Laboratory of Antibiotic Resistance and Microbial Metabolomics

Kamenik & Balikova Novotna Lab

BIOLOGY AND CHEMISTRY OF MICROORGANISMS

Research Focus

Our main area of focus is on the metabolites produced by various microorganisms, investigating their biosynthesis and functions. With two teams located in the Krč campus in Prague and in Biocev in Vestec, we are deepening our understanding of the microbial world through rigorous research and collaboration. Join us in exploring the exciting world of microorganisms!

Biosynthesis

Microorganisms produce a broad spectrum of remarkable metabolites that we utilize as antibiotics, immunosuppressants, or anticancer drugs.  We work on uncovering their biosynthesis, i.e., how bacteria make these complex molecules. Using state-of-the-art techniques of genetic engineering, enzymology, organic synthesis, and analytical chemistry, we aim to come up with novel more efficient antibiotics or other drug-leads.

Metabolomics

We have set up a platform for metabolomics, which aims to characterize a complex picture of small organic molecules in a sample. Together with information from other OMICs approaches, it enhances our understanding of living systems. Our strategy is based on recently developed computational tools and mass spectrometry technique, employing the recently acquired state-of-the-art TimsTOF instrument with ion mobility.

Resistance to Antibiotics

Resistance to current antibiotics is becoming global public health threat. We collaborate with Czech hospitals to get insight into one of the most problematic resistance mechanisms: methylation of ribosome. This research also revealed how microorganisms communicate with each other using natural antibiotics.

CluSeek

Genome mining tool to identify and analyze gene clusters in prokaryotes

Students

Join our team of experts. We offer variety of bachelor, masters and PhD theses.

Explore our Work

Institue of Microbiology

Institute of Microbiology, CAS
Vídeňská 1083, 142 20 Prague 4 - Krč
The Czech Republic

BIOCEV

Institute of Microbiology, CAS
Průmyslová 595, 252 50 Vestec
The Czech Republic

Contact Us

lab111@biomed.cas.cz
+420 241 062 371

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