Comparative Genomic, Transcriptomic and Epigenetic Analyses in Coccolithophores

Coccolithophores are marine algae that produce elegantly sculptured calcium carbonate cell coverings known as coccoliths. Understanding the biomineralization process of coccolith formation will help to develop strategies to promote healthy mineralization and prevent problems of unwanted calcification in higher organisms. The goal of this research is to improve our understating of biomineralization in coccolithophores by analyzing a large amount of genomic, transcriptomic and epigenetic data generated from calcifying and non-calcifying coccolithophore species and cultures.