Hometown: Barcelona, Spain

BS 1999 Autonomous University of Barcelona

MS 2001 Autonomous University of Barcelona

PhD 2004 Autonomous University of Barcelona

The Aquificales are a group of thermophilic chemolithotrophic organisms found in shallow marine, deep-sea and terrestrial thermal environments. They represent the deepest lineage of the Domain Bacteria in the 16S rRNA tree of life. Until recently there were only a few isolates, and only one genome sequenced (Aquifex aeolicus). However, in the past few years, many studies in the taxonomy, ecology and physiology have increased the knowledge about this group. Numerous lineages are in cultivation, establishing the global distribution of the Aquificales in terrestrial hot springs and shallow marine and deep-sea vents.

My project is focused on the taxonomy and biogeography of this group, in particular in terrestrial environments. The specific aims of my research are:

1. Characterization of isolates from Yellowstone National Park, Kamchatka, Costa Rica and Chile hot springs. We are sequencing the 16S rRNA gene of cultures already isolated from these environments, but also other genes with higher genetic resolution such as the ITS gene (internal transcriber spacer), and genome microarrays.

2. Looking at patterns of distribution of this group at both global and local spatial scales. We compare samples from a gradient in a certain spring as well as springs widely varying in geographical location. To this end, we analyze both 16S rRNA and ITS gene either from cultured isolates and environmental samples.

Publications:

Sánchez O., Ferrera I, Dahl C, Mas J (2001). In vivo role of APS reductase in the purple sulfur bacterium Allochromatium vinosum. Arch Microbiol 176:301-305

Ferrera I, Sánchez O, Mas J (2004) A new non-aerated illuminated packed-column reactor for the development of sulfide-oxidizing biofilms. Appl Microbiol Biotech 64:659–664

Ferrera I, Massana R, Casamayor EO, Balagué V, Sánchez O, Pedrós-Alió C, Mas J. (2004) High-diversity biofilm for the oxidation of sulfide-containing effluents. Appl Microbiol Biotech 64:726–734

Sánchez O, Ferrera I, Garcia de Oteyza T, Grimalt J, Mas J (2004) Growth of indigenous microorganisms in samples of crude oil in the absence of external electron acceptors. Ophelia 58:223-232