Objective
Flavin-containing monooxygenases (FMOs) are a highly conserved family of enzymes present in prokaryotes, fungi, animals, and plants. Among plant FMOs, the N-hydroxylating FMO1 is essential for pathogen resistance. FMO1 catalyses the biosynthetic reaction to synthesize N-hydroxy-pipecolic acid (N-Pip), the critical signalling molecule for Systemic Acquired Resistance (SAR) defense priming. Since the identification of FMO1 functionality in 2018, targeted analysis of the N-Pip pathway shows high potential for metabolic engineering to enhance disease resistance in dicotyledons. A fully analogous role for N-Pip SAR in monocotyledonous crops, however, is less clear. In fact, preliminary analysis by the Neilson Group (UCPH) suggests the FMO1 from barley (Hordeum vulgare) and sorghum (Sorghum bicolor) has diversified functionality compared to activity observed in the FMO1 from Arabidopsis. Unbiased analysis of potential FMO1 multifunctionality has not yet been addressed, and detailed analysis of FMO1 evolution throughout the plant kingdom is lacking. The proposed project – ‘MultiPly: FMO1 Multifunctionality for improved Plant health’–will employ an interdisciplinary approach to investigate the evolution and functionality of the significant Plant FMO1s. Specifically, this project will combine bioinformatics (phylogeny reconstruction, protein modelling, and docking) with enzyme kinetic studies and in planta analysis to assess FMO1 multifunctionality throughout the plant kingdom. The in planta FMO1 characterization will primarily occur in barley to unravel the mode of SAR in these agriculturally important crops. In addition, MultiPly is designed to utilize my background in protein biochemistry and bioinformatics. I will also receive significant training within the new technical fields of metabolomics and plant physiology, as well as scientific management, leadership, and mentorship to establish an independent research group in academia.
Fields of science
- engineering and technologyindustrial biotechnologymetabolic engineering
- agricultural sciencesagriculture, forestry, and fisheriesagricultureagronomyplant protection
- natural sciencesbiological sciencesbiological morphologycomparative morphology
- natural sciencesbiological sciencesmicrobiologymycology
- natural sciencesbiological sciencesbiochemistrybiomoleculesproteinsenzymes
Keywords
Programme(s)
- HORIZON.1.2 - Marie Skłodowska-Curie Actions (MSCA) Main Programme
Funding Scheme
HORIZON-TMA-MSCA-PF-EF - HORIZON TMA MSCA Postdoctoral Fellowships - European FellowshipsCoordinator
1165 Kobenhavn
Denmark