Exploring Cyanobacterial Diversity an Polar and Alpine Ecosystems
Faculty of Science
Krkonoše National Park
Cyanobacteria are a specialized and essential group of microorganisms in microbial communi a vital role in maintaining the ecosystems and exhibit remarkable adaptability to extreme conditions. The project BLUE-ICE, aims to conduct an extensive taxonomic investigation of from the Polar and alpine ecosystems. To correctly identify these organisms, a molecular-b approach that combines morphological, ecological, molecular, and phylogenetic tools will b which offers better taxonomic resolution. This project will conduct 16S rRNA gene analysis 16S-23S ITS region to study cyanobacteria from polar habitats (Arctic and Antarctic) and a (Krkonoše National Park), while also comparing the genetic diversity between the two regio environmental sequencing will be performed to understand the microbial communities of both To enhance ecological or functional diversity, NMR-based metabolomics will be utilized to metabolic profiles of genetically identical strains cultivated under the same conditions. the immense variety of bioactive compounds that cyanobacteria produce, combining molecular metabolomics strengthens biodiversity studies and can contribute to the development of nov with future medicinal or industrial applications. With the looming threat of rapid climate crucial to approach polar microbial life by identifying, conserving, and understanding it integrative method.Sustainable Development Go Meet the Project If you had to explain your project to someone outside your field, how would you describe i sentences? My project BLUE-ICE is an initiative to study a specialised type of microorganisms, called (an extremely diverse group and among the most important primary producers on Earth) from environments like the Arctic and Antarctic, along with the Krkonoše National Park of the C The study intends to investigate how these microbial communities survive under extreme env stress, identify climate-resilient lineages, and evaluate their potential to produce usefu compounds. With the growing threat of climate change, the project takes an integrative app understand, protect, and potentially utilise microbial life in these fragile ecosystems What fascinates you most about the topic of your research project? Cyanobacteria are ancient, prokaryotic organisms that fix nitrogen and were mainly respons transforming Earth's early anaerobic atmosphere into the oxygen-rich one we depend on toda they are one of the most interesting and important groups of microorganisms, many of these remain taxonomically unresolved, making them both a challenge and an opportunity for disco forms. The polar regions are one of the most climate-sensitive zones and are home to these microorganisms. As model organisms, they reveal remarkable survival strategies under extre while also acting as sensitive indicators of climate change. At the same time, their uniqu capabilities make them promising sources of novel bioactive compounds with potential appli biotechnology. How does your research contribute specifically to achieving the UN Sustainable Development My research contributes directly to United Nations Sustainable Development Goals, particul (Climate Action), SDG 14 (Life Below Water), SDG 9 (Industry, Innovation and Infrastructur (Quality Education). By studying cyanobacteria and microbial communities in extreme enviro polar regions (Arctic and Antarctic) and the mountain region (Krkonoše National Park), my improve our understanding of how ecosystems respond to climate change. BLUE-ICE also aims microbial indicators that can serve as early warning systems for environmental shifts. The generated here will support conservation planning, particularly for threatened microbial c that are sensitive to global warming and ice retreat. Beyond academia, this research has s and environmental relevance. It helps inform conservation strategies for fragile ecosystem sustainable management of biodiversity, and explores the potential of climate-resilient mi sources of novel bioactive compounds for biotechnology and medicine. Additionally, the pro improved climate and biodiversity literacy among thousands of students across Europe and I contribute to long-term societal awareness of sustainable development, empowering younger informed global citizens who appreciate the value of the SDGs. Therefore, bringing scienti education about the importance of microbial life in sustaining our planet.
N.B. Funded by the European Union. Views and o are however those of the author(s) only and do not necessarily reflect those of the Europe European Research Executive Agency. Neither the European Union nor the granting authority responsible for them.