Iraes wrote a very concise and clear review on

Metabolism at Evolutionary Optimal States

Abstract

Metabolism is generally required for cellular maintenance and for the generation of offspring under conditions that support growth. The rates, yields (efficiencies), adaptation time and robustness of metabolism are therefore key determinants of cellular fitness. For biotechnological applications and our understanding of the evolution of metabolism, it is necessary to figure out how the functional system properties of metabolism can be optimized, via adjustments of the kinetics and expression of enzymes, and by rewiring metabolism. The trade-offs that can occur during such optimizations then indicate fundamental limits to evolutionary innovations and bioengineering. In this paper, we review several theoretical and experimental findings about mechanisms for metabolic optimization.

 

Biogenesis, maintenance and dynamics of glycosomes in trypanosomatid parasites

Highlights

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Glycosomes are specialized peroxisomes in protists of the taxon Kinetoplastea

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Glycosomes compartmentalize enzymes of glycolysis and some other metabolic processes

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Compartmentation compensates for a lack of feedback regulation of glycolytic enzymes

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Glycosome turnover and dynamics play important roles in remodelling of metabolism

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A glycosome-targeted phosphatase participates in lifecycle differentiation signalling

Our lab has been rather successful lately with grants. Frank obtained a new EraSysApp grant for yeast systems biology (PD for 2 years), Bas got a STW proposal funded (1 PhD still open) for developing methods to select for product yield using our water-in-oil emulsion system (see Bachmann PNAS 2013).

Bas is still looking for a postdoc (up to 4 years) with experience in biophysics/microfluidics for his VICI project.

Coco van Boxtel wins the NWO-STAR Master student competition (together with three others) for her proposal on scheduling antibiotic drugs to fight microbial infections. STAR is an initiative of NWO, the Dutch funding agency, from which our Institute (AIMMS) obtained a grant to support 4 PhD projects on antimicrobial research.

four of us (Frank, Bas, Johan and Coco) have visited the lab of Eric van Nimwegen in Basel to see the “Mother Machine” in action and to discuss single-cell growth, regulation of gene expression and many more things. Very useful and enjoyable!