Structural insights into cellulosome assembly, attachment and function

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Plant cell wall polysaccharides, notably cellulose, comprise the most abundant source of carbon and energy in the biosphere that can be utilized by various microorganisms, thus contributing a central component to the carbon cycle. Not surprisingly then, the microbial degradation of these cellulosic materials is one the most important processes in nature. An emerging number of anaerobic bacteria use a large, enzyme complex, termed the cellulosome, typically located on their cell surface to break down these materials. The assembly and organization of the cellulosome is critical for its ability to perform the synergistic and highly efficient breakdown of biomass. We are using a dissect-and-build structure-based approach to characterize cellulosome assembly, organization, and function. Since cellulosic wastes have also become a major source of environmental pollution and that cellulosic biomass is recognized as one of the only sustainable and renewable primary energy resources that can provide liquid transportation fuels, our findings will not only advance the basic knowledge of this system, and of macromolecular complexes in general, it will provide valuable structural insights that could be employed in the generation of engineering cellulose-degrading systems. The training in molecular biology, biochemistry, physical biochemistry, and structural biology approaches and our international collaboration with the world leader in cellulosome biochemistry will provide trainees with a diverse skill-set in an area of significant interest in the biotechnology sector, as well as in the pharmaceutical and academic industries.