Chemical Signaling in Algae-Parasites Communities (C10*)

• Subject Area: Microbial Ecology and Applied Microbiology ; Analytical Chemistry ; Organismic Interactions, Chemical Ecology and Microbiomes of Plant Systems
• Term: since 2022
• Project identifier: Deutsche Forschungsgemeinschaft (DFG) - Project number 239748522

Single-cell parasites thrive in aquatic ecosystems and contribute to algal blooms termination, yet the molecular mechanism supporting parasitism is poorly understood. We will explore parasite-induced diseases in diatoms and dinoflagellates and identify the chemical signaling that mediates pathogenesis, host defense and multipartite interactions with the plankton microbiome. The CRC project will provide insights into the fundamental mechanism of alga-parasite interactions that balance the aquatic food web.

• DFG Programme: Collaborative Research Centres
• Subproject of: SFB 1127: Chemical Mediators in Complex Biosystems (ChemBioSys)
• Applicant Institution: Friedrich-Schiller-Universität Jena
• Project Head: Dr. Marine Vallet