P116: Identification and characterization of cytochrome P450 oxidases for generation of biofuels and high value oxychemicals

The cytochrome P450s  are versatile heme-containing enzymes that can catalyze regio- and stereo-selective oxidations of complex molecules and have diverse roles in nature, including detoxification of xenobiotics, biosynthesis of eicosanoid signaling lipids, and production of antibiotics. In this study, we have used cytochrome P450 enzymes for direct in vivo production of hydrocarbon compounds (i.e. alkanes and alkenes) used as “drop-in” liquid transportation fuels and high-value oxychemicals. We will present the identification and characterization of a wide range of cytochrome P450 enzymes, including aldehyde decarbonylases, P450 peroxygenases and novel decarboxylases and metabolically engineer E. coli and S. cerevisiae with novel synthetic pathways harnessing these enzymes for hydrocarbon and oxychemical production from fermentable sugars.