GLUE – Glycans cross-link and precipitate bacterial proteins in the ocean (B05)

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

This project investigates the hypothesis that certain algal glycans aggregate bacterial proteins and other molecules. These aggregates are dense, sink and become marine sediment that stores carbon for millennia and longer. This adhesion and stabilization of organic matter via an unknown mechanism may contribute to the formation of sinking particles that export carbon into the deep ocean. We will conduct biochemical reactions between glycans and proteins as our two focal molecule groups to find evidence for potential cross-linking reactions.

• DFG Programme: CRC/Transregios
• Subproject of: TRR 420: Carbon sequestration at Å resolution - CONCENTRATE
• Applicant Institution: Universität Greifswald
• Project Head: Professor Dr. Jan-Hendrik Hehemann