Environmental Microbial Genomics

Our group has the expertise to perform genomic and metagenomic studies in a highly customized manner using in-house high-throughput and full genome sequencing (Illumina and Nanopore sequencers) of pro- and eukaryotic organisms.

About the group

The group uses sequence-analysis based information to describe genomic traits of keystone species and their prevalence in natural and artificial microbial communities and metagenomes, including information on bacteriophages and how other mobile genetic elements shape microbial evolution and traits. Group activities span microbes in both natural, agricultural and health related systems.

Group leader

  • Phyllosphere hub species and bacteriophages as biocontrol agents in agriculture
  • The use of alterative bases in bacteriophage genomes
  • Manipulating gut microbiomes via FMT or bacteriophage therapy
  • The genetic origin of antibiotic resistance
  • Mobility of genetic parasites and their role in shaping bacterial evolution
  • Microbiomics, mobilomics and viromics
  • Epigenetics in bacteria and bacteriophages

  • The MATRIX: Microbiome Assisted Triticum Resilience In X- dimensions”. Novo Nordisk Foundation DKK 62.5 M.  
  • MicroHealth: Fecal MICRObiota transplant technology for human HEALTH”. Innovation Fund Denmark DKK 11.5 M (total 20 M).
  • New letters to the DNA alphabet: Identification and characterization of novel nucleic acids in bacteriophages. Human Frontier Science Program Grant (DKK 6 M), and Villum Experiment (DKK 2 M).
  • Searching for epigenetic patterns: Applying and optimizing nanopore-based sequencing technology to detect and describe epigenetic patterns in bacteriophages and bacterial persister cells. Partly financed by a Lundbeck Experiment Grant (DKK 2 M).  
  • AutoPhage: Automation to revolutionize bacteriophage isolation and characterization; a novel project to rapidly lower costs and speed up phage work by employing automation. Funded by an individual FTP Postdoc Grant (DKK 1.4 M).
  • Bacteriophage biocontrol 1: Using bacteriophages as a green-tech alternative to conventional pesticide treatment.
  • Bacteriophage biocontrol 2: Application and formulation of bacteriophages for controlling bacterial plant pathogens in agricultural practices.
  • Mobilome dynamics: Deciphering the dynamics involved in mobilization of antibiotic resistance genes (ARGs) among environmental bacteria in order to predict the potential risk within spread of resistance. 
  • Integrating research and education: Integrating research on genomics of bacterial plant pathogens into the MSc course Applied Microbiology. Funded by a Grant of DKK 50.000

Contact

Lars Hestbjerg Hansen
Professor