Salim Kichouh Aiadi, a Ph.D. student at the University of Almeria (Almeria, Spain), was granted with a short-term scientific mission (STSM) to conduct research hosted by Dr. Giovanna Romano at the Stazione Zoologica Anton Dohrn (SZN) in Naples (Italy). The primary objective of the STSM was to generate significant biological and genetic material to advance our understanding of the metabolic pathways responsible for the production of bioactive compounds. This research was carried out with Amphidinium carterae (A. carterae), a marine dinoflagellate known for synthesizing amphidinols (APDs) with antifungal, anticancer, and haemolytic activity. The study also aimed to investigate the influence of epigenetic compounds on the transcriptome of A. carterae.
During the research stage, Salim cultivated A. carterae with various epigenetic compounds and established an experimental protocol for the extraction of RNA. This involved training in efficient RNA extraction methods from A. carterae biomass under optimal conditions, as well as evaluating the quality and quantity of the extracted RNA.
The successful results of the assays produced high quality RNA and facilitated ongoing progress in transcriptome sequencing. This achievement significantly contributes to the overarching goal of enhancing cultivation strategies using compounds with epigenetic activity in cultures of A. carterae.
The STSM presented Salim with the opportunity to establish a promising collaboration in the field of marine biotechnology. This collaborative effort included the exchange of experiences and knowledge, which proved to be immensely valuable in the development of Salim’s skills and interests in marine biodiscovery. Furthermore, it established meaningful connections between his home and host institutions.
