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A family of metal-sensors: forced evolution in cyanobacteria

ReferenceG07638
Principal Investigator / Supervisor Professor Nigel Robinson
Co-Investigators /
Co-Supervisors
Institution Newcastle University
DepartmentSchool of Cell and Molecular Biosciences
Funding typeResearch
Value (£) 136,535
StatusCompleted
TypeResearch Grant
Start date 01/05/1997
End date 01/05/2000
Duration36 months

Abstract

SmtB is a zinc-responsive repressor in Synechococcus PCC 7942. There are two new smtB- like genes in the complete Synechocystis PCC 6803 genome. The existence of a family of repressors sensing different metals provides a unique opportunity to identify determinants of metal specificity in gene regulation. We will establish what metals are sensed and identify critical residues. A mutant SmtB which cannot sense zinc has been generated. This is an ideal target for evolving new sensors. We will tailor/apply forced evolution methods to cyanobacteria. Features of these organisms may (i) allow the development of specialised methods, and (ii) allow their exploitation for the evolution of a sub-set of genes of importance to plant biotechnology.

Summary

unavailable
Committee Closed Committee - Genes & Developmental Biology (GDB)
Research TopicsX – not assigned to a current Research Topic
Research PriorityX – Research Priority information not available
Research Initiative X - not in an Initiative
Funding SchemeX – not Funded via a specific Funding Scheme
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