Project
Acting Eukaryotic – Prokaryotes beyond the basics
How did we go from simple prokaryotic to complex eukaryotic life? We aim to elucidate this question by studying prokaryotes with eukaryotic features using a combination of microscopy and -omics techniques.
Background
Prokaryotes and eukaryotes are commonly distinguished by their cellular complexity. While eukaryotic cells contain more genetic material packed in a nucleus, have membrane-bound organelles, an intricate trafficking system, and a dynamic cytoskeleton, prokaryotes usually lack these features. Still, eukaryotes are now widely accepted to have emerged via a symbiosis between different prokaryotes. In recent years, prokaryotes have been discovered that show eukaryotic characteristics like a phagocytosis-like mechanism, a complex endomembrane system, or a dynamic actin cytoskeleton. Some even encode eukaryotic signature proteins (ESPs), that were previously thought to be specific to eukaryotes. Studying these prokaryotes will help us to elucidate the evolution from simple to complex life.
In the MicEvo lab, we are aiming to identify genes that are involved in eukaryote-like processes. Furthermore, we are studying the function of ESPs in prokaryotes. Are they actively expressed? What do the prokaryotes need and use the proteins for? And how do these proteins interact with other prokaryotic proteins? To answer these questions, we use a combination of high-resolution imaging, proteomics and genomics.
Techniques
- (Live cell) Microscopy
- Fluorescence-activated cell sorting (FACS)
- Flow Cytometry
- Cultivation
- (Cross-linking) mass spectrometry
- Proteomics
- Genomics
BSc/MSc theses
If you are a BSc or MSc student interested in evolution, cell biology or microscopy, and you are excited to join me on this project, feel free to reach out, stating your motivation, via the contact form.