LOEWE Centre for
Translational Biodiversity Genomics
Understanding the genomic basis of biodiversity
Genomic diversity as a basis for biodiversity
Biodiversity is the result of 3.5 billion years of evolution and one of the most complex phenomena on earth. The LOEWE Centre for Translational Biodiversity Genomics focusses on the genetic basis of biological diversity to make it accessible for basic and applied research. We sequence and study genomic variation across the tree of life to comprehend the origin and functional adaptations of diversity from genes to ecosystems (Comparative Genomics). The data addresses societal knowledge demands in applied fields, such as the genomic basis of biologically active substances (Natural Products Genomics), and the sustainable use and management of biological resources (Genomic Biomonitoring; Functional Environmental Genomics).
LOEWE-TBG is a joint research institution of the Senckenberg Nature Research Society, the Goethe University Frankfurt, the Justus Liebig University Gießen and the Fraunhofer Institute for Molecular Biology and Applied Ecology IME, the Max Planck Institute for Terrestrial Microbiology (MPIterMic), the Fraunhofer Institute for Translational Medicine and Pharmacology ITMP and is initially funded by the LOEWE programme of the State of Hesse, Germany.
Main Objectives of TBG
- Compare genomic diversity across the tree of life to better understand the origin and functions of all levels of biological diversity (from genes to ecosystems)
- Make genomic resources accessible for applied research, e.g. for a sustainable bioeconomy or natural resources management.
- Develop and apply genomic methods to monitor biodiversity and ecosystem resilience, Inform species conservation efforts, understand the genomic basis of biodiversity, find new applications of biodiversity, e.g. in biomedical research
Research at the centre is divided into four project areas and numerous individual and joint projects:
The LOEWE TBG laboratory centre and a bioinformatics unit provide a powerful infrastructure for the direct implementation of projects. Their results are made available to society via technology transfer and public relations.
News
What’s new at LOEWE-TBG? Find all our videos, news, press releases and selected press articles in our Newsroom. By watching our videos you can, for example, take a look into our lab center and learn more about DNA extraction or get to know TBG’s junior research groups. News include scientific results, prizes, conferences, events, job vacancies and much more. Take a look, stay tuned and follow us on Twitter @LOEWE_TBG.
You need texts or pictures about LOEWE-TBG for publication in media? Our numerous press releases and those of our partners as well as press pictures can also be found at the News Room (via Senckenberg). TBG in TV, Radio and in newspapers – we further compiled a selection of media reports.
Rapid genome analysis of a Whippet sighthound sets new standard for biodiversity research
23.10.2024
The continuing global loss of biodiversity is making it increasingly necessary to rapidly collect and analyse genetic information on endangered species. In a joint project, the Department of Human Genetics at Bioscientia Institute for Medical Diagnostics GmbH in Ingelheim am Rhein and the LOEWE-TBG in Frankfurt, both in Germany, have sequenced and analysed the complete genome of a Whippet sighthound in less than a week. This advance could have a lasting impact on genome research in species and biodiversity conservation. The study has been published in the journal “GigaByte”.
The analysis of a Whippet genome, carried out jointly by the Bioscientia Institute and the LOEWE Centre TBG, used a new technology: whole genomes are sequenced very precisely and in long sections, so-called ‘long reads’. This was achieved in record time using the example of the Whippet, one of the fastest land animals. This is not only a technical success, but was also initiated as a symbolic project to address the challenge of species extinction.
The novel collaboration between Bioscientia’s human geneticists and the researchers at the LOEWE Centre TBG sets a new standard and provides an effective tool for biodiversity research.
For more infos see press release at Senckenberg.(Photo: ashva – stock.adobe.com, 164543555)
Exploring genetic diversity
08.10.2024
Dr Deborah Leigh is new Professor of Genomic Biomonitoring
Deborah Leigh’s goal is to explore the genetic diversity of living organisms and support their conservation. As the newly appointed Professor of Genomic Biomonitoring, she is building a bridge between basic and applied research. She now heads one of the Hessian LOEWE Centre for Translational Biodiversity Genomics (TBG) four programme areas. Prof. Leigh’s appointment is part of a joint appointment between the Senckenberg Society for Nature Research, where the LOEWE Centre TBG is based, and the Goethe University Frankfurt, where she is also a member of the Faculty of Biological Sciences.
The new Frankfurt professor, Deborah Leigh, focuses her research on genetic diversity within species: Her work examines the genetic differences between individuals and populations of a species. “These differences are crucial and impact how well species can adapt to our changing environmental conditions. This genetic diversity is also a foundational component of overall biodiversity because it impacts the characteristics of individual species, which in turn impact on the community of living organisms. Genetic diversity ultimately plays a key role in determining the performance and resilience of entire ecosystems,” explains Prof. Leigh.
For more infos see press release at Senckenberg. (Photo: Sven Tränkner)
Enzymes in spider venom have bioeconomic potential
07.10.2024
As venomous animals, spiders use their chemical arsenal for prey capture or defence. Small neurotoxins target the central nervous system of their victims. While the toxins are intensively investigated, scientists at the LOEWE Centre for Translational Biodiversity Genomics (TBG) in Hesse, Germany, have turned their attention to the enzymes also contained in the complex venom cocktail. They discovered a large, previously overlooked diversity of these proteins that facilitate biochemical reactions. According to the researchers, these could be of great value for bioeconomic applications.
“In the past, a few pioneering studies suggested the presence of enzymes in spider venoms, but a targeted search for them has never been carried out. We took on this task and systematically screened the raw data of all so far venom-wise analysed spiders for enzymes. We were able to show that there are in fact more than 140 different enzyme families in their venom,” explains study leader Dr. Tim Lüddecke, head of the Animal Venomics working group at the IME-BR and the Justus Liebig University in Giessen. “This means, among others, that we have dramatically underestimated the chemical diversity of spider venoms so far, as all calculations of complexity are based on the neurotoxins alone.”
For more infos see press release at Senckenberg. (Photo: Louis Roth)
Our partners
LOEWE Research Initiatives Network
