Understanding how cells work and respond to their environment is a fundamental aspect of biology. Research within molecular cell biology at the Department of Biology encompasses studies on both prokaryotic and eukaryotic organisms (animals in particular) and is placed in the context of genetics, physiology, biochemistry and molecular biology. Research on bacteria focuses on how microorganisms drive the global element cycles and how they interact with animals and plants. Research on various animals discloses the molecular and cellular basis for animal adaptations to their environment and behaviors.
For example, we look into the cellular and subcellular molecular mechanisms regulating energy metabolism, mitochondrial respiration and consequences for cardiovascular function in vertebrates, with focus on hypoxia tolerant species. We also study the transport of electrons in cable-bacteria over centimeter distance and work on elucidating the mechanism and the structure that allow these bacteria to perform their fascinating lifestyle. Biological aspects like these have strong impact in the biomedical field and in the field of ecology, respectively.
I am a microbial ecologist interested in the ecophysiology and evolution of microbes involved in environmental element cycling and in microbe-host interaction. My main research is currently in Electromicrobiology, with focus on how electrically conductive cable bacteria work and impact their environment; and in Microbial Symbiosis, especially in bacteria-fungi-insect interactions, their function and evolution, secondary metabolites, and chemical microenvironments in animals.
