Dacks Lab (Evolutionary Cell Biology)
@dackslabecb.bsky.social
This is the professional account for the Evolutionary Cell Biology lab of Prof. Joel Dacks.
Haven't posted here in a bit. But the public school teachers' strike is over, my program grant is submitted, and our household is now COVID-free.
Heard a great seminar today, had a catch up with a long-time collaborator, and taught a grad class to a very talented set of students. Happy Friday!
Heard a great seminar today, had a catch up with a long-time collaborator, and taught a grad class to a very talented set of students. Happy Friday!
November 22, 2025 at 3:41 AM
Haven't posted here in a bit. But the public school teachers' strike is over, my program grant is submitted, and our household is now COVID-free.
Heard a great seminar today, had a catch up with a long-time collaborator, and taught a grad class to a very talented set of students. Happy Friday!
Heard a great seminar today, had a catch up with a long-time collaborator, and taught a grad class to a very talented set of students. Happy Friday!
Reposted by Dacks Lab (Evolutionary Cell Biology)
We are looking for a PhD student to work on an exciting plastid endosymbiosis in microbial eukaryotes. This position involves sampling, exciting microscopy such as CARDFISH, ExM and FIBSEM, single-cell transcriptomics and more. #protistsonsky 1/2
November 12, 2025 at 9:50 AM
We are looking for a PhD student to work on an exciting plastid endosymbiosis in microbial eukaryotes. This position involves sampling, exciting microscopy such as CARDFISH, ExM and FIBSEM, single-cell transcriptomics and more. #protistsonsky 1/2
Reposted by Dacks Lab (Evolutionary Cell Biology)
Our paper on the #genome of the Trebouxia #photobiont from Xanthoria is now out in @newphyt.bsky.social! Check below for a near-chromosome level assembly, secretome analysis, evidence of ancient HGT, and transcriptomic comparison of the alga in symbiosis and in pure culture
doi.org/10.1111/nph.70728
doi.org/10.1111/nph.70728
November 12, 2025 at 3:46 PM
Our paper on the #genome of the Trebouxia #photobiont from Xanthoria is now out in @newphyt.bsky.social! Check below for a near-chromosome level assembly, secretome analysis, evidence of ancient HGT, and transcriptomic comparison of the alga in symbiosis and in pure culture
doi.org/10.1111/nph.70728
doi.org/10.1111/nph.70728
Holy smokes!!!!
An Asgard archaeon with internal membrane compartments
Brilliant study led by @fmacleod.bsky.social and Andriko von Kügelgen. Tight collaboration with @buzzbaum.bsky.social and lab. Congrats to all authors!
www.biorxiv.org/content/10.1...
Brilliant study led by @fmacleod.bsky.social and Andriko von Kügelgen. Tight collaboration with @buzzbaum.bsky.social and lab. Congrats to all authors!
www.biorxiv.org/content/10.1...
November 8, 2025 at 12:16 AM
Holy smokes!!!!
Reposted by Dacks Lab (Evolutionary Cell Biology)
Exciting day for the lab: our 1rst paper is officially out in @currentbiology.bsky.social 🥳 Wonderful collaboration wt @gautamdey.bsky.social showing how Cryo-ExM achieves consistent immunostaining in diverse diatoms, from the lab and the natural environment 1/n
#ProtistsOnSky
tinyurl.com/2zxaund7
#ProtistsOnSky
tinyurl.com/2zxaund7
October 31, 2025 at 3:27 PM
Exciting day for the lab: our 1rst paper is officially out in @currentbiology.bsky.social 🥳 Wonderful collaboration wt @gautamdey.bsky.social showing how Cryo-ExM achieves consistent immunostaining in diverse diatoms, from the lab and the natural environment 1/n
#ProtistsOnSky
tinyurl.com/2zxaund7
#ProtistsOnSky
tinyurl.com/2zxaund7
Reposted by Dacks Lab (Evolutionary Cell Biology)
Excited to share our new paper!
Tepsin and AP4 mediate transport from the trans-Golgi to the plant-like vacuole in Toxoplasma gondii.
