Cel "FUEL-PATH aims at providing new knowledge on plant cell wall and innovative biotechnological solutions for biomass utilization. A key process for biomass utilization is the initial degradation of cell walls into fermentable sugars (saccharification); this is hindered by the wall recalcitrance to hydrolysis. We propose to improve the plant saccharification characteristics by mimicking a strategy successfully used by phytopathogenic microorganisms. These produce pectic enzymes before other cell wall-degrading enzymes (CWDEs) to weaken the linkages between the wall components and favour the maceration of the plant tissue. Homogalacturonan (HGA), a major component of pectin, is synthesized in a methylated form and is de-esterified in the wall by methylesterases (PMEs). De-esterified HGA interacts with calcium to form ""egg-box"" structures, which are critical for maintaining the integrity of the entire wall. We propose to improve saccharification by expression in plants of microbial polygalacturonases (PGs) hydrolizing HGA. Plants expressing a fungal PG have reduced levels of HGA and enhanced saccharification (unpublished preliminary data). Since PG activity in pianta affects normal growth, a technology of enzyme control through the use of specific protein inhibitors will be developed. A second strategy to be adopted for weakening the ""egg-box"" is the overexpression of PME inhibitors. This may cause not only an increased degradability but also an enhanced biomass production. FUEL-PATH will provide detailed information on the structure, function and construction of tailor-made enzymes and inhibitors suitable for the saccharification process. FUEL-PATH will also address the relationship between pectin composition and developmental responses mediated by hormones in PG-expressing plants. A genetic screen will be performed to isolate genes involved growth defects and increased cell wall degradability and these will be characterized for a possible biotechnological use." Dziedzina nauki natural scienceschemical sciencesinorganic chemistryalkaline earth metalsnatural sciencesbiological sciencesmicrobiologyengineering and technologyindustrial biotechnologybiomaterialsbiofuelsnatural sciencesbiological sciencesbiochemistrybiomoleculesproteinsenzymesagricultural sciencesagricultural biotechnologybiomass Słowa kluczowe biofuel enzymes pectin phytopathogens plant cell wall saccharification Program(-y) FP7-IDEAS-ERC - Specific programme: "Ideas" implementing the Seventh Framework Programme of the European Community for research, technological development and demonstration activities (2007 to 2013) Temat(-y) ERC-AG-LS9 - ERC Advanced Grant - Applied life sciences and biotechnology Zaproszenie do składania wniosków ERC-2008-AdG Zobacz inne projekty w ramach tego zaproszenia System finansowania ERC-AG - ERC Advanced Grant Instytucja przyjmująca UNIVERSITA DEGLI STUDI DI ROMA LA SAPIENZA Wkład UE € 2 099 600,00 Adres Piazzale Aldo Moro 5 00185 Roma Włochy Zobacz na mapie Region Centro (IT) Lazio Roma Rodzaj działalności Higher or Secondary Education Establishments Kontakt administracyjny Simone Ferrari (Dr.) Kierownik naukowy Felice Cervone (Prof.) Linki Kontakt z organizacją Opens in new window Strona internetowa Opens in new window Koszt całkowity Brak danych Beneficjenci (1) Sortuj alfabetycznie Sortuj według wkładu UE Rozwiń wszystko Zwiń wszystko UNIVERSITA DEGLI STUDI DI ROMA LA SAPIENZA Włochy Wkład UE € 2 099 600,00 Adres Piazzale Aldo Moro 5 00185 Roma Zobacz na mapie Region Centro (IT) Lazio Roma Rodzaj działalności Higher or Secondary Education Establishments Kontakt administracyjny Simone Ferrari (Dr.) Kierownik naukowy Felice Cervone (Prof.) Linki Kontakt z organizacją Opens in new window Strona internetowa Opens in new window Koszt całkowity Brak danych