A non-enzymatic gluconeogenesis and fatty acid cycle
All of life’s molecules, including genetic polymers, are built up and broken down by interwoven chemical processes collectively known as metabolism. But how did life’s chemical pathways emerge before there were genetically encoded enzymes to act as catalysts? Why does biochemistry use the reactions and pathways that it does and not others? One compelling answer to these questions is that precursors to core metabolic pathways emerged as the result of spontaneous chemical processes.  Indeed, recent work from the supervisor’s lab and others has shown that much of life’s core metabolic chemistry, such as the Krebs cycle, can occur without enzymes, catalyzed by minerals and metals, to produce biochemistry’s universal building blocks. But how did these networks of pre-enzymatic chemical reactions branch out to become the biosynthetic pathways we know today? This project aims to understand the emergence of life’s anabolic pathways for the synthesis of sugars (gluconeogenesis) and fats (the fatty acid cycle), by chemically recreating them in the lab. To achieve these goals, special attention is paid to the pre-organizing and catalytic effect of mineral surfaces. The researcher will bring existing skills in homogeneous catalysis and organic chemistry, and gain new skills in analytical chemistry, heterogeneous catalysis and the chemistry of complex systems.