 |
Microbial Genomics |
DiRuggiero Lab Webpage
|
|
|
Microbial Genomics |
DiRuggiero Lab Webpage
|
|
Research Projects
We study microorganisms that live in extreme environments, such as deep-sea hydrothermal vents, hypersaline environments, and extremely dry deserts.
A the molecular level, we focuss on processes that allow microorganisms to adapt to their environment and to changing enviromental conditions. We are particularly interests in mechanisms of resistance to oxidative stress, desiccation, and radiation. We use a combination of genomic and genetic methods to identify proteins involved in the repair of DNA damage in the Archaea and to elucidate the regulatory networks underlying the stress response to cellular damage.
A the ecosystem level, we study the genetic and functional diversity of microbial communities from extreme environments to identify the mechanisms that generate and maintain that diversity, and that drive microbial dispersion. We have study sites in the Atacama Desert, Chile, and in the Dry Valleys of Antarctica, both Earth analogs for Mars environments. We use environmental genomics and molecular tools to characterize the structure and functional capabilities of the microbial communities and to correlate those features with biotic and abiotic components of the ecosystems.
Our work funded by NSF, NASA and by the Air Force Office of Scientific Research.
