Molecular ecology of the marine benthos
Responsable: Uriz Lespe, María Jesús
The general goal of our group is assessing evolutionary and ecological processes in benthic systems using molecular tools: genes, proteins and secondary metabolites for answering questions that otherwise could not be approached. We aim to understand the diversity and functioning of the marine benthos for predicting changes as a response to environmental alterations, both natural and man-induced.
The main current study topics are:
1. Taxonomy and phylogeny,(morphological and molecular) of benthic species (with emphasis on sponges, polychaetes, crustaceans, ascidians, and fishes) and assemblages (metagenetics).
2. Life cycles of benthic organisms: reproduction, growth and differential gene expression along their life cycle.
3. Species dispersal, adaptation/selection, population genetics, demography, and phylogeography of native and introduced species at spatial and temporal scales.
4. Marine symbiosis, with macro-and micro-organisms: molecular, biological, and ecological approaches
5. Production of secondary metabolites by marine benthic organisms: ecological functions and biotechnological applications
6. Differential gene expression of benthic organisms under changing environmental conditions (molecular, biological, and ecological responses)
Projects
Membres
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Antich González, Adrià
Pre-doctoral researcher
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Macpherson Mayol, Enrique
Principal Researcher
Research Professor -
Martin Sintes, Daniel
Principal Researcher
Scientific Researcher. Head of Marine Ecology Department -
Mura, Paola
Technician
Doctor -
Rodríguez Flores, Paula Carolina
Project contract
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Romano, Chiara
Project contract
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Sureda Pou, Jan
Project contract
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Torrado Mateo, Héctor
Pre-doctoral researcher
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Turon Barrera, Xavier
Principal Researcher
Research Professor