Methyl group transfer in biological pathways via the 22nd proteinogenic amino acid pyrrolysine (A10*)

• Subject Area: Biological and Biomimetic Chemistry
• Term: from 2015 to 2019
• Project identifier: Deutsche Forschungsgemeinschaft (DFG) - Project number 27112786

The 22nd amino acid pyrrolysin constitutes the catalytic centre of methyltransferases in the small archaeal family of Methanosarcinaceae. In this system, methyl group transfer from mono-, di- or triethylamine substrates is achieved without the need for an additional cofactor. In the upcoming funding period, the structure and function of proteins required for methylotrophic methanogenesis will be analysed. The main goal of this project will be to obtain novel insights into the development of a nitrogen metabolism which is dynamically and mechanistically dependent on the substrates trimethylamine and glycine betaine.

• DFG Programme: Collaborative Research Centres
• Subproject of: SFB 749: Dynamics and Intermediates of Molecular Transformations
• Applicant Institution: Ludwig-Maximilians-Universität München
• Co-Applicant Institution: Technische Universität München (TUM)
• Project Head: Professor Dr. Michael Groll