Kjetill Sigurd Jakobsen

My research has dealt with quite diverse aspects of evolutionary genetics and genomics. A main theme in my work relates to the genetic forces (both ongoing and historical) acting upon populations, and how the genetics relates to ecological and evolutionary processes. In this context, issues such as phenotypic plasticity, selective forces and epigenetic phenomena are of particular interest. I have worked on many biological systems ranging from cyanobacteria and protists to higher plants, fishes and mammals. Currently my research group focuses on bacteria – particularly cyanobacteria – and several protist and algal groups. The protist research is driven by a wish to understand the processes shaping such “alien” genomes –including endosymbiosis, gene transfer and protistt phylogenomics. From a large scale phylogenetic viewpoint Dinoflagellates, Chromista, Rhizaria and some groups of deep branching unikont protists are my favorites. Another favorite group - Cyanobacteria being the key organisms in evolution of many protist groups and the most successful group of organisms throughout the evolutionary history – are being investigated at the comparative genome level and for their non-ribosomal peptide syntethases. We are currently employing a high throughput pyrosequencing (Roche 454 FLX genome sequencer) for this purpose. The 454 sequencing platform has recently been established at CEES by funding from FUGE and the Norwegian research Council.