Prof. Dr. Marie Schölmerich

Research area

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At the Schölmerich Lab, we study anaerobic microorganisms that are key players in the capture and conversion of the greenhouse gases carbon dioxide (CO₂) and methane (CH₄). These anaerobic bacteria and archaea employ the most ancient CO₂ fixation pathway - the Wood-Ljungdahl pathway.

Our main research foci are:

1.    Microbes and Metabolisms in Anoxic Ecosystems

We use environmental metagenomics, laboratory cultivation and microcosms to uncover the microbial communities in anoxic ecosystems. A particular focus is on microbial communities in peatlands to understand the microbial processes in naturally pristine sites, and restorability of sites that have been impacted by human activities.

2.    Extrachromosomal DNA elements linked to an Ancient Metabolism

We analyze global metagenomic datasets to illuminate the occurrence of the ancient Wood-Ljungdahl pathway across ecosystems and taxonomies. A particular focus lies on the discovery of extrachromosomal DNA elements linked to these microorganisms, to shed more light on their distribution, diversity and potential to augment host metabolism, physiology and communities.

3.    Tandem Repeats in Genomes of Methanogenic Archaea

We use bioinformatics to investigate the occurrence and rationale of tandem repeats in the genomes of methane-producing archaea. Through a combination of cultivation, molecular and biochemical techniques their evolution and function are examined in a model methanogen.

4.    Extrachromosomal DNA elements in Acetogenic Bacteria

We use bioinformatic tools to predict extrachromosomal DNA elements, such as prophages and plasmids, in the genomes of acetogenic bacteria, and metagenomic datasets. We use model acetogens to experimentally investigate when extrachromosomal DNA becomes active, and what its impact is on the metabolism, physiology and evolution of its host.

To accomplish these goals, we employ a combination of computational and laboratory-based methods. These include culture-independent approaches like fieldwork, metagenomics, and computational biology, as well as genome-informed cultivation approaches and biochemical methods. Our overarching mission is to decipher the influence of these anaerobic microorganisms on biogeochemical cycles, and to identify the molecular elements and mechanisms driving these processes.