Work in the HEAL Group is supported by a JGI Community Sequencing Programme grant, “the Haptophyte Pan-Genome”, awarded 2022.

“The Haptophyte Genome Project” aims to expand the phylogenetic breadth of sequenced Haptophyte genomes, particularly freshwater samples. The Haptophytes are an ancient and complex lineage of eukaryotic algae of immense ecological importance, forming the second most significant contribution to planetary eukaryotic photosynthesis after diatoms [1, 2]. Sequencing genomes and transcriptomes of phylogenetically diverse haptophytes and relevant outgroups will address long-standing questions pertaining to: 1) the phylogenetic framework and genomic diversity of species selected from freshwater, salty continental and marine environments, 2) the transition of haptophytes between marine and freshwater systems, 3) the phylogenetic composition of the haptophyte genome with particular regard to its chloroplast, 4) key components involved in biomineralization, alkenone biosynthesis, and toxin production, 5) cellular machinery associated with mixotrophy, and 6) prevalence of pan-genomes, relevant to a heating ocean.