Exploring DDT metabolism in Tetrahymena thermophila

Studies of pesticide contaminated water sites have revealed the ability of Tetrahymena thermophila to metabolise Dichlorodiphenyltrichloroethane (DDT) with knockdown studies and microarray data suggesting a number of enzymes responsible for this metabolism; these enzymes will be the focus of this PhD project. Initial studies will focus around 5 candidate proteins; 3 cytochromes P450, 2 oxidoreductase redox partners and a short chain dehydrogenase. Studying these enzymes recombinantly will build an understanding of their function, mechanism and structure allowing us to begin to explore the potential for bioremediation or as a biomarker with a PhD student gaining skills as a protein biochemist, in enzymology, analytical chemistry and in structural biology.