1
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Audoor S, Bilcke G, Pargana K, Belišová D, Thierens S, Van Bel M, Sterck L, Rijsdijk N, Annunziata R, Ferrante MI, Vandepoele K, Vyverman W. Transcriptional chronology reveals conserved genes involved in pennate diatom sexual reproduction. Mol Ecol 2024; 33:e17320. [PMID: 38506152 DOI: 10.1111/mec.17320] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/30/2023] [Revised: 01/23/2024] [Accepted: 03/07/2024] [Indexed: 03/21/2024]
Abstract
Sexual reproduction is a major driver of adaptation and speciation in eukaryotes. In diatoms, siliceous microalgae with a unique cell size reduction-restitution life cycle and among the world's most prolific primary producers, sex also acts as the main mechanism for cell size restoration through the formation of an expanding auxospore. However, the molecular regulators of the different stages of sexual reproduction and size restoration are poorly explored. Here, we combined RNA sequencing with the assembly of a 55 Mbp reference genome for Cylindrotheca closterium to identify patterns of gene expression during different stages of sexual reproduction. These were compared with a corresponding transcriptomic time series of Seminavis robusta to assess the degree of expression conservation. Integrative orthology analysis revealed 138 one-to-one orthologues that are upregulated during sex in both species, among which 56 genes consistently upregulated during cell pairing and gametogenesis, and 11 genes induced when auxospores are present. Several early, sex-specific transcription factors and B-type cyclins were also upregulated during sex in other pennate and centric diatoms, pointing towards a conserved core regulatory machinery for meiosis and gametogenesis across diatoms. Furthermore, we find molecular evidence that the pheromone-induced cell cycle arrest is short-lived in benthic diatoms, which may be linked to their active mode of mate finding through gliding. Finally, we exploit the temporal resolution of our comparative analysis to report the first marker genes for auxospore identity called AAE1-3 ("Auxospore-Associated Expression"). Altogether, we introduce a multi-species model of the transcriptional dynamics during size restoration in diatoms and highlight conserved gene expression dynamics during different stages of sexual reproduction.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sien Audoor
- Laboratory of Protistology and Aquatic Ecology, Department of Biology, University Ghent, Ghent, Belgium
| | - Gust Bilcke
- Laboratory of Protistology and Aquatic Ecology, Department of Biology, University Ghent, Ghent, Belgium
- VIB Center for Plant Systems Biology, Ghent, Belgium
- Department of Plant Biotechnology and Bioinformatics, Ghent University, Ghent, Belgium
| | - Katerina Pargana
- Laboratory of Protistology and Aquatic Ecology, Department of Biology, University Ghent, Ghent, Belgium
| | - Darja Belišová
- Laboratory of Protistology and Aquatic Ecology, Department of Biology, University Ghent, Ghent, Belgium
- VIB Center for Plant Systems Biology, Ghent, Belgium
- Department of Plant Biotechnology and Bioinformatics, Ghent University, Ghent, Belgium
| | - Sander Thierens
- VIB Center for Plant Systems Biology, Ghent, Belgium
- Department of Plant Biotechnology and Bioinformatics, Ghent University, Ghent, Belgium
| | - Michiel Van Bel
- VIB Center for Plant Systems Biology, Ghent, Belgium
- Department of Plant Biotechnology and Bioinformatics, Ghent University, Ghent, Belgium
| | - Lieven Sterck
- VIB Center for Plant Systems Biology, Ghent, Belgium
- Department of Plant Biotechnology and Bioinformatics, Ghent University, Ghent, Belgium
| | - Nadine Rijsdijk
- Laboratory of Protistology and Aquatic Ecology, Department of Biology, University Ghent, Ghent, Belgium
- VIB Center for Plant Systems Biology, Ghent, Belgium
- Department of Plant Biotechnology and Bioinformatics, Ghent University, Ghent, Belgium
| | | | - Maria Immacolata Ferrante
- Stazione Zoologica Anton Dohrn, Naples, Italy
- Associate to the National Institute of Oceanography and Applied Geophysics, Trieste, Italy
| | - Klaas Vandepoele
- VIB Center for Plant Systems Biology, Ghent, Belgium
- Department of Plant Biotechnology and Bioinformatics, Ghent University, Ghent, Belgium
- VIB Center for AI & Computational Biology, VIB, Ghent, Belgium
| | - Wim Vyverman
- Laboratory of Protistology and Aquatic Ecology, Department of Biology, University Ghent, Ghent, Belgium
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2
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Ruggiero MV, Buffoli M, Wolf KKE, D'Alelio D, Di Tuccio V, Lombardi E, Manfellotto F, Vitale L, Margiotta F, Sarno D, John U, Ferrante MI, Montresor M. Multiannual patterns of genetic structure and mating type ratios highlight the complex bloom dynamics of a marine planktonic diatom. Sci Rep 2024; 14:6028. [PMID: 38472358 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-024-56292-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/15/2023] [Accepted: 03/05/2024] [Indexed: 03/14/2024] Open
