Genomics: Discovering Genetic Potential
Whole-genome sequencing provides the foundation for understanding microbial function. We combine genome sequencing with comparative genomics and genome mining to identify genes involved in metabolism, stress tolerance, host association, antimicrobial production, carbohydrate utilization, secondary metabolite biosynthesis, and other traits of ecological and industrial importance.
Our genomic studies span probiotic lactic acid bacteria, plant-associated bacteria, environmental microorganisms, and emerging pathogens. By linking genetic information with experimental observations, we seek to understand not only what microorganisms are, but what they are capable of becoming and accomplishing within complex biological systems.
Glycomics: Exploring the Language of Carbohydrates
Carbohydrates are among the most diverse and functionally important biomolecules in nature. At HOPE Lab, glycomics focuses primarily on microbial exopolysaccharides (EPS) and other carbohydrate-rich biomolecules that mediate interactions between microbes, hosts, and their environments.
Our work integrates structural characterization with functional evaluation to understand how microbial polysaccharides contribute to antioxidant, antimicrobial, antibiofilm, anti-inflammatory, immunomodulatory, and emulsifying activities. By connecting carbohydrate structure with biological function, we aim to develop naturally derived biomaterials for applications in food systems, probiotics, agriculture, and environmental biotechnology.
Metabolomics: Revealing Microbial Chemistry
Microbial metabolism produces an extraordinary diversity of small molecules that influence ecological interactions and human health. We investigate bioactive metabolites including pigments, biosurfactants, antimicrobial compounds, organic acids, and other secondary metabolites to understand their biosynthesis, regulation, and biological activities.
Combining metabolite profiling with genomic information enables us to identify novel compounds, discover previously unrecognized biosynthetic pathways, and explore sustainable applications in medicine, food preservation, pollution control, and industrial biotechnology.
Integrative Omics and Bioinformatics
The greatest biological insights emerge when multiple layers of information are studied together. HOPE Lab integrates genomics, glycomics, metabolomics, microbiome analysis, and bioinformatics to connect genotype with phenotype and molecular pathways with ecological function.
Our computational analyses include comparative genomics, genome mining, phylogenomics, protein sequence analysis, structural bioinformatics, molecular docking, molecular dynamics simulations, and systems-level pathway analysis. These approaches allow us to predict gene function, identify biosynthetic gene clusters, characterize molecular interactions, and prioritize promising candidates for experimental validation.
From Omics to Biological Insight
Within the HOPE research framework, omics serves as the molecular engine connecting biological discovery with meaningful impact. Through 2O (Organisms · Omics), we uncover the diversity and functional potential of biological systems. 3P (Pathways · Probiotics · Protection) reveals the molecular pathways and bioactive products that drive biological function, while 4E (Ecology · Environment · Evolution · Emergence) places these discoveries within their ecological and evolutionary context to understand how biological complexity gives rise to resilient and sustainable systems.
Together, these approaches enable us to transform large-scale molecular data into biological understanding and ultimately into practical innovations for One-Health, food systems, agriculture, and environmental sustainability.
