Objective
Research objectives and content
The aim of this study is a better unterstanding of the biosynthesis of polyketides, especially of formation the lacton ring. Therefore we will overproduce several essential polyketide synthase domains, mainly a acetyl transferase, a Beta-ketoacyl synthase, an acyl transferase and an acyl carrier protein, in E. coli and / or Saccharopolyspora erythrea. The recombinant proteins will be purified and examined for their catalytic activities. Therefore we will investigate the modification of ACP with the cofactor 4'-phosphopantetheine. This will allow the development of new enzymatic assays for exploring the catalytic activties of the Beta-ketoacyl synthase domain. Furthermore, this could be a first step towards a complete in vitro biosynthesis of macrolactone rings. Another aspect will be the crystallization of the domains in order to obtain precious insights into the three-dimensional structure. These findings will allow to determine, which aa-residues are important for catalytic activity or interactions with other domains. Subsequently, it would be possible to point out the functions of these aa-residues by mutational analysis.
Training content (objective, benefit and expected impact)
After investigating the non-ribosomal biosynthesis of peptide-antibiotics, it will be very interesting for me to extend this knowledge to a new challenging field of antibiotic-research. Producing polyketide synthase domains domains and investigating the catalytic activities of these recombinant proteins will offer me a good opportunity to gain experience with Actinomycetes such as Streptomyces and Saccharopolyspora and the enzymology of polyketide biosynthesis.
Links with industry / industrial relevance
As far as this study is concerned, there will be no direct collaborations with industry. Because many companies are likewise investigating polyketide biosynthesis in order to obtain new efficient antibiotics or to increase the rate of the in vivo biosynthesis, it can be assumed, that this study will be interesting for the industry.
Fields of science (EuroSciVoc)
Programme(s)
Multi-annual funding programmes that define the EU’s priorities for research and innovation.
Multi-annual funding programmes that define the EU’s priorities for research and innovation.
Topic(s)
Calls for proposals are divided into topics. A topic defines a specific subject or area for which applicants can submit proposals. The description of a topic comprises its specific scope and the expected impact of the funded project.
Calls for proposals are divided into topics. A topic defines a specific subject or area for which applicants can submit proposals. The description of a topic comprises its specific scope and the expected impact of the funded project.
Call for proposal
Procedure for inviting applicants to submit project proposals, with the aim of receiving EU funding.
Data not available
Procedure for inviting applicants to submit project proposals, with the aim of receiving EU funding.
Funding Scheme
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.
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 1GA CAMBRIDGE
United Kingdom
The total costs incurred by this organisation to participate in the project, including direct and indirect costs. This amount is a subset of the overall project budget.