Environmental Epigenetics
An Innovative Strategy
to Study Global Change
Environmental changes drive evolution through natural selection. Currently, different factors (notably human activity) are speeding up the pace of Global Change, challenging the genetic ability of many species to respond and adapt accordingly. Fortunately, organisms have additional strategies to rapidly acclimatize to environmental stressors, involving modifications in the organization of their hereditary material modulating the expression of specific genes. These are Epigenetic modifications, and they do not involve changes (i.e., mutations) in the DNA. Interestingly, acquired epigenetic changes can be inherited, providing the offspring with a head start to successfully survive and reproduce under Global Change.
Approach
Specific Methods
to Address Global Problems
The central goal of our research is to investigate the cause-effect relationships between environmental stressors resulting from global change (e.g., harmful algal blooms, nutrient loading, ocean acidification, thermal stress, etc.) and the subsequent epigenetic mechanisms regulating physiological responses in marine life. For that purpose, we develop fieldwork and laboratory experiments using model and non-model organisms, including molluscs, cnidarians, sharks and marine mammals. We are primarily interested in studying the epigenetic contribution of chromatin components (e.g., histones and their modifications), although our research also addresses the role of DNA methylation and small RNAs. This research will help us better understand how Epigenetics facilitate physiological responses to stress in marine organisms, setting the basis for improving current restoration and management strategies.
Depth and Breadth
Our research is the result of sheer dedication fueled by the genuine enthusiasm of a fine team of highly skilled researchers and students. No scientific program can thrive without collaboration, that is why ours fosters multidisciplinary knowledge across fields and beyond boundaries.
75
Peer-Reviewed Publications
2195
Citations
24
Awards
27
h-Index(h papers with at least h citations)
Research Grants
Our work fulfills a dual purpose: on one hand, it addresses basic questions advancing scientific knowledge; on the other, our research builds the framework for developing applied methods to curb the effects of Global Change on marine life.
Interaction between genotype and environmental modifications during coral responses to extreme climatic events
Funded by the National Science Foundation (2018 - 2019) – PI: Dr. Eirin-Lopez, Florida International University.
FIU-UPR CREST Partnership Enhancement Supplemental Request
Funded by the National Science Foundation (2017 - 2018) – co-PI: Dr. Eirin-Lopez, Florida International University.
Characterization of epigenetic mechanisms in marine invertebrates.
Funded by the Ramon Areces Foundation (2016 - 2018) – PI: Dr. Rivera-Casas and Dr. Eirin-Lopez, Florida International University.
Epigenetic characterization of flat tree oysters as environmental biomarkers in mangrove ecosystems from North Biscayne Bay, Miami FL.
Funded by the Broward Shell Club (2017) – PI: Dr. Eirin-Lopez, Florida International University.
Center of Research Excellence in Science and Technology, Center for Aquatic Chemistry and Environment (CREST-CAChE).
Funded by the National Science Foundation (2015-2020) – Participating Faculty: Dr. Eirin-Lopez, Florida International University.
Pilot analysis of the next-generation epigenetic biomarkers of brevetoxin exposure during Florida red tides in Eastern Oyster.
Funded by the Biomolecular Sciences Institute, Florida International University (2015 – 2016) – PI: Dr. Eirin-Lopez, Florida International University.
Advance Mass Spectrometry Facility Rapid Access.
Florida International University (2015) – PI: Dr. Eirin-Lopez, Florida International University.
Histone H2A.X and H2A.Z variants of bivalve molluscs: chromatin structure, evolution and applications in genotoxicity tests.
Funded by the Spanish Government, Spain (2011 – 2014) – PI: Dr. Eirin-Lopez, The University of A Coruña, Spain.
Consolidation of the Galician Bioinformatics network.
Funded by the Spanish Government, Spain (2011) – co-PI: Dr. Eirin-Lopez. The University of A Coruña, Spain.
Chromatin specialization in bivalve molluscs: evolutionary implications and potential applications.
Funded by the Xunta de Galicia, Spain (2010 – 2014) – PI: Dr. Eirin-Lopez. The University of A Coruña, Spain.
NanoLINEN – nanotoxicology link between india and eurpean nations.
Funded by the European Research Council (2010 – 2012) – co-PI: Dr. Eirin-Lopez. The University of A Coruña, Spain.
Study of the evolution of metazoan animals through the analysis of chromatin dynamics and histone code.
Funded by the Spanish Government – MICINN, Spain (2010 – 2012) – PI: Dr. Eirin-Lopez. The University of A Coruña, Spain.
Study of the genotoxic effects of the marine biotoxin okadaic acid on mussel aquaculture industry.
Funded by the Spanish Government – MICINN, Spain (2008 – 2011) – co-PI: Dr. Eirin-Lopez. The University of A Coruña, Spain.
