Nikolas Alansson
Nikolas ALANSSON - IBS and LCBM
Thesis : Journey to understanding the Biotin Synthase Mechanism
Abstract: Biotin is an essential vitamin that is still comparatively expensive to produce industrially, requiring a 15-step synthesis. In nature, biotin synthase catalyzes the final step in biotin biosynthesis, which inserts sulfur into the thiolane ring via radical chemistry. Until now, this has been assumed to consume the protein in a suicide reaction. A newly identified biotin synthase type preserves its auxiliary FeS cluster, making this an interesting target for industrial applications. My project explores its mechanism through structural and biochemical studies, focusing on sulfur transfer and reaction intermediates. For this, I will be using structural analyses via X-ray crystallography and cryo-EM, as well as spectroscopic analyses.
"I'm Nikolas from the US Virgin Islands. During my bachelor's thesis in Bremen, Germany, I was first introduced to the fascinating world of metalloproteins. For my masters, I moved to Atlanta, Georgia to learn how to perform biomolecular simulations.
In my spare time, I love to go running and visit art installations.
Biotin synthase is a fascinating project, as it remains a black box in many ways. While it has been studied for 30 years, many details are unclear and wait to be discovered. For this project, Grenoble is a unique location, as there are experts in every structural biology method that is required to tackle this project.
After my thesis, I am considering continuing my journey through academia, preferably continuing with my research on metalloproteins."
Updated on January 29, 2025
