Project Leader at MPI for Biology - Department of Algal Development and Evolution
Available online: explore how sex-biased gene evolution sheds light on the early stages of sexual dimorphism in green seaweeds. In this research article, we use the isogamous Ulva to investigate how selective pressures shape the transition from isogamy to anisogamy. We show that in this Read More…
Available online: “Evolutionary genomics of the emergence of brown algae as key components of coastal ecosystems” – This study explores the genomic innovations that shaped the brown algal lineage, from its origin to its ecological diversification. It highlights gene family expansions, metabolic novelty, horizontal Read More…
Available online: explore the evolutionary leap from simple to complex multicellularity through the lens of brown algae. In this Review, we discuss recent breakthroughs in genetic and genomic technologies that are uncovering the molecular mechanisms behind pattern formation, sexual differentiation, and developmental plasticity in brown Read More…
Available online: our new study sheds light on the role of maternal tissue in shaping apical–basal patterning in kelp embryos. By investigating Undaria pinnatifida, we show how attachment to the maternal oogonial cell wall influences embryogenesis in early development. Our findings reveal that when a Read More…
Available online: a critical synthesis of non-indigenous seaweeds across the Northeast Atlantic Ocean, Mediterranean Sea, and Macaronesia. In this paper, we provide an in-depth analysis of 140 confirmed non-indigenous species, alongside cryptogenic and data-deficient species. Our dataset of over 19,000 distribution records revealed striking patterns Read More…
Available online: all you want to know about apical-basal patterning in brown algae, how propagules develop their attachment structures and how they highlight three different symmetry breaking mechanisms, complementary to the intrinsic vs extrinsic divide. Click for the full paper in Semin Cell & Developmental Read More…
Available online: “Auxin’s origin: do PILS hold the key?”! We find that PINs and PILS form two eukaryotic subfamilies within a larger bacterial malate transporter family warranting functional characterisation of algal PILS. Click for the full paper in Trends in Plant Science:https://www.cell.com/trends/plant-science/fulltext/S1360-1385(21)00257-0
The genome of Ostreobium is out! The endolithic green alga Ostreobium is a key member of the coral holobiont. Iha et al. present an analysis of its nuclear genome and metatranscriptomes of healthy and bleached corals, providing insight into how Ostreobium thrives in the stressful Read More…
We wrote a review summarizing old and recent knowledge on our favorite algal genus concentrating on applications and economic potential of Dictyota and its metabolites. We summarized taxonomy, anatomy, cytology, available genetic data, life history, chemical composition, nutritional value, ecological and economic importance. Click for Read More…
We described the effect of the plant hormone auxin and the auxin transport inhibitor BUM on the early development of the brown alga Dictyota dichotoma. pH and stability of the polarizing cue influences the effect size, placing the controversy on auxin function in fucoid algae Read More…