Collaborative Research: Molecular Studies on the Biogenesisof Polyhydroxybutyrate and Related Polyesters

聚羟基丁酸酯(PHB)可由多种细菌发酵生产，且易于大量获得。这将是一种很好的热塑性塑料；它没有毒性，而且是可生物降解的。然而，它太结晶、太脆，这阻碍了它的商业潜力。然而，这些PHB生物合成酶可能被用来制造性能更好的替代聚酯材料。因此，计划对这类生物分子如何组装的重要和基本机制进行剖析。有必要克隆(或移动)生物合成途径中的这三个基因。这些基因将被测序，适当的载体将被构建，由此产生的三种酶，硫解酶，乙酰乙酰辅酶A还原酶和PHB合成酶，将被纯化为均一。将研究这三个基因的调节，并对每个纯化的酶的结构和功能进行表征。最终目的是阐明PHB类似物形成生物聚酯的未知机制。这是进行这项调查的理想团队。Masamune博士是一名物理有机化学家，Walsh博士是一名熟练的生物有机化学家，辛斯基博士是一名应用微生物学家。建议优先提供支持。

Polyhydroxbuytyrate (PHB) can be produced by many bacteria by fermentation and can be easily obtained in quantity. It would be an excellent thermoplastic; it lacks toxicity and is biodegradable. However it is too crystalline and brittle which has hindered its commercial potential. It is, however, possible that these PHB biosynthetic enzymes could be used to make alternate polyester materials with improved properties. Thus it is planned to dissect the important and fundamental mechanism of how this class of biological molecules are assembled. It will be necessary to clone (or move) the three genes in the biosynthetic pathway. The genes will be sequenced, appropriate vectors will be constructed and the resulting three enzymes, thiolase, acetoacetyl CoA reductase and PHB synthase, will be purified to homogeneity. The regulation of the three genes will be studied and each purified enzyme characterized structurally and functionally. The ultimate objective is to shed light on the unexplored mechanisms of biological polyester formation of PHB analogues. This is an ideal team to conduct this investigations. Dr. Masamune, a physical organic chemist, Dr. Walsh, as skilled bioorganic chemist, and Dr. Sinsky an applied microbiologist. Support is recommended with a high priority.