We use single particle cryo-EM and biochemical assays to understand the mechanisms of the enzymatic reactions involved in the biosynthesis of the main photosynthetic pigment, chlorophyll, and other tetrapyrroles. Our main focus is on magnesium chelatase and chlorophyll synthase, as well as other enzymes from the pathway and their homologs, using cyanobacteria as the main model organism in our studies. Collaborations: Roman Sobotka’s group (Centre Algatech, Třeboň), Andy Hitchcock’s group (University of Sheffield).

See our structure of the motor of cyanobacterial magnesium chelatase

We are also interested in the molecular mechanisms of cyanobacterial carbon metabolism, particularly glycogen degradation, which is essential for cell survival under stressful conditions. In collaboration with Sofia Doello’s group (University of Tübingen), we elucidate the structures of glycogen-catabolising enzymes by cryo-EM and explain the mechanisms by which they are regulated.

See our study on the structure of glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase

ATP-binding cassette (ABC) transporters are a large family of proteins that are involved in the active transport of substances across cellular membranes. We are interested in the structure and mechanisms of cyanobacterial ABC transporters that facilitate the export of cell envelope components, drugs and other chemicals.

See our review on cyanobacterial ABC transporters and review on cryo-EM of ABC transporters