Alexander V. Ereskovsky
Dr. Sci. (Biol.)
Directeur de recherche CNRS, Institut Méditerranéen de Biodiversité et d’Ecologie (IMBE), Aix Marseille Université, Marseille, France
Invertebrate embryology, regeneration, morphogenesis, larvae, metamorphosis, asexual reproduction, evolution of development, comparative embryology;
Scientific research of A.V. Ereskovsky relate to both fundamental and applied issues of modern biology. A.V. Ereskovsky quite quickly became one of the leading international experts in various aspects of biology, phylogeny and taxonomy of sponges (phylum Porifera). In the field of comparative evolutionary embryology of sponges - a recognized world leader. Working with embryology of sponges, A.V. Ereskovsky initiated research on the morphogenetic, cellular and genetic mechanisms of development of sponges, which allowed him to move on to research in the field of regeneration and molecular mechanisms of morphogenesis.
Another area of scientific research in which A.V. Ereskovsky also occupies a leading position in world science, is the study of life and reproductive cycles of sponges and the impact of climate change on their phenology.
Ultrastructural studies of sponges in various periods of their life cycles allowed A.V. Ereskovsky to study the dynamics of endosymbiotic microorganisms and, in collaboration with microbiologists, come closer to understanding their role in the life of sponges. In addition, Ereskovsky A.V. with colleagues for the first time showed the full cycle of vertical transmission of bacteria in sponges.
Being an expert in the ultrastructural studies of invertebrates, A.V. Ereskovsky repeatedly invited to research projects on various aspects of the chemistry of biological materials, biomineralization and biomimicry. These studies led to a number of discoveries, such as the presence and role of chitin in sponges, the participation of organic nanomatrix in the formation of flint spicules, etc.
A.V. Ereskovsky also works quite actively in the field of phylogeny and taxonomy of sponges, in particular, the most difficult non-skeletal sponges in this regard. He participated in the arise of a new class of Porifera - Homoscleromorpha. In addition, he conducted an audit of the sponges of the Arctic and, currently, he is involved in the audit of sponges of the Caribbean.
