Biochemistry and Physiology of the Rnf Complex From the Archaeon Methanosarcina Acetivorans

古细菌 Methanosarcina acetivorans 的 Rnf 复合物的生物化学和生理学

• 批准号: 0820734
• 负责人: James Ferry
• 金额: --
• 依托单位: Pennsylvania State Univ University Park
• 依托单位国家: 美国
• 项目类别: Standard Grant
• 财政年份: 2008
• 资助国家: 美国
• 起止时间: 2008-08-01 至 2011-07-31
• 项目状态: 已结题
• 来源: https://www.nsf.gov/awardsearch/showAward?AWD_ID=0820734&HistoricalAwards=false
• 关键词: Biochemistry; Physiology; Rnf; Complex; Archaeon

The majority of all life forms obtain energy for growth by transferring electrons from one molecule (the growth substrate) to another (electron acceptor). The electrons are carried through the membrane by proteins and small organic compounds accompanied by the pumping of protons or sodium ions from inside to outside the membrane. The resulting ion gradient drives the phosphorylation of adenosine diphosphate (ADP) producing adenosine triphosphate (ATP). The dephosphorylation of ATP back to ADP provides the energy for reactions required for biosynthesis of cellular components leading to growth. This process of electron transport phosphorylation of ADP is also how methane-producing anaerobic (living without oxygen) microorganisms obtain energy for growth. However, little is known of the membrane components that transfer the electrons. An understanding of this important process is necessary to develop processes for conversion of plant material to clean burning methane as an alternative to fossil fuels. Recently, a complex of several proteins (Rnf) first discovered in microorganisms from the Bacteria domain of life was shown to be present in Methanosarcina acetivorans, a methane producing species from the Archaea domain of life. Only recently discovered, investigations of Rnf complexes are in their infancy and no Rnf complexes from the Archaea domain of life have been investigated. The project involves an investigation of the Rnf complex from M. acetivorans. The results are expected to initiate the transformation from a cursory to a comprehensive understanding of the Rnf family that will also advance a general understanding of diverse electron transport process in organisms spanning all domains of life.Broader impacts. The project provides an exceptionally fertile ground for training students that will prepare them for a productive career and ensure a sound scientific infrastructure. Minority and disadvantaged students will be actively recruited with the goal of increasing vitality in the scientific enterprise through diversity. The project will support outreach activities with pre college educators with the goal of developing an interest in science among women, minorities and disadvantaged students. Finally, undergraduates will be recruited for a research experience that will prepare them for graduate school.

大多数生命形式通过将电子从一个分子（生长基质）转移到另一个分子（电子受体）来获得生长所需的能量。电子由蛋白质和小的有机化合物携带穿过膜，伴随着质子或钠离子从膜内泵送到膜外。产生的离子梯度驱动腺苷二磷酸（ADP）的磷酸化，产生腺苷三磷酸（ATP）。ATP去磷酸化回到ADP为导致生长的细胞组分的生物合成所需的反应提供能量。ADP的这种电子传递磷酸化过程也是产甲烷厌氧（无氧生存）微生物获得生长能量的方式。然而，很少有人知道的膜组件，转移电子。了解这一重要过程对于开发将植物材料转化为清洁燃烧甲烷作为化石燃料替代品的过程是必要的。最近，在来自细菌生命域的微生物中首次发现的几种蛋白质（Rnf）的复合物被证明存在于产甲烷八叠球菌（Methanosarcina acetivorans）中，产甲烷八叠球菌是来自细菌生命域的产甲烷物种。直到最近才发现，Rnf复合物的研究还处于起步阶段，没有Rnf复合物从生命的degenea域进行了研究。该项目涉及对M.食醋动物。这些结果有望启动对Rnf家族从粗略到全面理解的转变，也将促进对跨越生命所有领域的生物体中不同电子传递过程的普遍理解。该项目为培训学生提供了一个非常肥沃的土壤，使他们为从事生产性职业做好准备，并确保建立健全的科学基础设施。将积极招收少数民族和弱势学生，目的是通过多样性增加科学事业的活力。该项目将支持与大学预科教育工作者的外联活动，目的是培养妇女、少数民族和处境不利学生对科学的兴趣。最后，本科生将被招募的研究经验，这将为他们准备研究生院。