Employee photo: Alexander Oliver Jüterbock

Alexander Oliver Jüterbock

Associate Professor
Faculty of Biosciences and Aquaculture
Study location
Bodø
Office
Bodø, Noatun, B2.006

My research focuses on ecological and evolutionary responses to environmental change at the base of the food web€”involving macroalgae and seagrass, both of which play a prominent ecological and economical role in the fjords of Norway. My long-term research goal is to understand functional-trait variation at the molecular level and to apply this knowledge towards sustainable growth of economically important algae, and towards the management of kelp forests and seagrass meadows under the impact of climate change. Epigenetic research allows to understand trait variation and biodiversity from an entirely new perspective. I aim to apply this knowledge towards societally relevant questions related to coastal ecosystem management and protection in light of increasing human impact and to sustainable cultivation of kelp along Arctic shores

Publications: https://scholar.google.no/citations?user=uQOuuGUAAAAJ& hl=en

Website: www.marinetics.org

Bio2002 Marine Macrophytes (BSc/MSc) - spring semesters

Marine macrophytes, including seagrasses and macroalgae, form the basis of diverse and productive coastal ecosystems that deliver important ecosystem services. Moreover, western countries increasingly recognize macroalgae, traditionally cultivated in Asia, as targets for a new bio-economy that can be both economically profitable and environmentally sustainable.

This course teaches you through lectures, practicals, group work and seminars the scientific background and skills to become a competitive player in research and development around these coastal ecosystem engineers.

Register if the course aim resonates with you: to build project ideas around knowledge and research gaps in the field of marine macrophytes.


Epigenetics for developmental and metabolic regulation in plants and algae (PhD)

Part of the national graduate school Photosyntech

Epigenetics refers to the study of potentially heritable phenotypic changes that are brought about by gene expression changes caused by mechanisms such as DNA methylation, histone modifications, and microRNAs. Epigenetic mechanisms are involved in regulating developmental processes and responses to changing environments and, thus, important from an evolutionary, ecological, and biotechnological perspective. This course is aimed at students with little experience in plant and algal epigenetics. Lectures and discussions revolve around theoretical aspects of epigenetic mechanisms.

We study marine macrophytes from a fundamental as well as an applied perspective. Our long-term research goal is to understand functional-trait variation at the molecular level and rapid mechanisms of adaptation to environmental changes; and to apply this knowledge towards predictive models and monitoring of coastal systems as well as towards sustainable growth of economically important algae, including improvement of kelp stress tolerance to secure growth and production under rapid environmental change.

Research Areas

Kelp Priming

SFrom Jueterbock et al. (2021) Front. Mar. Sci. Figure by Antoine Minne.

Our current research focus centers on stress-priming. This research carries significant implications for the kelp mariculture industry as it has the potential to transform it by enabling the development of superior kelp strains while preserving genetic diversity. Unlike traditional breeding, which is a time-consuming process that can lead to reduced genetic diversity, our early findings suggest that stress-priming offers a more expedient solution. It not only enhances kelp yield but also fortifies their capacity to withstand environmental stressors. While priming is an established pre-sowing technique in agriculture and horticulture where seeds are partially hydrated and exposed to specific environmental conditions before planting, its transfer and adjustment to the specific life-cycle of kelp is novel.

The urgency of this research is underscored by the imminent threat of rising temperatures associated with climate change, which poses a significant risk to kelp ecosystems. For instance, the kelp species Saccharina latissima almost disappeared from southern Norway due to summer temperatures exceeding 20°C.

This approach could pave the way for the rapid improvement of kelp strains, effectively enhancing their productivity and resistance to environmental stressors. The ultimate goal is to establish stress-priming as a viable bio-engineering technique in kelp cultivation, with a primary focus on commercially valuable kelp species such as Saccharina latissima and Alaria esculenta. If successful, this research has the potential to initiate further studies aimed at mitigating various stressors through engineered epigenetic pathways, and triggering cross-priming effects such as enhanced resistance to bio-fouling and pathogens. This research line is supported by significant grants, notably a 10 million NOK grant from the Norwegian Research Council, and has the potential to lay the foundation for pioneering advancements in kelp biotechnology beyond the funding period, which concludes in 2026.

