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

聚羟基丁酸酯（PHB）可以由许多细菌通过以下方式产生： 发酵，可以很容易地大量获得。 它 是一种极好的热塑性塑料;它没有毒性， 生物降解。 然而，它太结晶和脆 这阻碍了它的商业潜力。 然而， 可能这些PHB生物合成酶可用于 制造具有改进性能的替代聚酯材料。 因此，它计划剖析重要的和基本的 这类生物分子是如何 组装好了 这将是必要的克隆（或移动）这三个 生物合成途径中的基因。 这些基因将会 测序后，将构建适当的载体， 产生三种酶，硫解酶，乙酰乙酰辅酶A还原酶 和PHB合酶，将被纯化至同质。 的 将研究这三个基因的调控， 在结构和功能上表征的纯化的酶。 最终目的是揭示未被探索的 聚羟基丁酸酯生物聚酯形成机理 类似物 这是一个理想的团队来进行这一点 调查事务所 Masamune博士，一位物理有机化学家， 沃尔什博士，作为熟练的生物有机化学家，和辛斯基博士 应用微生物学家 支持建议与高 要务

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.