Objective
Hydrogenases are a group of metalloenzymes that have gained increasing interest for potential biotechnological exploitation. In spite of the recognised role of hydrogenases in various bioenergetic processes of unicellular organisms, their practical application is hindered by the limited understanding of their structure and functional mechanisms. Sophisticated biochemical, molecular biology and biophysical techniques are needed to address this complex scientific problem.
The main objective of this new COST Action is to pool interrelated European expertise in order to understand the molecular structural basis of the functions as well as factors that influence activity and stability of hydrogenase enzymes. Three major themes have been identified :
Theme 1 Structure-Activity Relationships and Protein Engineering
Theme 2 Hydrogenase Biosynthesis
Theme 3 Physiological and Biotechnological Implications
Current status
This new COST Action 818 is the result of an Hungarian proposal [COST/209/1/93 REV1]. The Draft MoU was sent to the delegations on 22 July 1993 [COST/267/93] and the MoU has been signed (Brussels, 16 February 1994) by Germany, Spain, Sweden, The Netherlands and United Kingdom.
The inaugural meeting of the COST 818 Management Committee took place on 22 August 1994. KL Kovacs (HU) was unanimously elected as Chairman and P. Vignais (F) as Vice-Chairperson.
Decisions were taken at two levels;
At the scientific level :
Theme 1 : "Structure-Activity Relationships and Protein Engineering" will be covered by two Working Groups :
WG 1 : Molecular Structure (Co-ordinators : M. Frey and WR Hagen)
WG 2 : Enzyme Mechanisms (Co-ordinators : R. Cammack and J.J.G.Moura)
Theme 2 : "Hydrogenase Biosynthesis" will be covered by one Working Group
Theme 3 : "Physiological and Biotechnological Implications" will be covered by two Working Groups :
WG 4 : Physiological and Biological Functions (Co-ordinators : J.T.M. Keltjens and H. Bothe)
WG 5 : Biotechnology (Co-ordinators : P. Peringer and J. Vanderleyden)
At the administrative level :
It was decided to carry out a survey of all scientists and teams involved in the different Working Groups country by country; this survey is now nearly completed and a lot of collaborative work has been planned for 1995 and 1996.
For further information :
Proposal for a new COST Action : Hydrogenases (COST209//1/93 REV1)
MoU for the implementation of a European Research Action on "Hydrogenases and environmental biotechnology", (COST Action 818) (COST/236/94)
Programme(s)
Topic(s)
Call for proposal
Data not availableFunding Scheme
Data not availableCoordinator
1049 Brussels
Belgium