Information about the research group

Head of the Laboratory: doc. RNDr. Jan Bobek, Ph.D. (jan.bobek@lf1.cuni.cz, tel. +420 224 968 592).

We study cellular differentiation and secondary metabolite production in actinobacteria from the group of streptomycetes and related organisms. These bacteria are exceptional in their complex evolution and serve as a key source of bioactive compounds with antimicrobial, immunomodulatory, carcinostatic effects with high potential for human medicine. We focus on the systematic analysis of gene expression during developmental transitions, particularly pleiotropic regulation by sigma factors and small regulatory RNAs, with the aim of generating mutant strains with enhanced antibiotic production. In collaboration with the Institute of Soil Biology, Biology Center CAS, we are isolating new strains of autonomous or host-associated streptomycetes. In collaboration with clinical sites across the country, we are collecting and characterizing a unique collection of streptomycetes isolated from human clinical specimens to assess their pathogenic and bioactive potential. Testing of new production strains allows us to discover new compounds effective against resistant microorganisms, with anti-inflammatory effect or promising candidates for biotechnological applications and production of modified and hybrid metabolites. We are also collaborating on the development of processes for the biodegradation of macrolide antibiotic residues in wastewater and soil using specialized streptomycete isolates to help reduce the environmental burden and prevent the rise of macrolide resistance in pathogenic bacteria.

Website of the research group: https://bacterlab.lf1.cuni.cz/en