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Carbon sequestration in Synechococcus Sp.: from molecular machines to hierarchical modeling
Grant S Heffelfinger1, Anthony Martino, Andrey Gorin
1Sandia National Laboratories, Building 701/2101, MS-0885, 1515 Eubank SE, Albuquerque, NM 87123, USA. gsheffe@sandia.gov
Omics : a Journal of Integrative Biology
|March 11, 2003
Summary
This project uses computational and experimental methods to understand carbon sequestration in marine cyanobacteria Synechococcus Sp. The goal is to improve our understanding of the global carbon cycle and oceanic CO2 uptake.
Area of Science:
- Microbiology and Computational Biology
- Oceanography and Environmental Science
- Genomics and Systems Biology
Background:
- The U.S. Department of Energy's Genomes to Life (GTL) Program aims for a comprehensive understanding of life.
- Marine cyanobacteria like Synechococcus Sp. are crucial to the global carbon cycle, but their carbon fixation mechanisms are poorly understood.
- Oceanic CO2 sinks and sources are vital for understanding global environmental responses to anthropogenic CO2 inputs.
Purpose of the Study:
- To elucidate the biochemical mechanisms of carbon sequestration in Synechococcus Sp. using integrated experimental and computational approaches.
- To develop and apply novel computational tools for analyzing biological data and inferring regulatory pathways.
- To achieve a systems-level understanding of how Synechococcus Sp. genome influences carbon fixation at a global scale.
Main Methods:
- Experimental investigation focusing on protein interactions, complex characterization, and new data measurement methods.
- Computational biology efforts including molecular simulations, knowledge discovery, and pathway inference.
- Development of computational infrastructure to support high-throughput data analysis and modeling.
Main Results:
- The project aims to provide experimental data to drive computational efforts, focusing on protein partners and binding domains.
- Development of novel capabilities for inferring microbial regulatory pathways by integrating diverse data sources.
- Application of tools for capturing carbon fixation behavior at multiple resolutions for systems-level understanding.
Conclusions:
- This project will advance the understanding of carbon sequestration in marine microorganisms.
- The developed computational tools and infrastructure will support the broader Genomes to Life program.
- Improved knowledge of Synechococcus Sp. carbon fixation can inform global environmental strategies.