Strep  project contact number - LSHG-CT-2004-512035

Summary

Diatoms are photosynthetic eukaryotes providing close to one quarter of global fixed carbon and approximately one fifth of the oxygen we breathe. Remarkably, very little is known about their basic biology and how it is affected by environmental change. The Diatomics project is addressing these questions in marine diatoms using information based on two completed diatom genome sequences, from Thalassiosira pseudonana and Phaeodactylum tricornutum. Important topics that are being addressed include carbon sequestration, nutrient acquisition, the rise and fall of algal blooms, and biofouling. We are studying gene expression profiles at the whole genome level in response to ecologically-relevant stimuli, and will manipulate expression of candidate key genes by reverse genetics. Phylogenetic histories and ecological significance of these genes will then be examined in a range of diatoms. Ultimately, the project should lead to the development of non-neutral markers that can be used to assess diatom ecophysiology in natural environments in response to changing environmental conditions. Furthermore, a subset of diatom genes will be transferred into rice by an SME, with the aim of improving key agronomic traits. An improved understanding of diatom biology can also lead to advances in human health care and well-being, due to the phylogenetic relatedness of diatoms to important human pathogens and to the potential biomedical applications of diatom silica nanofabrication. Intentions for use and impact...

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