Research

Our research explores natural product discovery, microbial interactions, biosynthetic mechanisms, and the chemical biology and ecology of natural products.

Natural Product Discovery

Our research focuses on the discovery of bioactive natural products from microbial interactions and complex ecological systems. By integrating genome mining, metabolomics, molecular biology, synthetic biology, and advanced chemical analysis, we aim to uncover previously hidden biosynthetic pathways and characterize novel small molecules with pharmaceutical and biotechnological potential. We are particularly interested in understanding how microorganisms communicate, compete, and cooperate through specialized metabolites, and how these interactions drive the production of structurally diverse and biologically active compounds. Through a multidisciplinary approach combining computational prediction with experimental validation, we seek to accelerate the identification of new antibiotics, antifungals, and other therapeutically relevant natural products.

Chemical Ecology of Natural Products

We investigate how natural products mediate interactions between microorganisms and their environments. Our research explores the chemical ecology underlying microbial communication, competition, and symbiosis, with a focus on the ecological functions and biosynthesis of specialized metabolites. By combining metabolomics, molecular biology, and analytical chemistry, we aim to uncover the molecular mechanisms that shape microbial communities and drive the production of biologically active compounds.

Biosynthesis and Enzymology of Complex Natural Products

Our research focuses on the biosynthetic pathways and enzymatic mechanisms underlying the formation of structurally complex natural products. We study how biosynthetic enzymes assemble, modify, and diversify small molecules, with particular interest in unusual catalytic reactions and pathway regulation. Through molecular biology, biochemistry, and chemical analysis, we aim to reveal the principles of natural product biosynthesis and enable the discovery and engineering of novel bioactive compounds.

Rhizosphere Microbial Interactions in Medicinal Plants

We investigate how rhizosphere microbial interactions influence the growth, health, and metabolic profiles of medicinal plants. Our research focuses on the communication between plant roots and associated microorganisms, and how these interactions affect nutrient acquisition, stress adaptation, disease resistance, and the accumulation of bioactive compounds. By combining microbiology, metabolomics, and molecular approaches, we aim to better understand the ecological mechanisms that shape medicinal plant quality and productivity.