Brown algal genomics, epigenomics and molecular memory

eFigure by Ananya Khatei

Epigenetic factors, such as DNA methylation, miRNAs, and histone modifications regulate gene expression, and play an integral role in development, stress response, and acclimation to environmental challenges. Related to priming, we are interested in the molecular mechanisms that underly the build-up of a memory of environmental conditions that can explain trans-generational inheritance of stress-induced traits.

In collaboration with the Marine Botany Group at Bremen University (Germany), we have shown that rearing temperature determines the level of DNA methylation in sporophytes of the kelp S. latissima⁠, which is a promising first result suggesting the build-up of a molecular stress memory. However, it remains unclear whether and for how long these methylation patterns are memorized and affect phenotypic characteristics via gene expression. However, our early results suggest that brown algae present very low methylation levels and do not encode certain methyltransferases in their genomes and, thus, the functional role of the brown algal methylome in relation to other epigenetic mechanisms is yet unknown.

A milestone for molecular knowledge in macro-algae is set by the Phaeoexplorer project. This project builds genome and transcriptome data for 72 species of brown algae and, thus, allows to understand functional-trait variation at the molecular level. We contribute to exploit this genome resource to identify regulatory regions (e.g. CpG islands), and enzymes (e.g. methyl-transferases) involved in DNA methylation.

Moreover, we use a population-genomics approach to characterize the effect of sugar kelp cultivation on genetic diversity and potential signatures of inadvertent selection induced by cultivation techniques (e.g. repeated clonal propagation).

Monitoring the impact of kelp farming based on metagenomics/eDNA

lTop Ten Recommended Species for Inclusion in a Monitoring Program. These selections were made in collaboration with members of the Norwegian Seaweed Association within the sustainability cluster. Notably, as depicted in the image, half of these species are categorised under “Biofouling”. Figure from Johana Jaramillo Guzman.

We are developing a research line that aims to quantify the biotic impact, as well as ecosystem services that a rapid growth of the European macroalgal industry would entail. This allows to identify boundaries of the system’s carrying capacity beyond which production growth would compromise ecological sustainability. Since the first commercial concessions in 2014, annual cultivation of kelp species in Norway has surged to 249 tons in 2021, valued at 6.3 million NOK. The industry could theoretically reach 16,000 tons annually, with a projected value of 4 billion € by 2050. However, challenges surrounding environmental risks, regulation, and sustainability must be addressed. Currently, Norwegian seaweed farmers are not required to report on sustainability, but increasing demand from food producers necessitates the establishment of a monitoring program. In collaboration with the Norwegian Seaweed Association, we are developing a reference database for genetic barcodes and implement environmental DNA (eDNA) techniques for standardized monitoring, contributing to the industry’s pursuit of sustainable practices and certification. The automation of environmental monitoring through eDNA-based characterization of ecological communities and the identification of invasive or threatened species, coupled with AI-assisted analysis of surveillance videos, holds immense promise in preventing ecological harm. It also enables the early detection of warning signals necessitating prompt action.

Sustainable development of the European macroalgal indusry

eMost important roadmap steps towards sustainable development of the European seaweed industry

We are currently engaged in mapping out a roadmap that allows for sustainable macroalgae farming in Europe. The global aquaculture industry surpassed 110 million tons in 2019, with seaweeds constituting a significant portion, particularly in Asia. However, the European seaweed farming sector, though growing, faces challenges in terms of scale and sustainability. Our research aims to address critical research gaps and regulatory instruments. This research line emphasizes the need for a balanced approach that considers the environmental, economic, and social sustainability dimensions. We aim to emphasize the industry’s potential to create value beyond economic growth, integrate seamlessly into existing industries, engage local communities as active contributors, and ensure the coexistence of different sustainability dimensions. This relatively new industry has a real chance to move away from equating biomass increase with economic growth and instead make decisions based on the system’s carrying capacity and defined threshold values. The implementation of these roadmap steps will require multidisciplinary collaboration involving academia, governance, and industry partners.

