Genomic and epigenomic basis of high-alpine adaption

High-alpine environments, particularly in the European Alps, are severely affected by climate change, as evidenced by rapid glacier melting. These fast transformations impinge on the unique habitats of many Alpine plant groups, and may put them at the risk of extinction. We are part of a collaborative project that aims to assemble and study the genomes and epigenomes of high-alpine plant species. The goal is to elucidate molecular mechanisms used by these plant species to thrive in these extreme environments, and to generate genomic resources for detailed population studies. We believe that such knowledge will inform conservation efforts and help in predicting plant biodiversity going into the future. We collaborate with labs that specialize in biodiversity, biosystematics, phylogeography and biogeography of Alpine plants.