- Departments
- ERC Research Group for Ecological Genomics
ERC Research Group for Ecological Genomics
Group Leader
ERC Research Group for Ecological Genomics
Luis Humberto Orellana Retamal
MPI for Marine Microbiology
Celsiusstr. 1
D-28359 Bremen
Germany
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Room: |
2226 |
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Phone: |
The Ecological Genomics Group explores the roles, evolutionary dynamics, and interactions of marine microbes. We integrate genomic, imaging, and physiological methods to connect the vast unknown microbial diversity in the ocean with their functional roles in marine ecosystems.
Our group leverages multi-omic and molecular biology approaches to uncover the genetic potential of natural microbial communities and link it to the processes driving key biogeochemical cycles.
Two core objectives guide our research:
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Developing genomic and metagenomic methods to generate testable hypotheses from complex omics datasets.
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Applying multi-omics and advanced imaging techniques to investigate the evolution and interactions of often-overlooked marine bacteria.
Ecological and Evolutionary Role of Specialized Bacteria in Algae Health and Carbon Sequestration – ERODERS
ERODERS focuses on previously unaccounted-for bacteria capable of degrading recalcitrant organic carbon—complex compounds derived primarily from algal structures and exudates. We hypothesize that these specialized bacteria, integral members of the algal microbiome, feed on complex glycans and have co-evolved with algae. Their activity may play a key role in maintaining host health and modifying polysaccharide structures that contribute to long-term carbon sequestration in the ocean.
