Application of Omics-Based Tools and Microarrays to Optimize Bioremediation

Lisa Alvarez-Cohen
Professor and Chair of Civil and Environmental Engineering Department, UC Berkeley This talk will focus on the application of omics-based molecular tools to understand and optimize the bioremediation of environmental contaminants by naturally occurring microorganisms. Bioremediation is a process that often relies upon mixed microbial communities to catalyze important biodegradation pathways. In order to improve our understanding of bioremediation processes, there is a need to develop rapid, quantitative, non-culture based molecular and microbiological assays for use in characterizing microbial communities and activities in subsurface soils. This talk will describe a variety of detection and quantification techniques applied to both genes and transcripts of interest, including quantitative PCR (qPCR), reverse transcription qPCR and whole-genome microarrays for comprehensive comparative genomics and transcriptomics with subsequent confirmation by proteomics. In addition, application of phylogenetic microarrays for identification of specific organisms in complex communities will be described. We have applied these tools to both laboratory samples for fundamental research, and to field samples for applied research in bioremediation of conventional and emerging contaminants.

Location: Kaprielian Hall (KAP) - 209

Audiences: Everyone Is Invited

Contact: Evangeline Reyes