Enabling rational design of biodesulfurization: biochemical and structural characterization of dibenzothiophene monooxygenase

The long-term objective of this work is to enable effective engineering of the Rhodococcus erythropolis biodesulfurization pathway. We will begin our study of the catalytic mechanism of dibenzothiophene monooxygenase (DszC) by characterizing the functional roles of specific active site residues of DszC by site-directed mutagenesis, biochemical characterization, and X-ray crystallography. Successful identification of active site residue functions will enable rational design of DszC to alter and expand its substrate-binding preferences. This work will begin to lay the foundation for the rational design of DszC and biotechnological development of the Class D FMOs.