Development of cytogenetic and molecular markers in the clam Ruditapes decussatus under environmental stress.
Funded by the Spanish Government, Spain (2007 – 2010) – co-PI: Dr. Eirin-Lopez. The University of A Coruña, Spain.
Identification of DNA markers in the clam Venerupis pullastra and application for genetic variability analysis and population structure.
Funded by the Spanish Government, Spain (2007 – 2010) – co-PI: Dr. Eirin-Lopez. The University of A Coruña, Spain.
Molecular and evolutionary characterization of core and linker histone variants: mechanisms involved in altered chromatin conformations arising from pathological states - CHROMEVOL.
Funded by a Marie Curie Outgoing International Fellowship (OIF – 021900) Research Project. Funded by the EU (European Union) within the 6th Framework Program (2005 – 2008) – PI: Dr. Eirin-Lopez, The University of A Coruña, Spain – University of Victoria, Canada.
Structure and chromosomal location of different genomic regions in the mussel Mytilus galloprovincialis.
Funded by the Spanish Government, Spain (2001-2004) – co-PI: Dr. Eirin-Lopez, The University of A Coruña, Spain.
Awards
The collective effort of our team has brought recognition for students and researchers at all levels. We take a lot of pride in such distinctions and strive to live up to the expectations deposited in our work.
2017 2018 - FIU Tropics Fellowship, College of Arts, Sciences and Education, Florida International University
Javier Rodriguez-Casariego (Graduate Student)
2017 2018 - FIU Tropics Fellowship, College of Arts, Sciences and Education, Florida International University
Andria Beal (Graduate Student)
2017 - Teaching Excellence Award, College of Arts, Sciences and Education, Florida International University
Dr. Jose M. Eirin-Lopez (PI)
2017 - Worlds Ahead Graduate Student Award, Florida International University
Victoria Suarez-Ulloa (Graduate Student)
2017 - Outstanding Academic Achievement Award, College of Arts, Sciences and Education, Florida International University
Michelot Michel (Undergraduate Student)
2017 - Best Honors Thesis Presentation Award, Department of Biological Sciences, Florida International University
Michelot Michel (Undergraduate Student)
2017 - Honors Award, Department of Biological Sciences, Florida International University
Michelot Michel (Undergraduate Student)
2017 - McNair Fellowship, McNair Scholars Program
Eliani Pena (Undergraduate Student)
2017 - First Paper Published, Marine Educational and Research Initiative, Florida International University (MERI-FIU)
Dr. Jose M. Eirin-Lopez (PI)
2016 - 2018 - Postdoctoral Research Award, Ramon Areces Foundation
Ciro Rivera-Casas (Postdoctoral Researcher)
2016 - 2020 - Research Assistantship, Center of Research Excellence in Science and Technology, Center for Aquatic Chemistry and Environment (CREST-CAChE)
Javier Rodriguez-Casariego (Graduate Student)
2016 - 2020 - Teaching Assistantship, Department of Biological Sciences, Florida International University
Andria Beal (Graduate Student)
2016 - Doctoral Dissertation Award, The University of A Couna (Spain)
Ciro Rivera-Casas (Graduate Student)
2016 - Outstanding Graduate Student Award, Marine Educational and Research Initiative, Institute of Water and Environment, Florida International University (MERI-InWE-FIU)
Victoria Suarez-Ulloa (Graduate Student)
2016 - Dissertation Year Fellowship, University Graduate School, Florida International University (UGS-FIU)
Victoria Suarez-Ulloa (Graduate Student)
2016 - Travel Award, Graduate Student Association, Florida International University (GSA-FIU)
Victoria Suarez-Ulloa (Graduate Student)
2016 - Travel Award, Society of Environmental Toxicology and Chemistry (SETAC)
Victoria Suarez-Ulloa (Graduate Student)
2016 - Service Award, Marine Sciences Program, Florida International University
Gabriel Diaz (Undergraduate Student)
2016 - McNair Fellowship, McNair Scholars Program
Gabriel Diaz (Undergraduate Student)
2015 - Travel Award, Society for the Study of Evolution (SSE-NESCent)
Dr. Jose M. Eirin-Lopez (PI)
2014 - I3 Research Excellence Award, Government of Spain
Dr. Jose M. Eirin-Lopez (PI)
2013 - 2017 - Teaching Assistantship, Department of Biological Sciences, Florida International University
Victoria Suarez-Ulloa (Graduate Student)
2011 - Best Young Researcher Award, Spanish Society of Evolutionary Biology (SESBE)
Dr. Jose M. Eirin-Lopez (PI)
2011 - Doctoral Dissertation Award, The University of A Coruña (Spain)
Rodrigo Gonzalez-Romero (Graduate Student)
