Human Microbiome

The human microbiota influences physiology, therapeutic responses, and disease states. Many of these effects are mediated by small molecule metabolites, but determining functions of these small molecule mediators is challenging due to the complex metabolic pathways. In this project we are looking at the biosynthetic machinery of complex and biologically important natural products of the microbiome. A focus is on the cytotoxin colibactin produced by certain strains of E. coli. Approaches toward the discovery of novel natural products is being pursued using genome mining methodology. The work includes mechanistic enzymology, structure-based small molecule modulators and engineered biosynthesis.