Molecular Evolution of specialized metabolism
Our group combines classical biochemistry, metabolomics, molecular biology and molecular evolution to decode how evolution works at the molecular and biochemical level. The current projects focus on saponins as potential bio-pesticides for sustainable agriculture to substitute synthetic pesticides (EcoSap), having both a basic science angle, a link to the Green Transition, and environmental impact (SapFate).
The projects bring together research groups within plant biochemistry, membrane biophysics, environmental chemistry, ecotoxicology, and microbial interactions in soil. We are also developing Chenopodium album (goosefoot) from a common widespread saponin-containing weed to a nutritious high protein crop for food security (Crop for the Future).
- Evolution of triterpenoid saponin biosynthetic pathways
- How triterpenoid saponin structural diversity impacts ecological function
- The potential of saponins as biopesticides in the Green Transition
- Mode of action of saponins on membranes and ecotoxicology markers
- Application of triterpenoid saponins as pharmaceuticals or biopesticides via metabolic engineering of plants, in vitro cell cultures, and yeast cells
- Saponins and development of new crops from weeds
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For students wishing to work within these topics,. M.Sc. and B.Sc. projects are currently available. Please contact Søren at bak@plen.ku.dk or Pablo at pdcardenas@plen.ku.dk
Group members
| Name | Title | Phone | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Jan Günther | Postdoc | +4535330601 | |
| Jincheng Shen | Enrolled PhD Student | +4535321078 | |
| Malboro Dervishi | PhD Fellow | +4535329391 | |
| Niels Agerbirk | Associate Professor | +4535333723 | |
| Pablo D. Cárdenas | Assistant Professor | +4535333289 | |
| Rajeswari Gopal Geetha | Postdoc | +4535334544 | |
| Søren Bak | Professor | +4535333346 |
