SYCHANTHA LAB

Autolysins are complex cell wall-degrading and remodeling enzymes that are crucial for bacterial physiology, virulence, and antibiotic resistance. Our research aims to elucidate the structure, function, and regulation of autolysins to define their medical significance, with a long-term goal of designing new inhibitors.

Carbapenem-resistant organisms pose a significant clinical challenge, as they produce metallo-β-lactamases that degrade antibiotics and render treatments ineffective. We’re interested in how host and bacterial physiology influence the function of these enzymes, as well as investigating the mechanisms underlying their maturation and evolution.