Bacterial Hexose Formation: Sugar conversions, one-carbon fixation and the accumulation of sugar-derived products in Escherichia coli

ApplicationsGenetically engineered E. coli which converts pentoses into hexoses, via capture ofone-carbon compounds (e.g., CO2, CH3OH, etc.). The microorganismaccumulates that hexose and makes it available to metabolism into products ofinterest, such as commodity chemicals and rare/unnatural sugars. Seeking partnerships leading toengineering these strains to produce fermentation products of interest tocommercial partners ProblemsAddressed    (benefits/advantages)Glucose is the primarycurrency of energy for much of life. Plant, bacterial and mammalian cells haveevolved highly efficient biochemical pathways to oxidize glucose, not only togenerate energy but also to synthesize precursor molecules used as the buildingblocks of cellular materials. Many cells have also devised mechanisms to storeglucose in different forms: plants generate starch and cellulose, while manyeukaryotic cells accumulate glycogen. In addition to precursor molecules andstorage products, structurally diverse compounds are derived from glucose andother monosaccharides; for example, glycosylation of small molecules andproteins provides unique cellular functionalities. Promoting hexoseaccumulation beyond natural levels constitutes an opportunity for betterunderstanding of monosaccharide interconversions, and as a platform for thegeneration – in much higher yields -  ofimportant products derived from these intermediate hexoses. Theaccumulation of hexoses directly from pentoses might advance the use oflignocellulosic hydrolysates with organisms such as Saccharomyces cerevisiaewhich metabolize D-glucose readily but are natively unable to consume pentoses.

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