RESEARCH- An Overview

Despite their pivotal role in determining marine productivity and global elemental cycles, very little is known about the transport processes that underlie ion exchange and nutrient acquisition in marine phytoplankton. We have focussed our research on membrane transport on two major groups of phytoplankton, diatoms and coccolithophores. Uses conventional and novel cell physiology approaches we are investigating the role of plasma membrane transport processes in phytoplankton cell biology. This NERC-relevant research not only provides data crucial to our understanding of phytoplankton eco-physiology but it also addresses fundamental aspects of membrane transport and cellular homeostasis relevant to higher plant and animal cell biology. Below are brief outlines of the main current research projects.
Calcium transport and homeostasis in coccolithophores.
Redox processes and iron acquisition in marine phytoplankton.
Diatom membrane physiology and signalling.
Functional characterisation of diatom membrane transporters.
Novel techniques applied to algal cell biology

KEY FINDINGS

--Characterisation of the main ion conductances and Ca2+-conducting pathways in the plasma membrane of calcifying coccolithophores including the first publication of a patch clamp study from a marine phytoplankton species.
--Demonstration of specific interactions between plasma membrane electron transport and cellular metabolism in diatoms.
--Discovery of fast action potential in diatoms. This finding is of particular significance to the evolution of membrane excitability and signalling in animals and plants.
--Development of a novel amperometric technique to detect plasma membrane electron transport activity and secretion in vivo in single plant and algal cells.

FUNDING

This work has attracted funding from NERC, BBSRC, EU FP6, The Royal Society and The Leverhulme Trust. Details of current and recent grants.