Fungal G-Protein Coupled Receptors
G-protein coupled receptors (GPCRs) are central to how cells sense and respond to their environment. Defined by their conserved seven-transmembrane (7TM) structure, these receptors transduce extracellular signals into intracellular pathways. While their roles in signaling and development are well understood in mammals, fungal GPCRs remain largely unexplored. Key information on receptor classification, ligand activation, and G-protein interactions is still limited. Read more
Our lab aims to uncover the molecular logic of fungal GPCR systems – from receptor-ligand recognition to downstream signaling. To tackle this, we combine Structural Biology & Biochemistry with Synthetic Biology and Fungal Genetics and Cell Biology. Our work not only sheds light on the fundamental biology of fungal sensing, but also opens doors for novel antifungal strategies targeting essential GPCR systems.
Insights into Cyanolichen Communities
Lichens are among the most ancient and fascinating examples of complex microbial communities, known as pioneers in extreme environments. In lichens, a fungal mycobiont tightly associates with an algal and/or cyanobacterial photobiont to form complex morphological structures. Despite intensive research on lichen biology, molecular mechanisms that govern the establishment and maintenance of these symbioses remain poorly understood.
In this project, we obtain high-quality metagenomic assemblies to investigate genomic features of the main lichen fungus and gain insights into the community composition. We uncovered several features known from phytopathogenic fungi, such as expanded arrays of effector proteins and specific GPCRs.
Fungal Effector proteins: Manipulating Host and Microbiome
Fungal pathogens and symbionts deploy an arsenal of secreted effector proteins to manipulate host physiology, suppress immunity, and shape microbial communities. We have been researching how these effectors function at the molecular level in different phytopathogens and hosts (read more here, here, here and here).
Our integrated approach – combining structural biology, biochemical assays, and functional genetics – reveals not just what fungal effectors do, but how they do it, at atomic and cellular resolution. These insights advance our understanding of host–pathogen and microbial network biology.