A great collaboration between the Meissner, Jiménez-Ruiz, and Dacks labs 🙌
#Toxoplasma #Apicomplexa #Golgi #CellBiology #Parasites
Tepsin and AP4 mediate transport from the trans-Golgi to the plant-like vacuole in Toxoplasma gondii.
A great collaboration between the Meissner, Jiménez-Ruiz, and Dacks labs 🙌
#Toxoplasma #Apicomplexa #Golgi #CellBiology #Parasites
Tepsin and AP4 mediate transport from the trans-#Golgi to the plant-like vacuole in #toxoplasma, say Janessa Grech, Elena Jiménez-Ruiz @jimenezruizlab.bsky.social, Markus Meissner @meissnerlab.bsky.social & colleagues @lmumuenchen.bsky.social: rupress.org/jcb/article/...
#Microbiology #Cytoskeleton
#Microbiology #Cytoskeleton
October 20, 2025 at 1:36 PM
Excited to share our new paper!
Tepsin and AP4 mediate transport from the trans-Golgi to the plant-like vacuole in Toxoplasma gondii.
A great collaboration between the Meissner, Jiménez-Ruiz, and Dacks labs 🙌
#Toxoplasma #Apicomplexa #Golgi #CellBiology #Parasites
Tepsin and AP4 mediate transport from the trans-Golgi to the plant-like vacuole in Toxoplasma gondii.
A great collaboration between the Meissner, Jiménez-Ruiz, and Dacks labs 🙌
#Toxoplasma #Apicomplexa #Golgi #CellBiology #Parasites
Reposted by Dacks Lab (Evolutionary Cell Biology)
See companion study from Grech et al. @jimenezruizlab.bsky.social @meissnerlab.bsky.social: rupress.org/jcb/article/...
Vesicle adaptors in malaria parasites show conservation and flexibility of protein sorting machinery
Cubillán-Marín et al. find that the vesicle adaptors AP-1, AP-3, and AP-4 are all important for the survival of malaria blood-stage parasites and that thes
rupress.org
October 13, 2025 at 8:45 PM
See companion study from Grech et al. @jimenezruizlab.bsky.social @meissnerlab.bsky.social: rupress.org/jcb/article/...
Reposted by Dacks Lab (Evolutionary Cell Biology)
🔎Check out this image from one of the articles in our Sept/Oct issue:
🔬Two Nanochloropsis gaditana cells visualized by quick-freeze deep-etch electron
▶️Read the article: Goodenough & Roth. Ultrastructure of the Endoplasmic Reticulum in Eukaryotic Microalgae. doi.org/10.1111/jeu....
#protistsonsky
🔬Two Nanochloropsis gaditana cells visualized by quick-freeze deep-etch electron
▶️Read the article: Goodenough & Roth. Ultrastructure of the Endoplasmic Reticulum in Eukaryotic Microalgae. doi.org/10.1111/jeu....
#protistsonsky
October 15, 2025 at 4:13 PM
🔎Check out this image from one of the articles in our Sept/Oct issue:
🔬Two Nanochloropsis gaditana cells visualized by quick-freeze deep-etch electron
▶️Read the article: Goodenough & Roth. Ultrastructure of the Endoplasmic Reticulum in Eukaryotic Microalgae. doi.org/10.1111/jeu....
#protistsonsky
🔬Two Nanochloropsis gaditana cells visualized by quick-freeze deep-etch electron
▶️Read the article: Goodenough & Roth. Ultrastructure of the Endoplasmic Reticulum in Eukaryotic Microalgae. doi.org/10.1111/jeu....
#protistsonsky
Always happy to be involved in work that better explains how parasite cells function. Especially in a group like apicomplexans with such a global health impact (Malaria, Theileria, Cryptosporidium).
The more we know, the better people are able to find ways to combat them.
doi.org/10.1083/jcb....
The more we know, the better people are able to find ways to combat them.
doi.org/10.1083/jcb....
