Modelling the Biochemistry of Terpene Synthases

ongoing

ModBioTerp aims to train 10 exceptional candidates in biochemistry, AI-guided enzyme modeling, laboratory-directed evolution, and synthetic biology. The focus of this project is on the natural product class of terpenoids, which are the largest and most chemically diverse class of natural products and hold immense potential for biotechnological applications. With the latest EU policy on critical technologies from September 2023, which includes biotechnology and specifically mentions synthetic biology, ModBioTerp is well-poised to address these challenges. Terpene synthases (TPSs) are the enzymes responsible for generating the structural diversity found among terpenoid natural products. These elegant enzymes mediate complex carbocation-based cyclization and rearrangement cascades with various electron-rich linear and cyclic substrates. Terpenes are abundant in plants, bacteria, and fungi, and also form the basis of all life through sterols and other very basic metabolites. The biochemistry of terpene synthases is at the core of ModBioTerp with the focus on the challenge of translating a given enzyme model into the understanding of the product profiles of terpene synthases and providing a strong product prediction tool based on the enzyme models developed. The project will explore and exploit the chemical and biological diversity of terpenoids and develop a new fundamental biochemical understanding of these enzymes, ensuring the technological leadership of Europe. With this project, we will unlock the vast potential of terpenoids and lead the way toward sustainable and innovative biotechnological solutions. In ModBioTerp 10 Doctoral candidates (DCs) will spend their research and training time in academic and industrial groups, that are global leaders in the field of terpenoid biochemistry and enzyme modeling. All DCs will also spend time with secondment partners to learn new techniques and be immersed in different scientific environments.