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BIOBIOT-Biologi, bioteknologi, Mat. Nat.

Functional genomics - protein expression and functions related to a protein, MepE, secreted from Methylococcus capsulatus (Bath).

Awarded: NOK 1.3 mill.

Methylococcus capsulatus (Bath) is able to obtain all its carbon and energy from methane. It is the main constituent of Bioprotein, a single cell protein product based on natural gas (Norferm DA), and represents. the first product to be commercialised fro m a methanotroph. Considering the low cost of growing M capsulatus the bacterium is attractive as a source of bulk chemicals and other biotechnological products. Current knowledge on M. capsulatus biology is very limited, however, and basic research on th is microorganism is therefore a prerequisite for successful development of novel biotechnological applications. The aim of the projeet is to characterise the major secreted protein of M. capsulatus, in particular its copper-binding properties, the secret ion pathway utilised, and the possible implication on copper uptake. Cells grown under different conditions will be analysed with respect to mRNA expression and protein profile using the most recent technologies (micro-array technology, two-dimensional el ectrophoresis and masspectroscopy), and the data will be analysed using bioinformatic tools. The work will contribute to our basic knowledge of this organism and in particular the copper-regulation of the important methane-oxydising systems and the carbon metabolism.

Funding scheme:

BIOBIOT-Biologi, bioteknologi, Mat. Nat.

Funding Sources

Thematic Areas and Topics

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