Collaborative Research: RUI: Molecular Sentinels: Secondary Metabolites as Indicators of Environmental Change in an Antarctic Polar Desert

Specifically, the work is showing how environmentally relevant changes in salinity will induce differential expression of secondary metabolites in isolates previously collected from the hypersaline Don Juan Pond in the western end of Wright Valley, Victoria Land in the Dry Valleys region. Transcriptomes of cell cultures under varying salinities are being sequenced and compared to determine significant changes to cellular metabolism, particularly secondary metabolic pathways.

Additional previously collected sample types (soils, glacier ice, sediments, and brines) collected from a range of salinities are being used to refine methodologies for future field work and provide training opportunities for students. The program is designed to provide strong opportunities to integrate STEM research with undergraduate education, especially at Smith College, a predominantly undergraduate women’s institution.

At least one graduate student and 4 undergraduates will be involved in the project, and some will participate in presenting results at international meetings. The program is also developing related curriculum in partnership with education specialists to be used with middle school students. This award reflects NSF's statutory mission and has been deemed worthy of support through evaluation using the Foundation's intellectual merit and broader impacts review criteria.