Project description
Asgard archaea as a unique model for understanding the emergence of eukaryotic cells
The origin of the eukaryotic cell is one of the hallmarks of the evolution of life on Earth. The current hypothesis is that an archaeal host cell merged with an alphaproteobacterial (mitochondrial) endosymbiont, resulting in the first eukaryotic cell. Recent data point to a shared ancestry between the host cell and the Asgard archaea, which uniquely displays several eukaryotic features. However, many details about the nature of the archaeal host and the alleged mitochondrial endosymbiont remain elusive. The EU-funded PRO2EUK project aims to elucidate the emergence of eukaryotic cellular complexity. The research will provide insights into the genomic and biological identity and nature of Asgard archaea as well as the emergence of eukaryotic cells.
Fields of science
Programme(s)
Funding Scheme
ERC-COG - Consolidator GrantHost institution
6708 PB Wageningen
Netherlands
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Beneficiaries (1)
6708 PB Wageningen
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