Biochemical and structural studies on metal sensing and acquisition in Bacillus subtilis

• Applicant: Professor Dr. Mohamed A. Marahiel
• Subject Area: Metabolism, Biochemistry and Genetics of Microorganisms
• Term: from 2008 to 2011
• Project identifier: Deutsche Forschungsgemeinschaft (DFG) - Project number 70287000

In this research proposal we will investigate the molecular mechanisms and the structuralaspects underlying iron and copper sensing as well as acquisition in B. subtilis. During ironstarvation, B. subtilis secretes the catecholic trilactone siderophore bacillibactin, whosesecretion mechanism by YmfE and Mta, iron-dependent uptake by the FeuABC-YusVtransporter, its intracellular sensing by the regulatory protein YbbB and iron release by theesterases BesA/YbbA will be studied. In addition, we will genetically and biochemicallycharacterize the unknown intracellular iron and copper channelling components as well as theputative copper-sensing YvgZ protein.

• DFG Programme: Research Grants
• Participating Person: Professor Dr. Lars-Oliver Essen