Federico-Gabriel Mirkin

Phytoplasmas are very skilled at manipulating their hosts, triggering dramatic developmental changes such as leaf-like flowers and excessive shoot proliferation.

Fede investigates the molecular mechanisms behind this host-pathogen interaction to design proteins with novel and expanded functions. His current research focuses on developing ubiquitin-independent protein degradation strategies, inspired by the unconventional activity of phytoplasma effector proteins.

In parallel, he explores how obligate intracellular bacteria with limited opportunities for horizontal gene transfer are able to diversify their effector repertoires, approaching the question from a structural and evolutionary perspective.