Planctomycetal Chemical Mediators Shaping Aquatic Phototrophic Communities (A07*)

• Subject Area: Microbial Ecology and Applied Microbiology ; Metabolism, Biochemistry and Genetics of Microorganisms
• Term: since 2022
• Project identifier: Deutsche Forschungsgemeinschaft (DFG) - Project number 239748522

Aquatic phototrophic communities, consisting of algae and their associated bacteria, are responsible for most of the global oxygen production and nearly half of the global carbon fixation. Chemical mediators play crucial, but poorly understood roles, in establishing and maintaining these communities. While focusing on the abundant Planctomycetes bacteria, we identified the first chemical mediator from this phylum. Here, we will investigate how this mediator affects the formation of the bacterial community around it. In addition, we will uncover novel chemical mediators from Planctomycetes relevant in other phototrophic aquatic communities and thereby provide deeper understanding about the algal microbiome.

• DFG Programme: Collaborative Research Centres
• Subproject of: SFB 1127: Chemical Mediators in Complex Biosystems (ChemBioSys)
• Applicant Institution: Friedrich-Schiller-Universität Jena
• Project Heads: Professor Dr. Christian Jogler; Dr. Muriel C.F. van Teeseling, until 12/2023