Onut-Brännström lab

The underlying mechanisms behind lichen adaptation—marked by their broad distribution, resilience to extreme conditions, and simultaneous sensitivity to pollution and rapid temperature shifts—remain largely unknown. A significant part of this adaptation is attributed to their photobionts (unicellular green algae or cyanobacteria), which provide carbon to the mycobiont and potentially to other lichen-associated organisms. Despite the photobionts’ pivotal role in lichen symbiosis and environmental adaptation, there remains a significant knowledge gap regarding their biology. Their life cycles are only beginning to be understood, and we still know very little about their adaptive and physiological capacities at both the cellular and molecular levels. The number of species, their phylogenetic relationships, and their distribution ranges also remain unclear.

In my research group, we aim to address critical knowledge gaps concerning lichens, with a current focus on several fundamental aspects:

1. We are investigating the phylogeny, molecular, physiological, and genomic characteristics of green algal photobionts from the genera Trebouxia and Asterochloris, in collaboration with several European universities.
2. We are exploring the dispersal mechanisms of lichen photobionts using a combination of population genomics and long-read amplicon sequencing.
3. We are examining how lichens in general—and photobiont communities in particular—are affected by pollutants from the LKAB iron ore mine in Kiruna, Sweden. This project is conducted in collaboration with the University of Oslo, LKAB, and the Laevas Sámi village.
4. We are studying how seasonal changes and climatic variation along a Swedish gradient influence photobiont communities. This project is carried out in collaboration with the University of Oslo and my department colleagues Anna Rosling and Veera Tuovinen Nogerius.

If you’re interested in joining the lab for a degree project or a postdoctoral stay, feel free to get in touch. While I don’t currently have funding for postdoctoral positions, I’m happy to explore grant opportunities together.