A census of ribosomal RNA technology ...
Thirty years have passed since Carl Woese proposed three primary domains of life based on the phylogenetic analysis of the ribosomal RNA genes. Despite ongoing discussions about the validity of the concept, the introduction of ribosomal RNA as a universal molecular marker has transformed microbiology to its roots. Adopted by researchers worldwide, ribosomal RNA has become the “gold-standard” for molecular taxonomy, biodiversity analysis and the identification of microorganisms. The more than 500,000 rRNA sequences in public databases constitute an unprecedented hallmark of the richness of microbial biodiversity on earth. Nevertheless, from ongoing genomic and metagenomic studies, we may still be seeing only the tip of the iceberg so far.
It is now time to summarize the current status of the field, and think about how to best proceed with this rich harvest from a technological and biological point of view. Central points that will be addressed by the workshop include:
To address these issues about 20 invited experts from Europe and the US will talk and discuss current topics in rRNA technology.
The workshop is intended to cross disciplinary boundaries by bringing together computer scientists, bioinformaticians, geologists, statisticians and biologists to uncover new technological approaches that will help to answer the big questions: “Who is out there?” “How many of them are there” and “What are they doing?”.
Databases & Phylogeny
The session will provide an overview about the status and future developments of ribosomal RNA databases and software tools for phylogenetic analysis.
Chair: Wolfgang Ludwig and Frank Oliver Glöckner
Data analysis & Biogeography
The session will give an overview about current aspects in analysing the spatio-temporal and environmental conditions triggering the distribution of microorganisms.
Chair: Alban Ramette
Technology
The session will give insights into recent developments in rRNA technology, oligonucleotide synthesis, image analysis and FISH.
Chair: Jörg Peplies
Diversity & Ecology
The session is intended to show and discuss current aspects in taxonomy, biodiversity and ecology research.
Chair: Bernhard Fuchs and Linda Amaral-Zettler
The workshop proceedings paper can be found here
The workshop handout can be found here
The online program can be found here
and some more impressions from the workshop ...
plus a collection of the current standard tools in rRNA technology
Frank Oliver Glöckner (MPI-Bremen)
Linda Amaral-Zettler (ICoMM)
Wolfgang Ludwig (TUM)
Jörg Peplies (Ribocon)
Bernhard Fuchs (MPI-Bremen)
Alban Ramette (MPI-Bremen)
Logo and Timeline by David Todd