Carbon and nitrogen biogeochemical cycling
We focus on understanding the microbial drivers of carbon and nitrogen biogeochemical cycling, combining metagenomics with targeted experimental approaches to uncover how microorganisms impact the flow of these essential elements in marine ecosystems. I investigate microbial growth dynamics to quantify their contribution to carbon processing, and I explore diverse nitrogen transformation pathways across contrasting environments, from the highly impacted waters of the Mar Menor to the specialized symbiotic communities associated with echinoderms. By integrating molecular tools with ecological experiments, our work aims to reveal the functional roles, metabolic capabilities, and environmental responses of microbial communities that underpin the stability and productivity of marine biogeochemical cycles.
SELECTED PUBLICATIONS:
Sánchez O, Ferrera I, Mabrito I, Gazulla CR, Sebastián M, Auladell A, Marín-Vindas C, Cardelús C, Sanz-Sáez I, Pernice MC, Marrasé C, Sala MM, Gasol JM. 2020. SEASONAL IMPACT OF GRAZING, VIRAL MORTALITY, RESOURCE AVAILABILITY AND LIGHT ON THE GROUP-SPECIFIC GROWTH RATES OF COASTAL MEDITERRANEAN BACTERIOPLANKTON. Scientific Reports 10: 1-15. Read article
Martínez-Moreno S, Leon-Palmero E, Pula HJ, Cabello AM, Ferrera I, I Reche. 2024. SUBCUTICULAR AND BIOFILM MICROBIOMES IN HOLOTHURIA TUBULOSA AND ITS POTENTIAL FOR DENITRIFICATION. Marine Ecology Progress Series 736:81-92. Read article
Deulofeu-Capo O, Sebastián M, Auladell A, Cardelús C, Ferrera I, Sánchez O, Gasol JM. 2024. GROWTH RATES OF MARINE PROKARYOTES ARE EXTREMELY DIVERSE, EVEN AMONG CLOSELY RELATED TAXA. ISME Communications, ycae066. Read article