Elevational microhabitats influence some endolichenic traits of Umbilicaria aprina, an alpine lichen species.

ABSTRACT: Understanding the dynamics of lichen-environment interactions, particularly in terms of elemental composition, microbial, and metabolic profiles, is crucial for elucidating the adaptive strategies of lichens. Here we aimed to investigate the impact of elevational microhabitats on the elemental compositions, microbial profiles, and metabolic profiles of different colonies of Umbilicaria aprina along an elevational gradient. Ionomics showed variations in elemental compositions of colonies at different elevations with distinct patterns of accumulation for specific elements. Untargeted metabolomics revealed metabolic alterations in different colonies of U. aprina across elevations, suggesting a potential role of lichen secondary metabolites in responding to environmental changes. Culture-based

SUBMITTER: Rahimi-Rizi M 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC12119923 | biostudies-literature | 2025 May

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature