H. Verbruggen

Multiple plastid losses within photosynthetic stramenopiles revealed by comprehensive phylogenomics

This study reveals two independent plastid losses in ochrophyte lineages through comprehensive phylogenomic analysis of 25 transcriptomes.

The bacterial microbiome of the coral skeleton algal symbiont Ostreobium shows preferential associations and signatures of phylosymbiosis

This study identifies preferential bacterial associations with Ostreobium algae and reveals a phylosymbiotic relationship between Ostreobium phylogeny and its core microbiome.

Unravelling microalgal-bacterial interactions in aquatic ecosystems through 16S rRNA gene-based co-occurrence networks

This study uses 16S rRNA gene-based co-occurrence networks to identify microalgal-bacterial associations in aquatic ecosystems, revealing both known and previously unknown interactions.

Nuclear genome of a pedinophyte pinpoints genomic innovation and streamlining in the green algae

This study presents the nuclear genome of a pedinophyte green alga, revealing genome streamlining and expansion in different lineages of Chlorophyta.

Tightly constrained genome reduction and relaxation of purifying selection during secondary plastid endosymbiosis

This study examines gene loss and selection changes in plastid genomes during secondary endosymbiosis in three lineages, finding constrained gene loss and temporary relaxation of purifying selection.

Meta-transcriptomic detection of diverse and divergent RNA viruses in green and chlorarachniophyte algae

This study identifies 18 novel RNA viruses in green and chlorarachniophyte algae using meta-transcriptomic and structural homology methods, suggesting horizontal transfer and evolutionary links to plant and fungal viruses.

Neoproterozoic origin and multiple transitions to macroscopic growth in green seaweeds

This study uses phylogenomic analysis to determine the origin and diversification of green seaweeds, finding they originated in the late Tonian/Cryogenian and diversified during the Ordovician.