Research in the Sinskey lab is focused on an interdisciplinary approach to metabolic engineering, focusing on the fundamental physiology, biochemistry and molecular genetics of important organisms. In particular, we are studying key factors that regulate the synthesis of different biomolecules. We apply metabolic engineering in several different project areas. Among prokaryotic systems, we study amino acid metabolism in Corynebacterium glutamicum, bioremediation and bioconversion processes in Rhodococcus, and biopolymer synthesis among Gram-negative bacteria such as Ralstonia eutropha. Among eukaryotic systems, we are studying lipid biosynthesis and embryogensis in oil palm and the accumulation of secondary metabolites in tropical plants.
