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

大多数生命形式通过将电子从一个分子(生长底物)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到膜外的泵送。由此产生的离子梯度驱动二磷酸腺苷(ADP)的磷酸化，产生三磷酸腺苷(ATP)。三磷酸腺苷的去磷酸化为ADP提供了细胞成分生物合成所需的能量，从而导致生长。ADP的这个电子传递磷酸化过程也是产生甲烷的厌氧(无氧生活)微生物获得生长所需能量的过程。然而，人们对传递电子的膜组件知之甚少。对这一重要过程的了解对于开发将植物材料转化为清洁燃烧的甲烷作为化石燃料的替代品是必要的。最近，在生命细菌域的微生物中首次发现的几种蛋白质(RNF)的复合体被证明存在于产甲烷的甲烷链霉菌中，这是一种来自古生界的物种。直到最近才发现，对RNF复合体的研究还处于初级阶段，还没有来自生命古生界的RNF复合体被研究。该项目涉及对乙酰食单胞菌的RNF复合体的调查。这些结果有望启动从粗略到全面的对RNF家族的理解，这也将促进对跨越生命所有领域的生物体中不同的电子传输过程的总体理解。该项目为培训学生提供了特别肥沃的土壤，使他们为从事富有成效的职业生涯做好准备，并确保健全的科学基础设施。将积极招收少数民族和弱势学生，目标是通过多样化增加科学事业的活力。该项目将支持与大学前教育工作者的外联活动，目的是培养妇女、少数群体和弱势学生对科学的兴趣。最后，本科生将被招募参加研究经验，为他们进入研究生院做准备。

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.