Laboratory of Molecular Biology of Microorganisms

We study both basic cellular processes and mechanisms that enable bacteria to adapt to the environment, e.g. chromosome replication and the bacterial cell cycle, synthesis of secondary metabolites, response to stress, or resistance to antibiotics/active substances.

We mainly work with actinomycetes (the model strain is Streptomyces coelicolor A3(2)) and pathogenic Campylobacterales (Helicobacter pylori, Campylobacter jejuni, Arcobacter butzleri). We analyse them in the context of unique features for a given species and features common to various bacteria. We participate in interdisciplinary research involving innovative solutions in developing photodynamic therapies and the synthesis of biologically active nanoparticles.

In cooperation with the Wrocław University of Technology and the University of St. Andrew, we focus on developing and understanding the molecular mechanisms governing photoinactivation of pathogens and the exploration and understanding of new photosensitive compounds. The results of our research make it possible to describe hitherto unknown processes or mechanisms at the molecular level. However, the obtained results may be of practical importance in the future, as they concern essential physiological processes of pathogenic bacteria, synthesis of potential active substances (e.g. antibiotics) or bacterial resistance to treatment.