Algae-microbe interactions: role and evolution of halogen metabolism in the ocean
In marine environments, host-microbe interactions are likely highly complex — the relative density of microbes in marine habitats compared to terrestrial ones means that marine organisms must be able to effectively repel pathogens while facilitating partnerships with beneficial microbes. At present, the functions of these microbes and the molecular mechanisms that mediate their relationships with their hosts remain poorly understood. This proposed research project aims to elucidate the relationship between marine macroalgae (commonly called seaweed) and their microbes by studying the biochemistry and evolution of vanadium-haloperoxidases, a protein family implicated in algal pathogen response, and which is responsible for the biosynthesis of halogenated compounds in marine macroalgae.
