During her PhD studies, Nycoll S. C. Ong researched on E.coli’s carbon-phosphorus (C-P) lyase complex. Phosphorus (P) is ubiquitous in all aspects of life. When the bioavailable inorganic phosphate is limiting, microorganisms scavenge other P sources like phosphonates (Pns), which are defined by their highly stable C-P bond. Antibiotic fosfomycin and glyphosate which is better known as Roundup® are some examples of Pns. The 340 kDa heterododecameric C-P lyase complex catalyzes the conversion of a broad spectrum of Pns into corresponding hydrocarbon and inorganic phosphate that can be readily assimilated. Nycoll S. C. Ong characterized the enzyme complex in both aerobic and anaerobic setups using cryogenic electron microscopy single particle analysis. The new research findings contribute to a better understanding of how the 12 subunits of the complex work together to orchestrate the intricate multi-step biochemical reactions of Pn breakdown, considering Pn’s important role in biogeochemical cycling and methane production.

The PhD study was completed at the Department of Molecular Biology and Genetics, Faculty of Natural Sciences, Aarhus University.

This summary was prepared by the PhD student.

Time: Tuesday, 11 June 2024 at 13:00
Place: Building 1871, room 120, Auditorium Nucleus, Department of Molecular Biology and Genetics, Aarhus University, Universitetsbyen 81, 8000 Aarhus
Title of PhD thesis: Understanding the Molecular Mechanism of Escherichia coli Carbon-phosphorus Lyase Complex
Contact information: Nycoll SuiChing Ong, e-mail: nycoll-o@mbg.au.dk, tel.: +45 91655339
Members of the assessment committee:
Researcher Vincent Chaptal, Molecular Microbiology and Structural Biochemistry, CNRS, France
Group leader Yvain Nicolet, Institut de Biologie Structurale, CEA, CNRS, and University Grenoble Alpes, France
Associate Professor Christian K. Damgaard (chair), Department of Molecular Biology and Genetics, Aarhus University, Denmark
Main supervisor:
Professor Ditlev Egeskov Brodersen, Department of Molecular Biology and Genetics, Aarhus University, Denmark
Language: The PhD dissertation will be defended in English

The defence is public.

The PhD thesis is available for reading at the Graduate School of Natural Sciences/GSNS, Jens Baggesens Vej 53, building 5221, 8200 Aarhus N.