Many pathogenic bacteria utilize unique nano-reactors called bacterial microcompartments to metabolize diverse nutritional sources. This helps pathogenic organisms thrive in human tissues. The bacterial microcompartment is a specialized organelle composed of enzymes surrounded by a protein shell. To function, compounds to be broken down within the bacterial microcompartment must cross the shell, and likewise the breakdown products must be released. The goal of the proposed research is to study the structural basis of function of these shells, to obtain a snapshot at atomic resolution o the structure of a shell and to deduce the blueprint for its assembly. We will also identify what structural features of the shell determine its permeability properties. The results of this study wll enable the design of therapeutics to disrupt bacterial microcompartment assembly and function. They could likewise be used to design useful bacterial microcompartments for applications in biomedicine.

Public Health Relevance

Many pathogenic bacteria contain specialized nanoreactors that enable them to derive energy while infecting human tissues. The proposed research aims to understand the structure of these nanoreactors and how they communicate metabolically with their environment. The results of this study will be useful for design of therapeutics as well provide a structural model to design nanoreactors that support human health.

Agency
National Institute of Health (NIH)
Institute
National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases (NIAID)
Type
Research Project (R01)
Project #
5R01AI114975-03
Application #
9195694
Study Section
Prokaryotic Cell and Molecular Biology Study Section (PCMB)
Program Officer
Brown, Liliana L
Project Start
2015-01-01
Project End
2018-01-31
Budget Start
2017-01-01
Budget End
2018-01-31
Support Year
3
Fiscal Year
2017
Total Cost
Indirect Cost
Name
Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory
Department
Type
DUNS #
078576738
City
Berkeley
State
CA
Country
United States
Zip Code
94720
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