Exploring phosphonate biosynthetic capacity in anaerobic microorganisms

Molecules possessing a carbon-phosphorus bond (C-P) have traditionally been considered rare in Nature. For example, there are only ~50 phosphonate natural products known, although several have achieved commercial success (e.g. the antibiotic fosfomycin). In addition, several phosphonate cell surface modifications have been found over the last half century, but nothing is known regarding their biosynthesis or biological role. Interestingly, phosphonates possess a reduced (less oxidized) form of phosphorus relative to most biological phosphates, and it has long been suspected that phosphonates predominated in the low oxygen atmosphere of early Earth. We therefore hypothesize that modern day anaerobic environments represent a potentially rich source of phosphonates. To access this metabolic diversity, we propose to collaborate with Dr. Yihua Chen (IM-CAS Beijing), who recently developed a system to capture large fragments of DNA from anaerobic microorganisms and express their chemical output in a related anaerobic ‘host’ bacterium.

Faculty Supervisor:

Geoff Horsman

Student:

Partner:

University of Chinese Academy of Sciences (Institute of Microbiology)

Discipline:

Life Sciences

Sector:

Biotechnology; Life Sciences (not health); Pharmaceuticals

University:

Wilfrid Laurier University

Program: