Cyanobacterial Evolution Research Lab

Evolution of cyanobacteria

Species emergence belongs to the fundamental questions in biology. We seek drivers of speciation and adaptation in cyanobacteria at the genome, transcriptome, epigenome, and phenotype level. We focus on filamentous cyanobacteria of the genus Microcoleus and related lineages. Microcoleus belongs to key primary producers in drylands, and it inhabits puddles, soil, and soil crust, with a cosmopolitan distribution. Furthermore, several Microcoleus lineages thrive in the benthos of rivers and lakes, often appearing as toxic benthic water blooms.

Previously, we investigated the evolutionary forces affecting the diversification of the global continuum of Microcoleus species. We determined the genetic, ecological, and morphological differences between Microcoleus species that are on various stages of divergence along the speciation continuum.

The global speciation continuum of Microcoleus

Morphological changes between Microcoleus species reflect their diversification on a genome level

Systematics and biodiversity of cyanobacteria

Cyanobacteria thrive in all environments with sufficient light intensity. AlgaeBase contains almost 6000 species (https://www.algaebase.org/). More than 100 species were described in the last decade. However, we are still far from fully understanding the extent of the cyanobacterial diversity, especially in the tropics and polar regions. We investigate the diversity of soil cyanobacteria on a global scale using a polyphasic approach, including genome sequencing. We developed and applied population genomics tools in taxonomy, which helps us find the boundaries between the species as close to nature as possible.

Population genomics meets the taxonomy of cyanobacteria

Diversity of the cyanobacteria

Evolution of algae

Besides cyanobacteria, we investigate species emergence and adaptation in algae group chrysophytes, including genera Mallomonas and Synura. Chrysophytes inhabit plankton of lakes. We are sequencing genomes at the population level. We reconstruct the genomic landscape of speciation and ecological adaptation on a global scale.

Rapid diversification of the photosynthetic protist Synura petersenii

Speciation in protists: freshwater chrysophite