Research
Our research encompasses a diverse range of projects united by a common interest in understanding microbial systems at the molecular level. The themes below highlight our current research interests and ongoing projects.
Cofactor F420
Cofactor F420 is a key metabolic cofactor found in archaea and many bacteria. We investigate the biosynthetic and metabolic pathways associated with F420 to better understand microbial physiology, with implications for bacterial pathogenesis, secondary metabolite biosynthesis, and agricultural methane emissions.
Central Metabolism in Mycobacterium tuberculosis
Tuberculosis (TB) remains a major global health challenge. We investigate the metabolic features that enable M. tuberculosis to persist in a dormant state within the host for extended periods. This work aims to identify new drug targets and support the development of novel anti-TB agents.
Iron-Sulfur clusters
Iron is essential for microbial metabolism and pathogenicity. Our research explores the biosynthesis and function of iron-sulfur cluster cofactors, which are central to enzyme catalysis and redox sensing. Understanding these processes provides fundamental insights into microbial biology and may reveal new targets for antimicrobial development.
Microbial secondary metabolites
Microbial secondary metabolites provide a rich source of bioactive molecules and novel enzymatic activities. We combine genome mining, enzymology, biosynthetic studies, and chemical synthesis to discover new enzymes and metabolites. This research advances our understanding of microbial metabolism and provides new opportunities for antimicrobial discovery.