Over the years, members of our group have developed strong expertise in a wide range of molecular biology methods, large-scale data analysis, and interdisciplinary research. This foundation has enabled us to establish several complementary research lines. Despite their thematic diversity, all are united by a shared focus on biotic interactions across different levels of biological organization: organisms, communities, and ecosystems.

At the level of the individual organism, we investigate the function and evolutionary origin of G protein–coupled receptors (GPCRs), which play essential roles in cell-to-cell communication, as well as the interactions between microorganisms and their hosts. At the community level, our work encompasses population genetics of animals and the characterization of microbial communities across diverse environments. At the ecosystem level, we examine the impact of biotic and abiotic factors on microbial communities, indicator species, and selected target organisms.

Within GPCR research, our current activities include the identification of ligands for orphan receptors, analysis of the molecular mechanisms of melanocortin receptors, and functional characterization of melanocortin receptor variants encoded by different human and animal alleles. In human microbiome research, we assess the influence of hair follicle–associated microorganisms on the onset and progression of skin diseases. In collaboration with colleagues at the University of Latvia, we also investigate the development of the intestinal microbiome in infants.

Together with partners from Pauls Stradiņš Clinical University Hospital, the University of Latvia, Institute of Food Safety, Animal Health and Environment BIOR, and Riga Technical University, we address challenges related to the spread of antimicrobial resistance and implement wastewater-based monitoring of SARS-CoV-2.

In studies of crop–microorganism interactions, and in collaboration with colleagues from the University of Latvia, we search for microbial metabolites capable of protecting European ash (Fraxinus excelsior) and pedunculate oak (Quercus robur) from pathogenic fungi. We also investigate the effects of plant–bacterial co-cultivation on both partners. In collaboration with the Latvia University of Life Sciences and Technologies, we analyze the diversity and distribution of pathogenic fungi affecting agricultural crops.

Within the framework of population genetics, we examine differences between urban and rural populations of the northern goshawk (Astur gentilis). Together with colleagues from the Latvia University of Life Sciences and Technologies, we further characterize the genetic composition of endangered local ruminant breeds to support the preservation of genetic resources and informed breed improvement strategies.

In microorganism–environment interaction research, and in collaboration with the University of Latvia and Getliņi EKO, we characterize microbial communities at the Getliņi landfill and identify microorganisms and enzyme complexes that promote plastic waste degradation. Additionally, in partnership with the European Molecular Biology Laboratory, the Latvian Institute of Aquatic Ecology, and other leading European research institutions, we investigate shifts in coastal microbial communities associated with transitions from autotrophic to heterotrophic trophic regimes and assess the impact of anthropogenic pollution on these ecosystems.