Structure/function relationships of glycogen branching enzymes
PhD ceremony: Ms. M. Palomo Reixach, 14.45 uur, Academiegebouw, Broerstraat 5, Groningen
Title: Structure/function relationships of glycogen branching enzymes
Promotor(s): prof. L. Dijkhuizen, prof. M.J.E.C. van der Maarel
Faculty: Mathematics and Natural Sciences
The new findings described in the thesis of Marta Palomo (which led to a patent application) are particularly valuable for understanding how glycogen is made and are important for developing new types of branched α -glucan polymers.
Glycogen is the major carbon and energy reserve polymer in cells of many animals and microorganisms. Lately glycogen has also been linked to several physiological processes such as cell differentiation, environmental survival, biofilm formation and virulence. One of the key enzymes involved in glycogen biosynthesis is glycogen branching enzyme (GBE) which catalyzes the formation of the α -1,6 branching points. The degree of branching and the length of the side-chains determine the physicochemical properties of the polysaccharides made. GBEs therefore hold great potential for new applications in the starch-related industry, with claims for GBE modified starch products in different areas, from bakery to paper coating.
Most GBEs belong to Glycoside Hydrolase family 13 (GH13) but recently they were also found in Glycoside Hydrolase family 57 (GH57). Palomo describes in her thesis the biochemical and structural analysis of GBEs from the GH13 and GH57 families. The functions of the different protein domains have been elucidated for both families of GBEs, and the identity of amino acid residues important for enzyme activity has been determined. Moreover, the first 3D structure of a GH57 GBE protein has been elucidated in collaboration with other researchers of the department Biophysical Chemistry.
Last modified: | 13 March 2020 01.10 a.m. |
More news
-
14 May 2025
Darker Zernike Day – Explore the effects of Light Pollution
In the afternoon of May 24th 2025, Zernike Campus will host its first ever Darker Zernike Day, in collaboration with the Interreg North Sea project Darker Sky . The event will bring awareness to the increasing light pollution in the Netherlands and...
-
13 May 2025
PFAS: breaking down the forever chemicals
PFAS accumulates in the environment, and is harmful for humans and animals. Biochemist Clemens Mayer and PhD student Suzanne Jansen are working on enzymes that can break down PFAS.
-
06 May 2025
Overcoming grid congestion: ‘Making better use of what we already have’
Grid congestion poses a major problem. There is little to no capacity to connect new households and businesses to the power grid and it risks halting the energy transition. Michele Cucuzzella, Associate Professor of Energy Systems & Nonlinear...