STRESS – Stressed bacteria contribute to sequester glycan carbon (A04)

• Subject Area: Metabolism, Biochemistry and Genetics of Microorganisms ; Microbial Ecology and Applied Microbiology
• Term: since 2025
• Project identifier: Deutsche Forschungsgemeinschaft (DFG) - Project number 542264307

Stressed bacteria convert significant amounts of energy-rich storage glycans into protective extracellular glycans instead of metabolizing them into carbon dioxide for energy. Our hypothesis is that stress induces bacteria to synthesize protective glycans that contribute to carbon sequestration. By investigating how stress induces the synthesis of protective glycans, this project will directly contribute to understanding the factors that promote glycan stability and carbon sequestration in the ocean. A4 STRESS will investigate the structure of bacterial protective extracellular glycans and their potential role in carbon sequestration.

• DFG Programme: CRC/Transregios
• Subproject of: TRR 420: Carbon sequestration at Å resolution - CONCENTRATE
• Applicant Institution: Universität Greifswald
• Project Head: Privatdozent Dr. Bernhard Fuchs