Extracellular enzymes and gene regulation in Bacilli

Due to their high secretion capacity representatives of the Gram-pos. bacterial genus Bacillus are well known producers of industrially relevant enzymes. Our work focusses on secretion optimization in different strains, such as B. licheniformis, B. megaterium, B.pumilus. The concerted application of molecular biology and genetics will is aimed to develop enzyme producers for industrial applications. Besides optimization of secretion we focus on genetic stability and biologically safe strains.
Furthermore, we are generally interested in investigating regulation mechanisms (synthesis of extracellular enzymes, SOS-response, competence) with emphasis on our model organism B. megaterium.

Our actual work is part of an innovation alliance headed by BRAIN AG/Zwingenberg. The “Natural Life Excellence Network 2020” (NatLifE2020) alliance consists of 22 partners both, from industry and academia. Founded in 2011 the alliance is funded - after having successfully passed a competitive selection process – by the German Ministry for Education and Research (BMBF) since January 2013. Partners jointly work on research, development and production of natural compounds for healthier life, as “healthier living and ageing” is central to politics, economy and the society in general. In collaboration with relevant industrial researchers our working group is involved in developing novel microbial expression platforms.