Jena, July 17, 2026 – A research team from the Friedrich-Schiller-Universität Jena and the Leibniz-Institut für Naturstoff-Forschung und Infektionsbiologie (Leibniz-HKI) has described a new bacterial genus. The discovery, named Brakhagea in honor of the director of the Leibniz-HKI, promises new approaches for pharmaceutical research.
- What: Identification of the new bacterial genus Brakhagea
- Who: Research team led by Prof. Christian Jogler (Uni Jena) and Prof. Axel Brakhage
- Focus: Natural product research and genome analysis
- Contact: presse@leibniz-hki.de | +49 3641 532-1058
- Address: Adolf-Reichwein-Straße 23, 07745 Jena
Genome analysis paves the way
The four newly classified species originally come from bodies of water in Northern Germany. Thanks to modern genome sequencing techniques, scientists were able to precisely decode the genetic potential of these microorganisms for the first time. While similar analyses required over a year of manual work two decades ago, current bioinformatic methods allow for nearly automated evaluation in minutes.
Significance for drug research
The Brakhagea species are characterized by biosynthetic gene clusters that make them interesting to science as potential producers of bioactive natural products. These substances are of central importance to the Leibniz-HKI, which works closely with the University of Jena, to develop new therapeutic approaches against infectious diseases and antibiotic resistance.
Jena as a science hub
With this discovery, Jena once again solidifies its position as a leading research location in infection biology. The cooperation between the Friedrich-Schiller-Universität and the Leibniz-HKI enables interdisciplinary work that ranges from basic research to the translational development of new drugs. Naming the genus after Prof. Axel Brakhage honors his many years of scientific contributions to the understanding of microbial natural products.
Source:
New bacterial genus Brakhagea described
Transparency note: This article was created automatically, editorially reviewed, and expanded with AI support.