Our Research Focus
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Microbial communities are ruthless battlegrounds where organisms constantly vie for scarce resources and space. To secure their survival, successful members have evolved sophisticated strategies over time. One key strategy in microbial interactions is Quorum Sensing (QS), where bacteria produce and detect low-molecular-weight signaling molecules, like N-Acyl homoserine lactones (AHLs), to coordinate behaviors such as biofilm formation and virulence.
At our lab, we delve into the fascinating world of microbial communication and disruption. We study enzymes that can degrade QS molecules, thereby disrupting microbial chemical-based communication mechanisms essential for survival, virulence, biofilm production, and more. A family of such enzymes, known as lactonases, is capable of hydrolyzing bacterial AHL-based QS molecules. Recently, we demonstrated that bacterial lactonases can also degrade fungal lactone-based mycotoxins, resulting in virulence inhibition. This showcases the cross-kingdom reactivity of these bacterial enzymes.
Our research focuses on understanding the sequence and structural components that enable microbial enzymes to interact with signaling molecules and secondary metabolites, linking it to cell-to-cell microbial interactions in various environments. Furthermore, we study enzyme evolution and environmental microbiology to provide valuable insights into how enzymes adapt to their environment and evolve new functions. For instance, our research on quorum-quenching enzymes has shown how these enzymes can disrupt microbial communication, offering potential strategies for antimicrobial treatments.
We are also at the forefront of implementing protein engineering and synthetic biology to harness catalytic efficiency and develop innovative solutions for challenges in health, food, agriculture, and the environment. We design tailor-made enzymes with improved characteristics that can be used in various applications, from antimicrobial treatments to creating sustainable methods for pollutant degradation such as organophosphates and plastic polymers.
We have open positions for MSc, PhD
and Post-Docs
Why Join Us?
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Innovative Research: Be part of groundbreaking studies that explore microbial interactions and enzyme evolution.
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Interdisciplinary Approach: Work at the intersection of microbiology, biochemistry, and synthetic biology.
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Real-World Impact: Contribute to developing solutions for pressing global challenges in health, agriculture, and the environment.
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Collaborative Environment: Join a team of passionate researchers dedicated to advancing science and technology.
