Our Research
Cofactor F420
Cofactor F420 is essential in the metabolism of archaea and a wide range of bacteria. We investigate the role of the F420 biosynthetic and metabolic pathways in microbial biochemistry and physiology. This line of research has implications in understanding pathogenesis of M. tuberculosis and agricultural methane emissions.
Central Metabolism in M. tuberculosis
Tuberculosis (TB) is a leading cause of death globally, accounting for ~1.5 million deaths each year. The success of the M. tuberculosis as a pathogen lies in its ability to survive in a dormant state within host cells for several decades, awaiting the right moment to “wake up”. We investigate essential metabolic features that enable M. tuberculosis to persist under such conditions, with the ultimate goal of developing inhibitors as potential antitubercular agents.
Iron Metabolism
Iron is essential for microbial metabolism and pathogenicity. We are interested in the biogenesis and use of iron-sulfur cluster cofactors. These clusters play critical roles in enzyme catalysis and redox sensing. This research enables us to better understand microbial metabolism and identify novel therapeutic targets against pathogenic bacteria.
Microbial Secondary Metabolites
Microbial secondary metabolites provide a rich and diverse source of bioactive molecules. We aim to discover secondary metabolites with antimicrobial properties. Our multidisciplinary research combines genome mining, chemical synthesis, and biosynthetic pathways to develop innovative strategies for combating antimicrobial resistance.