LABORATORY OF MICROBIAL GENETICS

Head: Prof. Svetla Danova, PhD

Tel.: +359 2 979 31 79

E-mail: stdanova@yahoo.com

The subjects of the study are lactic acid bacteria, streptomycetes, methylotrophic yeasts, ascomycetic and basidiomycetic yeasts and molds. The main approach in the research is the genetic analysis and regulation of genes in microorganisms. Molecular-taxonomic characterization of vaginal lactobacilli and MKB isolated from Bulgarian dairy products is performed. Their probiotic potential is characterized, molecular mechanisms of effectiveness and resistance to industrial stress are studied.

Enhancement of antibiotic productivity and activity of Streptomyces production strains. Cloning and sequencing of genes involved in spectinomycin biosynthesis in Streptomyces flavopersicus.

Construction of yeast strains of Ogataea polymorpha for the expression of heterologous genes.

Molecular, genetic and biochemical analyses of yeasts and molds (Aspergillus, Trametes, Penicillium, Cladosporium, etc.) capable of effectively degrading toxic aromatic and aliphatic compounds. Isolation of DNA sequences to study the biodegradation potential of microbial strains in industrially contaminated waters and soils. The possibility of biodegradation of monoaromatic and polyaromatic substances such as anthracene, naphthalene and phenanthrene from Trichosporon cutaneum strains, Aspergillus fumigatus, Penicillium commune, Alternaria maritima has been proven.