Extracellular enzymes produced by bacteria and fungi are involved in innumerable biogeochemical processes and are central to providing services to terrestrial and aquatic ecosystems. One very important process is the biological decomposition of organic matter in soils and sediments, which is a critical component of the global carbon cycle. Furthermore, the natural attenuation of polluted soils and waters depends on the activities of extracellular enzymes. However, our ability to understand and manage biogeochemical processes for beneficial outcomes such as carbon sequestration, optimizing ecosystem productivity, and bioremediation is constrained by our limited knowledge of the diversity and functional capabilities of extracellular enzymes. The overall goal of this Research Coordination Network is to advance our understanding of enzymes in the environment through improved communication, collaboration, and spurring new initiatives. The network will accomplish this goal by organizing workshops, data synthesizing, standardizing methods, and through maintaining a project website.

This Research Coordination Network addresses a need to advance our understanding of the controls on the production of enzymes by different microbes, their stabilization and turnover, and their in-situ activity. Currently, our understanding is constrained by (1) limited methods for measuring actual enzyme activities in various environments, (2) limited discourse across disciplinary and ecosystem boundaries, and (3) limited synthesis of current research into an integrated conceptual framework that feeds into ecosystem models. New advances in genomics and other molecular approaches will allow for rapid advances in this field. This network will enhance collaboration and communication between the international community of scientists involved in various aspects of this research. Broadening participation of underrepresented groups in science will be promoted by active recruitment, participation in a lab exchange program to gain research experience, and by promoting participation of a diverse group of researchers in various network activities.

Agency
National Science Foundation (NSF)
Institute
Division of Environmental Biology (DEB)
Application #
0840869
Program Officer
Henry L. Gholz
Project Start
Project End
Budget Start
2009-03-15
Budget End
2015-02-28
Support Year
Fiscal Year
2008
Total Cost
$524,420
Indirect Cost
Name
Colorado State University-Fort Collins
Department
Type
DUNS #
City
Fort Collins
State
CO
Country
United States
Zip Code
80523