Tepsin and AP4 mediate transport from the trans-Golgi to the plant-like vacuole in toxoplasma | Journal of Cell Biology | Rockefeller University Press
Toxoplasma gondii tepsin (TgTEP) interacts with the AP4 adaptor complex and clathrin to mediate actin- and myosin F–dependent vesicle trafficking from the
doi.org
October 15, 2025 at 3:29 AM
Always happy to be involved in work that better explains how parasite cells function. Especially in a group like apicomplexans with such a global health impact (Malaria, Theileria, Cryptosporidium).
The more we know, the better people are able to find ways to combat them.
doi.org/10.1083/jcb....
The more we know, the better people are able to find ways to combat them.
doi.org/10.1083/jcb....
OK sure, it started out as a typo, but I d like the idea measuring of a gene or protein's "Conswervation". Just feels more groovy and less judgemental than 'divergence".
September 15, 2025 at 3:57 PM
OK sure, it started out as a typo, but I d like the idea measuring of a gene or protein's "Conswervation". Just feels more groovy and less judgemental than 'divergence".
Reposted by Dacks Lab (Evolutionary Cell Biology)
What you're looking at is a brand new protist species! 🤯🔬
Isn't it beautiful?
This image is just a glimpse of what's to come. We can't wait to share our full findings soon, in partnership with Guifré @beaplab.bsky.social @luisjagago.bsky.social. Stay tuned! #NewSpecies #protistsonSky #diversity
Isn't it beautiful?
This image is just a glimpse of what's to come. We can't wait to share our full findings soon, in partnership with Guifré @beaplab.bsky.social @luisjagago.bsky.social. Stay tuned! #NewSpecies #protistsonSky #diversity
September 9, 2025 at 4:21 PM
What you're looking at is a brand new protist species! 🤯🔬
Isn't it beautiful?
This image is just a glimpse of what's to come. We can't wait to share our full findings soon, in partnership with Guifré @beaplab.bsky.social @luisjagago.bsky.social. Stay tuned! #NewSpecies #protistsonSky #diversity
Isn't it beautiful?
This image is just a glimpse of what's to come. We can't wait to share our full findings soon, in partnership with Guifré @beaplab.bsky.social @luisjagago.bsky.social. Stay tuned! #NewSpecies #protistsonSky #diversity
Reposted by Dacks Lab (Evolutionary Cell Biology)
One is the best EMBO/EMBL symposium is coming up and it’s going to be AWESOME. Save the date !
🚨 Save the date! Thrilled to be co-organizing the next iteration of the @embl.org Symposium on the Cellular Mechanics of Symbiosis (📅 March 17-20), w/ @floravincent.bsky.social, @hassansalem.bsky.social & Tom Richards.
www.embl.org/about/info/c...
#EESSymbiosis #Symbiosis #SymbioSky #MicroSky 🦠
www.embl.org/about/info/c...
#EESSymbiosis #Symbiosis #SymbioSky #MicroSky 🦠
The cellular mechanics of symbiosis: sensing friend from foe
www.embl.org
September 9, 2025 at 2:44 PM
One is the best EMBO/EMBL symposium is coming up and it’s going to be AWESOME. Save the date !
Reposted by Dacks Lab (Evolutionary Cell Biology)
New #ISEPpapers! Towards a trait-based framework for protist ecology and evolution: Mahwash Jamy et al. www.cell.com/trends/micro...
#protists #algae #microbes #ecology #evolution
#protists #algae #microbes #ecology #evolution
September 7, 2025 at 12:17 PM
New #ISEPpapers! Towards a trait-based framework for protist ecology and evolution: Mahwash Jamy et al. www.cell.com/trends/micro...
#protists #algae #microbes #ecology #evolution
#protists #algae #microbes #ecology #evolution
I reflect on the changes in the past year and introduce and explain the rationale for JEM's newly established AI guidelines. Most importantly, this piece discusses what I see as the core mission of the journal: to provide a venue for the voices of Protistologists.
Hope you like it.
Hope you like it.
Editor-in-Chief Joel Dacks looks back on the year and shares some of our new initiatives, including "Issue Highlight" image and AI use guidance.
Read about these initiatives and more in the Editor's Message
onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1111/...
#protistsonsky
Read about these initiatives and more in the Editor's Message
onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1111/...
