[Chih-Horng Kuo/Hsiu-An Chu] Population genomics insights into hot spring cyanobacteria: A Taiwanese perspective
POST:
Cyanobacteria are diverse phototrophic microbes with ecological importance and potential for biotechnology applications. Among them, thermophilic species from hot springs have garnered particular attention for their ability to produce thermostable enzymes and proteins with promising industrial uses.
To advance research on thermophilic cyanobacteria, Drs. Chih-Horng Kuo and Hsiu-An Chu from the Institute of Plant and Microbial Biology, Academia Sinica, have established a long-term collaboration. In their latest project, the team conducted extensive sampling of hot springs across Taiwan to isolate novel strains and perform comprehensive genomic analyses.
Their study revealed novel insights into the genomic divergence at species and subspecies levels within these thermophilic cyanobacteria. Additionally, the team identified a large number of population-specific genes that have undergone selective sweeps, shedding light on the adaptive mechanisms of these organisms. Together, these findings provide a population genomics perspective on a hot spring cyanobacterial species in Taiwan.
Taken together, this work provided a population genomics perspective on a hot spring cyanobacterial species in Taiwan. Beyond advancing our understanding of microbial genomics and evolution, the strains collected and genome sequences generated in this project provide valuable materials for future development and utilization of biological resources.
Beyond enriching our understanding of microbial genomics and evolution, the strains collected and genome sequences generated through this project represent valuable resources for future biotechnological development and applications.
This research was published in Botanical Studies, an international journal affiliated with the Institute of Plant and Microbial Biology, Academia Sinica. The co-authors include Hsin-Ying Chang and Hsi-Ching Yen, both are research assistants mentored by Dr. Chih-Horng Kuo. The project was funded by Academia Sinica.