Polysaccharide recognition by microbial carbohydrate-binding modules

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The general theme of this research proposal is protein-carbohydrate recognition with a focus on carbohydrate-binding modules (CBMs) and carbohydrate-active enzymes (CAZymes). Our focus is firmly placed on the recognition and degradation of the polysaccharide biomass in plant cell walls. CBMs and CAZymes are integral components of the microbial enzymes that perform the first step in reducing plant cell-wall polysaccharides to metabolizable sugars thus liberating photosynthetically fixed carbon. As the recycling of plant cell-wall polysaccharides, the most abundant biopolymers on Earth, is crucial to the carbon cycle, determining the functional aspects of CBMs and CAZymes is an important fundamental endeavour. Furthermore, in a world that is seeing rising levels of greenhouse gases, climate change, and rising oil prices eyes, are being increasingly turned to "green" science and alternative fuel sources. For example, cellulases and amylases are classes of CBM-containing CAZymes that have been extensively used in converting plant cellulose and starch, respectively, into bio-ethanol for use in fuels. CAZymes and their CBMs will find an ever more prevalent role in processes that turn plant cell-wall polysaccharides into alternative fuels and environmentally friendly natural product materials. Research such as that proposed here will provide a foundation for designing and/or improving these processes.