Using small bioactive molecules to probe complex biological systems and develop new biotechnological tools.
This project utilizes chemical genomics to bypass the limitations of traditional genetics (such as gene redundancy or lethality). We have successfully used bioactive molecules like Sortin2 to transiently perturb endomembrane trafficking, allowing us to dissect rapid dynamic processes in real-time.
Beyond basic research, we apply these chemical tools to translational contexts. For example, we identified iron chelators capable of regenerating neuritic trees in dopaminergic neurons, offering potential therapeutic avenues for Parkinson’s disease. Furthermore, we are working to translate chemical information from model systems (yeast and Arabidopsis) to agricultural crops, developing “agrochemicals” that can modulate plant growth and stress resilience.