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Microbial Biochemistry |
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Research Overview In our lab we are interested in microbial biodegradation and natural product biosynthesis. These interests include the mechanistic characterization of the pathway enzymes and how these pathways are regulated at the molecular level. We are currently studying the bacterial metabolism of two short-chain gaseous alkenes (ethylene and propylene). The bacteria we study also have the ability to metabolize or co-metabolize other hazardous chemicals (such as halogenated alkenes) that in an industrialized society can taint soil and groundwater. Therefore, ongoing studies will not only provide new insight into microbial hydrocarbon metabolism and global carbon cycling, but may also lead to applied technologies that will facilitate environmental bioremediation. The best characterized alkene oxidizing bacteria are Xanthobacter autotrophicus Py2 and Rhodococcus rhodochrous B-276. Coenzyme M (CoM, 2-mercaptoethanesulfonate) is the central thiol cofactor, and carrier of alkyl groups, in the pathway of propylene metabolism for both bacteria [Figure 1]. Prior to this discovery, CoM was thought to be restricted to the methanogenic Archae (aka methanogens), where it plays a key role in the formation of methane [Figure 2]. Although the pathway of CoM biosynthesis in Methanococcus jannaschii has been nearly elucidated, how CoM is biosynthesized by any alkene degrading bacterium is still unknown. As biological phylogeny places the alkene utilizing bacteria in the Domain Eubacteria and methanogens in the Domain Archae [Figure 3], there is significant interest from an evolutionary standpoint as to how alkene oxidizers acquired this pathway, and how similar or dissimilar it may be to the one used by methanogens. As a hallmark of our group, we utilize a multidisciplinary array of techniques from microbiology, classical biochemistry, molecular biology, analytical chemistry, metabolomics, and proteomics to query our systems of interest. To view some of our research tools CLICK HERE CLICK HERE-To find out about the CSU Chico Microbial Biochemistry Group |