Characterisation of vital carbohydrate synthases in pathogenic oomycetes. This project aims to understand the mechanisms that control cell wall stability in the fish pathogen, Saprolegnia parasitica. The biochemical properties and function of vital enzymes involved in cell wall biosynthesis will be determined using innovative approaches at the interface of biochemistry, microbiology, cell biology, and structural biology. Next generation ion mobility mass spectrometry will be used to solve challe ....Characterisation of vital carbohydrate synthases in pathogenic oomycetes. This project aims to understand the mechanisms that control cell wall stability in the fish pathogen, Saprolegnia parasitica. The biochemical properties and function of vital enzymes involved in cell wall biosynthesis will be determined using innovative approaches at the interface of biochemistry, microbiology, cell biology, and structural biology. Next generation ion mobility mass spectrometry will be used to solve challenging structural questions that cannot be tackled with conventional techniques. Expected outcomes include new knowledge on challenging membrane proteins that allows development of novel strategies for disease control in aquaculture. The data may also be applicable to crop protection from related plant pathogens.Read moreRead less
Three-dimensional structures, substrate specificities and catalytic mechanisms of polysaccharide synthases. Plant wall polysaccharides are extensively used for food and fibre, and are important dietary components in human nutrition. A precise knowledge of mechanisms used by plants to synthesize these polysaccharides is unavailable, but would reveal potential routes to manipulate their biosynthesis in important crop species. For example, the levels or structures of polysaccharides might be modif ....Three-dimensional structures, substrate specificities and catalytic mechanisms of polysaccharide synthases. Plant wall polysaccharides are extensively used for food and fibre, and are important dietary components in human nutrition. A precise knowledge of mechanisms used by plants to synthesize these polysaccharides is unavailable, but would reveal potential routes to manipulate their biosynthesis in important crop species. For example, the levels or structures of polysaccharides might be modified to improve their efficacy as anti-cancer agents in human diets, to enhance digestibility of animal stock feeds, or to synthesise pharmologically valuable compounds. Thus, economic, social and environmental benefits will flow to both producers and consumers. Read moreRead less