Biotransformations Near and Above 100 Degrees Celsius

North Carolina State University, Raleigh NC

Investigators

Abstract

The objective of this project is to focus on enzymes of technical importance from two key organisms, Pyrococcus furiosus and Thermotoga maritima. Both of these have been well characterized by the Principal Investigators and are suitable models for this project. Basic and applied objectives are to be pursued. The project is divided into five main areas. Areas one to four focus on answering specific biochemical questions on four enzymes: chitinases, glycosyl transferases, prolidases, and aminoacylases. The fifth area addresses the optimization of the hyperthermophile gene expression in E. coli.