Objective Gene duplication followed by sequence divergence is recognized as a key mechanism in evolution to generate functional innovations and enrich the complexity of genetic networks. Though gene duplication is frequently observed, the ensuing process leading to functional differentiation among gene duplicates remains obscure. Lack of this critical information has limited not just our fundamental understanding of protein evolution, but the success in engineering enzymes for industrial applications and our ability to predict evolution, for instance, mutations accessible to pathogens against antibiotic treatments. To fill this knowledge gap, I propose an integrative approach to bring mechanistic insights into the functional diversification among flavoprotein disulfide reductases (FDRs), namely glutathione reductases, lipoamide reductases, soluble transhydrogenases, and mercuric reductases. Diverged before the split between prokaryotes and eukaryotes, these ancient gene duplicates now participate in distinct branches of cell metabolism but maintain remarkable sequence and structure conservation. Furthermore, they exhibit the ability to turn over secondary substrates (i.e. promiscuity). I will address the evolutionary history, functional divergence, and mechanistic basis of promiscuity of FDRs, and explore their utility for biotechnology through the following steps: (1) phylogenetic reconstruction of ancestral FDRs to examine the functional shift from ancestral to extant FDRs, (3) directed evolution of one or more FDRs toward novel functions, (4) replaying gene duplication and functional divergence of FDRs in real-time by microbial evolution experiments. This project is aimed at answering core questions in molecular evolution and exploring the utility of promiscuous enzymes by bringing the applicant’s expertise in evolutionary analysis and microbial genetics to the host group that masters enzymology, chemical biology, and cutting-edge directed evolution techniques. Fields of science humanitieshistory and archaeologyhistorynatural sciencesbiological sciencescell biologycell metabolismnatural sciencesbiological sciencesgeneticsmutationnatural sciencesbiological sciencesmolecular biologymolecular evolutionnatural sciencesbiological sciencesbiochemistrybiomoleculesproteinsenzymes Programme(s) FP7-PEOPLE - Specific programme "People" implementing the Seventh Framework Programme of the European Community for research, technological development and demonstration activities (2007 to 2013) Topic(s) FP7-PEOPLE-2011-IIF - Marie Curie Action: "International Incoming Fellowships" Call for proposal FP7-PEOPLE-2011-IIF See other projects for this call Funding Scheme MC-IIF - International Incoming Fellowships (IIF) Coordinator THE CHANCELLOR MASTERS AND SCHOLARS OF THE UNIVERSITY OF CAMBRIDGE EU contribution € 209 033,40 Address Trinity lane the old schools CB2 1TN Cambridge United Kingdom See on map Region East of England East Anglia Cambridgeshire CC Activity type Higher or Secondary Education Establishments Administrative Contact Renata Schaeffer (Ms.) Links Contact the organisation Opens in new window Website Opens in new window Total cost No data