Bio-Spatial-SIP: Spatially targeted stable isotope probing for bioscience
Lead Research Organisation:
University of Edinburgh
Department Name: Roslin Institute
Abstract
The Laser Ablation Capillary Absorption Spectrometry (LA-CAS) system enables low-cost stable carbon isotope analysis with near single cell spatial resolution. This is new capability for the UK. It provides a step-change in the detail and affordability with which we can study processes occurring in the narrow interaction zone between plant roots and soil (the rhizosphere), and has the capability to resolve a wide range of scientific questions. We have developed and utilise a range of methods to trace plant-derived carbon into soil carbon pools and microorganisms, to determine the impact of plants in shaping rhizosphere microbial communities and their functions. However, these approaches rely on bulk measures of carbon pools and fluxes which limits the mechanistic understanding of processes and biological traits that underpin the multiple interactions in the rhizosphere. The LA-CAS approach, by providing affordable high-resolution spatial data of isotope composition, allows us to examine impacts on individual organisms and individual processes.
The LA-CAS system will be run as a small facility, with dedicated technical support. The intention is to start analysis for the current named consortium with research on plant-soil interactions, with the intention to open up this technology to a wide range of bioscience users; in theory for analysis of any biological sample. Initial focus is on (i) quantifying and locating resource exchanges in the rhizosphere for better understanding of the relationships between plants, microbial communities and their functions; (ii) determining the impact of plants on soil aggregation, and the processes regulating net carbon sequestration; and (iii) further enhancing analytical capability by combining LA-CAS and X-ray tomography imaging for relating root architectural traits and soil physical characteristics to the spatial location of deposited carbon.
We will firstly test analysis on plant and soil material, taking forward the proof of concept developed in the US for rhizosphere soil. We will then undertake analysis on existing funded projects within our consortium, including for PhD students and early career researchers, as well as fostering new collaborations and funding applications via a LA-CAS user community. Samples (plant, root, soil) will be analysed from field and controlled environment experiments, in which plants (typically arable crops, or grass) are exposed to isotopically labelled carbon. For example, to establish the relative importance of genetically controlled traits such as root architecture, mycorrhizal colonisation and spatial patterns of root exudation on greenhouse gas emissions; and to quantify distinct C-stabilisation processes simultaneously through localisation of plant-derived carbon within the soil matrix. This data not only provides fundamental insight into how plant-soil systems work, but can, for example, be used to select next generation crops for resource use efficiency and capacity to improve soil health.
Such approaches enabled by the LA-CAS analytical capability are critical to help address the complex interactions of some of the most intractable biological systems. This is fundamental to advance our understanding of living systems and we anticipate will lead to new bioscience-based solutions to key challenges, such as climate change, and food and nutrition security.
The LA-CAS system will be run as a small facility, with dedicated technical support. The intention is to start analysis for the current named consortium with research on plant-soil interactions, with the intention to open up this technology to a wide range of bioscience users; in theory for analysis of any biological sample. Initial focus is on (i) quantifying and locating resource exchanges in the rhizosphere for better understanding of the relationships between plants, microbial communities and their functions; (ii) determining the impact of plants on soil aggregation, and the processes regulating net carbon sequestration; and (iii) further enhancing analytical capability by combining LA-CAS and X-ray tomography imaging for relating root architectural traits and soil physical characteristics to the spatial location of deposited carbon.
We will firstly test analysis on plant and soil material, taking forward the proof of concept developed in the US for rhizosphere soil. We will then undertake analysis on existing funded projects within our consortium, including for PhD students and early career researchers, as well as fostering new collaborations and funding applications via a LA-CAS user community. Samples (plant, root, soil) will be analysed from field and controlled environment experiments, in which plants (typically arable crops, or grass) are exposed to isotopically labelled carbon. For example, to establish the relative importance of genetically controlled traits such as root architecture, mycorrhizal colonisation and spatial patterns of root exudation on greenhouse gas emissions; and to quantify distinct C-stabilisation processes simultaneously through localisation of plant-derived carbon within the soil matrix. This data not only provides fundamental insight into how plant-soil systems work, but can, for example, be used to select next generation crops for resource use efficiency and capacity to improve soil health.
Such approaches enabled by the LA-CAS analytical capability are critical to help address the complex interactions of some of the most intractable biological systems. This is fundamental to advance our understanding of living systems and we anticipate will lead to new bioscience-based solutions to key challenges, such as climate change, and food and nutrition security.
