Content

Indonesian Opisthobranchs and Associated Microorganisms - From Biodiversity to Drug Lead Discovery (INDOBIO)

 

Goal of the project

The Indonesian coastline is characterized by an extremely high biodiversity. This project focusses on a specific bio-system, i.e. Opisthobranchia, their prey organisms, and the associated microorganisms. Based on our knowledge on systematics and ecology of these organisms, the goal is to identify new drug leads for antibiotics development.

The species in this under-investigated biological system have to interact in a complex and competitive environment. Sea slugs, forced by the absence of a protective shell, developed highly specialized defense strategies to protect their sensitive epidermis against micro and small organisms, as well as larger predators like fish and crabs. Beside the sequestration of e.g. cnidocysts, especially chemical substances fulfill this protective role. These biologically active metabolites, which can be synthesized by the sea slugs themselves, their food source, or by the associated bacterial or fungal community, will be isolated and identified within this project. Thereby, the compounds become readily available for antibacterial testing.

The focus will be on the slug-associated microorganisms. Using classical microbiological methods, axenic cultures are generated, from which by subsequent fermentation the biological active compounds can be isolated. By genome sequencing the biosynthetic potential of these microorganisms will be determined and harnessed. The biosynthetic gene clusters identified in this project will be used to produce natural products efficiently and sustainably.

In addition, metagenomic approaches will be used to make also the genetic potential of the so far uncultured bacteria accessible by heterologous expression.

Collected data on slugs and associated food organisms will document state of the art biodiversity in this hot spot region and can be used as base information for future monitoring of healthiness of marine habitats in North Sulawesi.

Prof. Dr. Gabriele Maria König, Pharmaceutical Biology, Rheinische Friedrich-Wilhelms-Universität Bonn

Dr. Till Friedrich Schäberle, Pharmaceutical Biology, Rheinische Friedrich-Wilhelms-Universität Bonn

Prof. Dr. Heike Wägele, Phylogenetic, Zoological Research Museum Alexander König Bonn

Prof. Dr. Ir. Georis Judri Fontje Kaligis, Marine Sciences, Sam Ratulangi University, Manado

Dr. Robert A. Bara, Marine Sciences, Sam Ratulangi University, Manado

Advertisements by German Universities

Unlock Your Potential at THM University of Applied Sciences!

Are you ready to step into leading positions in the global job market? Pursue a Master of Science in Control, Computer and Communications Engineering (CCCE) at THM University of Applied Sciences!

More

Discover the top-ranked International Master & PhD Programs at RPTU Un...

24 International Master & PhD Programs at RPTU University of Kaiserslautern-Landau Application Deadline: Apr 30 & Oct 31 More information: https://rptu.de/international/home

More
EBS Universität

Study at Germany´s oldest private business university

Since 1971, EBS Universität educates the leaders of tomorrow. Start your bachelor's or master's studies at EBS now and be empowered to make a difference in the world.

More

Truly international – Study at ESB Business School!

Do you want to study in the heart of Germany, Europe’s strongest and most dynamic economy? Come to ESB Business School at Reutlingen University!

More
Hof Univerity

Hands-on Master’s programs at Hof University Graduate School

Kickstart your career with our hands-on M.B.A. and M.Eng. programs. All programs include a one-year internship - a great opportunity to apply your knowledge and gain additional professional experience...

More

Study in Berlin - MBA & International Master’s Programmes

Study management in English. Improve your leadership skills. Gain digital know-how. Become part of an international student body. Benefit from many corporate activities, valuable career consultation a...

More

International Programmes at TH Rosenheim - Study in English!

Are you interested in studying in one of Germany’s most attractive regions? Do you expect a high quality of life, great recreational activities and an economically powerful region? Then start your stu...

More
Hof Univerity

M.Sc. in Cross Cultural Nursing Practice

You have a bachelor's degree in nursing and would like to gain further qualifications without losing touch with your patients? If you also have basic German language skills, our Master in Cross Cultur...

More
1/8

Contact

  • DAAD Regional Office Jakarta

    JI. Jend. Sudirman, Kav. 61-62, Summitmas Building 2, 14th Floor 12190 Jakarta Telephone: +62 (21) 5200 870
Screenshot of map with location of DAAD-office marked