Interactions of bacteria with plants
Microbiology
Many bacteria produce small diffusible signal molecules to co-ordinate expression of particular phenotypic traits, a phenomenon known as quorum sensing (QS). Often the regulated functions are involved in the pathogenesis or symbiosis of the bacteria. Hence, QS not only enables bacteria to communicate with each other but also provides an interface for interactions with their eukaryotic hosts. Our main interest is to unravel the molecular mechanisms underlying QS in members of the genus Burkholderia and to understand the role of QS for the ecology of the organisms in their natural habitats, particularly for pathogenic or symbiotic interactions with plants.
Inhibition of quorum sensing was shown to represent a highly attractive option for the treatment of bacterial infections in humans. Using genetic and biochemical tools we have developed a high throughput screen to identify respective drug candidates. The main focus of this line of research is in the detection of compounds in vegetables, spices and plants.
Research topics
Quorum sensing in bacteria
Bacteria-plant interactions
Burkholderia diversity
Plant-derived QS blocker
Interdisciplinary
Functional genomics
Secondary metabolites Infection models
Bacteria-host interactions
