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Institute of Biology - Bacterial Genetics
Institution
Section overview
Description
Accompanying the reorganization of the Department of Biology, the group 'Bacterial Genetics' headed by Professor Dr. Rainer Borriss was established in 1992. In our research profile we try to combine aspects of basic and applied research with some impact on biotechnology. From the beginning, research activities were focussed on the genetics of industrially relevant enzymes as ß-glucan hydrolases (“glucanases”) and other carbohydrate hydrolysing enzymes cloned from mesophilic and thermophilic bacteria.
Hybrid enzymes with enhanced stability were constructed from different Bacillus and Clostridium ß-glucanases. In close collaboration with the group of Prof. Udo Heinemann, MDC Berlin, the three dimensional structures of several hybrid and native Bacillus ß- glucanase were successfully solved elucidating the molecular constraints responsible for the observed enhanced stability. A bifunctional hybrid enzyme “GluXyn” combining two different enzymatic activities was also characterized on the molecular level demonstrating that stable multifunctional enzymes are feasible, if circular permutations are introduced in the jelly roll like ß-glucanase structure in which N- and C-terminus are close together.
Site directed mutagenesis was extensively applied in order to complete our present picture of the structure function relationships in Bacillus ß-glucanase permitting to identify the functional residues involved in catalysis and substrate binding in this enzyme which possess some practical importance in the malt and brewing and feed industry as well. At present we extend this approach in collaboration with the group of Dr. Neustroev, St. Petersburg, Russia, on other hemicellulases as xylanase, laminarinase and mannanase cloned from thermophilic bacteria (Thermus, Thermotoga).
A main part of our recent research is focussed on various bacterial phytases, enzymes responsible for mobilisation of phosphate from meso-inositol-hexa-phosphate. We were able to show, that Bacillus phytase can contribute to plant growth under limitation of available phosphate within the rhizosphere. Protein engineering, gene expression in heterologous systems (plants and bacteria) and factors regulating synthesis of 3-phytase in Bacillus amyloliquefaciens are also subjects of our present interest.
Our group was early involved in whole genome sequencing activities sponsored by the EU. The Bacillus subtilis genome project ends up in 1997 with the successful analysis of the whole genome of this first representative of Gram-positive bacteria. At present, we take part on a initiative of the BMBF dedicated structural and functional genomics of bacteria (“Kompetenz-Netzwerk”). The goal of our project is whole genome analysis of Bacillus amyloliquefaciens FZB42, a strain known for its growth promoting activities.
Activities
- Research
Parent institution
Contact
Institute of Biology - Bacterial Genetics
Chausseestraße 117
10115 Berlin
Berlin
Germany
Phone: +49 30 2093-8137
Fax: +49 30 2093-8127
Email: rainer.borriss(@)rz.hu-berlin.de
