Research
Plants produce a large diversity of small molecules, called specialized metabolites, which are an indispensable source and inspiration for bioactive compounds. Our research explores plant chemical diversity on a molecular level with two major aims: (1) Discover bioactive compounds and mechanisms, genes and enzymes for their formation, and (2) apply these discoveries towards engineering metabolite biosynthesis for One Health.
We thrive for basic, curiosity-driven science inspired by direct application.
Research in the lab includes a wide range of genomic, proteomic, metabolomic and biochemical approaches and utilizes state-of-the-art tools.
Examples of ongoing projects
Elucidating and engineering montbretin A production, a new anti-diabetes medication
The plant-derived metabolite montbretin A (MbA) is a novel and improved treatment option for type 2 diabetes, a worldwide epidemic. MbA is a complex acylated flavonoid glycoside produced in the underground bulb-like organs of the ornamental plant montbretia. Currently, MbA supply poses a challenge for drug development and application. Using synthetic biology to metabolically engineer a heterologous MbA production system presents a viable solution for the supply problem.
We aim to fully understand the production, distribution, storage and transport of this highly complex molecule to generate tools which can be utilized for pathway engineering. Two of the systems we are currently engineering are Nicotiana benthamiana and Saccharomyces cerevisiae (baker’s yeast).
Digging up hidden treasures for novel antibiotics
New antibiotics and medicines counteracting antibiotic resistance are urgently needed. However, few new antibiotic discoveries are being made from microorganisms. Plants produce hundreds of thousands of unique, structurally diverse small molecules, some of which are used as medicines. While plants are sources of some of our most important anticancer and antipain medications, their potential as sources of antibiotics has not been well investigated.
We are investigating underexplored sources, specifically below-ground bulb-like organs of plants, for novel antibiotics and compounds counteracting antibiotic resistance.
Exploring plant below ground treasures for new chemistry
Many ornamental plants grow from belowground, bulb-like organs; but so far these organs have received very little attention. We are investigating the chemical diversity of bulb-like organs with focus on bioactive metabolites as well as complex modified metabolites and the molecular mechanism of their formation. Identification of enzymatic tools for complex metabolite biosynthesis will enable us to generate new molecules and test them for bioactivity.
Our research involves
Bioactivity screening and bioactive compound identification
Transcriptomics and metabolomics
Biosynthetic pathway elucidation and enzyme characterization
Pathway reconstruction and optimization in plant and microbial host systems
Enzyme structure-function studies
Plant cell culture and transformation