The research in the laboratory in mainly focused on prokaryotic defense systems, analysis of their structure and functions in bacterial cells and development of novel instruments for genetic technologies. The mains projects are devoted to programmable nucleases, including prokaryotic Argonaute proteins, which can recognize DNA or RNA targets and protect bacteria from invader elements. We also perform search for new bacterial immune systems and analyze their interactions with each other.
RSF project № 24-44-00107 "Functional interplay between Argonautes and DNA phosphorothioation restriction-modification systems in antiviral defence in prokaryotes"
RSF project № 22-14-00182 " Programmable DNA-dependent RNA nucleases as a bacterial defense system and a novel instrument for genetic regulation”
Ministry of Science and Higher Education of Russian Federation, “Development of complex strategy for diagnostics, modelling and therapy of human diseases using genetic technologies”
We study prokaryotic immune systems and their functional interactions in bacterial cells. We mainly focus is on the prokaryotic Argonaute proteins, their roles in prokaryotic immunity and their use in genetic technologies. The main methods include bioinformatic analysis, molecular cloning, protein expression and purification, analysis of programmable nucleases in vitro and their role in antiphage defense in vivo, experiments with single cells using microscopy and microfluidics. We work on novel methods using Argonautes as a tool for genome editing, detection of DNA and RNA, and development of highly sensitive sensors.
Scientific and social life is active in the laboratory. We organize seminars, encourage participation of young scientists in conferences, maintain collaborations with leading Russian and foreign scientists.
We will be glad to welcome new students and scientists who want to work with bacteria, bacteriophages, eukaryotic cells and are enthusiastic to conduct research in new areas.
