Archaeal Genomics for Understanding Origin of Eukaryotes and for Biotechnology Applications

You are cordially invited to participate in the GRC “Archaea: Ecology, Metabolism and Molecular Biology” in 2025. Since 1984, this meeting has become the main platform for discussing the most recent developments in a wide range of disciplines in archaeal research, including molecular and structural biology, biochemistry, ecology, archaeal virology, genomics, and evolution. The primary goal for this meeting is to foster productive interactions between researchers interested in understanding the fundamental biology of archaea and applying this knowledge to biotechnology applications. It became a good tradition to organize a two-day-long Gordon Research Seminar (GRS) focused on presentations of early-career scientists before the main meeting.

In 2025 we are excited to celebrate the 10th anniversary of the discovery of Asgardarchaeota, a distinct archaeal phylum that is considered to include the closest living relatives of eukaryotes. Thus, Asgards are envisioned as future model organisms to study the basic molecular biology of many eukaryotic cellular systems. At this meeting we will discuss the diversity of Asgard lineages on the planet and the latest news regarding the cell imaging and culturing of these organisms.

Another highlight of the meeting is archaeal CRISPR-Cas systems. CRISPR-Cas is the only known adaptive immunity system in archaea and bacteria. It was discovered largely by sequence analysis of the first archaeal genomes and over the last decade was converted into a revolutionary technology for genome editing and other applications. The diversity of these systems in archaea is stunning and analysis of new archaeal genomes continues to deliver. Invited speakers will talk about recent discoveries, including new archaea-specific CRISPR-Cas systems, numerous novel anti-CRISPR proteins, and the harnessing of archaeal systems for biotechnology.

To facilitate discussion of the state-of-the-art methodologies, we introduce a “Know How” topic in the program, which will feature an expert in CryoEM technology this year. Also, several experts in comparative genomics and phylogenetic analysis will be ready to answer any questions and advice on how to improve your computational methods and approaches.

All are encouraged to attend GRC “Power Hour” where diversity, inclusion, and mentorship in archaeal research will be discussed.