Metabolism

Observing a nearly unlimited biosynthetic diversity and capacity to be exploited through combination and new design of individual enzymes.

Scientists in this research area are working e.g. on the identification of new and non-ribosomal peptide synthetases, their structural characterization, and new combinations in so-called assembly lines facilitating the synthesis of new peptide-born antibiotics and other bioactive compounds. Using mathematical modeling of the involved enzymatic reactions networks, accompanied by optimizing parameters and read-outs of test assays, the flow of precursors and metabolites shall be pushed towards optimal productivity. Another goal is to explore the elaborated biosynthesis of Fe/S-proteins in different biological systems in order to decode the efficient and controlled synthesis of such amazing cellular catalysts. Finally, experimental recreation of an essential metabolic pathway of Plasmodium is envisioned to serve for finding or synthezising new malaria antagonists.