Archaea Biology Vienna
@archaea-vienna.bsky.social
We are the Archaea Biology and Ecogenomics group at the University of Vienna. This is a lab member-run account.
https://archaea.univie.ac.at/
https://archaea.univie.ac.at/
There are a couple of possibilities, but one is trying to move! We were able to get some more info from the lead author and just reposted some of his comments on new videos to help guide us more. They might offer some insights as well!
December 18, 2025 at 4:20 PM
There are a couple of possibilities, but one is trying to move! We were able to get some more info from the lead author and just reposted some of his comments on new videos to help guide us more. They might offer some insights as well!
Thank you! We are very proud of our group members' hard work. The 𝘝𝘢𝘮𝘱𝘺𝘳𝘦𝘭𝘭𝘢 video is also amazing! Very fun to see.
December 18, 2025 at 4:18 PM
Thank you! We are very proud of our group members' hard work. The 𝘝𝘢𝘮𝘱𝘺𝘳𝘦𝘭𝘭𝘢 video is also amazing! Very fun to see.
This work was led by PostDoc Philipp Radler @radler92.bsky.social with the help of Tobias Viehböck. Strain HC1 and actin inhibitors were provided by Hiro Imachi @hiro-imachi.bsky.social and Klemens Rottner/Theresia Stradal respectively. We thank all collaborators for excellent input and discussions!
December 18, 2025 at 2:08 PM
This work was led by PostDoc Philipp Radler @radler92.bsky.social with the help of Tobias Viehböck. Strain HC1 and actin inhibitors were provided by Hiro Imachi @hiro-imachi.bsky.social and Klemens Rottner/Theresia Stradal respectively. We thank all collaborators for excellent input and discussions!
Thus, we suggest that these dynamics are a common feature of Promethearchaeota. The motility seems dependent on internal, actin filaments, which suggests than actin-based motility might not be an invention by eukaryotes but has emerged earlier during evolution.
December 18, 2025 at 2:08 PM
Thus, we suggest that these dynamics are a common feature of Promethearchaeota. The motility seems dependent on internal, actin filaments, which suggests than actin-based motility might not be an invention by eukaryotes but has emerged earlier during evolution.
Video 5 (HC1)
We were very happy to collaborate with the team of Hiro Imachi, who provided their recently cultivated Hodarchaeum Ca. M. peptidophilum, another member of the Promethearchaeota. We found these cells to be incredibly dynamic and rearranging their cell morphology, like the Lokis.
We were very happy to collaborate with the team of Hiro Imachi, who provided their recently cultivated Hodarchaeum Ca. M. peptidophilum, another member of the Promethearchaeota. We found these cells to be incredibly dynamic and rearranging their cell morphology, like the Lokis.
December 18, 2025 at 2:08 PM
Video 5 (HC1)
We were very happy to collaborate with the team of Hiro Imachi, who provided their recently cultivated Hodarchaeum Ca. M. peptidophilum, another member of the Promethearchaeota. We found these cells to be incredibly dynamic and rearranging their cell morphology, like the Lokis.
We were very happy to collaborate with the team of Hiro Imachi, who provided their recently cultivated Hodarchaeum Ca. M. peptidophilum, another member of the Promethearchaeota. We found these cells to be incredibly dynamic and rearranging their cell morphology, like the Lokis.
Video 4 (Actin Inhibition)
We were able to stop these dynamics by inhibiting the internal Lokiactin (an ancient homologue of human actin) cytoskeleton. Rather than controlled protrusion growth and movement, the cells sway randomly, similar to the Inflatable tube man found next to car dealerships.
We were able to stop these dynamics by inhibiting the internal Lokiactin (an ancient homologue of human actin) cytoskeleton. Rather than controlled protrusion growth and movement, the cells sway randomly, similar to the Inflatable tube man found next to car dealerships.
December 18, 2025 at 2:08 PM
Video 4 (Actin Inhibition)
We were able to stop these dynamics by inhibiting the internal Lokiactin (an ancient homologue of human actin) cytoskeleton. Rather than controlled protrusion growth and movement, the cells sway randomly, similar to the Inflatable tube man found next to car dealerships.
We were able to stop these dynamics by inhibiting the internal Lokiactin (an ancient homologue of human actin) cytoskeleton. Rather than controlled protrusion growth and movement, the cells sway randomly, similar to the Inflatable tube man found next to car dealerships.
Video 3 (Moving Cells)
When we looked closer, we found some that, after adhering to the glass, used their protrusions to migrate along the glass! This type of crawling motility is untypical of prokaryotes, as it didn’t seem to be dependent on Pili proteins, but rather these dynamic protrusions.
When we looked closer, we found some that, after adhering to the glass, used their protrusions to migrate along the glass! This type of crawling motility is untypical of prokaryotes, as it didn’t seem to be dependent on Pili proteins, but rather these dynamic protrusions.
