Objective:
The general objective of this research theme is to improve our understanding of the complex interactions between microalgae and their environment. We study the physiological responses of marine microalgae to various key abiotic signals and stresses (light, darkness, photoperiods, temperature, nutrients), as well as to biotic interactions (allelopathic microalgae, viruses, algicidal bacteria), through laboratory and in situ analyses.
In parallel, we develop diagnostic tools based on photosynthesis, using the green microalga Chlamydomonas or diatoms, with approaches involving single-cell analysis, frequency-domain analysis, or mixed cultures.
Recent advances in microalgal genomics and genetics (Theme 2), combined with well-established (eco)physiological and biophysical approaches (Theme 1), offer new opportunities to address these questions. The co-affiliation of a lab member at the Station Biologique de Roscoff (SBR, France) enables a deeper exploration of photosynthesis and light perception processes within a functional global marine ecosystem.
Key Research Areas:
- Characterization of diatom photoreceptors, their signaling pathways, and their in vivo functions.
- Investigation of light-regulated rhythmic processes and the circadian clock in diatoms.
- Microalgal responses to abiotic stress, biotic interactions and bioremediation
- Photosynthesis as a diagnostic tool in laboratory and field settings (single-cell, frequency-domain, and mixed-culture approaches).
Selected references:
Duchêne, C., Bouly, J.-P., Pierella Karlusich, J.J., Vernay, E., Sellés, J., Bailleul, B., Bowler, C., Ribera d’Alcalà, M., Falciatore, A., Jaubert, M., 2025. Diatom phytochromes integrate the underwater light spectrum to sense depth. Nature 637, 691–697. https://doi.org/10.1038/s41586-024-08301-3
Manzotti, A., Monteil, R., Cheminant Navarro, S., Croteau, D., Charreton, L., Hoguin, A., Strumpen, N.F., Jallet, D., Daboussi, F., Kroth, P.G., Bouget, F.-Y., Jaubert, M., Bailleul, B., Bouly, J.-P., Falciatore, A., 2025. Circadian regulation of key physiological processes by the RITMO1 clock protein in the marine diatom Phaeodactylum tricornutum. New Phytol 246, 1724–1739. https://doi.org/10.1111/nph.70099
Long M, Peltekis A, González-Fernández C, Hégaret H and Bailleul B (2021) Allelochemicals of Alexandrium minutum: Kinetics of membrane disruption and photosynthesis inhibition in a co-occurring diatom. Harmful Algae, 103:101997. 10.1016/j.hal.2021.101997
Croteau D, Jaubert M, Falciatore A and Bailleul B (2025) Pennate diatoms make non-photochemical quenching as simple as possible but not simpler. Nature Communications, 16(1):2385.