Caracterización de una nueva proteína hipertermófila NifB y su papel en el mecanismo de síntesis de NifB-co, precursor del grupo metálico de FeMo-co

Abstract

© This copy of the thesis has been supplied on condition that anyone who consults it is understood to recognize that its copyright rest with the author and that no quotation from the thesis, or any information derived therefrom may be published without the author's prior, written consent. II III AcknowledgmentsAs each journey, also this one has an end (Thanks goodness). Moreover I find fun and witty to compare my PhD experience as one of "Goldoni's novel", divided in two principal acts, where unlikely characters develop a plot that at first time seems overwhelmed, but at the end is concluded with a brilliant ending.In the first act, I started as "neophyte" my work experience in the laboratory with Emilio, another PhD student. Regarding our work relationship, I always thought that we were the antithesis of a "noble principle " (acid and base, electron and proton, communism and capitalism, ying and yang). Despite we argued constantly and we had many personal clashes, I have always admired his relentless tenacity, which until now remains incomparable. In the same time another two key actors have played a fundamental role at this time. The first was Carlos, a veteran post doc, with an unbridled passion for sailing and for the sea life in general. Perhaps for this passion, when we were working together, Ialways compared our lab during the endless experiments imposed by the ruthless protein purification IV protocols of NifB as a "Spanish galleon" in the middle of a storm and Carlos was the impetuous "boatswain" that shouts the orders to the crew. At the beginning I misunderstood this attitude, but nowadays I have realized that without such determination, we never have come out from the stormy tempest of such complex experiments. The second actor was Cesar, a post doc with many experiences on his shoulders and a strong capacity to be empathetic with the people around him. He always was close to me and he helped me out on my first steps in the molecular biology world.But it was in the second act, when the principal commedians of this story, group of people that maybe influenced more my scientific and personal formation, entered in the scenario. This was the "Landsknecht post docs team", so called because they were "mercenary researchers" coming from the most exotic countries (Morocco, India, US and France). In this group, there was Nasser, a perspicacious guy, from whom I learned to be attentive to the details and cautious in my decisions;Hemant, sunny and cheerful, always ready to comfort me with his maxims of Indian wisdom; Ryan, my mythical friend, pensive and precise scientist, used to communicate an idea with few good words.His ability to remain shiny and cold in the most complicated experiments has always reminded me Clint Eastwood in the movie "Inspector Callaghan". Last but perhaps most important, Simon. This "big boy", coming from the French mountains, despite his young age, from the first time has impressed me for his deep scientific maturity, combined with the passion and curiosity of a children. Not only he ...