Diffraction analysis of marine bioluminescence

Within the proposed experiment, we aim to collect monochromatic and anomalous crystallographic data on ligand-free and ligand-bound protein targets. First, we will focus on biocrystals of a newly discovered FYY protein (homologous to iso-penicillin N-sythase-like dioxygenase), which is a hypothetical key central enzyme for biosynthesis of a high-energy marine luciferin – coelenterazine. Moreover, we will collect date on newly identified coelenterazine-binding protein from the sea pen Pennatula phosphorea. Altogether, the gained knowledge will extend our in-depth understanding of the underlying biology and biochemistry and will bring new avenues for next generation of biocatalysts and/or drug candidates.