Group of Microbial Metabolic Engineering

Team leader
Assoc. Prof. Justyna Ruchała; jruchala@ur.edu.pl, ORCID 0000-0003-2850-6073

Dr hab. Justyna Ruchała is an academic and researcher in the field of Natural Sciences, specializing in Biological Sciences and Biotechnology, with a primary focus on fundamental aspects of microbial metabolism and yeast biology. She began her academic education at the University of Rzeszów, where she obtained a Bachelor’s degree in Biology in 2009 and a Master’s degree in Biology in 2011. In 2015, she was awarded the degree of Doctor of Biological Sciences by the University of Rzeszów. In recognition of her significant and independent scientific achievements, she attained the degree of Habilitated Doctor (dr hab.) in 2022 in the discipline of Biological Sciences within the field of Natural Sciences, conferred by the University of Gdańsk. Since 2015, dr hab. Ruchała has been affiliated with the University of Rzeszów, where she currently holds the position of associate professor. Her scientific research is centered on fundamental mechanisms governing microbial metabolism, regulatory networks, and cellular adaptation in non-conventional yeasts. In particular, her work addresses how yeast cells metabolize non-preferred carbon sources, including pentoses, and how these metabolic pathways are regulated at the molecular and systems levels. Insights derived from this research create a foundation for rational strain development and biotechnological applications, without shifting the primary emphasis away from basic biological understanding. Dr hab. Ruchała is a co-author of several influential and widely cited review articles that systematize global knowledge on yeast metabolism, alcoholic fermentation, and microbial vitamin biosynthesis. In recognition of her expertise and scientific standing, dr hab. Ruchała serves on the Editorial Board of FEMS Yeast Research, a leading journal published by Oxford University Press that bridges basic and applied research on yeasts and yeast-like organisms. She is also a member of the Editorial Board of Microbial Cell Factories, a prominent open-access journal published by BMC (Springer Nature) focused on microbial biotechnology and the development of microbial cell systems for industrial applications. She has been a member of the Biotechnology Committee of the Polish Academy of Sciences since 2024. Her work combines fundamental biological insight with advanced biotechnological approaches, positioning her as an expert in the analysis and engineering of complex microbial systems for industrial and applied biotechnology.
Members of research group
Aksyniia Tsaruk, Justyna Ruchala, Andriy Sybirnyy, Kamila Filip, Alicja Najdecka, Dominik Wojdyła

 

Our research group interests are divided into several key areas:
1. Genetic and Regulatory Basis of Pentose Sugar Metabolism in Yeasts
The group has established a strong research axis focused on the molecular genetics and regulatory networks controlling pentose sugar metabolism and alcoholic fermentation in natural, thermotolerant yeasts.
  • Transcriptional regulation of pentose fermentation
  • Enhanced fermentation capacity
  • Physiological characterization of pentose metabolism
2. Interplay Between Organelle Function and Metabolic Pathways
A key contribution of the group lies in revealing the roles of cellular organelles and specific metabolic enzymes in supporting complex metabolic behaviors in yeasts.
  • Peroxisomal enzymes in alcoholic fermentation
  • Integration of organelle biology with central metabolism
3. Advanced Metabolic Engineering for Expanded Substrate Utilization
The group has also advanced engineering of yeast metabolism for expanded substrate range and co-utilization strategies.
  • Cellodextrin and mixed sugar utilization
  • Synthetic biology approaches
4. Biosynthesis and Regulation of Flavin Compounds
A distinctive research direction concerns flavin biosynthesis pathways and their genetic and metabolic regulation in yeasts, including the construction of strains overproducing vitamins and selected bioactive flavin derivatives.
  • Riboflavin homeostasis
  • Engineering flavin overproducers
  • Flavin analogues and roseoflavin biosynthesis
5. Genetic and Physiological Control of Lactic Acid Fermentation in Yeasts
The group investigates fundamental mechanisms governing lactic acid synthesis and carbon flux partitioning in eukaryotic microorganisms, addressing key gaps in understanding organic acid metabolism in yeasts.
  • Native lactic acid producers
  • Recombinant thermotolerant systems
  • Regulatory determinants of pyruvate partitioning
  • Positive selection strategies
6. Metabolic Potential of Environmental and Non-Model Yeasts
A distinct research direction of the group focuses on functionally unexplored yeast biodiversity and its metabolic potential.
  • Insect-associated yeasts
  • Functional metabolic profiling
  • Ecological adaptation and metabolic flexibility
  • Foundations for future yeast models
Key Outputs & Scientific Impac
  • Conceptual Contributions: Identification of genetic regulators and metabolic architectures governing pentose and organic acid metabolism in yeasts.
  • Methodological Advances: Development of selection strategies, engineered yeast platforms, and metabolic analysis frameworks.