Onut-Brännström lab

Biology and evolution of lichen photobionts

Lichens, symbiotic organisms composed of a heterotrophic fungal host (mycobiont), algal partners (photobionts), and complex fungal yeasts and bacterial communities are keystone species for cold environments, sustaining entire trophic webs. Many lichen taxa exhibit vast distribution ranges across various climatic zones, while cold-adapted lichen species can endure drastic temperature shifts, survive gamma radiation, intense UV-light, and even Mars-like conditions. However, lichens are vulnerable to pollution, with exposure to pollutants often proving fatal for many species, although some can adapt and thrive in polluted environments.

The underlying mechanism of lichen adaptation, characterized by their broad distribution, resilience to extreme conditions, and simultaneous sensitivity to pollution, remains largely unknown but the photobionts appear to play a pivotal role. However, a significant knowledge gap exists regarding the biology of lichen photobionts, including species diversity, phylogenetic relationships, genomic features, distribution ranges, dispersal mechanisms, and their ability to cope with stressful environments such as extreme temperatures.

In my research group, we aim to address these critical knowledge gaps concerning lichens, focusing on fundamental aspects of photobiont biology and evolution. Additionally, we seek to understand how the mating system and population structure of the mycobiont influence photobiont dispersal modes.

These investigations employ a comprehensive approach, utilizing molecular and chemical techniques, ecological studies, and bioinformatic methods such as comparative genomics and phylogenetic analyses.

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