Summary
Investigation and application of hydrocarbon-degrading enzymes (Glycyl Radical Enzymes, specifically X-succinate synthases) using cryo-electron microscopy and directed evolution to understand their mechanisms, characterize new enzymes, and explore their use in biocatalysis and bioremediation.
What they want
The work aims to illuminate key missing mechanistic elements of X-succinate synthases (XSSs) and Glycyl Radical Enzymes (GREs) more broadly, characterize new hydroalkylation enzymes, and explore GRE use in biocatalysis. This involves using cryo-electron microscopy (cryo-EM) to capture conformations and structures of GREs and XSS enzymes, developing methods for in vitro installation of the glycyl radical cofactor to probe hydroalkylation and activation mechanisms, and using directed evolution to engineer XSSs as selective hydroalkylation catalysts. Specific aims include probing the structure and mechanism of XSSs and developing XSSs as selective hydroalkylation catalysts.
Technical requirements
- Cryo-electron microscopy (cryo-EM)
- Directed evolution techniques
Risks & flags
Incumbent: The researcher described in the text (Principal Investigator)
- This text describes an existing or awarded research project (K99/R00 phases) rather than an open competitive procurement opportunity (RFP, IFB, RFQ).
- The language uses 'I aim to', 'I have completed', 'I will work to complete', indicating a specific researcher's funded project.
- Source 'NIH RePORTER' is a database of NIH-funded research projects, not a procurement portal for new solicitations.
