Niklas Schandry

Dr. Niklas Schandry is a Researcher at the Institute of Genetics, Ludwig Maximilian University of Munich (LMU), within the Faculty of Biology. He leads the Becker research group, focusing on plant-microbe interactions, plant secondary metabolites, and microbial ecology. His work integrates genetics, biochemistry, and computational methods to understand how plants and microbes communicate and adapt chemically.

Dr. Schandry's research explores the genetic basis of allelopathic interactions, leveraging tools like the 1001G+ project for Arabidopsis genome analysis and automated phenotyping workflows (e.g., ARADEEPOPSIS). His team investigates bacterial responses to plant-derived compounds such as benzoxazinoids and diterpenes, with implications for agriculture and synthetic biology.

• Key Projects: Allelochemical networks, bacterial community dynamics, and plant-pathogen effector systems.
• Lab Members: Includes doctoral candidate Liza Rouyer and postdoc Duncan B. Crosbie.
• Technical Expertise: Genomics, transcriptomics, and CRISPR-based knockout systems.

Recent studies highlight his focus on TNL receptors in microbiome feedback mechanisms, flagellin epitope evolution, and the antibiotic role of plant metabolites. His work bridges fundamental biology with applied challenges in sustainable agriculture and disease resistance.