Further research interests

Exploiting underexplored translation inhibitors and combinations thereof

The bacterial ribosome is a hot spot for the action of many successful antibiotics. However, not all promising binding sites at the ribosome are therapeutically exploited. The aim of the project is to characterize and optimize underexplored protein synthesis inhibitors and to evaluate their synergistic potential.

Isolation of new unique natural compounds from unknown actinomycetes (NAbaUnAk)

Actinomycetes are the most versatile antibiotic producers as they synthesize two-thirds of all known natural antibiotics. Sampling of unique biotopes turned out to be an efficient way to isolate unknown actinomycetes that potentially produce novel natural compounds. Indonesia is one of the most species-rich countries in the world. This biodiversity might also be reflected by a microbial species diversity. Thus, especially Indonesian soils should serve as an excellent source for unknown actinomycetes strains that may produce novel antimicrobial compounds. Our aim is to isolate novel natural compounds from Indonesian actinomycetes and investigate their potential as new anti-infective drug leads.

Generation of novel and resistance-breaking agents by mutasynthesis approaches (BWST_WSF-035)

In a joint project with AG Stegmann and Dr. Youn (University Stuttgart) funded by the Baden-Württemberg Stiftung we aim to generate novel, resistance-breaking antibiotics by mutasynthesis approaches. Focus of the study are two groups of natural compounds (glycopeptides and streptogramins), which are used as antibiotics of last resort in medical therapy. We aim to optimize both antibiotic groups by altering the biologically relevant phenylglycine-residues of the compounds with the help of mutasynthesis approaches. The generated glycopeptide and streptogramin derivatives shall have improved antibiotic activities and resistance-breaking characteristics.