Exploring the invisible diversity of Pyrenean lakes

PyriSentinel

The PyriSentinel project studies the microorganisms of high mountain Pyrenean lakes, sentinels of global and climate change, using advanced DNA sequencing techniques. Our project focuses on three main pillars: lake sampling, genomic analysis of microbial DNA, training and outreach and contributes to the international efforts to characterize Earth’s biodiversity and microbiome.

Sentinel lakes

Pyrenean high-mountain lakes are pristine open-air laboratories that act as sentinels of the effects of climate change.

Microbial DNA

We will explore the invisible diversity with high resolution DNA sequencing technologies. Microorganisms are fundamental components to maintain these ecosystems. We aim discover the current diversity and to understand how the microbiota can help to biomonitor the disturbances brought by the global change.

Training and outreach

Training in new DNA technologies will aid future monitoring efforts.