Structure and Function of Heteroenzymatic Complexes Involved in Storage Starch Biosynthesis in Maize

The proposed research project aims to gain novel insight into the mechanism of action of a key protein complex involved in the synthesis of plant starch. This aim will be achieved through the interdisciplinary collaboration of researchers at Guelph and Lille, having complementary expertise in both protein biochemistry and structural biology. The PhD student from Guelph will prepare maize recombinant starch synthase (SS) and starch branching enzyme (SBE), enzymes which form protein complexes crucial for the biosynthesis of starch in maize endosperm. The reconstituted protein complex will be used for structural analysis by the host laboratory in Lille. Understanding the structural and spatial relationships between the enzymes in the protein complex will provide valuable information on the mechanistic action of these protein complexes, and help to solve long-standing questions about their biological role. TO BE CONT’D

Faculty Supervisor:

Ian Tetlow

Student:

Partner:

Université de Lille

Discipline:

Life Sciences

Sector:

University:

University of Guelph

Program:

Globalink Research Award