Regeneration and invasion success in tropical and subantarctic ascidians across South American marine ecoregions: linking immunity, life histories, and climate change
Tipo de proyecto
Docencia
Estado
Vigente
Fecha de inicio
5 de enero de 2026
Fecha de termino
28 de diciembre de 2029
Financiador
ANID
Código
19262-2
Organización principal
Universidad Católica de la Santísima Concepción
Organizaciones asociadas
Persona responsable UMAG
This study investigates how regeneration and coloniality in ascidians are shaped by evolutionary history and environmental gradients, and whether these traits contribute to the success of biological invasions. Ascidians, as marine invertebrates closely related to vertebrates, are ideal models for exploring the evolution of regeneration and the role of stem cells and cellular plasticity. The project proposes a multifaceted approach, combining fieldwork across a latitudinal gradient in South America (from tropical to subantarctic) with cellular, genomic, and modeling analyses. Our methodology includes: 1) laboratory regeneration and budding assays to compare the kinetics and cellular architecture between cold- and warm-adapted populations; 2) single-cell transcriptomic analyses to identify temperature-sensitive genetic programs and hemocyte differentiation; 3) phylogenomic studies to map the evolution of regenerative and colonial traits; and 4) ecological niche modeling to predict species' responses to climate change. Additionally, we will evaluate whether regenerative capacity and hemocyte activity differ between invasive and non-invasive species, investigating potential trade-offs between immunity and regeneration. Expected results include new insights into the evolution of regeneration and coloniality, a refined phylogeny of Styelidae, and predictive models of marine biodiversity resilience. This project will consolidate a research network between Chile and Brazil and provide fundamental knowledge on the mechanisms of marine invasions and biosecurity risks in a climate change scenario.
