TRAP - Bacteria require adapted proteins to bind the right glycans (B02)

• Subject Area: Biochemistry ; Microbial Ecology and Applied Microbiology ; Structural Biology
• Term: since 2025
• Project identifier: Deutsche Forschungsgemeinschaft (DFG) - Project number 542264307

By investigating glycan-binding proteins on the surface of bacteria, this project investigates why some glycans can escape this trap and contribute to carbon sequestration. We hypothesize that non-catalytic glycan-binding proteins, which are the first step in glycan utilization, represent a bottleneck in substrate acquisition and therefore limit degradation. B2 TRAP aims to provide detailed insight into ligand binding and its limitations. The identification of non-binding orphans in different groups of glycans, but also of abiotic conditions that affect binding, will contribute to a better understanding of carbon fluxes in the oceans.

• DFG Programme: CRC/Transregios
• Subproject of: TRR 420: Carbon sequestration at Å resolution - CONCENTRATE
• Applicant Institution: Universität Greifswald
• Project Head: Dr. Marie-Katherin Zühlke