends to pursue a Ph.D. in chemical biology, with a focus on studying antibiotic resistance using ABPP.

The broader impacts of Abigail's research are significant. By elucidating the mechanisms behind the health benefits of Brassica vegetables, her work supports advancements in drug discovery and public health education. Additionally, her contributions to ABPP will expand the range of traceable proteins, facilitating a better understanding of various enzymatic processes.

For younger students, Abigail advises, "Though it may feel like you’re in a race to max out your resume, you’re not. I've been surprised by how many unplanned opportunities have benefited me beyond just filling a resume. Baylor has limitless resources and supportive people who want to help you reach your full potential."