Research

Genetically encoded organic molecules are the common chemical language that unites all life, from single cells to communities of organisms. As natural products, they are broadly applied in medicine, agriculture and nutrition. Our research interests are mainly to discover natural products from the marine bacteria and the human microbiota, decipher their biosynthetic enzymes, and interrogate their biological roles. We are using a combination of genetics, genomics, chemistry, biochemistry, and bioinformatics to answer basic biological questions and to develop new therapeutics.