RII Track-4:NSF: Tracking assembly intermediates of the Photosystem II oxygen-evolving complex

RII Track-4：NSF：跟踪光系统 II 放氧复合物的组装中间体

• 批准号: 2131863
• 负责人: David Vinyard
• 金额: $ 15.16万
• 依托单位: Louisiana State University
• 依托单位国家: 美国
• 项目类别: Standard Grant
• 财政年份: 2022
• 资助国家: 美国
• 起止时间: 2022-02-01 至 2024-12-31
• 项目状态: 已结题
• 来源: https://www.nsf.gov/awardsearch/showAward?AWD_ID=2131863&HistoricalAwards=false
• 关键词: RII; Track; NSF; Tracking; assembly

Plants and some microbes use photosynthesis to efficiently convert solar energy to chemical energy. However, the detailed mechanisms used in natural photosynthesis are not fully understood. By learning how biology makes fuels using cheap resources (sunlight, water, proteins, abundant metals), molecular-level blueprints can be generated for catalysis strategies with industrial and energy applications. This project aims to reveal the mechanism by which manganese and calcium ions bind to a photosynthetic protein to make an active site where molecular oxygen is released when water is oxidized. Protein samples will be prepared in the PI’s home laboratory and then studied using advanced instrumentation in the Solar Energy Conversion Group at Argonne National Laboratory (ANL). The PI and one graduate student will gain hands-on experience in spectroscopic techniques. Skills learned during this fellowship will advance the development of this type of instrumentation at the home institution to increase research capabilities and provide opportunities for future students.This project aims to reveal the chemical mechanism of the assembly of the Photosystem II oxygen-evolving complex (OEC). This metallic cluster is built in situ from free manganese ions, calcium ions, and water without the use of protein transporters or scaffolds. Advanced electron paramagnetic resonance (EPR) spectroscopy tools available at ANL will be used to characterize protein samples prepared to mimic various stages of OEC assembly. The hosts at ANL will provide facility access, training, technical expertise, and assistance with data analysis. Through this work, new insights into the mechanism of OEC assembly will be produced and a new collaboration between the PI and hosts at ANL will be established. The skills and knowledge in advanced EPR methods gained by the PI will be used to improve the research infrastructure in Louisiana.This award reflects NSF's statutory mission and has been deemed worthy of support through evaluation using the Foundation's intellectual merit and broader impacts review criteria.

植物和一些微生物利用光合作用有效地将太阳能转化为化学能，但是，通过了解生物学如何利用廉价资源（阳光、水、蛋白质、丰富的金属）、分子来制造燃料，人们尚未完全了解自然光合作用的详细机制。该项目旨在揭示锰离子和钙离子与光合蛋白质结合形成活性位点并释放分子氧的机制。蛋白质样品将在 PI 的家庭实验室中制备，然后使用阿贡国家实验室 (ANL) 太阳能转换小组的先进仪器进行研究。PI 和一名研究生将获得光谱技术的实践经验。在此奖学金期间学到的技能将促进所在机构此类仪器的开发，以提高研究能力并为未来的学生提供机会。该项目旨在揭示光系统 II 析氧复合物组装的化学机制(OEC)。这种金属簇是由游离锰离子、钙离子和水原位构建的，无需使用蛋白质转运蛋白或支架，ANL 提供的先进电子顺磁共振 (EPR) 光谱工具将用于表征制备的蛋白质样品。模仿 OEC 组装的各个阶段，ANL 的主办方将提供设施使用、培训、技术专业知识和数据分析帮助，将产生对 OEC 组装机制的新见解，并在 PI 之间建立新的合作。 PI 获得的先进 EPR 方法的技能和知识将用于改善路易斯安那州的研究基础设施。该奖项是 NSF 的法定使命，并通过使用基金会的智力价值进行评估，被认为值得支持。以及更广泛的影响审查标准。