Structure-Property relationship of S-layer protein assemblies at extremophilic archea bacteria

工作性质***我的研究计划的长期目标是研究古细菌表层（s层）成分的极端稳定性和独特性质，最终目的是在各种生物技术领域设计纳米器件。该研究项目将基础与应用科学与生物工程和合成生物学相结合。本文研究了从深海黑烟喷口分离的嗜极古细菌Staphylothermus marinus （S. marinus）独特的s层蛋白组装的结构-性质关系。S. marinus是一种严格的厌氧硫还原古菌，利用肽作为碳源，在高达98℃的温度下生长。它有一个蛋白质s层，由细长的四臂臂单元组成，排列成3d网络，与超耐热蛋白酶形成蛋白质-蛋白质异复合体，称为STABLE。由于适应了深海火山的极端条件，s -层蛋白具有不同寻常的稳定性。******建议的研究将侧重于研究以下方面的结构和机制特征：(i)四臂臂的3d组装机制以形成准晶体s层，（ii）四臂臂与STABLE之间形成复合物的分子机制，以及（iii） s层组分的极端稳定性作为生物工程和合成生物学的基础。所有这些研究都涉及到结构、生物物理和综合方法的结合，并为本科生和研究生提供了现代综合研究项目中各种不同的技能。******重要性***自从发现古细菌以来，由于它们对极端环境的独特适应，它们一直受到严格的审查。这表明生命起源于极度嗜热，因此对这些生物的研究提供了对早期生命形式生物学的深入了解。此外，了解它们适应极端条件（pH值，温度，压力，盐度，离子强度）的分子机制使这些微生物成为生物技术发展的完美研究工具。******结果和益处***预期的结果是获得有关古菌蛋白组装体极端稳定性的机制和化学信息。了解其独特适应性的分子基础，将为我们对生命起源的理解开辟新的视角，并将为生物技术在监测、修复和催化纳米器件等广泛领域的应用提供新的见解。在未来5年内，预计将有3-4名研究生参与该研究项目。我们的研究结果将指导人工s层组件的设计和分析，对加拿大生物技术部门产生重大影响

Nature of the Work***The long term objective of my research program is to investigate the extreme stability and unique properties of archaea Surface layer (S-layer) components for the ultimate purpose to engineer nano-devices in a variety of biotechnological fields. The research program combines Basic -and Applied Science with Bio-engineering and Synthetic Biology. We focus our attention on the structure-property relationship of the unique S-layer protein assembly from Staphylothermus marinus (S. marinus), an extremophillic archaea bacterium isolated from deep sea black smoker vents. S. marinus is a strict anaerobic sulfur reducing archaeon that utilizes peptides as a carbon source and grows at temperatures up to 98C. It has a proteinaceous S-layer consisting of elongated Tetrabrachion units arranged in a 3D-network that forms a protein-protein heterocomplex with the hyperthermostable protease, called STABLE. As a consequence of its adaptation to the extreme conditions at the deep sea volcano, the S-layer proteins of S. marinus are characterized by an unusual stability. ******The proposed research will focus on investigating structural and mechanistic features of (i) the 3D-assembly mechanism of Tetrabrachion to form a quasi-crystalline S-layer, (ii) the molecular mechanisms of complex formation between Tetrabrachion and STABLE and (iii) the extreme stability of S-layer components as a foundation for bio-engineering and synthetic biology. All these studies involve a combination of structural, biophysical and synthetic approaches and offer undergraduate and graduate students a great variety of different skills in modern integrated research programs. ******Importance***Since their discovery, archaea have been under intense scrutiny due to their unique adaptations to the extreme environments in which they thrive. It is suggested that life has hyperthermophilic origins, and thus the study of these organisms provides insight into the biology of early life forms. In addition, understanding the molecular mechanisms of their adaptation to the extreme conditions (pH, Temperature, pressure, salinity, ionic strength) makes these microorganisms a perfect research tool for biotechnological developments. ******Outcome and Benefit***The expected outcome is to obtain mechanistic and chemical information about the extreme stability of archaeal protein assemblies. Understanding the molecular basis of their unique adaptation, will open new perspectives on our understanding of the origin of life and will provide new insights into development of biotechnological applications in the broad fields of monitoring, remediation and catalytic nano-devices. Over the next 5 years, it is expected that 3-4 graduate students be engaged in this research program at any given time. Our findings will guide the design and analysis of artificial S-layer assemblies with great impact on Canada's biotech sector.**