Metabolic Extremes

Contemporary extremophilic microorganisms are the ancestors of the first living cells, which emerged during the Hadean and Archean eons 4 billion years ago when the atmosphere lacked oxygen. Today’s extremophiles thrive in hostile environments unfit for virtually all forms of life, such as deep thermal vents where they perform all cellular functions at temperatures exceeding 100 degrees Celsius. Studies in our department are focused on understanding these organisms, which could address global challenges like climate change and food shortages.

Areas of interest

• Analytical Biochemistry
  
• Proteomics
• Metabolomics
• Methane Metabolism
• Nitrogen Fixation
• Glycomaterials

Faculty