Bacterial membrane vesicles are frequently observed in cultures of Gram-negative bacteria and are known to activate the host immune response during infection. While host-pathogen interactions have been extensively studied, relatively little is known about vesicle biogenesis, their metabolic properties, and their relationship to cellular metabolism.

Our current research focuses on the formation and composition of membrane vesicles of the opportunistic pathogen Pseudomonas aeruginosa, and their implications for cellular metabolism.

Picture by Gabriella Molinari/HZI

Our research focuses on understanding the stress response and uncovering novel metabolic pathways in thermophilic and methanogenic archaeal model organisms, particularly thermoacidophilic Sulfolobales such as Saccharolobus solfataricus and Sulfolobus acidocaldarius. These organisms thrive in extreme environments and utilize a broad range of substrates.

Using stable isotope labeling, we investigate their metabolism on both defined and complex substrates, with a particular focus on the utilization and metabolic fate of sugars such as mannose and fructose in collaboration with Prof. Dr. Bettina Siebers (University Duisburg-Essen).

Microorganisms play an important role in the functioning of aquatic ecosystems, being crucial to nutrient recycling. Our research focuses on metabolic networks and adaptation mechanisms of aquatic model organisms like Phaeobacter inhibens or Aromatoleum aromaticum. We combine metabolomic and transciptomic analyses with metabolic modelling and stable isotope labelling experiments to cover novel pathways, assign gene functions and regulation mechanisms.

Clostridioides dfficile is a major nosocomial pathogen, associated with a broad spectrum of diseases which are characterized by high levels of recurrence and mortality. Its highly versatile and adaptive metabolism strongly contributes to its ecological persistence and success as a pathogen. We combine multi-omics technologies and metabolic modelling to unravel stress responses of C. difficile, central metabolic pathways and their interconnection to virulence, both in vitro and in vivo.

A key challenge in metabolism studies is making the seemingly invisible visible. Therefore, our goal is to continuously question and improve traditional techniques, as well as develop innovative analytical approaches that are ideally suited to the specific experimental setups, biological matrices, and target metabolites. To achieve this, we utilize state-of-the-art LC- and GC-MS-based techniques to identify various important metabolites and metabolic pathways, which enhances our understanding of complex biological processes.