Sulfolobus solfataricus is an organism optimally growing at high temperatures (80° C) and low pH (2-4). Up till now, Sulfolobus species have been isolated from all over the world where terrestrial acid geothermal hot springs are found containing elemental sulfur, such as in Yellowstone National Parc (USA). In these ecosystems the organism plays a dominant role displaying a large versatility in carbon source usage and other adaptative mechanisms. This is also reflected in the relatively large genome of Sulfolobus (3 Mb) that was recently sequenced. Interestingly many extrachromosomal elements are known for this species, among which plasmids and viruses. These have led to the first generation genetic tools for recombinant techniques. Aim of project
The aim of research is twofold: (i) To improve current vector systems based on SSV viruses (ii) and to explore the genetic toolbox of Sulfolobus in the search for industrially and scientifically interesting enzymes |