2024
The evolutionary consequences of interactions between the epigenome, the genome and the environment 2024, Evolutionary Applications: Volum 17 Baduel, Pierre; Sammarco, Iris; Barrett, Rowan; Coronado-Zamora, Marta; Crespel, Amélie; Díez-Rodríguez, Bárbara
Future trends of marine fish biomass distributions from the North Sea to the Barents Sea 2024, Nature Communications: Volum 15 s. 1-14 Gordó-Vilaseca, Cesc; Costello, Mark John; Coll, Marta; Jueterbock, Alexander; Reiss, Henning; Stephenson, Fabrice
2023
Over 20% of marine fishes shifting in the North and Barents Seas, but not in the Norwegian Sea 2023, PeerJ: Volum 11 Gordo Vilaseca, Francesc; Pecuchet, Laurene Anne Marie; Coll, Marta; Reiss, Henning; Jueterbock, Alexander; Costello, Mark John
Range-edge populations of seaweeds show niche unfilling and poor adaptation to increased temperatures 2023, Journal of Biogeography: Volum 50 s. 780-791 Hernández, Sandra; García, Ana G.; Arenas, Francisco; Escribano, M. Pilar; Jueterbock, Alexander; De Clerck, Olivier
Evolutionary dynamics of sex-biased gene expression in a young XY system: insights from the brown alga genus Fucus 2023, New Phytologist: Volum 238 s. 422-437 Hatchett, William John; Jüterbock, Alexander Oliver; Kopp, Martina Elisabeth Luise; Coyer, James A.; Coelho, Susana M.; Hoarau, Galice Guillaume
Kelp breeding in China: Challenges and opportunities for solutions 2023, Reviews in Aquaculture: s. 1-17 Hu, Zi-Min; Shan, Ti-Feng; Zhang, Quan-Sheng; Liu, Fu-Li; Jueterbock, Alexander; Wang, Gaoge
2021
Priming of marine macrophytes for enhanced restoration success and food security in future oceans 2021, Frontiers in Marine Science: Volum 8 s. 1-10 Jüterbock, Alexander; Minne, Antoine J. P.; Cock, J. Mark; Coleman, Melinda Ann; Wernberg, Thomas; Scheschonk, Lydia
Adaptation of temperate seagrass to Arctic light relies on seasonal acclimatization of carbon capture and metabolism 2021, Frontiers in Plant Science: Volum 12 Jueterbock, Alexander; Duarte, Bernardo; Coyer, James A.; Olsen, Jeanine L; Kopp, Martina Elisabeth Luise; Smolina, Irina Vladimirovna
Bright spots as climate‐smart marine spatial planning tools for conservation and blue growth 2021, Global Change Biology: Volum 27 s. 5514-5531 Queiros, Ana M.; Talbot, Elizabeth; Beaumont, Nicola J; Somerfield, Paul J.; Kay, Susan; Pascoe, Christine
2020
Detecting no natural hybridization and predicting rangeoverlap inSaccharina angustataandSaccharina japonica 2020, Journal of Applied Phycology: Zhang, Jie; Yotsukura, Norishige; Jüterbock, Alexander Oliver; Hu, Zi-Min; Assis, Jorge; Nagasato, Chikako
The Seagrass Methylome Is Associated With Variation in Photosynthetic Performance Among Clonal Shoots 2020, Frontiers in Plant Science: Volum 11 Jüterbock, Alexander Oliver; Boström, Christoffer; Coyer, James A.; Olsen, Jeanine L; Kopp, Martina Elisabeth Luise; Dhanasiri, Anusha
2019
