Personal statement

Pigments of Life Research Laboratory We are an interdisciplinary research lab specialising in mycobacterial diseases, such as tuberculosis and leprosy, and emerging non-tuberculous mycobacterial infections. One of our objectives is to unravel the molecular mechanism by which mycobacterial pathogens utilise the 'Pigments of Life' during infection. The ‘Pigments of Life’ are tetrapyrrole molecules shaped as rings or horseshoes that hold in their centre a metal ion. These pigments not only add colour to our surroundings but also play indispensable roles in vital functions across all living organisms. Examples include chlorophyll, the green pigment pivotal for photosynthesis in plants, haem, the red pigment crucial for oxygen transport in animals, and vitamin B12, a red-orange pigment essential for various biological processes across all domains of life. In parallel, we are dedicated to pioneering infection models and developing therapeutic strategies (antibiotics and vaccines) for mycobacterial diseases. Ultimately, our goal is to contribute to the understanding of bacterial biology, gain new perspectives, and achieve scientific breakthroughs to improve human health. Our ongoing projects include: - Characterisation of the mycobacterial haem metabolic pathway. - Synthesis and evaluation of anti-mycobacterial drug candidates. - Development of novel vaccines targeting mycobacterial diseases. Lab website: www.pigmentsoflife.com