A research team from the Cluster of Excellence “Balance of the Microverse” at the University of Jena is starting a pioneering project to search for an intermediate form between prokaryotes and eukaryotes that could represent a fourth domain of life. The Volkswagen Foundation is funding the project for five years from August 1, 2025 with around 1.4 million euros as part of the “Pioneer Projects – Explorations of the Unknown” program.

The three known domains of cell-based life are eukaryotes, bacteria, and archaea. The researchers led by Prof. Christian Jogler suspect the existence of an intermediate form – comparable to a microbial Archaeopteryx – that combines characteristics of prokaryotes and eukaryotes. This fourth domain, called “Planctomycia”, could provide new insights into the origin of cellular life. The discovery of predatory prokaryotes off Heligoland in 2024, which, contrary to previous assumptions, hunt other bacteria, underlines the potential for paradigm shifts.

To find these “unknown unknowns”, the team is developing a new method called “Microscale Microbiology”. This allows the direct observation, manipulation and genetic characterization of individual bacterial cells without lengthy cultivation. The technology could also be used in medical diagnostics, for example to quickly determine optimal antibiotic therapies.

The search carries risks, as the transitional form you are looking for may have become extinct or never existed. Nevertheless, the project could revolutionize biology and open up new avenues in infection diagnostics.

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