Objective
The proposed research aims to study the structural, regulatory and metabolic features responsible for the extremely diverse xenobiotic catabolism of Rhodococcus. The genetics and biochemistry of naphthalene catabolism will be investigated by: ( 1 ) direct DNA cloning, sequencing and site-specific mutagenesis of genes, operon(s) and regulatory regions involved in naphthalene catabolism using innovative mobilizable cosmid vectors that Dr. Archer has developed for Nocardioform Actinomycetes which permit functional screening for entire catabolic pathways in the genetically compatible, but catabolically naive host Corynebacterium glutamicum; (2) biochemical studies of purified and/or overexpressed enzyme substrate ranges and kinetics coupled with crossfeeding experiments of mutants carrying specific gene knock-outs will be performed to investigate pathway specificity, carbon flux and cross talk between polyaromatic and monoaromatic catabolic reactions. Enzyme data will be integrated to produce a model for naphthalene catabolic flux. The protein structural data derived will be further analysed using computer aided "homology mapping" techniques to locate functional important regions within key enzymes. Analysis of gene-regulatory elements will enhance our understanding of Gram-positive promoter structure and gene regulation under oligotrophy.
Training content (objective, benefit and expected impact) The genetic and biochemical proposed research will augment my D.E.A./MSc training as a biochemical engineer. Additionally it will provide a thorough education in microbial genetics. On gaining a PhD, I intend to continue my research career, most probably in an applied research institute or company. Links with industry / industrial relevance (22) Dr. Archer has developed very strong industrial research programme developing pollution biosensors (funding over 220,000 ECU since 1992). The results of the proposed research, particularly with respect to genetic regulation, will be exploited in collaboration with Prior Scientific Instruments UK, an SME located near Cambridge.
Fields of science (EuroSciVoc)
CORDIS classifies projects with EuroSciVoc, a multilingual taxonomy of fields of science, through a semi-automatic process based on NLP techniques. See: The European Science Vocabulary.
CORDIS classifies projects with EuroSciVoc, a multilingual taxonomy of fields of science, through a semi-automatic process based on NLP techniques. See: The European Science Vocabulary.
- engineering and technology electrical engineering, electronic engineering, information engineering electronic engineering sensors biosensors
- natural sciences biological sciences genetics DNA
- natural sciences chemical sciences organic chemistry hydrocarbons
- natural sciences earth and related environmental sciences environmental sciences pollution
- natural sciences biological sciences biochemistry biomolecules proteins enzymes
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Programme(s)
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Multi-annual funding programmes that define the EU’s priorities for research and innovation.
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Funding Scheme
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Funding scheme (or “Type of Action”) inside a programme with common features. It specifies: the scope of what is funded; the reimbursement rate; specific evaluation criteria to qualify for funding; and the use of simplified forms of costs like lump sums.
Coordinator
CB2 3EH Cambridge
United Kingdom
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