Enhancing expertise in archaeal taxonomy: Classical and molecular-based monographic research of the Nanoarchaeota

尽管分布广泛，但被称为古细菌的微生物群仍然是生命领域中最未被探索的。在古生菌中，有一种生物（马纳米古菌）对破译古生菌领域的历史至关重要，但这一群体只有一种典型的代表。这种嗜热的微生物在另一种古菌的表面生长和分裂，表明一种专性共生，可能是外寄生的生活方式。这种微生物的进化位置是有争议的，为培养下一代微生物分类学家提供了独特的分类学问题。该项目的主要目标是阐明纳米古细菌在生命之树中的关键地位。这些信息将极大地扩展我们对这个群体的分类学和生理学的理解，以及我们对微生物系统学的理解。此外，该项目将提供一个独特的机会来解决共生与自由生活的生活方式如何影响古细菌的基因组结构、进化速度和基因获得或丢失。本项目为本科生、研究生和博士后提供研究机会和培训，内容涉及经典和分子分类学方法、生物信息学、系统发育分析以及现代微生物分类学中的新概念和争议。此外，该项目还将为当地高中生提供微生物分类研究的实践经验。

Despite a ubiquitous distribution, the group of microorganisms known as Archaea still remains the most unexplored of life's domains. Among the Archaea, one organism (Nanoarchaeum equitans) is crucial for deciphering the history of the archaeal domain, yet there is only one characterized representative of this group. This heat-loving microbe grows and divides at the surface of another archaeon suggesting an obligate symbiotic, possibly ectoparasitic, lifestyle. The evolutionary placement of this organism is controversial and provides unique problems in taxonomy for training the next generation of microbial taxonomists. The major goal of this project is to clarify the pivotal position of the Nanoarchaetoa in the Tree of Life. This information will greatly expand our understanding of the taxonomy and physiology of this group as well as our understanding of microbial systematics. In addition, the project will provide a unique opportunity to address how a symbiotic versus free-living lifestyle has impacted genome architecture, rate of evolution, and gene acquisition or loss in Archaea.This project offers research opportunities and training to undergraduates, graduate students, and a post-doctoral research associate in classical and molecular approaches to taxonomy, bioinformatics, phylogenetic analyses, and novel concepts and controversies in modern microbial taxonomy. In addition, the project will provide hands-on experience in microbial taxonomic research to local high school students.