DESCRIPTION (provided by applicant): The biosynthesis of the "non-classical" clans of the β-lactam antibiotics will be investigated. Together with the fourth, or "classical" penicillins and cephalosporins, these drugs collectively constitute >65% of the world antibiotic market and account for >$25B/yr in economic value. They remain vital mainstays of human health and longevity, but with their widespread use has come the inevitable rise of antibiotic-resistant infections. Structural modifications have slowed these effects, but there is increased reliance on the newer, non-classical families, for example, the β-lactamase inhibitor clavulanic acid and the potent, broad-spectrum carbapenems like Imipenem(r) and Meropenem,(r) inspired by the natural product thienamycin. The β-lactams are instructive examples of convergent evolution where the pathways to the four known classes exemplify remarkably different biosynthetic strategies, evolution of enzyme function to new tasks and impressive synthetic efficiency. Detailed examination of these versatile catalysts will be undertaken using tools ranging from organic synthesis to enzymology, directed evolution and protein X-ray crystallography to understand their mechanisms and structures in detail, and to explore their potential uses and targeted evolution for the chemo-enzymatic synthesis of variants that may be of practical use. A series of experimental breakthroughs has revealed unprecedented non-ribosomal peptide synthetase activities among which is the ability to synthesize the internal 4-membered ring of monocyclic β-lactam antibiotics. This understanding will guide experiments with the biosynthetically related monobactams, distinct for their terminal N-sulfonated β-lactam rings that confer the critically important property of resistance to the Class B β-lactamases (metalloproteases). Yet a fourth mechanism of β-lactam formation is likely in play and one with exciting possibilities for chemo-enzymatic synthesis. The mechanisms of the unusual oxidative enzyme carbapenem synthase and three centrally-acting methylcobalamin-dependent radical-SAM enzymes in thienamycin biosynthesis will be examined. Collaborative work toward the first crystal structure of one of the latter is underway. With an efficient fluorescent screen for β-lactam synthesis in hand, directed evolution of CarC and CarA is aimed to a new chemo-enzymatic synthesis of "complex" carbapenems. A first-rate, interdisciplinary training environment is sought for students encompassing scientific disciplines from organic synthesis and a fundamental interest in mechanism, to protein chemistry and enzymology to structural biology and protein engineering.