The role of phosphorus redox chemistry in biology remains poorly understood. It has only recently been demonstrated that phosphite (HPO32-) can act as an electron donor for energy metabolism in a process known as dissimilatory phosphite oxidation (DPO).
To date, the only known organism able to carry out this process is the bacterium Desulfotignum phosphitoxidans, strain FiPS-3. The aims of this project are to elucidate the biochemical pathways and genes involved in DPO as well as to broaden our understanding of the microorganisms responsible for this process in the environment.
Using FiPS-3 as a model organism, we are employing physiological, omics and genetic tools in order to delve into the mechanistic underpinnings of the metabolism. We are also working with environmental enrichments in order to characterize the microbial communities involved and to isolate new phosphite oxidizers for further study.