#protistsonsky
Summer 2025 Editor‐In‐Chief Message
You have to enable JavaScript in your browser's settings in order to use the eReader.
onlinelibrary.wiley.com
September 5, 2025 at 5:34 PM
I reflect on the changes in the past year and introduce and explain the rationale for JEM's newly established AI guidelines. Most importantly, this piece discusses what I see as the core mission of the journal: to provide a venue for the voices of Protistologists.
Hope you like it.
Hope you like it.
Reposted by Dacks Lab (Evolutionary Cell Biology)
New #ISEPpapers! Selective loss of ATP carriers in favour of SLC25A43 orthologues in metamonad #mitochondria adapted to #anaerobiosis: Natalia Janowicz et al. royalsocietypublishing.org/doi/full/10....
#Protists #Microbes #Evolution #Metamonads #Anaerobes #ProtistsOnSky
#Protists #Microbes #Evolution #Metamonads #Anaerobes #ProtistsOnSky
August 28, 2025 at 4:36 PM
New #ISEPpapers! Selective loss of ATP carriers in favour of SLC25A43 orthologues in metamonad #mitochondria adapted to #anaerobiosis: Natalia Janowicz et al. royalsocietypublishing.org/doi/full/10....
#Protists #Microbes #Evolution #Metamonads #Anaerobes #ProtistsOnSky
#Protists #Microbes #Evolution #Metamonads #Anaerobes #ProtistsOnSky
Reposted by Dacks Lab (Evolutionary Cell Biology)
New #ISEPpapers! The fluid dynamics and functional diversity of the flagella of free-living flagellates orbit.dtu.dk/en/publicati...
#Protists #Microbes #FluidDynamics #Biophysics
#Protists #Microbes #FluidDynamics #Biophysics
August 28, 2025 at 2:09 PM
New #ISEPpapers! The fluid dynamics and functional diversity of the flagella of free-living flagellates orbit.dtu.dk/en/publicati...
#Protists #Microbes #FluidDynamics #Biophysics
#Protists #Microbes #FluidDynamics #Biophysics
Reposted by Dacks Lab (Evolutionary Cell Biology)
I had missed this when it came out at the end of last year, but I am glad to see some of my *favourite* eukaryotic supergroups marked as resolved #protistsonsky
www.jstage.jst.go.jp/article/ipsj...
www.jstage.jst.go.jp/article/ipsj...
August 29, 2025 at 11:20 AM
I had missed this when it came out at the end of last year, but I am glad to see some of my *favourite* eukaryotic supergroups marked as resolved #protistsonsky
www.jstage.jst.go.jp/article/ipsj...
www.jstage.jst.go.jp/article/ipsj...
Reposted by Dacks Lab (Evolutionary Cell Biology)
Reposted by Dacks Lab (Evolutionary Cell Biology)
The first paper from my PhD is out now! doi.org/10.1111/jeu....
We describe a new photosynthetic #Paulinella species from a brackish beach in British Columbia 🇨🇦
Big thanks to the co-authors Maia Palka and @alive-in-the-ocean.bsky.social, and my supervisor @fburki.bsky.social
#protistsonsky
We describe a new photosynthetic #Paulinella species from a brackish beach in British Columbia 🇨🇦
Big thanks to the co-authors Maia Palka and @alive-in-the-ocean.bsky.social, and my supervisor @fburki.bsky.social
#protistsonsky
August 18, 2025 at 11:36 AM
The first paper from my PhD is out now! doi.org/10.1111/jeu....
