Lindsay Eltis

Lindsay Eltis is a Professor in the Department of Microbiology and Immunology at the University of British Columbia's Faculty of Medicine, with an associate membership in the Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology. She leads an active research program focused on microbial catabolic enzymes and pathways involved in the degradation of natural and man-made compounds, with particular emphasis on lignin-derived aromatics and steroid metabolism.

Dr. Eltis earned her PhD in Biochemistry from the University of British Columbia in 1989. Her postdoctoral research in Germany focused on enzymes involved in the degradation of polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs), which established her interest in bacterial catabolic pathways that continues to drive her research program today.

Her research interests span microbial catabolism of lignin-derived compounds, steroid degradation pathways in bacteria (particularly Mycobacterium tuberculosis), and engineering Rhodococcus strains as biocatalysts for sustainable chemical production. She has made significant contributions to understanding C-C bond hydrolases, cholesterol catabolism in pathogenic mycobacteria, and lignin valorization strategies.

Analysis of her recent publications (2021-2025) reveals a strong focus on lignin valorization through bacterial catabolism, with particular attention to cytochrome P450 enzymes and Rhodococcus metabolism. Her work bridges fundamental enzymology with practical applications in bioremediation, biocatalysis, and tuberculosis drug development. The publications demonstrate a consistent pattern of interdisciplinary research connecting microbiology, biochemistry, and biotechnology.

Dr. Eltis was awarded a Canada Research Chair in Microbial Catabolism and Biocatalysis in 2014, recognizing her significant contributions to the field.

Her research program has fostered rich collaborations, particularly with the Mohn lab, and has led to practical applications including the founding of Rhyme Biotechnology to develop Rhodococcus-based biocatalysts for wax ester production. Her work on cholesterol catabolism has facilitated the development of novel tuberculosis therapeutics through collaborations with pharmaceutical researchers.

The Eltis Lab maintains active research programs in multiple areas: bacterial catabolism of lignin-derived molecules, Rhodococcus engineering for biocatalysis, steroid catabolism in bacteria (with implications for tuberculosis pathogenesis), and fundamental studies of C-C bond hydrolases. The lab utilizes approaches spanning genomics, metabolomics, enzymology, and pathogenesis to address these research questions.