The current project aims to create a database of the immediate and long-term responses, as well as phenotypic patterns resulting from genetic knockdowns and by external stress caused by antibiotics or extreme environments. Here, we utilize a novel approach that enables the direct observations of early and yet unknown phenotypical effects of the lethal mutations at single-cell resolution in model organism Synechococcus sp. PCC 7002 using inducible CRISPRi gene knockdown and time-lapse fluorescence microscopy. These studies will provide new phenotypic dimensions that can be used to functionally annotate the dark matter of cyanobacterial genomes.

Current project aimed to test the structure-based kinetic models that are mathematically derived from existing high-resolution protein crystal structures. The experimental approach involves re-programming genes encoding the metal binding proteins of cyanobacterial Photosystem II using site-directed mutagenesis and testing outcomes using biochemical and biophysical techniques. Combined with the naturally competent cyanobacterium, Synechocystis sp. PCC6803, I carefully studied the kinetics of photosystem II photoactivation and addressed the role of Mn4O5Ca cluster’s amino acid ligands coordinating the Mn4O5Ca catalyst. Because the assembly can be driven by microsecond light flashes, I developed in vitro methods to precisely control the light induced protein photoactivation reaction conditions. Our experimental system allowed for discrimination between the alternative hypotheses regarding the identity and sequence of specific steps in the assembly process.

During this project I studied the heavy metal contamination of the lakes with various salinity in different parts of Siberian region (Russia). We collected a set of samples of hydrophyte and helophyte higher water plants growing in the lakes and addressed the metal accumulation in these plants. Cluster analysis distrubuted species into two ecological groups with respect to the metal content. Using ISC-MS analysis we have identified that both groups of pondweeds tend to accumulate high amounts of Fe, Al, Ti, Co, and Cr. In terms of absolute metal content in plants, we divided heavy metals into four groups: the elements of high concentration (Sr, Mn, Fe, Zn), medium (Cu, Ni, Pb, Cr), low (Mo, Cd, Se, Co), and very low (Hg).