Understanding molecular wires involved in enhancing bacterial electricity

Bacteria that can produce electricity are being intensively researched due to their potential applications in metal recovery, desalination and enhanced fermentation. The model microorganism Geobacter sulfurreducens is one of the most efficient producers of bioelectricity, and the current production has been linked a single extABCD gene cluster. Our preliminary characterisation of the products of this gene cluster reveals that it contains 3 cytochromes with unique and distinct heme clusters. This project aims to fully understand the properties of these cytochromes through a range of structural and spectroscopic studies, with a view to better understanding how this gene cluster can support large electrical currents. The student will join an active lab with considerable expertise in the handling of these types of cytochromes, and will be trained in a range of different techniques, including protein expression and purification, UV spectroscopy, Protein film voltammetry, X-ray crystallography and Cryo-EM, as well as a range of other biochemical and biophysical techniques.

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Characterization of the inner membrane cytochrome ImcH from Geobacter reveals its importance for extracellular electron transfer and energy conservation.
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