Research Emphasis The research in the Keasling Laboratory focuses on the metabolic
engineering of microorganisms for degradation of environmental contaminants
or for environmentally friendly synthesis. To that end, we have developed
a number of new genetic and mathematical tools to allow more precise and
reproducible control of metabolism. These tools are being used in such
applications as synthesis of terpene drugs and biodegradable polymers,
accumulation of phosphate and heavy metals, and degradation of chlorinated
and aromatic hydrocarbons, biodesulfurization of fossil fuels, and complete
mineralization of organophosphate nerve agents and pesticides. Genomics,
proteomics, and metabolomics are being employed to investigate the effect
of these changes on cellular physiology and to optimize cellular re-design.