Towards population genomics in non-model species with large genomes: a case study of the marine zooplankton Calanus finmarchicus 2019, Royal Society Open Science: Volum 6 Choquet, Marvin ; Smolina, Irina Vladimirovna; Dhanasiri, Anusha Krishanthi Shyama; Blanco-Bercial, Leocadio; Kopp, Martina Elisabeth Luise; Jüterbock, Alexander Oliver
2013
Improving Transferability of Introduced Species' Distribution Models: New Tools to Forecast the Spread of a Highly Invasive Seaweed 2013, PLOS ONE: Volum 8 Verbruggen, Heroen; Tyberghein, Lennert; Belton, Gareth S.; Mineur, Frederic; Jüterbock, Alexander; Hoarau, Galice
Climate change impact on seaweed meadow distribution in the North Atlantic rocky intertidal 2013, Ecology and Evolution: Volum 3 s. 1356-1373 Jüterbock, Alexander; Tyberghein, Lennert; Verbruggen, Heroen; Coyer, James A.; Olsen, Jeanine L.; Hoarau, Galice
Genomic divergence between the migratory and stationary ecotypes of Atlantic cod 2013, Molecular Ecology: Volum 22 s. 5098-5111 Karlsen, Bård Ove; Klingan, Kevin; Emblem, Åse; Jørgensen, Tor Erik; Jüterbock, Alexander; Furmanek, Tomasz
2023
Modeling Aquaculture Suitability in a Climate Change Future 2023, Oceanography: Volum 36 s. 34-35 Mackintosh, Amy Leigh; Hill, Griffin Goldstein; Costello, Mark John; Jüterbock, Alexander Oliver; Assis, Jorge
They aim to save the kelp forest 2023, Jueterbock, Alexander; Fagerbakk, Lise
2020
Flexibility of the methylome of Saccharina latissima 2020, Jüterbock, Alexander Oliver; Bischof, Kai; Scheschonk, Lydia
2019
Functional relevance of epigenetic variation in seagrass under heat stress 2019, Jüterbock, Alexander Oliver; Hoarau, Galice Guillaume; Reusch, T.B.H.; Boström, Christoffer; Olsen, Jeanine L; Smolina, Irina Vladimirovna
Functional role of epigenetic variation in seagrass under heat stress 2019, Jüterbock, Alexander Oliver; Hoarau, Galice Guillaume; Hoarau, Galice
2018
Is epigenetic variation the key to success in seagrass clones? 2018, Jüterbock, Alexander Oliver; Hoarau, Galice; Hoarau, Galice Guillaume; Kopp, Martina Elisabeth Luise; Dhanasiri, Anusha Krishanthi Shyama; Smolina, Irina Vladimirovna
Epigenetic variation in seagrass clones - key to success without epigenetic variation? 2018, Hoarau, Galice; Hoarau, Galice Guillaume; Jüterbock, Alexander Oliver
2017
Genomic effects of fishery-induced selection in guppy Poecilia reticulate 2017, Smolina, Irina Vladimirovna; Jüterbock, Alexander Oliver; Diaz Pauli, Beatriz; Hoarau, Galice Guillaume; Heino, Mikko Petteri
Epigenetic variation in seagrass clones 2017, Jüterbock, Alexander Oliver; Hoarau, Galice; Hoarau, Galice Guillaume; Kopp, Martina Elisabeth Luise; Smolina, Irina Vladimirovna; Dhanasiri, Anusha Krishanthi Shyama
2012
Responses of the macroalgal key species Fucus serratus driving the impact of climate change on North Atlantic rocky shores 2012, Jüterbock, Alexander; Coyer, Jim A.; Tyberghein, Lennert; Olsen, Jeanine L.; Hoarau, Galice
2011
Responses of the intertidal key species Fucus serratus to North Atlantic warming 2011, Jüterbock, Alexander; Coyer, Jim A.; Tyberghein, Lennert; Olsen, Jeanine L.; Hoarau, Galice