Marine Biotechnology Lab
The lab explores marine compounds as specific cancer targets. A notable discovery includes a
bis(palmitoleic acid) ester derived from a deep-sea snail that functions as a
Cannabinoid Receptor agonist and inhibits ovarian cancer. Other cancer-related targets being studied
include Androgen Receptor (AR) modulators, MMP-2/9, and CAIX inhibitors.
The lab has successfully purified active compounds, and their spectral data is available publicly at
PubChem.
Current research: Gram-scale synthesis of these bioactive compounds is underway to better understand
their therapeutic potential and mechanisms of action.
In parallel, the lab conducts research in environmental biotechnology, focusing on
hexadecane bioremediation. A newly identified bacterium,
Pseudomonas guguanensis, produces a rare 1500-Da monorhamnolipid that facilitates hexadecane utilization.
Whole Genome Sequencing (WGS) has revealed the position and sequence of rhl genes responsible for this biosurfactant.
Current work: Homologous and heterologous expression of rhl genes is being carried out to enhance
understanding and application in bioremediation.
