Expressions of Intent for IPY 2007-2008 Activities

Expression of Interest Details

PROPOSAL INFORMATION

Application of new molecular markers for characterisation of cyanobacteria isolated from polar regions and identification of cyanobacterial strains producing bioactive compounds.  (POLARCYANODIV)

Outline
In this project we are going to study the genotypic diversity of cyanobacteria from polar regions using molecular methods: restriction analysis and sequence analysis of PCR products with primers designed for housekeeping genes recA, gyrA, rpoC1, as well as 16S rDNA, nifH. The comparison of Polar isolates with cyanobacteria from worldwide collections will also be performed. The molecular key for the identification of cyanobacteria, constructed by our group, will be used especially for identification and searching of endemic strains. Presently, the study of bacterial diversity is practically based on comparative analysis of the 16S rDNA sequences for which a huge sequence database is existing. . It has become evident however that 16S rDNA sequence analysis is frequently not sensitive enough to differentiate between closely related species. In this project we propose aplication of additional, molecular markers to study genetic differentiation of cyanobacteria. These methods allow also identification of cyanobacteria species. The genotypic information will allow, to follow changes in the populations of cyanobacteria and (re)colonization events following environmental changes (eg. Glacial Maxima, observed climate changes, evaporation and increase in salinity, etc.) Cyanobacteria produce many secondary metabolites such as alkaloids, polyketides and nonribosomal peptides. In the recent years searches for new toxins as well as other metabolites are conducted in order to obtain biologically active substances for therapeutic applications such as cytotoxic compounds, neurotransmission blockers, anticancer, antiviral and antifungal agents. Many non-toxic cyanobacteria species are used as substrate for the production of food and feeding stuff for animals, organisms restoring homeostasis in ecosystems, organisms improving plant growth in hydroponics cultures, element of structure microbiological mats for water purification and removing of oil pollution. In addition, they seem to be a promising source of bioenergy e.g. production of hydrogen and the production of biomass. Cyanobacteria from polar regions could be attractive source of such compounds. We are going to screen isolates of cyanobacteria for bioactive compounds which could be useful in antimicrobial therapy biocontrol and plant protection, as well as for the presence of plant growth promoting factors. The obtained results will also be used in taxonomic studies of cyanobacteria, which will allow for increase the Cyanobacteria Culture Collection of University of Gdansk, as well as other polar collections. The Collection will hold well-described strains. The strains will be used for exchange with other collections and will be a source of well-defined and described strains of cyanobacteria for research and industry.

What significant advance(s) in relation to the IPY themes and targets can be anticipated from this project?
We plan to use molecular techniques, which can improve the studies of cyanobacterial diversity in the polar regions. Proposed methods will allow to identify and to determine the phylogenetic position of polar cyanobacteria. The obtained results should revealed the similarities or differences between both polar regions, and endemism. The use of molecular diversity of cyanobacteria could be a contribution to the scientific approaches in environmental studies. Cyanobacteria isolated from polar regions could be an attractive source of bioactive compounds which could be useful in antimicrobial therapy biocontrol and plant protection or as plant growth promoting factors.

What international collaboration is involved in this project?
Presented project will be realized in cooperation with Dr Annick Wilmotte, Center for Protein Engineering, Institute of Chemistry, University of Liège, Belgium, in the frame of bilateral cooperation projects: Scientific and technical cooperation between Republic of Poland and Belgium Community and Wallonian Region.

FIELD ACTIVITY DETAILS

Geographical location(s) for the proposed field activities:
Samples will be collected from different biotopes in both Polar regions (Arctic and Antarctic).

Approximate timeframe(s) for proposed field activities:
Arctic: 07/2005 - 09/2005      07/2006– 09/2006      04/2007 –09/2007
Antarctic: 01/2006-03/2006      01/2007-03/2007      

Significant facilities will be required for this project:
Polish Polar Station, Hornsund, Svalbard, Norway Ships: Oceania, Institut of Oceanology PAN, Sopot Horyzont II, Polish Marine Academy, Gdynia

Will the project leave a legacy of infrastructure?
No

How is it envisaged that the required logistic support will be secured?
Consortium
Another national polar operator

Has the project been "endorsed" at a national or international level?
Accepted by Polish National Commettee for 4-IPY 2007-2008

PROJECT MANAGEMENT AND STRUCTURE

Is the project a short-term expansion (over the IPY 2007-2008 timeframe) of an existing plan, programme or initiative or is it a new autonomous proposal?
Exp
Continuum of studies realized in the in the frame of bilateral cooperation projects: Scientific and technical cooperation between Republic of Poland and Belgium Commity and Wallonian Region, as well as during a fellowship to K. Waleron from the Belgian Science Policy Office.

How will the project be organised and managed?
Samples will be collected on both Polar regions using accessible logistic support (Polish Polar stations and ships) and exchanging samples between international co-operators. Samples will be stored deep-freezed and analysed in the laboratories at the University of Gdansk and laboratories of international co-operators.

What are the initial plans of the project for addressing the education, outreach and communication issues outlined in the Framework document?
The project can help to integrate the scientific groups in Poland in order to create a network of centres which play an educational role, where graduating students can participate in practical training. The research within the frame of this project will be a part of the PhD dissertations of PhD students and master thesis of students. The obtained results will be published in journals and will be presented at the conferences.

What are the initial plans of the project to address data management issues (as outlined in the Framework document)?
The obtained data, isolated strains and bioactive substances will be deposited in the Cyanobacteria Culture Collection of University of Gdansk and accessible for scientists and industry.

How is it proposed to fund the project?
This study will be a part of programmes already funded: project sponsored by Polish Scientific Committee KBN 3 P04B 022 24, Bilateral cooperation project No. 127/E-335/S/2003, 127/E-335/S/2004, and we are going to apply for support to national funding agencies and University of Gdansk.

Is there additional information you wish to provide?
We are interested in international cooperation.

PROPOSER DETAILS

Dr Krzysztof Waleron
Department of Biotechnology, Intercollegiate Faculty of Biotechnology
University of Gdańsk and Medical University of Gdańsk
Kadki 24 str.
80-822
Poland

Tel: (48-58)3012241 ext 3
Mobile:
Fax: 48-58)3012807
Email:

Other project members and their affiliation

Other Information