Team BABIM - BActerial BIoconversion of Macroalgae

Axis 1

Functional ecology of algae-degrading bacteria

Axis 1 aims at unraveling the functional diversity of macroalga-degrading bacteria from natural microbial communities. Only a fraction of alga-associated bacteria specializes in the degradation of complex glycans or intact algal tissues. Acting as pioneers, they fuel the growth of heterotrophic microbial communities by producing metabolites that become substrates for scavengers. We study the substrate specialization and metabolic interactions that shape the assemblage of bacterial communities utilizing macroalgal biomass. 

Axis 2

Metabolic strategies for algal biomass breakdown

In Axis 2, we pursue the detailed characterization of pathways used by marine bacteria to access macroalgal biomass. Some of the main targets are novel Polysaccharide Utilization Loci (PUL) which encode a suite of proteins necessary for the assimilation of a specific glycan, including CAZymes for substrate breakdown, modification enzymes (e.g. sulfatases), cell surface substrate-binding proteins, transporters and regulators. 

Axis 3

Regulatory mechanisms controlling algal biomass breakdown

In Axis 3, we elucidate the regulation mechanisms involved in marine bacteria, that allow them to rapidly fine-tune their metabolism depending on the diverse substrates found in macroalgal biomass. First, we characterize new PUL-encoded regulators and the molecular mechanisms by which they participate to glycan sensing and control the expression of their cognate PUL. Second, we address potential cross-talks between different pathways, whereby a given substrate can influence the expression of metabolic pathways not directly involved in its utilization 

Axis 4

Biotechnology potential of algae-degrading bacteria 

Axis 4 aims at exploiting the fundamental knowledge gained on macroalgae-degrading bacteria and specific enzymes derived from these microorganisms to develop novel applications towards the valorization of brown algal biomass.