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.
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.
Extraordinary flight artists - Hummingbird’s hovering flight likely evolved because of a lost gene
12.01.2023.
Hummingbirds, native to North and South America, are among the smallest and most agile birds in the world. Often barely larger than a thumb, they are the only bird species that can fly not only forwards, but also backwards or sideways. Their characteristic hovering flight makes that possible. However, hovering is extremely energy-demanding.
In a genomic study published in the journal "Science", an international team of scientists led by Prof. Michael Hiller at the LOEWE-TBG in Frankfurt investigated the evolutionary adaptations of the metabolism that may have enabled the hummingbirds' unique flying abilities. In their study, researchers sequenced the genome of the long-tailed hermit (Phaethornis superciliosus) and compared this and other hummingbird genomes with the genomes of 45 other birds, such as chicken, pigeon, or eagle. They discovered that the gene encoding the muscle enzyme FBP2 (fructose bisphosphatase 2) was lost in all studied hummingbirds.
For more infos see press release at Senckenberg. (Foto: Nicolas Defaux)
Less helps more - Mild bee venom shows greater application potential
20.12.2022
Honeybee venom has been used in traditional medicine for centuries as an anti-inflammatory. Only its main component, melittin, has been scientifically well researched. However, with its strong effect, the natural substance can also damage healthy cells when used.
In a study published in the journal “Toxins”, researchers at LOEWE-TBG are now showing another facet of the importance of wild bees: in their venoms, which have been little studied so far, they were able to detect more original variants of melittin, a peptide of 26 amino acids and major component of bee venom.
Dr. Pelin Erkoc-Erik, first author of the publication, explains: “We examined the effects of melittin peptides on cell damage and the release of messenger substances and inflammatory markers – in both cancerous and non-cancerous human cells.” One of the substances that caught the team’s attention was melittin from the violet carpenter bee, a wild bee species. In the laboratory analyses, this showed a promising effect on breast cancer cells.
For more infos see press release at Senckenberg. (Foto: Björn M. von Reumont)
Natural products against flu viruses
15.12.2022
Influenza A and B viruses cause severe, contagious infections that can even be fatal if complications arise. The most effective protection against the ever-changing virus strains is the annual vaccination. However, if an infection occurs, only two classes of drugs are approved in most countries, including Germany.
Scientists at the Fraunhofer Institute for Molecular Biology and Applied Ecology IME in Giessen and the LOEWE-TBG see great therapeutic potential in natural substances to inhibit influenza viruses in the future. They provide new impetus in a scientific review.
“Promising natural products include animal toxins, antiviral substances in fungi and also bacteria, which are not only interesting for antibiotics but also for drugs against viruses. The enormous diversity and structural complexity make natural products a promising starting point for researching and identifying new compounds that could be effective against influenza viruses.” explains study leader Dr. Kornelia Hardes.
For more infos see press release at Senckenberg (Photo: Desirée Schulz/Fraunhofer IME)
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