How do plants make Earth's most abundant organosulfur molecule?
Lead Research Organisation:
University of East Anglia
Department Name: Graduate Office
Abstract
Dimethylsulfoniopropionate (DMSP) is an antistress compound with key roles in global nutrient and sulfur cycling, signaling and climate. DMSP functions as an osmoprotectant, cryoprotectant, protectant against oxidative stress and a grazing deterrent. Saltmarshes are global hotspots for DMSP production because Spartina grass growing there produce high intracellular concentrations of DMSP. Despite knowing the biochemical pathway for DMSP synthesis in these plants the key enzyme identities remain undiscovered.
This PhD aims to identify the two key Spartina DMSP synthesis enzymes. These enzymes, known as S-methyl-methionine decarboxylase (SDC) and DMSP-amine oxidase (DOX), are the only enzymes missing from common plants. The PhD project will investigate how to use molecular and biochemical techniques (e.g., RNA-seq) to identify candidate SDC and DOX genes. The project will identify functional genes through cloning and enzymology and study their expression in the host plant in response to environmental conditions. Training will be given to transfer these genes into e.g. Arabidopsis, and thus the potential to make DMSP. Using analytical chemistry, the project will characterise the ability of the transgenic lines to produce DMSP and will study the growth and the physiology of the lines to determine if environmental factors, e.g., temperature, salinity, oxidative stress and drought, affect their productivity and growth. In the modern world, the ability to produce crops in sub-optimal saline/drought ridden environments, not currently suitable for agriculture, is of high importance.
This PhD aims to identify the two key Spartina DMSP synthesis enzymes. These enzymes, known as S-methyl-methionine decarboxylase (SDC) and DMSP-amine oxidase (DOX), are the only enzymes missing from common plants. The PhD project will investigate how to use molecular and biochemical techniques (e.g., RNA-seq) to identify candidate SDC and DOX genes. The project will identify functional genes through cloning and enzymology and study their expression in the host plant in response to environmental conditions. Training will be given to transfer these genes into e.g. Arabidopsis, and thus the potential to make DMSP. Using analytical chemistry, the project will characterise the ability of the transgenic lines to produce DMSP and will study the growth and the physiology of the lines to determine if environmental factors, e.g., temperature, salinity, oxidative stress and drought, affect their productivity and growth. In the modern world, the ability to produce crops in sub-optimal saline/drought ridden environments, not currently suitable for agriculture, is of high importance.
Organisations
Description | UEA Open Day |
Form Of Engagement Activity | Participation in an open day or visit at my research institution |
Part Of Official Scheme? | No |
Geographic Reach | Local |
Primary Audience | Undergraduate students |
Results and Impact | Presented the work of our lab as a whole to prospective students and their families along with colleagues from my lab. This introduced areas of research to new students within the faculty. |
Year(s) Of Engagement Activity | 2019,2020 |
Description | Women In Science and Engineering (WISE) Event |
Form Of Engagement Activity | Participation in an activity, workshop or similar |
Part Of Official Scheme? | No |
Geographic Reach | Regional |
Primary Audience | Public/other audiences |
Results and Impact | The event highlighted research done by female-identifying researchers at my institute. The talks were designed to make research accessible to the general public, as well as other researchers outside of my discipline. |
Year(s) Of Engagement Activity | 2021 |