The colourful secrets of Synura: Decoding evolution and function of novel halogenated pigments
Public support
Provider
Czech Science Foundation
Programme
Standard projects
Call for proposals
SGA0202600001
Main participants
Univerzita Karlova / Přírodovědecká fakulta
Contest type
VS - Public tender
Contract ID
26-20509S
Alternative language
Project name in Czech
The colourful secrets of Synura: Decoding evolution and function of novel halogenated pigments
Annotation in Czech
Microalgae play a key role in aquatic ecosystems, contributing to primary production and biogeochemical cycles. Some species of the chrysophyte genus Synura produce unique red pigments, which we recently identified as a novel form of halogenated naphthoquinones (NQs). These secondary metabolites, previously unrecorded in any organism, may influence ecological interactions through their redox activity, potential toxicity, and light-absorbing properties. This project aims to elucidate the evolutionary origins, structural diversity, and ecological function of Synura NQs, using comparative genomics, metabolomics, and experimental approaches. By integrating phylogenetic and ecological perspectives, we will gain insights into the adaptive significance of these novel pigments in freshwater ecosystems.
Scientific branches
R&D category
ZV - Basic research
OECD FORD - main branch
10611 - Plant sciences, botany
OECD FORD - secondary branch
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OECD FORD - another secondary branch
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CEP - equivalent branches <br>(according to the <a href="http://www.vyzkum.cz/storage/att/E6EF7938F0E854BAE520AC119FB22E8D/Prevodnik_oboru_Frascati.pdf">converter</a>)
EF - Botany
Solution timeline
Realization period - beginning
Jan 1, 2026
Realization period - end
Dec 31, 2028
Project status
Z - Beginning multi-year project
Latest support payment
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Data delivery to CEP
Confidentiality
S - Úplné a pravdivé údaje o projektu nepodléhají ochraně podle zvláštních právních předpisů
Data delivery code
CEP26-GA0-GA-R
Data delivery date
May 28, 2026
Finance
Total approved costs
13,984 thou. CZK
Public financial support
13,984 thou. CZK
Other public sources
0 thou. CZK
Non public and foreign sources
0 thou. CZK