Biochemical and genetic analyses on enzymes involved in central carbon metabolism in the hyperthermophilic archaeon, Thermococcus kodakaraensis

Abstract

Here we describe recent progress in our genetic system with the hyperthermophilic archaeon, Thermococcus kodakaraensis. We have developed a system that allows us to disrupt genes in a specific manner, which is the first of its kind in hyperthermophiles. This has been utilized to examine the functions of specific enzymes/genes in vivo. An example is described that identifies the physiologically relevant fructose 1,6-bisphosphatase. The gene disruption system has recently been improved, and it is now possible to isolate strains with multiple gene disruptions. As gene insertion can also be performed with this system, the technology described here provides new alternatives in future examination and application of hyperthermophiles.