Microbial genomics
for obesity research

We study the genomes and metabolites of microorganisms—with a special focus on fungi —to discover new strategies that address obesity and related metabolic disorders.

Our research is deeply rooted in Mexico’s biodiversity, a unique reservoir of microbial diversity that we investigate not only as a scientific resource but also as a source of novel probiotics, anti-obesogenic molecules, and therapeutic platforms.

We believe that genomics should not only describe life but actively transform it into solutions for one of the greatest global health challenges: obesity.

To achieve this, our work is organized into three complementary research lines:

  • Synthetic biology of filamentous fungi
  • Microbiome of the Mexican population and discovery of new probiotic fungi
  • Genomic mining for biomedical molecules

Synthetic biology of filamentous fungi

Engineering fungi to produce anti-obesogenic peptides and molecules, bridging basic science and biomedical innovation.

Project 1

Production of biomedical peptides in Trichoderma reesei

VALERIA MORALES & collaboration with Technical University of Munich

Project 2

Genome-wide functional genetics using RB-TDNAseq in filamentous fungi

Cinvestav & collaboration with UC Berkeley

Microbiome of the Mexican population and new probiotic fungi

Studying microbial diversity to identify beneficial fungi with potential as next-generation probiotics that improve gut and metabolic health.

Project 1

Exploring the microbiome of Mexican beverages to isolate anti-obesity probiotics.

ALEXANDRA TREJO & collaboration with Universidad de Costa Rica

Project 2

Microbiome of urban and rural populations in Mexico, with a focus on obesity

AXEL ROJERO & collaboration with Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México

Project 3

Interactions of the yeast Saccharomyces boulardii with bacteria from the human breast milk microbiota

LUISA TREJO & collaboration with Dr. Cuauhtémoc Licona and Dr. Mauricio

Genomic mining for biomedical molecules

Using bioinformatics and functional genomics to discover novel metabolites and compounds with therapeutic applications against obesity.

Project 1

Whole-genome sequencing of Agave tequilana

Participation in an inter-institutional effort

Project 2

Whole-genome sequencing of Citrus aurantifolia var. Colimex (Mexican lime)

Participation in an inter-institutional effort

Project 3

Whole-genome sequencing of Carica papaya var. Maradol

Participation in an inter-institutional effort

Project 4

Sequencing of 13 genomes of filamentous fungi

ANA VALERIA GARCÍA

Latest insights

Stay up to date with our latest publications, collaborations, and discoveries at the Laboratory of Functional Genomics for Bioprospecting.

Publications

Neurospora intermedia: the Indonesian oncom fungus that turns plant residues into nutritious food

This study reveals how Neurospora intermedia, the fungus behind the traditional Indonesian ferment oncom, transforms soybean by-products into protein- and antioxidant-rich foods. Using multi-omics analyses, researchers demonstrated its ability to convert agricultural residues into safe, nutritious foods — an ancestral biotechnology with modern potential for sustainable food production.
Publications

Genomics and metabolomics of Trichoderma harzianum T9: a desert fungus with potential for sustainable agriculture

The genome of Trichoderma harzianum T9, isolated from arid soils in northern Mexico, reveals remarkable genetic plasticity and strong biocontrol activity against phytopathogenic fungi. Its genomic and metabolomic analysis identifies unique pathways for antifungal compound production, offering new opportunities for sustainable and resilient agriculture through biotechnology adapted to extreme environments.
Publications

The genome of Fusarium chlamydosporum, a fungus affecting blackberry crops in Mexico, has been decoded

This study reports the hybrid genome assembly of Fusarium chlamydosporum isolated from infected blackberry fields in Michoacán, Mexico. The genome comprises 11,365 genes and reveals unique evolutionary traits distinct from F. oxysporum. These findings provide a valuable reference for plant health research and the development of molecular tools for early detection and biocontrol strategies.
Publications

Deactivating RpoS: the regulator that controls adaptation and virulence in Pseudomonas aeruginosa

Transcriptomic analysis of Pseudomonas aeruginosa PA14 lacking the sigma factor RpoS revealed more than 1,300 genes under its regulatory control. This study provides insight into how RpoS coordinates stress response and virulence in one of the most adaptable bacterial pathogens, highlighting its role as a global regulator of environmental resilience.

Open positions

If you can’t find what you’re looking for here, please contact us.

Undergraduate students

To conduct your bachelor’s thesis in Villalobos Lab:

(1) Prepare your CV with academic achievements.
(2) Email jose.villalobos@tec.mx to schedule an interview.

Thesis projects are based on ongoing research in mycology and biotechnology.

For general undergraduate admission info, visit Tec Undergraduate Admissions

POSTULATION

MS in Biotechnology

First, get in touch with an educational advisor through the Tec website.

If you are specifically interested in joining Villalobos lab, email jose.villalobos@tec.mx with:

Choose one of lines: (1) Food and nutrigenomics biotechnology, (2) Bioprocess engineering, (3) Pharmaceutical and medical biotechnology.

Exam: PAEP ≥ 585 / 800
English: TOEFL ≥ 550 (80 IBT)
Two letters of recommendation
Curriculum vitae
Scholarship: CONAHCYT (full)

POSTULATION

PhD in Biotechnology

First, get in touch with an educational advisor through the Tec website.

If you are specifically interested in joining Villalobos lab, email jose.villalobos@tec.mx with:

Entrance Exam: PAEP ≥ 585 / 800
English: TOEFL ≥ 550 (80 IBT)
Two letters of recommendation
Curriculum vitae
Scholarship: CONAHCYT (full)

POSTULATION

Postdoctoral scholars

At the moment, we do not have specific opportunities open.

Contact with Dr. Villalobos

Looking to launch an OMICs collaboration or explore research–industry partnerships?
We thrive on collaboration and are committed to turning science into impact. No project is too early or too ambitious.

Email to jose.villalobos@tec.mx