December 18, 2025 at 2:08 PM
Video 3 (Moving Cells)
When we looked closer, we found some that, after adhering to the glass, used their protrusions to migrate along the glass! This type of crawling motility is untypical of prokaryotes, as it didn’t seem to be dependent on Pili proteins, but rather these dynamic protrusions.
When we looked closer, we found some that, after adhering to the glass, used their protrusions to migrate along the glass! This type of crawling motility is untypical of prokaryotes, as it didn’t seem to be dependent on Pili proteins, but rather these dynamic protrusions.
Video 2 (Shapechangers)
Not only are the arms dynamic, but also the cell shape is extremely plastic. The cells can rearrange from a spherical shape to form a stick like morphology in a matter of minutes! Such plasticity is unprecedented in the world of prokaryotes.
Not only are the arms dynamic, but also the cell shape is extremely plastic. The cells can rearrange from a spherical shape to form a stick like morphology in a matter of minutes! Such plasticity is unprecedented in the world of prokaryotes.
December 18, 2025 at 2:08 PM
Video 2 (Shapechangers)
Not only are the arms dynamic, but also the cell shape is extremely plastic. The cells can rearrange from a spherical shape to form a stick like morphology in a matter of minutes! Such plasticity is unprecedented in the world of prokaryotes.
Not only are the arms dynamic, but also the cell shape is extremely plastic. The cells can rearrange from a spherical shape to form a stick like morphology in a matter of minutes! Such plasticity is unprecedented in the world of prokaryotes.
Video 1 (Dynamic protrusions)
These cells (we call them lovingly Lokis) have a very characteristic shape: A central cell body with long protrusions. We find these protrusions to be unexpectedly dynamic; they grow and retract constantly.
These cells (we call them lovingly Lokis) have a very characteristic shape: A central cell body with long protrusions. We find these protrusions to be unexpectedly dynamic; they grow and retract constantly.
December 18, 2025 at 2:08 PM
Video 1 (Dynamic protrusions)
These cells (we call them lovingly Lokis) have a very characteristic shape: A central cell body with long protrusions. We find these protrusions to be unexpectedly dynamic; they grow and retract constantly.
These cells (we call them lovingly Lokis) have a very characteristic shape: A central cell body with long protrusions. We find these protrusions to be unexpectedly dynamic; they grow and retract constantly.
In our recent preprint, we managed to establish anaerobic live imaging of Ca. Lokiarchaeum ossiferum, a member of Promethearchaeota (formerly Asgard archaea). Below are 4 examples (plus one of the newly cultivated HC1) of these fascinating microorganisms and what we are observing:
December 18, 2025 at 2:08 PM
In our recent preprint, we managed to establish anaerobic live imaging of Ca. Lokiarchaeum ossiferum, a member of Promethearchaeota (formerly Asgard archaea). Below are 4 examples (plus one of the newly cultivated HC1) of these fascinating microorganisms and what we are observing:
This phylum has gathered lots of attention in the last decade, as it constitutes the closest prokaryotic lineage of eukaryotes and contains a multitude of “eukaryotic” signature proteins!
December 18, 2025 at 2:08 PM
This phylum has gathered lots of attention in the last decade, as it constitutes the closest prokaryotic lineage of eukaryotes and contains a multitude of “eukaryotic” signature proteins!
There are currently only 5 cultivated Asgards and we know most about them from genomic data and some exquisite cryo-EM images. We were, however, interested in observing cell behavior with live cell microscopy!
December 18, 2025 at 2:08 PM
There are currently only 5 cultivated Asgards and we know most about them from genomic data and some exquisite cryo-EM images. We were, however, interested in observing cell behavior with live cell microscopy!
This work was led by PostDoc Philipp Radler @radler92.bsky.social with the help of Tobias Viehböck. Strain HC1 and actin inhibitors were provided by Hiro Imachi @hiro-imachi.bsky.social and Klemens Rottner/Theresia Stradal respectively. We thank all collaborators for excellent input and discussions!
December 18, 2025 at 1:56 PM
This work was led by PostDoc Philipp Radler @radler92.bsky.social with the help of Tobias Viehböck. Strain HC1 and actin inhibitors were provided by Hiro Imachi @hiro-imachi.bsky.social and Klemens Rottner/Theresia Stradal respectively. We thank all collaborators for excellent input and discussions!
Thus, we suggest that these dynamics are a common feature of Promethearchaeota. The motility seems dependent on internal, actin filaments, which suggests than actin-based motility might not be an invention by eukaryotes but has emerged earlier during evolution.
December 18, 2025 at 1:56 PM
Thus, we suggest that these dynamics are a common feature of Promethearchaeota. The motility seems dependent on internal, actin filaments, which suggests than actin-based motility might not be an invention by eukaryotes but has emerged earlier during evolution.
Video 4 (Actin Inhibition)
We were able to stop these dynamics by inhibiting the internal Lokiactin (an ancient homologue of human actin) cytoskeleton. Rather than controlled protrusion growth and movement, the cells sway randomly similar to the inflatable tube man found next to car dealerships.
