Functional and structural analysis of microbial expansin-related proteins that
loosen lignocellulosic and chitin fiber networks
EMSL Project ID
60859
Abstract
This project brings together functional genomics, structural biology, and advanced techniques in material science, to evaluate the untapped potential of microbial expansin-related proteins in the production of bio-based chemicals and materials. In particular, the proposed project will investigate the impact of microbial expansin-related proteins on the accessibility and ease of processing major sources of renewable biomass, including lignocellulose and chitin. The experimental approach includes in-situ Biological Small Angle Neutron Scattering (Bio-SANS) measurements at Oak Ridge National Laboratory (ORNL), and X-ray fluorescence microscopy (XFM) at the Advanced Photon Source (APS) at Argonne National Laboratory, to follow the protein-induced structural changes in lignocellulosic and chitinous biomass in real-time. The microbial expansin-related proteins selected for the study will include examples from different phylogenetic groups, which will permit structure-functional studies of protein targets that modify biofiber organization. Herein, the solution structures of biomass-active microbial expansins will first be obtained using small angle x-ray scattering at ORNL, which will guide protein selection and preparation for detailed structural analysis using solution NMR at the Pacific Northwest National Laboratory (PNNL). Accordingly, the proposed project directly aligns with FICUS Research concerning Biofuels, Biomaterials, and Bioproducts, and combines PNNL capabilities in structural biology with CSMB capabilities at Oak Ridge National Laboratory in Bio-SANS and high-resolution microscopy resources at APS.
Project Details
Project type
FICUS Research
Start Date
2023-10-01
End Date
N/A
Status
Active
Released Data Link
Team
Principal Investigator