Objetivo "FUEL-PATH aims at providing new knowledge on plant cell wall and innovative biotechnological solutions for biomass utilization. A key process for biomass utilization is the initial degradation of cell walls into fermentable sugars (saccharification); this is hindered by the wall recalcitrance to hydrolysis. We propose to improve the plant saccharification characteristics by mimicking a strategy successfully used by phytopathogenic microorganisms. These produce pectic enzymes before other cell wall-degrading enzymes (CWDEs) to weaken the linkages between the wall components and favour the maceration of the plant tissue. Homogalacturonan (HGA), a major component of pectin, is synthesized in a methylated form and is de-esterified in the wall by methylesterases (PMEs). De-esterified HGA interacts with calcium to form ""egg-box"" structures, which are critical for maintaining the integrity of the entire wall. We propose to improve saccharification by expression in plants of microbial polygalacturonases (PGs) hydrolizing HGA. Plants expressing a fungal PG have reduced levels of HGA and enhanced saccharification (unpublished preliminary data). Since PG activity in pianta affects normal growth, a technology of enzyme control through the use of specific protein inhibitors will be developed. A second strategy to be adopted for weakening the ""egg-box"" is the overexpression of PME inhibitors. This may cause not only an increased degradability but also an enhanced biomass production. FUEL-PATH will provide detailed information on the structure, function and construction of tailor-made enzymes and inhibitors suitable for the saccharification process. FUEL-PATH will also address the relationship between pectin composition and developmental responses mediated by hormones in PG-expressing plants. A genetic screen will be performed to isolate genes involved growth defects and increased cell wall degradability and these will be characterized for a possible biotechnological use." Ámbito científico natural scienceschemical sciencesinorganic chemistryalkaline earth metalsnatural sciencesbiological sciencesmicrobiologyengineering and technologyindustrial biotechnologybiomaterialsbiofuelsnatural sciencesbiological sciencesbiochemistrybiomoleculesproteinsenzymesagricultural sciencesagricultural biotechnologybiomass Palabras clave biofuel enzymes pectin phytopathogens plant cell wall saccharification Programa(s) FP7-IDEAS-ERC - Specific programme: "Ideas" implementing the Seventh Framework Programme of the European Community for research, technological development and demonstration activities (2007 to 2013) Tema(s) ERC-AG-LS9 - ERC Advanced Grant - Applied life sciences and biotechnology Convocatoria de propuestas ERC-2008-AdG Consulte otros proyectos de esta convocatoria Régimen de financiación ERC-AG - ERC Advanced Grant Institución de acogida UNIVERSITA DEGLI STUDI DI ROMA LA SAPIENZA Aportación de la UE € 2 099 600,00 Dirección Piazzale Aldo Moro 5 00185 Roma Italia Ver en el mapa Región Centro (IT) Lazio Roma Tipo de actividad Higher or Secondary Education Establishments Contacto administrativo Simone Ferrari (Dr.) Investigador principal Felice Cervone (Prof.) Enlaces Contactar con la organización Opens in new window Sitio web Opens in new window Coste total Sin datos Beneficiarios (1) Ordenar alfabéticamente Ordenar por aportación de la UE Ampliar todo Contraer todo UNIVERSITA DEGLI STUDI DI ROMA LA SAPIENZA Italia Aportación de la UE € 2 099 600,00 Dirección Piazzale Aldo Moro 5 00185 Roma Ver en el mapa Región Centro (IT) Lazio Roma Tipo de actividad Higher or Secondary Education Establishments Contacto administrativo Simone Ferrari (Dr.) Investigador principal Felice Cervone (Prof.) Enlaces Contactar con la organización Opens in new window Sitio web Opens in new window Coste total Sin datos