Secondary metabolites produced by beneficial bacteria

Lu Zhou (postdoctoral researcher) 

Pseudomonas and Bacillus strains can secrete various types of antimicrobial compounds including non-ribosomally synthesized peptides (NRPs), polyketides (PKs), terpenes, and ribosomally synthesized and post-translationally modified peptides (RiPPs) which have shown distinct capacities to inhibit pathogens. With the progress made by up-to-date nucleotide-sequencing techniques, a new age of natural products discovery has begun, greatly accelerated by the pace of genome sequencing of microorganisms. This advancement has paved the way for the effective prediction of gene clusters encoding new bioactive compounds, as well as the understanding of the underlying biosynthetic processes. My research aims to (1.) identify and characterize the novel compounds encoded by biosynthetic gene clusters (BGCs) in the genomes of Pseudomonas and Bacillus; (2.) optimize the mycins production by Pseudomonas strains via diverse engineering approaches; (3.) uncover the regulation of mycins production in Pseudomonas strains; (4.) elucidate the mechanisms between beneficial bacteria and the pathogens as well as the hosts.