The goal of this project is to gain a molecular-level understanding of the regulation of methane gene expression in Archaea. A range of in vitro molecular techniques will be used to comprehensively characterize two regulators of methane gene transcription in Methanothermobacter thermautotrophicu. This research will help establish how methanogenesis is regulated, and the dissection of the regulatory mechanics will substantially extend knowledge of transcription regulation in Archaea. Methanogenesis is a metabolism of global environmental and economic importance and the results obtained will add insight into the regulation of methane generation.
This project will contribute to the career development of an underrepresented minority investigator through establishment of her research program at the University of Oklahoma. Research opportunities will be provided for a graduate student and one undergraduate in molecular microbiology, anaerobic microbiology, and biochemistry.
