Gabriele Bierbaum

Our projects cover several aspects of the growing problem of antibiotic resistance. We are especially interested in the evolution of resistance with a focus on the role of bacterial histidine kinases. These kinases are able to respond to environmental signals and activate regulatory proteins, that in turn mediate adaptation of the cell to the current conditions. Some kinases are able to sense the presence of antibiotics or antibiotic stress and activate resistance mechanisms. We also focus on new therapeutic agents that inhibit these kinases. In addition, we analyze the dissemination of antibiotic resistant bacteria in the environment and the role that environmental/antibiotic stress plays in the evolution of resistance and the selection of resistant bacteria. Furthermore, we analyze the microbiomes in taphonomy studies in cooperation with the paleontologists of the University of Bonn.