Construction of novel tools for the genetic manipulation of planctomycetes

Planctomycetota represents a fascinating bacterial phylum within the PVC superphylum characterized by unique cell biological features, including asymmetric reproduction (“budding”) without the canonical bacterial cell division protein FtsZ, complex membrane invaginations, and distinct peptidoglycan architecture. Despite their ecological importance in carbon and nitrogen cycling, biotechnological potential (e.g., polysaccharide degradation and secondary metabolite production), and evolutionary significance, research has been severely limited by the lack of efficient genetic tools. Their slow growth, aggregation tendencies, and antibiotic resistance have historically restricted molecular studies. This project aims to expand and optimize a versatile genetic toolbox for multiple species, transforming them into tractable model organisms for cell biology, metabolism, and synthetic biology applications. Building on foundational work, broad-host-range methods for gene knockout, knock-in, and regulated heterologous expression will be constructed. Successful implementation will enable in-depth studies of uncharacterized cellular features and unlock their potential as chassis for novel biocatalysts or bioactive compounds. The project will generate open-access protocols and strains, fostering broader PVC superphylum research. By overcoming current bottlenecks, it positions planctomycetes as valuable additions to the microbial synthetic biology toolkit.

PhD start: 05/01/2021