Objectif Lignin, composed of phenylpropanoic units, represents an attractive raw material for renewable aromatic chemicals. Lignin valorisation instead of petrochemical industry for chemicals production is a hot research area in green chemistry. Microorganisms have been proven to evolve metabolic pathways that enable the break-down of lignin; however, this lignin-to-chemicals bioconversion by both fungi and bacteria lacks essential attributes to commercial implementation. In the forefront, “omics” research has pointed out potential target genes and enzymes for manipulation, leading to more applied lignin bioconversion studies. Bacterial lignin metabolism is attracting more attention due to its relatively simple protein expression and genetic modification compared to fungi, which provides a potential application of a targeted pathway engineering strategy for diversified lignin-derived byproducts accumulation and yield enhancement. Hence, the discovery of unknown lignin metabolic pathways and gene products in bacteria is of importance. In this context, the current proposed research will explore and manipulate a novel lignin metabolic pathway - transketolase lignin degradation pathway - in Rhodococcus for lignin-based renewable chemicals production by using a synthetic biology approach. The goal will be achieved by pursuing the following two objectives: 1) elucidation and characterization of the novel enzyme encoded with tklX and evaluation of its activity reacted with lignin model compounds as transketolase; 2) targeted gene deletion for pathway engineering in genetically tractable hosts to manipulate lignin breakdown. The results of this study will therefore establish a promising foundation for production of lignin-derived chemicals from renewable feedstocks via catabolic pathways. Meanwhile, the Action will clearly provide the Applicant with unique opportunities to reach a position of professional maturity. Champ scientifique engineering and technologychemical engineeringbiochemical engineeringnatural sciencesbiological sciencesmicrobiologymycologyengineering and technologyenvironmental engineeringnatural resources management Programme(s) H2020-EU.1.3. - EXCELLENT SCIENCE - Marie Skłodowska-Curie Actions Main Programme H2020-EU.1.3.2. - Nurturing excellence by means of cross-border and cross-sector mobility Thème(s) MSCA-IF-2015-EF - Marie Skłodowska-Curie Individual Fellowships (IF-EF) Appel à propositions H2020-MSCA-IF-2015 Voir d’autres projets de cet appel Régime de financement MSCA-IF-EF-ST - Standard EF Coordinateur UNIVERSITY OF WARWICK Contribution nette de l'UE € 183 454,80 Adresse KIRBY CORNER ROAD UNIVERSITY HOUSE CV4 8UW COVENTRY Royaume-Uni Voir sur la carte Région West Midlands (England) West Midlands Coventry Type d’activité Higher or Secondary Education Establishments Liens Contacter l’organisation Opens in new window Site web Opens in new window Participation aux programmes de R&I de l'UE Opens in new window Réseau de collaboration HORIZON Opens in new window Coût total € 183 454,80