My research focuses on the fascinating world of Antarctic microorganisms. These resilient organisms have evolved unique adaptations to survive in one of the harshest environments on Earth. I am particularly interested in understanding how these microbes produce specialized metabolites, which play crucial roles in their survival and interactions with other organisms.

My research combines microbiology, ecology, and biotechnology to investigate the evolution, function, and potential applications of specialized metabolites produced by Antarctic microorganisms. Besides their adaptation to harsh Antarctic environments, I am particularly interested in understanding how these organisms adapt to climate change and how their metabolic diversity can be harnessed for human benefit.

I am keen to explore new research avenues and welcome collaborations on topics related to secondary metabolites, extremophiles, or other exciting areas. Please don’t hesitate to reach out with your ideas.

Selected papers

Králová S*, Davidova-Gerzova L, Valcek A, Bezdicek M, Rychlik I, Rezacova V, Cizek A. Paraphocaeicola brunensis gen. nov., sp. nov., carrying two variants of nimB resistance gene from Bacteroides fragilis, and Caecibacteroides pullorum gen. nov., sp. nov., two novel genera isolated from chicken caeca. Microbiol. Spectr. 2022. 10(1):e0195421.

Králová, S., Busse, H.-J., Bezdíček, M., Sandoval-Powers, M., Nykrýnová, M., Staňková, E., Krsek, D., Sedláček, I. (Accepted 27 Sep 2021). Flavobacterium flabelliforme sp. nov. and Flavobacterium geliluteum sp. nov., two multidrug-resistant psychrotrophic species isolated from Antarctica. Front Microbiol, https://www.frontiersin.org/articles/10.3389/fmicb.2021.729977/abstract.

Sedláček, I., Holochová, P., Sobotka, R., Busse, H.-J., Švec, P., Králová, S., et al. (2021). Classification of a Violacein-Producing Psychrophilic Group of Isolates Associated with Freshwater in Antarctica and Description of Rugamonas violacea sp. nov. Microbiology Spectrum 9, e00452-21. doi:10.1128/Spectrum.00452-21.

Sedláček, I., Pantůček, R., Králová, S., Mašlaňová, I., Holochová, P., Staňková, E., et al. (2019). Hymenobacter amundsenii sp. nov. resistant to ultraviolet radiation, isolated from regoliths in Antarctica. Syst Appl Microbiol 42, 284–290. doi:10.1016/j.syapm.2018.12.004.

Pantůček, R., Sedláček, I., Indráková, A., Vrbovská, V., Mašlaňová, I., Kovařovic, V., et al. (2018). Staphylococcus edaphicus sp. nov., Isolated in Antarctica, Harbors the mecC Gene and Genomic Islands with a Suspected Role in Adaptation to Extreme Environments. Appl Environ Microbiol 84, e01746-17. doi:10.1128/AEM.01746-17.

Králová, S. (2017). Role of fatty acids in cold adaptation of Antarctic psychrophilic Flavobacterium spp. Syst Appl Microbiol 40, 329–333. doi:10.1016/j.syapm.2017.06.001.