Bacterial Genetics
Off the beaten track: “In our lab we are taking Bacterial Genetics research off the beaten track, in search for new fundamental insights and occasionally new applications; I feel privileged to participate in this exciting journey of surprise and discovery.”
Projects
Extremophile Metabolism
CRISPR-Cas Biology & Engineering
Bacteria and archaea are constantly exposed to a diversity of mobile genetic elements, such as viral DNA and (conjugative) plasmids.
Bacterial Cell Factories
The research aims to use bacteria to produce biobased chemicals from renewable resources. The focus lies on thermophilic Gram-positives as production platforms.
Microbial Synthetic Metabolism
Recent advances in genetic engineering and synthetic biology provide exciting opportunities to rewire the metabolic networks of microbial cells. By modifying metabolic pathways in microbial cells we are engineering cell factories to support the next-generation sustainable biotech processes. In our view, a key advancement for future sustainable, biobased production is the use of truly scalable and renewable feedstocks: carbon obtained from (atmospheric) carbon dioxide in combination with simple molecular energy carriers generated with renewable electricity (hydrogen, formate and methanol). To realize and optimize efficient one-carbon assimilation pathways in several microbial hosts, we use modularization, laboratory evolution and state-of-the-art genome editing technologies, including CRISPR-Cas and MAGE.
Editing & Evolution
Many novel defence systems have been discovered in genomes of bacteria and archaea. Since 2005, research has focused on CRISPR-Cas and Argonautes. By using small nucleotide guides, both systems are best known for their role in defense against mobile genetic elements, including viruses and plasmids. In addition, however, some variants of these systems have other functions, including regulation of gene expression and attack of eukaryotic cells. Apart from fundamental analysis of the mechanism and the evolution of these fascinating variations, the guide-dependent, easily tunable targeting specificity has allowed for the development of many applications, ranging from precision genome editing in both prokaryotic and eukaryotic cells, to the development of state-of-the-art diagnostics. Several ongoing projects focus on developing tools for optimizing these nucleases, by combining rational design with laboratory evolution strategies.
Molecular Function Intestinal Microbes