Laboratory of Molecular Ecology and Extremophiles (LEMEx-UFSC)

The Laboratory of Molecular Ecology and Extremophiles (LEMEx-UFSC) conducts research in the fields of microbial ecology and biotechnology, focusing on the study of microorganisms that inhabit extreme environments, particularly those found in Antarctica.

The methodologies applied in these studies include the use of molecular markers (e.g., the 16S rRNA gene) and bioinformatics analyses of omics data (e.g., genomics, metagenomics, and metatranscriptomics). In addition, traditional and modern microbial cultivation techniques are employed for the characterization of extremophilic microorganisms.

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Research Areas

Climate Change

We investigate how Antarctic microorganisms respond to climate change, considering that the Antarctic continent is one of the regions most vulnerable to global warming. Microorganisms are among the living organisms that respond most rapidly to environmental changes and may serve as indicators of past, present, and future climate scenarios.

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Astrobiology

Astrobiology is the branch of science dedicated to answering questions about the origin of life on Earth and the possibility of finding life elsewhere, both within and beyond the Solar System.

Extremophilic microorganisms (bacteria, archaea, and fungi capable of surviving under extreme environmental conditions) are considered important biological models for astrobiological studies. Understanding how extremophiles adapt to low temperatures, limited liquid water availability, and radiation resistance may help identify the most likely environments where life could exist beyond Earth.

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Bioprospecting of Extremophilic Microorganisms

Extremophiles possess morphological and biochemical adaptations that allow them to survive in some of the most inhospitable environments on Earth. These organisms represent a valuable source of enzymes, metabolites, and other molecules with potential biotechnological applications.

As an example, LEMEx has been investigating the characterization of antifreeze proteins (AFPs) from Antarctic bacteria and fungi, aiming to develop products with potential applications in fields such as agriculture and healthcare.