The lab investigates how mobile chromosomes generate new traits and drive adaptation in eukaryotic microbes.
Using plant-pathogenic fungi as experimental and natural systems, we ask what mobile chromosomes encode, how they move between cells, and how recipient cells regulate and stably inherit chromosome-scale foreign DNA.
We combine microbial genetics, molecular biology, chromatin analysis, and evolutionary genomics to connect the mechanisms of chromosome mobility with their effects on reproduction, virulence, host range, and adaptation.
Our goal is to uncover general principles by which genome mobility enables rapid microbial evolution.
Cristina will be presenting the lab’s work at SMBE 2026 in Copenhagen on June 30th, in the Genome Plasticity and Evolutionary Innovation session session. Do come by, say hi, and chat about all things genome plasticity!
6.2026
Cristina was nominated by Kiel University for the DFG’s Heinz Maier-Leibnitz Prize 2027, Germany’s most prestigious award for early-career researchers, recognizing outstanding achievements and supporting the next stage of scientific independence.
5.2026
The lab took part in this year’s Girls’ Day, with students from grades 7–9 joining us for a day. We explored fungi, looked at infected plants under the microscope, and tried out a bit of molecular biology - essentially a day in the life of a scientist. Looking forward to next year!
4.2026
Department of Phytopathology and Plant Protection
Christian-Albrechts University of Kiel
Ludewig-Meyn-Str 9, 24118 Kiel, Germany