Molecular Evolution of Specialized Metabolism

Our group combines classical biochemistry, metabolomics, molecular biology and molecular evolution to decode how evolution works at the molecular and biochemical level.

About the group

Plants have evolved an astounding diversity of biochemical innovations to fine tune biotic interactions. These specialized compounds are involved in both beneficial interactions of plants with other organisms and in the chemical arms race between plants and their pests, as well as having an untapped potential for biotechnological solutions in the green transition. 

Our current projects focus on saponins as potential bio-pesticides for sustainable agriculture to substitute synthetic pesticides (EcoSap), having both a basic science angle, a link to the Green Transition, and environmental impact (SapFate).

The projects bring together research groups within plant biochemistry, membrane biophysics, environmental chemistry, ecotoxicology, and microbial interactions in soil. 

Group leader

  • Evolution of triterpenoid saponin biosynthetic pathways
  • How triterpenoid saponin structural diversity impacts ecological function
  • The potential of saponins as biopesticides in the Green Transition
  • Mode of action of saponins on membranes and ecotoxicology markers
  • Application of triterpenoid saponins as pharmaceuticals or biopesticides via metabolic engineering of plants, in vitro cell cultures, and yeast cells
  • Saponins and development of new crops from weeds

For students wishing to work within these topics,. M.Sc. and B.Sc. projects are currently available. Please contact Søren at bak@plen.ku.dk or Pablo at pdcardenas@plen.ku.dk

Contact

Søren Bak
Professor