NSF Young Investigator

Research in this laboratory deals with microorganisms that metabolize xenobiotic compounds, especially aromatic hydrocarbons. New microbial strains that have diverse capability in terms of their ability to degrade different aromatic hydrocarbons will be isolated by various enrichment culture techniques. Emphasis is on obtaining novel strains that have the ability to degrade a wide range of related compounds. The metabolic pathway(s) by which the aromatic hydrocarbon is degraded will be determined by standard biochemical assays and analytical techniques. Unique enzymes showing varied capability will be isolated and characterized. The genes involved in the pathway will be cloned and sequence. Site- directed mutagenesis will be utilized to explore the molecular basis for enzyme structure/function. The regulatory control mechanisms for the various steps of the metabolic pathway will be analyzed at the molecular level. New recombinant strains will be constructed that involve multiple genes from various sources. The goal of these genetically constructed strains is to metabolize as wide a range of compounds as possible and as efficiently as possible. Currently the laboratory is focusing on polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons, phthalate and phthalate esters, and substituted benzenes (chlorobenzene, toluene, and nitrobenzene). %%% This project on aromatic hydrocarbon degradation is environmentally important in toxic waste removal. Understanding of the complex metabolic pathway for degradation of these compounds will aid in improving biodegradability.