What do we do at the Mlab?
We are a group of researchers with a shared passion for studying microbiomes from an ecological perspective. 🦠 🌍.
We explore the diversity, structure, and function of microbial communities in various habitats (including marine and terrestrial ecosystems), and hosts (such as animals, plants, or even humans). Our research aim to understand how microbial communities interact with their environment and their host, how they respond to changes, and their role and impact in ecosystems.
We work and are experts in the entire process: in the field (to take the samples), in the wet lab and the molecular lab (to process the samples), and in silico (to analyze the data).
Through our research, we aim to shed light on the critical functions
that microorganisms play in sustaining life on Earth and how they are affected by Global Change.
Current Research Lines
Animal 🦠🐧
Studying animal microbiomes provides key insights into the vital role microorganisms play in health, digestion, immunity, and behavior of the hosts. By understanding these microbial communities, we can improve animal welfare, health, and conservation efforts. Research on animal microbiomes also deepens our understanding of the ecological role of animals in the environment.
Now we are taking samples of 🦠 from different animals (🦐 🪼 🐧 🐻 🐦.....)
Main collaborators:
-Josabel Belliure (UAH, Spain)
-Virginia Morandini (MNCN-CSIC)
-Vincezo Penteriani (MNCN-CSIC)
Polar 🦠❄️
Polar microbes are largely understudied, despite their vital role in these extreme ecosystems. As climate change accelerates, studying how these microbes adapt is crucial for predicting environmental shifts and understanding their role in global biogeochemical cycles. More research is essential to uncover their resilience and contributions to ecosystem health.
Now we are preparing manuscripts about 🦠 from 🇦🇶❄️🌊
Marine 🦠🌊
Studying the microbiome of marine waters is key to understand ocean health and ecosystem function. Marine microbes are essential for nutrient cycling, carbon sequestration, and climate regulation. Research into these communities helps us understand biodiversity, the impacts of climate change, and how to protect marine ecosystems.
We've published numerous papers with samples from the global ocean and from different latitudes, but our recent focus has shifted mainly to polar regions.
Main collaborators:
-Ramiro Logares (ICM-CSIC, Spain)
-Caterina Giner (ICM-CSIC, Spain)
-Juan Manuel Sayol (UA, Spain)
Our main objectives are to:
-Investigate the ecological roles of microorganisms in different environments, mainly (but not only) marine and polar systems.
-Understand how environmental factors, such as temperature, nutrient availability, and pollution, influence microbial communities.
-Know how microbes disperse and connect among environments.
-Explore the relationships between microorganisms and their hosts, focusing on symbiosis, mutualism, and pathogenesis.
-Contribute to the broader understanding of the microbiome's impact on host and ecosystem health, stability, and resilience.