Molecular ecology, genetics and genomics of lichen symbioses
Werthlab, LMU Munich
About
My lab's research focuses on evolutionary and ecological processes of lichen populations. The genetic composition of populations provides valuable information on evolutionary history and allows to predict future responses to environmental changes. We study dispersal and gene flow at different temporal and spatial scales to understand genetic connectivity within landscapes and the migration history of species in different regions of the world. Currently we have projects in Macaronesian laurisilva ecosystems, Eurasian riparian ecosystems and boreal and temperate forest.
A large research effort in my lab is currently focused on how organisms acclimate to a changing environment, and to that end we perform quantitative analyses of gene expression data and measure photosynthetic activity on organisms that have been exposed to different environments and to controlled conditions in the lab. Our study organisms are fungi and algae, with a special focus on lichens.
My lab's research focuses on evolutionary and ecological processes of lichen populations. The genetic composition of populations provides valuable information on evolutionary history and allows to predict future responses to environmental changes. We study dispersal and gene flow at different temporal and spatial scales to understand genetic connectivity within landscapes and the migration history of species in different regions of the world. Currently we have projects in Macaronesian laurisilva ecosystems, Eurasian riparian ecosystems and boreal and temperate forest.
A large research effort in my lab is currently focused on how organisms acclimate to a changing environment, and to that end we perform quantitative analyses of gene expression data and measure photosynthetic activity on organisms that have been exposed to different environments and to controlled conditions in the lab. Our study organisms are fungi and algae, with a special focus on lichens.