Objective
Research objectives and content:
The proposed project addresses questions which are central to our understanding of how N2 is reduced by nitrogenase, the enzyme system responsible for biological nitrogen fixation. Although the 3 dimensional structures of the nitrogenase proteins are known, that of the MoFe is in an oxidation state incapable of binding N2. Theoretical modelling studies suggest that the substrate-binding site must open up to allow binding and reduction of N2. To test this hypothesis, the mixed species enzyme formed between components of Klebsiella pneumoniae and Clostridium pasteurianum nitrogenases will be investigated. This system shows a time-dependent change in substrate specificity, showing no lag for the reduction of protons to hydrogen, but 500s and 1800s lags before acetylene and nitrogen become effective substrates. This system provides and opportunity to identify spectroscopic species and enzyme-bound intermediates involved in the reduction of different substrates. In particular, it should allow changes in the structure of the active site, proposed to allow the binding of N2, to be examined.Training content (objective, benefit and expected impact)
The training associated with this proposal, i.e. the techniques of anaerobic protein purification and manipulation of samples, steady-state kinetic analysis, EPR, ENDOR, FTIR and Mo X-ray absorption spectoscopies, together with chemical quench methods will applied to this problem. The benefit of such training, which will be given by acknowledged experts in these techniques, will be to broaden my range of skills which will then be applicable to a wide range of other systems of bioinorganic importance. Links with industry / industrial relevance (22)
None.
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.
- natural sciences chemical sciences electrochemistry electrolysis
- natural sciences chemical sciences organic chemistry aliphatic compounds
- natural sciences biological sciences biochemistry biomolecules proteins enzymes
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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.
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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
NR4 7UH Norwich
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.