A multidisciplinary study of cyanobacterial DMSP production via a novel pathway
Lead Research Organisation:
University of East Anglia
Department Name: Graduate Office
Abstract
Dimethylsulfoniopropionate (DMSP) is one of Earth's most abundant organosulfur compounds. It is an anti-stress compound with key roles in global nutrient and sulfur cycling, and climate, including a potential role in limiting global warming. DMSP is produced by certain bacteria, plants and algae. One cyanobacterium, Trichodesmium erythraeum, also produces DMSP but lacks any known DMSP synthesis genes. Cyanobacteria are amongst the most abundant organisms on the planet, accounting for approximately a quarter of carbon fixation. If marine cyanobacteria synthesise DMSP then this would significantly expand global production of this compound. However, little is known about the environmental importance or scale of cyanobacteria in DMSP cycling and how or why cyanobacteria produce DMSP.
This project will:
- Identify the pathway/genes involved in cyanobacterial DMSP production.
- Determine whether DMSP is synthesised by a wide range of cyanobacteria.
- Study the importance of DMSP production in cyanobacteria and the environment.
There will be training in how to grow and study the physiology and biochemistry of different cyanobacterial species. Training in genetics/biochemistry will allow the identification of key DMSP synthesis genes and the role of DMSP in environmentally important cyanobacteria. Using bioinformatics and molecular ecology tools, it will be established how widespread cyanobacterial DMSP production is and the abundance/diversity of the key genes in natural marine environments. This project will help determine the role of marine cyanobacteria in the production of DMSP, a process central to sulfur biogeochemical cycling.
This project will:
- Identify the pathway/genes involved in cyanobacterial DMSP production.
- Determine whether DMSP is synthesised by a wide range of cyanobacteria.
- Study the importance of DMSP production in cyanobacteria and the environment.
There will be training in how to grow and study the physiology and biochemistry of different cyanobacterial species. Training in genetics/biochemistry will allow the identification of key DMSP synthesis genes and the role of DMSP in environmentally important cyanobacteria. Using bioinformatics and molecular ecology tools, it will be established how widespread cyanobacterial DMSP production is and the abundance/diversity of the key genes in natural marine environments. This project will help determine the role of marine cyanobacteria in the production of DMSP, a process central to sulfur biogeochemical cycling.
Organisations
Studentship Projects
| Project Reference | Relationship | Related To | Start | End | Student Name |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| BB/M011216/1 | 01/10/2015 | 31/03/2024 | |||
| 2244848 | Studentship | BB/M011216/1 | 01/10/2019 | 30/09/2023 | Keanu Walsham |
| Description | Contributed data to a novel study of dimethylsulfionoproponiate (DMSP) lyases on a novel sulfur containing compound, DMSOP, and the effect on biogeochemical cycling. Paper currently under review with Nature Microbiology ( middle author). Contributed data to a novel study identifying novel DMSP synthesis genes which greatly expand the number of organisms producing this compound and total global production of DMSP and its associated breakdown product, dimethylsulfide (DMS), which acts as a global cooling gas. Paper submitted to Nature Microbiology on 10th March (middle author). Identified and characterised a novel DMSP synthesis gene widespread in cyanobacteria and a range of heterotrophic bacteria that greatly expand the number of organisms producing this compound and total global production of DMSP (Paper submission date in 3rd quarter of 2023). |
| Exploitation Route | We have already used the preliminary data as part of a successful NERC grant. We will use this data to conduct a multiple-ocean survey of DMSP and DMS production to determine global production of these compounds and the effect on global climate. |
| Sectors | Environment |
| Description | DMSP SYNTHESIS VIA A NOVEL ENZYME IN CYANOBACTERIA AND DIVERSE BACTERIA |
| Amount | £615,011 (GBP) |
| Funding ID | NE/X014428/1 |
| Organisation | Natural Environment Research Council |
| Sector | Public |
| Country | United Kingdom |
| Start | 05/2023 |
| End | 04/2026 |