Research Interests
Photosynthesis is the foundation of life on Earth. It is implemented by cyanobacteria, algae and plants to produce oxygen and organic matter by converting solar energy into chemical energy.
Our main goal is to unravel the structure and function of membrane supercomplexes within the photosynthetic machinery across various photosynthetic organisms.
We are focusing on three core areas: structural evolution, biogenesis and assembly, and applied photosynthesis.
We use cyanobacteria as a primary model system, and apply diverse methodologies, including molecular biology, biochemistry, and structural biology, to investigate how photosynthetic systems have evolved, how they are constructed at the molecular level, and how they can be optimized for applied purposes.
This integrative approach allows us to gain a comprehensive understanding of photosynthetic processes and explore innovative applications for enhancing photosynthetic efficiency.
Structural Evolution
In this area, we aim to understand how photosynthetic complexes have evolved over billions of years and adapted to different niches. We explore the differences and similarities in the photosynthetic apparatus across a range of organisms—from extremophile cyanobacteria to higher plants—to trace the evolutionary adaptations that have optimized photosynthesis for different environmental conditions. This involves comparative analyses of the structural and functional aspects of photosynthetic proteins and complexes to uncover evolutionary trajectories.
Assembly and biogenesis
This research area investigates the molecular mechanisms that govern the assembly of photosynthetic complexes within the cell. We explore the pathways and processes involved in the synthesis and integration of photosynthetic proteins into the existing cellular architecture. This includes studying assembly factors, chaperones, and scaffold proteins that assist in the correct formation and maintenance of photosynthetic supercomplexes. Understanding these processes is crucial for unraveling the complexities of cellular machinery and can lead to insights into the regulation of photosynthesis under different physiological conditions.
Applied photosynthesis
In our applied photosynthesis research, our lab focuses on enhancing the efficiency and resilience of photosynthetic machinery. We concentrate on optimizing the photosynthetic process and increasing the stability of its components under stress conditions such as drought, extreme temperatures, and high light intensity. Through genetic manipulation, we develop strategies to strengthen the structural and functional integrity of photosynthetic complexes. This includes engineering stress-resistant protein variants and enhancing cellular antioxidant systems. Our efforts advance fundamental scientific knowledge and aim to translate these discoveries into practical agricultural and biotechnological applications, potentially leading to crops with improved yields and enhanced sustainability.
