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)
Main Objectives of TBG
- establish a new and taxonomically broad genome collection, the Senckenberg Biodiversity Genome Collection (SBGC) as an innovative digital and specimen-based museum collection
- 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.
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.
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.
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.
News
Dangerous microplastics - Ingestion of polyamide microplastic can trigger evolutionary changes
07.04.2022
Microplastics have already been detected in all ecosystems, from the deep sea to high alpine glaciers. These particles can even get into the brains of mammals. Although there is increasing evidence that the ingestion of microplastics - depending on size, quantity and composition - could be harmful to organisms, the degree of danger has not yet been conclusively clarified.
The fact that microplastics can also trigger evolutionary changes has now been shown for the first time by an international team of scientists from the LOEWE Centre for Translational Biodiversity Genomics (TBG), the Senckenberg Biodiversity and Climate Research Centre Frankfurt (SBiK-F) and the Estonian National Institute of Chemical Physics and Biophysics, Laboratory of Environmental Toxicology. The paper was published in the journal "Chemosphere". According to the study, the ingestion of microplastic particles triggers an evolutionary adaptation in the Chironomus riparius mosquito.
(Foto: Markus Pfenninger)
Vampires with genetic defects - comprehensive genome analysis sheds light on nutrition and evolution of vampire bats
25.03.2022
Vampire bats live up to their name: they feed exclusively on the blood of other vertebrates, which they hunt in the dark. But how do they cope with this unbalanced diet? Blood contains a lot of protein, but sugar and fat are largely absent. A detailed analysis of the genome of the common vampire bat now provides new insights into the evolution of dietary adaptations and other abilities of these unique animals.
This international study, published in the journal Science Advances and led by scientists from the LOEWE Centre for Translational Biodiversity Genomics in Frankfurt and the Max Planck Institute for Molecular Cell Biology and Genetics in Dresden, shows that vampire bats lack thirteen genes that other bat species possess.
The DNA segments of these genes are still found in the vampire bat, but the genes have been destroyed by mutations such that their function has been lost.
For more infos see press release at Senckenberg. (Foto: Brock Fenton)
New research approach reveals mechanisms of action in stingray venom, using a novel network pharmacology approach
16.02.2022
Animal venoms can be a valuable source when it comes to discovering new drug leads. Their special mechanism of action and their complex composition can be particularly informative. In order to obtain a comprehensive picture of how animal venoms influence organisms, a team of scientists from the LOEWE Centre for Translational Biodiversity Genomics (TBG) among others, developed a new approach to drug research. In the study recently published in “Marine Drugs”, the authors combined the results of genome analysis of animal venoms with physiological datas. The aim was to predict the mechanisms of action of the venom components as well as the time curve of the venom action. For this purpose, two high-throughput technologies were combined in a network. The focus of the investigations where stingrays.
Find further information in the scientific paper published in “Marine Drugs" (Photo: Andreas Vilcinskas)
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