We describe a new photosynthetic #Paulinella species from a brackish beach in British Columbia 🇨🇦
Big thanks to the co-authors Maia Palka and @alive-in-the-ocean.bsky.social, and my supervisor @fburki.bsky.social
#protistsonsky
We describe a new photosynthetic #Paulinella species from a brackish beach in British Columbia 🇨🇦
Big thanks to the co-authors Maia Palka and @alive-in-the-ocean.bsky.social, and my supervisor @fburki.bsky.social
#protistsonsky
Reposted by Dacks Lab (Evolutionary Cell Biology)
Check out our recent publication on breviate protists and their microbial communities. In this study, led by PhD student Karla and postdoc Julie, we found that breviate growth under anoxia might be dependent on the metabolic capabilities of the prokaryotes they live with.
doi.org/10.1093/isme...
doi.org/10.1093/isme...
pendingpublications
Pending Publication
doi.org
August 11, 2025 at 7:39 AM
Check out our recent publication on breviate protists and their microbial communities. In this study, led by PhD student Karla and postdoc Julie, we found that breviate growth under anoxia might be dependent on the metabolic capabilities of the prokaryotes they live with.
doi.org/10.1093/isme...
doi.org/10.1093/isme...
Moving fast and stressing hard about getting things done before vacation (and being grumpy about it).
Then I opened my laptop to the news of the passing of a mentor and colleague. Her memory will be a blessing and guide.
Good reminder about priorities today, though. Connections over check-lists.
Then I opened my laptop to the news of the passing of a mentor and colleague. Her memory will be a blessing and guide.
Good reminder about priorities today, though. Connections over check-lists.
August 8, 2025 at 7:13 PM
Moving fast and stressing hard about getting things done before vacation (and being grumpy about it).
Then I opened my laptop to the news of the passing of a mentor and colleague. Her memory will be a blessing and guide.
Good reminder about priorities today, though. Connections over check-lists.
Then I opened my laptop to the news of the passing of a mentor and colleague. Her memory will be a blessing and guide.
Good reminder about priorities today, though. Connections over check-lists.
Really interesting work!!
In our ongoing saga of description of new protists, we are happy to introduce Multisulcus malaysiensis, a deep-branching heterolobosean that forms highly unusual multiflagellated cells with multiple ventral grooves. Great work by @kristina-prokina.bsky.social
onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/epdf/10....
onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/epdf/10....
August 7, 2025 at 5:47 PM
Really interesting work!!
Reposted by Dacks Lab (Evolutionary Cell Biology)
We have a postdoc opening for a protistologist with biophysics inclinations to join our @hfspo.bsky.social project! (focus will be on characterising the morphology, ultrastructure and behaviour of excavates) #protistsonsky
Apply by Sept 17th (RTs appreciated!)
jobs.exeter.ac.uk/hrpr_webrecr...
Apply by Sept 17th (RTs appreciated!)
jobs.exeter.ac.uk/hrpr_webrecr...
August 6, 2025 at 7:19 PM
We have a postdoc opening for a protistologist with biophysics inclinations to join our @hfspo.bsky.social project! (focus will be on characterising the morphology, ultrastructure and behaviour of excavates) #protistsonsky
Apply by Sept 17th (RTs appreciated!)
jobs.exeter.ac.uk/hrpr_webrecr...
Apply by Sept 17th (RTs appreciated!)
jobs.exeter.ac.uk/hrpr_webrecr...
Drafting a budget for an upcoming grant and asked a colleague how much lab space I'd need to culture the fungi I plan to study.
They said as mushroom as possible.
...I regret nothing.
They said as mushroom as possible.
...I regret nothing.
August 6, 2025 at 2:28 AM
Drafting a budget for an upcoming grant and asked a colleague how much lab space I'd need to culture the fungi I plan to study.
They said as mushroom as possible.
...I regret nothing.
They said as mushroom as possible.
...I regret nothing.
Reposted by Dacks Lab (Evolutionary Cell Biology)
Very happy to share our new paper where we develop CRISPR-Cas9 genome editing in our favorite unicellular relative of animals, Corallochytrium limacisporum! With @sebasn1.bsky.social @multicellgenome.bsky.social Elena and Claudio.
Check it out:
royalsocietypublishing.org/doi/10.1098/...
Check it out:
royalsocietypublishing.org/doi/10.1098/...
CRISPR-Cas9 genome editing in Corallochytrium limacisporum,a key species for understanding animal origins | Open Biology
Microbial holozoans are the closest unicellular relatives of animals. They share a
substantial gene repertoire with animals and exhibit complex life cycles. Studying
these organisms is crucial for und...
royalsocietypublishing.org
July 28, 2025 at 10:20 AM