This research is to resolve issues regarding enzymatic transformations catalyzed by reduced nicotinamide cofactor dependent reductases, dehydrogenases, and oxygenases. It is proposed to metabolically engineer E. coli strains such that sugars will be completely oxidized without fermentation end products and the resulting reducing equivalents diverted away from aerobic respiration toward driving other reactions of interest. A broader impact of the research is the development of viable routes to renewable fuels and chemicals by optimizing the efficiency with which biomass is utilized for medically and industrially significant biotransformations. Computational modeling will guide design efforts and experimental results will serve to correct and complete the modeling frameworks.
