The Pfeifer research group engineers the biosynthesis of complex natural product small molecules through an approach termed heterologous biosynthesis, in which a surrogate microbial host is utilized to access the compound of interest.
This project focuses on the microbial production of therapeutic small molecules using the tools of molecular biology and cellular design. Students will learn the basics of biology and how it can be engineered for unique applications. In this case, target compounds possess therapeutic value. A prime example focused upon in the Pfeifer group is the production of the antibiotic erythromycin using Escherichia coli as a host. Effectively, this is a chemical reaction within the confines of a biological cell. As such, the basics and tools of biology are needed to influence and diversify production.