Eco-Evolutionary Genomics
Changes in ecosystem processes can only be assessed if there is sufficient knowledge about the identity, characteristics, and interactions of the organisms within them. In the marine realm, the *small bugs*- the vast diversity of unicellular pro- and eukaryotes - sustain the lives of many other organisms and drive global biogeochemical cycles. Our research focuses on marine microeukaryotes, with particular emphasis on harmful algae and their impact on ecosystem health and function. We investigate how microalgae and their functional traits evolved and how this affects their response to changes in environmental conditions. These environmental conditions can include changes in abiotic conditions (such as temperature, salinity, and nutrients), but also associated changes in biotic interactions such as competition and grazing, which play a key role in shaping evolutionary processes. To address these complex interactions, we use a range of molecular and functional genomic approaches, from single-cell analysis to community-level studies, conducted both in the laboratory and in the field. Together with institutional and international partners, we endeavour to develop a holistic understanding of ecosystem state, change, and function and the role individual species play within these processes.
Team
Senior Scientists:
Dr. Uwe John Dr. Sylke Wohlrab
Technical Assistance:
Nancy Kühne
Post Docs:
Dr. Cora Hörstmann Dr. Avril von Hoyningen-Huene
PhDs:
Jakob Giesler
Melissa Misir
Gastwissenschaftler:
Prof. Yixiao Xu
Competences
Investigating the past, present and potential future of marine microbial adaptation: From gene to genome analyses, transcriptome, and metatranscriptome characterisation. We assess the ecosystem biodiversity, biodiversity changes, and their implications for ecosystem function using Single-cell phylogenies, population genomics, and community analyses through metabarcoding.
Field surveys to screen for regional adaptive processes: Metatranscriptomics
Spatial and temporal species distributions, functional biogeography of species: Metabarcoding, single-cell PCR, qPCR and phylogeny
Detailed process studies under simulated conditions in the laboratory: Transcriptomics (RNAseq) and single-cell transcriptomics of species interactions and physiological acclimations.
We contribute to the program-oriented research within the Helmholtz Society:
Topic 6: Marine and Polar Life: Sustaining Biodiversity, Biotic Interactions, and Biogeochemical Functions
- Subtopic 6.1 Future ecosystem functionality
- Subtopic 6.2 Adaptation of marine life
