I am from Argentina. I have a PhD in Biology from Universidad de Mar del Plata, (2017) and a B. Sc. in Biology, orientation Ecology, from Universidad Nacional de La Plata (2011).
I study phytoplankton, in particular cyanobacteria, with a focus on their eco-physiology. I am particularly interested in unraveling stress responses in cyanobacteria and their mechanisms of cell death, which paradoxically ensure their life.
Teaching
I teach in the course Biochemistry for Ecologists within the BSc program in biology.
Research
My research interests are within aquatic microbial ecology with a focus on cyanobacterial ecophysiology. I combine field studies with laboratory assays and omics approaches to elucidate the mechanisms that shape the success of cyanobacteria in and their influence on the biogeochemical cycles.
At LNU I am part of a larger group working on biosilicification and its evolution through Earth’s history (Sicyc project). I am focusing on the role that picocyanobacteria have on biosilicification and, ultimately, in the global biogeochemical silica cycle. This project is part of the research in the research group Marine microbiology and in Linnaeus University Centre for Ecology and Evolution in Microbial model Systems (EEMiS)
My ongoing research projects
Publications
Article in journal (Refereed)
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Weissenbach, J., Aguilera, A., Bas Conn, L., Pinhassi, J., Legrand, C., et al. (2024). Ploidy levels in diverse picocyanobacteria from the Baltic Sea. Environmental Microbiology Reports. 16 (5).
Status: Published -
Bonilla, S., Aguilera, A., Aubriot, L., Huszar, V., Almanza, V., et al. (2023). Nutrients and not temperature are the key drivers for cyanobacterial biomass in the Americas. Harmful Algae. 121.
Status: Published -
Aguilera, A., Alegria Zufia, J., Bas Conn, L., Gurlit, L., Śliwińska‐wilczewska, S., et al. (2023). Ecophysiological analysis reveals distinct environmental preferences in closely related Baltic Sea picocyanobacteria. Environmental Microbiology. 25 (9). 1674-1695.
Status: Published -
Aguilera, A., Almanza, V., Haakonsson, S., Palacio, H., Rodas, G.A.B., et al. (2023). Cyanobacterial bloom monitoring and assessment in Latin America. Harmful Algae. 125.
Status: Published -
Churakova, Y., Aguilera, A., Charalampous, E., Conley, D.J., Lundin, D., et al. (2023). Biogenic silica accumulation in picoeukaryotes : Novel players in the marine silica cycle. Environmental Microbiology Reports. 15 (4). 282-290.
Status: Published -
Giannuzzi, L., Lombardo, T., Juarez, I., Aguilera, A., Blanco, G. (2021). A Stochastic Characterization of Hydrogen Peroxide-Induced Regulated Cell Death in Microcystis aeruginosa. Frontiers in Microbiology. 12.
Status: Published -
Aguilera, A., Berdun, F., Bartoli, C., Steelheart, C., Alegre, M., et al. (2021). C-ferroptosis is an iron-dependent form of regulated cell death in cyanobacteria. Journal of Cell Biology. 221 (2).
Status: Published -
Aguilera, A., Steelheart, C., Alegre, M., Berdun, F., Salerno, G., et al. (2020). Measurement of Ascorbic Acid and Glutathione Content in Cyanobacterium Synechocystis sp. PCC 6803. Bio-protocol. 10 (20). 1-7.
Status: Published
Article, review/survey (Refereed)
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Aguilera, A., Distéfano, A., Jauzein, C., Correa-Aragunde, N., Martinez, D., et al. (2022). Do photosynthetic cells communicate with each other during cell death? From cyanobacteria to vascular plants. Journal of Experimental Botany. Oxford University Press. 73 (22). 7219-7242.
Status: Published -
Aguilera, A., Klemencic, M., Sueldo, D.J., Rzymski, P., Giannuzzi, L., et al. (2021). Cell death in Cyanobacteria : current understanding and recommendations for a consensus on its nomenclature. Frontiers in Microbiology. Frontiers Media S.A.. 12. 1-15.
Status: Published
Chapter in book (Refereed)
- Bhattacharjee, S., Parida, A., Aguilera, A., Martin, M.V. (2024). The hidden world of cyanobacterial cell death : classification, regulatory mechanisms, and ecological significance. Cyanobacteria : Metabolisms to Molecules. Elsevier. 313-340.