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III program: functioning and adaptation of biological systems: molecular, genetic and
evolutionary mechanisms
1. Programme implementing entity: Nature Research Centre
State-determined staff positions allocated to the programme: 17 (ca. 5% annual increase projected
depending on research output appraisal)
2. Objectives:
Investigations on the functioning and adaptation, evolutionary changes and adaptation limits of biological
systems are significant both for fundamental science and applications because functioning mechanisms
and sustainability patterns of biota under global change conditions might be reveal; they serve as a basis
for the development of a scientific background for wildlife protection and management as well as for
forecasting potential changes. Therefore, the programme objectives are to study responses of biological
systems (on the level of a cell, organism, population and community) to biotic and abiotic factors
(conspecifics or heterospecifics, temperature, light, gravity, etc.) and analyse their molecular and genetic
mechanisms as well as to reveal physiological, biochemical, genetic and evolutionary adaptive responses
to changes in environment.
3. Tasks:
3.1. To estimate the impact of biotic factors (organisms distinguished by highly bioactive substances
secreted into the environment) on model organisms, and distinguish and identify active chemical
compounds.
3.2. To estimate the impact of abiotic factors on the functioning of plants and their cellular biosystems as
well as effect of light spectrum components and UV radiation on plant physiological responses to gravity
and on a plant genome, select specific biomarkers related to resistance of model and economically
important plant species under unfavourable environmental conditions, and examine plant growth and
development optimization possibilities.
3.3. To establish genetic diversity of model species, molecular, physiological, ethological and genetic
adaptation mechanisms, evolutionary mechanisms for the functioning of model biological systems, and
adaptation potential under local and global environmental change conditions.
4. Methodological basis:
The application of the state-of-the-art research methods: molecular, genetic, cytogenetic, biochemical,
physiological, chromatographic (thin-layer, high-pressure liquid, gas, gas–liquid) and mass spectral
analysis (GC-MS, GLC-MS), electronic microscopy, spectrophotometry and spectrofluorimetry, isotope
analysis, etc., in conjunction with classical microbiological, physiological, ecological (field and
laboratory), subcellular structure functioning, mathematical modelling, etc. methods will ensure
implementation of programme objectives and tasks.
The necessary experimental infrastructure has recently been updated and fundamentally consolidated.
Modern facilities for molecular genetics, chromatography, mass spectroscopy and electronic microscopy
have been obtained from GPD and Santara Valley programmes, and necessary auxiliary installations for
storing and growing objects under regulated environmental conditions, etc. will be obtained from the
Biogeonauda National Complex Programme this year (procurement is in progress).
High international level of investigations will be ensured not only through cooperation and exchange of
information with our current partners: Stockholm University, Royal Institute of Technology in
Stockholm, Lund University (Sweden), Helmholz Centre for Environmental Research (Germany),
London University (Great Britain), universities in Pennsylvania and Iowa states in the USA, but also with
other research institutions that have high potential in research areas close to those described in this
programme.
6. Expected outcomes:
The application of modern wildlife research methods, acquisition of state-of-the-art infrastructure (thanks
to funding from GPD, Integrated Science, Studies and Business Centres (Valleys) and National Complex
Programme) and scientific competences of researchers ensure successful implementation of programme
objectives and tasks and top-level scientific results.
The implementation of the programme will enable acquiring new quality scientific knowledge of interand intraspecific interactions by means of biologically active substances, functioning mechanisms of such
substances on different levels of biological systems (beginning with constituent parts of a cell and ending
with community and ecosystem levels) and their chemical compositions. New data will be obtained on
phytovirus and phytoplasma species spread within and outside Lithuania, on the ways phytoplasmas are
spreading, on new phytoplasma host plants, agents, on the ways phytovirus and phytoplasma infections
get into Lithuania, on prospects for the use of microorganisms exhibiting biocidic properties and their
secreted factors in the fight with phytopathogens and harmful plants, and on microorganism strains
suitable for a more economic production of bioethanol in Lithuania’s climate zone. The results obtained
will be the basis for conducting a feasibility study on production of new biopreparations for the abovementioned purposes.
We expect to select and make model systems for analysis and assessment of plant adaptation processes,
to formulate the principles and key mechanisms of the impact of environmental factors on the functioning
of plants and signal interactions with biological systems regulating plant growth and functioning as well
as elements of such mechanisms which determine adaptability and survivorship of plants. It is planned to
establish the principles and plasticity possibilities for participation in adaptation processes of hormonal,
antioxidant and ion transportation systems involved in the growth and development of plants. Specific
biomarkers to assess plant adaptability will be determined and possibilities for modification of adaptation
processes, growth and development of plants will be analysed. Within the framework of expanding space
investigations, we are planning to determine light spectrum components efficient for plant adaptation to
gravity changes. The effect of UV radiation on plant genome and its stability will be analysed, and
possibilities for plant adaptation to this environmental factor will be assessed.
Data on evolutionary biology of model animal species will be obtained, mechanisms and patterns of
ability to adapt to anthropogenic environment, evolutionary origin of lifecycles and potential for
adaptation to the changing environment will be estimated, mechanisms of the functioning of communities
and of their response both to internal and external stressors as well as the factors regulating the stability
and change of such mechanisms will be revealed, the impact of changing environmental factors on
genetic diversity of model species and the modifying effect of ecological and behavioural properties of
model species on genetic diversity will be evaluated. The results obtained will contribute to making
projections for long-term development of Lithuanian ecosystems under global change conditions.
The results obtained are expected to serve as a basis for 11 PhD theses.
9. Programme duration:
2012–2016
10. Chief executive:
Prof. Dr Habil. Vincas Būda, chief researcher, 2729242, 8 685 34539, [email protected]