Impact on the microbiome

The microbiome is the sum of microorganisms that inhabit a particular environment. We have focused our research on Intestinal Microbiome (sum of all colonizing microorganisms of the intestine) as well as Environmental Microbiome (sum of all microorganisms colonizing the environment) to investigate the function and structure.

We are working on following research topics:

Intestinale Microbiome

To study the influence of environmental factors on the human gut microbiota, we are using a simplified model system. The model system consists of 8 bacterial species. By cultivating this community in a continuous bioreactor system, the influences of environmental stressors on intestinal bacteria can be better understood.

more: | Hannes Petruschke

We are studying microbial communities and how they respond to changes e.g. in diet, xenobiotics and the response to external influences. Of particular interest are not only the modification of the taxonomic composition of the microbiota, but also the functional changes in metabolism, as bacteria can adapt their metabolism to the environmental conditions in a versatile manner.

more: Sven-Bastiaan Haange | Ulrike Rolle-Kampczyk

Inflammatory diseases of the colon, the most affected structure is the mucus layer. In order to elucidate the healing processes after chronic colitis, we investigate the interaction of the microbiome and the host immune system in a DSS-induced colitis mouse model.

more: | Sven-Bastiaan Haange | Projekt: SPP 1656

In recent years, small proteins have been discovered, which play an important role in different bacteria. For a better understanding of the complex human gut microbiota and their interaction, the identification and functional analysis of small proteins can therefore make an important contribution.

more: Hannes Petruschke | Projekt: SPP 2002

Environmental Microbiome

We are studying the functional and structural composition of the microbial community in different subsurface layers. An important issue is the study of the key organisms that dominate the nutrient cycles (carbon and nitrogen).

more: Patrick Lohmann | Projekt: CRC 1076 AquaDiva

We are studying the taxonomic diversity and its functions of deadwood-degrading microorganisms. We expect important insights in our study into the role of deadwood in ecosystem processes, e.g. carbon or other nutrient cycles.

more: | Projekt: Exploratories SPP 1374

For decades, halogenated organic compounds have been used in industrial applications, e.g. used as solvent. The regulation of degradation processes in the model organism Dehalococcoides myccartyi CBDB1 is investigated proteomically. For this, we quantify the involved enzymes and analyze their interactions as well as posttranslational modifications.

more: Dominique Türkowsky | Projekt: FOR 1530

Soil metaproteomics allows the description of the microbial composition and the identification of proteins in soils, e.g. deforestation, pollutant contamination or agricultural management.

more: Nico Jehmlich