Award: OCE-1850719

The physiology, biochemistry and biogeography of nitrogen-fixing cyanobacteria and unicellular picocyanobacteria are strongly influenced by temperature, subjecting them to intense selective pressure as the modern ocean steadily warms up. These groups have likewise been rigorously selected under chronic iron (Fe) scarcity, and the availability of this crucial micronutrient is also changing with a shifting climate. This project examined short-term acclimation and long-term evolutionary responses of Fe-stressed marine cyanobacteria to a warmer environment. In addition, this project assessed the long-term adaptive responses to Fe limitation and warming interactions in major cyanobacterial groups. Through these studies, information was gained that contributes to a mechanistic and predictive understanding of adaptation to Fe and warming co-stressors in a rapidly changing future ocean environment for some of the most important photoautotrophic functional groups in the ocean. This project also applied a new method for localizing the use of metals within cells, known as metalloproteomics, to characterize how metal micronutrition is influenced by environmental change. Novel molecules that store iron within marine cyanobacteria were identified. This project supported the development of the Ocean Protein Portal module for classroom based research that can provide access to authentic research experiences to students that may not otherwise have access to scientific research. Research training was provided to graduate students, postdocs and technicians in the course of this grant. Last Modified: 03/22/2024 Submitted by: MakASaito