Dr. Hanno Teeling

Main Research interests

Marine microalgae contribute approximately half of global net primary photosynthetic production. Heterotrophic bacteria, co-evolved with these algae, form intricate food webs that collectively remineralize algal biomass, much of which comprises polysaccharides unique to marine environments.

Our research examines bacterial degradation of algal organic matter, emphasizing — but not limited to — polysaccharides. We investigate shifts between substrate-driven bottom-up growth and antagonistic top-down pressures, including predation by heterotrophic eukaryotes (e.g., ciliates, flagellates, mixotrophic algae), hostile bacteria-bacteria interactions, and viral lysis. These dynamics dictate the fraction of algal matter remineralized in the photic zone before export to deeper waters.

A key focus in recent years is the long-term ecological research (LTER) site “Kabeltonne” at Helgoland, Germany’s only true offshore island in the southern North Sea. We have amassed extensive data revealing recurrent bacterial clades tied to physicochemical conditions and specific microalgal taxa.

We employ large-scale omics approaches — metagenomics and metatranscriptomics — coupled with bioinformatics for data integration and analysis, converting vast datasets into meaningful biological insights. This work is anchored in the CONCENTRATE Transregional Collaborative Research Center (TRR 420), funded by the German Research Foundation (DFG). Its 14 subprojects collaboratively probe marine bacterial mineralization of algal glycans from various angles, spotlighting barriers to complete degradation.

Other interests

• cell biology and ecophysiological roles of marine Planctomycetes
• halophilc Bacteria and Archaea
• AI in bioinformatics and data integration