Dr. Bettina Glasl

Marine sponges are among the most basal metazoans. Their basal position and their intimate relationship with microorganisms make them evolutionary blueprints to study animal-microbe interactions. Besides their evolutionary importance, sponges are also key components of coral reef ecosystems due to their ability to recycle nutrients. My research aims to gain mechanistic insights into the function of microbial symbionts, their interactions with other holobiont members, and their contribution to animal health. 

Ammonia-oxidizing archaea are frequent members of sponge microbiomes and play an important role in nitrogen cycling within the sponge holobiont. Combining field- and aquaria-based experiments with meta’omics, chemical imaging, and advanced fluorescence microscopy, my team and I aim to unravel their adaptations to a symbiotic lifestyle and their functional role in sponge holobionts.