Functional Genomics of Coenzyme Biosynthesis in Methanocaldococcus jannaschii

Virginia Polytechnic Institute And State University, Blacksburg VA

Investigators

Abstract

One clear fact emerging in this post genomic age is that there are many genes, so called hypothetical genes, in the organisms on earth for which we have no idea as to their function. Nowhere is this more acute than in the prokaryotes. To begin to address this problem this project will address the unknown genes involved in the biosynthesis of the coenzymes (vitamins) in the hyperthermophilic euryarchaeon Methanocaldococcus jannaschii, one of the billions of different types of prokaryotes. The research will allow the annotation of function to some of these hypothetical genes and define new biochemical reactions. Discovery of these new biochemical reactions will extend the general understanding of the breadth of specific reactions that could have been involved in the production of coenzymes, compounds critical in the origin of life. The broader impact of this project is that it will help sustain ongoing undergraduate and graduate training of young scientists. Students will be exposed to many different scientific disciplines and methods, including but not limited to molecular biology, organic synthesis, different forms of spectroscopy, enzymology, bioinformatics, analytical biochemistry, prebiotic chemistry, and anaerobic microbiology, all in one setting. Undergraduate students will participate in this work through undergraduate research in the lab. Students are expected to produce one original reviewed published scientific work during their time in the lab, which further prepares them for a future career in the sciences. The training of post-docs to work in this area of research is also critical.