New genetic tools to dig into marine microorganisms

PNNL developing new methods to understand tiny marine lifeforms that are key to global cycles

November 13, 2015

• Frances White, PNNL, (509) 375-6904

Tiny marine organisms that play key roles in global carbon and nutrient cycling will be better understood thanks to new genetic tools being developed at the D.O.E.'s Pacific Northwest National Lab through a new grant.

PNNL is among 33 institutions being awarded a total of $8 million from the Gordon and Betty Moore Foundation's Marine Microbiology Initiative. PNNL microbiologist George Bonheyo is receiving about $170,000 through the initiative and will use the backing to hire and support a post-doctoral researcher from Washington State University at PNNL's Marine Sciences Lab in Sequim, Washington.

The post-doc, Bonheyo and his colleagues will create new genetic tools to disrupt microbial gene activity, which will enable them to understand how tiny organisms called microeukaryotes function in marine ecosystems. These organisms are central to many global cycles and, if such cycles are imbalanced, they could have major implications for ocean acidification, food webs and climate change.

"Scientist who want to study carbon and nutrient cycling need tools to turn genes on or off in key species during Lab studies," said Bonheyo, who also holds a joint appointment with Washington State University. "However, systems for genetic manipulation have not been worked out for most microscopic organisms, particularly in the marine environment."

More information is accessible in the Moore Foundation news release and an announcement from Washington State University.

Tags: Environment, Fundamental Science, Marine Research, Biology, Microbiology

Interdisciplinary teams at Pacific Northwest National Lab address many of America's most pressing issues in energy, the environment and national security through advances in basic and applied science. Founded in 1965, PNNL employs 4,400 staff and has an yearly budget of nearly $1 billion. It is managed by Battelle for the D.O.E.'s Office of Science. As the single biggest supporter of basic research in the physical sciences in the United States, the Office of Science is working to address some of the most pressing challenges of our time. For more information on PNNL, visit the PNNL News Center, or follow PNNL on Facebook, Google+, LinkedIn and Twitter.

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