Can we predict evolution? Can we experimentally anticipate the evolutionary dynamics of pathogens that impact human and animal health? Specifically, can we foresee how pathogens will develop resistance to antibiotics?
At the Evolution of Microbes and Mobile Genetic Elements laboratory, we conduct experimental evolution assays, followed by whole-genome-sequencing and innovative bioinformatic analysis, in an effort to predict the emergence and spread of resistance in clinical settings. Antibiotic resistance can arise through both vertical transmission (via point mutations) and horizontal transmission (involving mobile genetic elements). It is influenced by environmental conditions, bacterial lifestyle, and genetic background. Hence, our research aims to analyse the evolution of bacteria by examining both vertical and horizontal adaptation, using a diverse range of pathogens and bacterial lifestyles.
Currently, our main focus is to enhance our understanding of two crucial aspects: 1) the role of mobile genetic elements in bacterial adaptation, and 2) how external conditions, bacterial lifestyle, and evolutionary history shape the evolution of antibiotic resistance.
Ultimately, the goal of our research is to predict the evolutionary trajectories of pathogens in clinical scenarios and use evolutionary biology to develop and optimize new antibiotic treatments for both animal and human pathogens.
