Research areas
Melanization
Melanization by the proPO-cascade is an important defence response and the products of this reaction are functioning as antimicrobial peptides and perform important biological functions.
Infection biology
We investigate the mechanism by which fungi and bacteria infect crustaceans, and the way in which these animals kill fungi and becteria. We have isolated and characterized several antifungal and antibacterial peptides.
Hematopoiesis
We study how development of blood cells (hemocyte) is regulated at the molecular level, and we have discovered a group of cytokines, astakines, involved in this process.
Antibiotics as pollution
We study the effects of antibiotic-polluted environments on crustacean intestinal microbiome, the innate immunity and susceptibility to diseases.