We were able to stop these dynamics by inhibiting the internal Lokiactin (an ancient homologue of human actin) cytoskeleton. Rather than controlled protrusion growth and movement, the cells sway randomly similar to the inflatable tube man found next to car dealerships.
December 18, 2025 at 1:56 PM
Video 4 (Actin Inhibition)
We were able to stop these dynamics by inhibiting the internal Lokiactin (an ancient homologue of human actin) cytoskeleton. Rather than controlled protrusion growth and movement, the cells sway randomly similar to the inflatable tube man found next to car dealerships.
We were able to stop these dynamics by inhibiting the internal Lokiactin (an ancient homologue of human actin) cytoskeleton. Rather than controlled protrusion growth and movement, the cells sway randomly similar to the inflatable tube man found next to car dealerships.
Video 3 (Moving Cells)
When we looked closer, we found some that, after adhering to the glass, used their protrusions to migrate along the glass! This type of crawling motility is untypical of prokaryotes, as it didn’t seem to be dependent on Pili proteins, but rather these dynamic protrusions.
When we looked closer, we found some that, after adhering to the glass, used their protrusions to migrate along the glass! This type of crawling motility is untypical of prokaryotes, as it didn’t seem to be dependent on Pili proteins, but rather these dynamic protrusions.
December 18, 2025 at 1:56 PM
Video 3 (Moving Cells)
When we looked closer, we found some that, after adhering to the glass, used their protrusions to migrate along the glass! This type of crawling motility is untypical of prokaryotes, as it didn’t seem to be dependent on Pili proteins, but rather these dynamic protrusions.
When we looked closer, we found some that, after adhering to the glass, used their protrusions to migrate along the glass! This type of crawling motility is untypical of prokaryotes, as it didn’t seem to be dependent on Pili proteins, but rather these dynamic protrusions.
Video 2 (Shapechangers)
Not only are the arms dynamic, but also the cell shape is extremely plastic. The cells can rearrange from a spherical shape to form a stick like morphology in a matter of minutes! Such plasticity is unprecedented in the world of prokaryotes.
Not only are the arms dynamic, but also the cell shape is extremely plastic. The cells can rearrange from a spherical shape to form a stick like morphology in a matter of minutes! Such plasticity is unprecedented in the world of prokaryotes.
December 18, 2025 at 1:56 PM
Video 2 (Shapechangers)
Not only are the arms dynamic, but also the cell shape is extremely plastic. The cells can rearrange from a spherical shape to form a stick like morphology in a matter of minutes! Such plasticity is unprecedented in the world of prokaryotes.
Not only are the arms dynamic, but also the cell shape is extremely plastic. The cells can rearrange from a spherical shape to form a stick like morphology in a matter of minutes! Such plasticity is unprecedented in the world of prokaryotes.
Video 1 (Dynamic protrusions)
These cells (we call them lovingly Lokis) have a very characteristic shape: A central cell body with long protrusions. We find these protrusions to be unexpectedly dynamic; they grow and retract constantly.
These cells (we call them lovingly Lokis) have a very characteristic shape: A central cell body with long protrusions. We find these protrusions to be unexpectedly dynamic; they grow and retract constantly.
December 18, 2025 at 1:56 PM
Video 1 (Dynamic protrusions)
These cells (we call them lovingly Lokis) have a very characteristic shape: A central cell body with long protrusions. We find these protrusions to be unexpectedly dynamic; they grow and retract constantly.
These cells (we call them lovingly Lokis) have a very characteristic shape: A central cell body with long protrusions. We find these protrusions to be unexpectedly dynamic; they grow and retract constantly.
In our recent preprint, we managed to establish anaerobic live imaging of Ca. Lokiarchaeum ossiferum, a member of Promethearchaeota (formerly Asgard archaea). Below are 4 examples (plus an extra with newly cultivated HC1) of these fascinating microorganisms and what we are observing:
December 18, 2025 at 1:56 PM
In our recent preprint, we managed to establish anaerobic live imaging of Ca. Lokiarchaeum ossiferum, a member of Promethearchaeota (formerly Asgard archaea). Below are 4 examples (plus an extra with newly cultivated HC1) of these fascinating microorganisms and what we are observing:
This phylum has gathered lots of attention in the last decade, as it constitutes the closest prokaryotic lineage of eukaryotes and contains a multitude of “eukaryotic” signature proteins!
December 18, 2025 at 1:56 PM
This phylum has gathered lots of attention in the last decade, as it constitutes the closest prokaryotic lineage of eukaryotes and contains a multitude of “eukaryotic” signature proteins!
There are currently only 5 cultivated Asgards and we know most about them from genomic data and some exquisite cryo-EM images. We were, however, interested in observing cell behavior with live cell microscopy!
December 18, 2025 at 1:56 PM
There are currently only 5 cultivated Asgards and we know most about them from genomic data and some exquisite cryo-EM images. We were, however, interested in observing cell behavior with live cell microscopy!