Molecular cold adaptation of microorganisms
Antarctica represents an ideal natural laboratory for studying the mechanisms of molecular evolution and cold adaptation. Indeed, although the environment of this continent is prohibitive for human survival, evolution has selected extremophilic microorganisms that are able to live in these harsh en-vironmental conditions, and that are therefore called psychrophile for their tolerance against low temperatures.
The isolation of bacteria from environmental samples (e.g., seawater and soil) and the subsequent genomic characterization of these microorganisms allow the identification of genes encoding for en-zymes involved in catabolism of complex organic compounds, and new antifreeze proteins. As a matter of fact, these proteins enable these bacteria to survive in the hard environmental conditions, to use the poor resources available, and protect them from damages caused by the formation of ice crystals.
Keywords - ENGLISH
Antarctica, cold adaptation, psychrophile bacteria, antifreeze proteins
Active participants in the research line (PI last author or *)
Alberto Vassallo; Maria Chiara Biondini; Martina Di Sessa; Sandra Pucciarelli
External Collaborations
prof.ssa Marina Lotti, Università Milano-Bicocca; Dott.ssa Donatella De Pascale, Stazione Zoologica Anton Dohrn, Napoli
Pillar
Environmental Sustainability
Macroareas in Environmental Sustainability
Environmental Microbiology and Molecular Ecology
Relevant research grants (national/international) funding specifically this Research Line
European Commission Marie Sklodowska-Curie Actions H2020 RISE Metable
Email Address
sandra.pucciarelli@unicam.it
Link to Relevant Publications