Biomolecular Mechanism and Catalysis
Biomolecular Mechanism & Catalysis research examines the properties and mechanistic details of biomolecular and biotechnological processes ranging from complex multi-component pathways and complexes to single proteins (enzymes). This theme generates data about biomolecular components and pathways that feed into Systems Analysis at higher levels of biomolecular organisation. It also creates novel components, devices and pathways that are utilised in Molecular Bioengineering. While many in our community focus on enzymes, catalytic pathways and their applications, others study macromolecular assembly pathways manifesting multiple conformational (and positional) states and look in detail at interactions involving proteins, nucleic acids, lipids and carbohydrates, in some instances based in membranes. This theme incorporates the internationally leading Centre of Excellence in Biocatalysis, Biotransformation and Biocatalytic Manufacture (CoEBio3) and the internationally renowned Molecular Enzymology groups.
Interactions and mechanisms
Among other things, MIB researchers interested in biomolecular mechanisms study the following:
- Self-assembling and self-organising biomolecular systems (including nucleic acid, carbohydrate and protein structures)
- Mechanism and control of steps of the posttransriptional gene expression pathway
- Biomolecular motors and processive reactions (including ribosomal translocation along RNA)
- Macromolecular folding/unfolding
- Membrane proteins and complexes
A wide range of techniques feature in our research, including chemical biology tools, high-resolution imaging and imaging analysis (molecular and cellular), biophotonic technologies such as optical waveguides and total internal reflection fluorescence methods, and single molecule manipulation technology.
Molecular enzymology
The Molecular Enzymology Group studies the molecular details of enzyme catalysis. Our researchers are developing a physical and chemical understanding of enzyme catalysis through the following means:
- Structural determination (X-ray crystallography and NMR spectroscopy) of enzymes
- Computational analysis (quantum mechanical and molecular mechanical simulations)
- Chemical (small molecule synthesis, enzyme modification and immobilisation) and biophysical (fast reaction methods, electron paramagnetic resonance and other spectroscopies) analysis of mechanism
Research projects include enzyme-catalysed small particle transfer (e.g. electrons and hydrogens) by quantum tunnelling mechanisms, cofactor-dependent enzyme chemistry, and the development of new biophysical methods to identify transient reaction intermediates. Elucidation of the mechanisms and structures of redox enzymes is a major focus of activity within this theme.
Applied biocatalysis
The application of isolated enzymes and whole microbial cells in biocatalytic processes is an important technology that has the potential to impact significantly on the economic competitiveness of several industrial sectors, including production of fine chemicals, pharmaceuticals and biopolymers, as well as nanotechnology. Biocatalysis is viewed as a vital component of the so-called third wave of (‘white’) biotechnology. The MIB houses the UK Centre of Excellence in Biocatalysis, Biotransformation and Biocatalytic Manufacture (CoEBio3), which undertakes cutting edge research in biocatalysis and metabolic engineering and serves to enhance UK competitiveness in R and D and manufacturing in biocatalysis. Other components of this initiative are satellite research facilities at the Universities of York, Strathclyde, Heriot-Watt and Glasgow, and an industrially focused, large-scale manufacturing facility at the Centre for Process Innovation in Wilton.