Abstract
The research project described in this application will be a collaborative research project between Stanford University, CA, USA, and Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences on the identification and characterization of important proteins in the metabolic pathways of Phaeocystis Antarctica, a South Ocean phytoplankton species. When this organism blooms it can reach a very high biomass density by rapidly assimilating the available and unique substrates in Antarctic waters. This organism remains an ecological enigma due to the difficulties in unraveling its true metabolic potential. In this project, we aim to identify and characterize key proteins involved in this and put them in the context of different metabolic pathways giving P. Antarctica the unique capabilities. We will achieve this by using a combination of bioinformatics, proteomics, molecular biology, biochemistry and x-ray crystallography methods to study the proteins involved in nutrient acquisition and extracellular muco-polysaccharide production, as well as to elucidate the effects of iron limitation and super cooling on metabolic pathways. This research will open a world of possibilities and help us to fundamentally understand what proteins and which characteristics of these that are responsible for the success of this dominant Antarctic phytoplankton species.
Sweden