Abstract
Understanding the genetic structure of populations and the processes responsible for its spatial and temporal dynamics is vital for assessing species' adaptability and survival in changing environments. We investigate the genetic fingerprinting of blooming populations of the marine diatom Pseudo-nitzschia multistriata in the Gulf of Naples (Mediterranean Sea) from 2008 to 2020. Strains were genotyped using microsatellite fingerprinting and natural samples were also analysed with Microsatellite Pool-seq Barcoding based on Illumina sequencing of microsatellite loci. Both approaches revealed a clonal expansion event in 2013 and a more stable genetic structure during 2017-2020 compared to previous years. The identification of a mating type (MT) determination gene allowed to assign MT to strains isolated over the years. MTs were generally at equilibrium with two notable exceptions, including the clonal bloom of 2013. The populations exhibited linkage equilibrium in most blooms, indicating that sexual reproduction leads to genetic homogenization. Our findings show that P. multistriata blooms exhibit a dynamic genetic and demographic composition over time, most probably determined by deeper-layer cell inocula. Occasional clonal expansions and MT imbalances can potentially affect the persistence and ecological success of planktonic diatoms.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Marina Buffoli
- Department of Integrative Marine Ecology, Stazione Zoologica Anton Dohrn, Naples, Italy
| | - Klara K E Wolf
- Institut für Marine Ökosystem- und Fischereiwissenschaften, Universität Hamburg, Hamburg, Germany
- Limnological Institute, Environmental Genomics, University of Konstanz, Konstanz, Germany
| | - Domenico D'Alelio
- Department of Integrative Marine Ecology, Stazione Zoologica Anton Dohrn, Naples, Italy
| | - Viviana Di Tuccio
- Department of Integrative Marine Ecology, Stazione Zoologica Anton Dohrn, Naples, Italy
| | - Ernestina Lombardi
- Department of Integrative Marine Ecology, Stazione Zoologica Anton Dohrn, Naples, Italy
| | - Francesco Manfellotto
- Department of Integrative Marine Ecology, Stazione Zoologica Anton Dohrn, Naples, Italy
| | - Laura Vitale
- Department of Integrative Marine Ecology, Stazione Zoologica Anton Dohrn, Naples, Italy
| | - Francesca Margiotta
- Department of Research Infrastructures for Marine Biological Resources, Stazione Zoologica Anton Dohrn, Naples, Italy
| | - Diana Sarno
- Department of Research Infrastructures for Marine Biological Resources, Stazione Zoologica Anton Dohrn, Naples, Italy
| | - Uwe John
- Alfred-Wegener-Institute, Helmholtz Centre for Polar and Marine Research, Bremerhaven, Germany
- Helmholtz Institute for Functional Marine Biodiversity, Oldenburg, Germany
| | - Maria Immacolata Ferrante
- Department of Integrative Marine Ecology, Stazione Zoologica Anton Dohrn, Naples, Italy
- Oceanography Section, National Institute of Oceanography and Applied Geophysics, Trieste, Italy
| | - Marina Montresor
- Department of Integrative Marine Ecology, Stazione Zoologica Anton Dohrn, Naples, Italy.
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3
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Klapper FA, Kiel C, Bellstedt P, Vyverman W, Pohnert G. Structure Elucidation of the First Sex-Inducing Pheromone of a Diatom. Angew Chem Int Ed Engl 2023; 62:e202307165. [PMID: 37607131 DOI: 10.1002/anie.202307165] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/07/2023] [Revised: 08/16/2023] [Accepted: 08/18/2023] [Indexed: 08/24/2023]
Abstract
Diatoms are abundant unicellular microalgae, responsible for ≈20 % of global photosynthetic CO2 fixation. Nevertheless, we know little about fundamental aspects of their biology, such as their sexual reproduction. Pheromone-mediated chemical communication is crucial for successful mating. An attraction pheromone was identified in the diatom Seminavis robusta, but metabolites priming cells for sex and synchronizing search and mating behavior remained elusive. These sex-inducing pheromones (SIP) induce cell cycle arrest and trigger the production of the attraction pheromone. Here we describe the challenging structure elucidation of an S. robusta SIP. Guided by metabolomics, a candidate metabolite was identified and elucidated by labeling experiments, NMR, ESI MSn analyses, and chemical transformations. The use of negative ion mode MS was essential to decipher the unprecedented hydroxyproline and β-sulfated aspartate-containing cyclic heptapeptide that acts in femtomolar concentrations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Franziska A Klapper
- Institute for Inorganic and Analytical Chemistry, Bioorganic Analytics, Friedrich Schiller University Jena, Lessingstrasse 8, 07743, Jena, Germany
| | - Christine Kiel
- Institute for Inorganic and Analytical Chemistry, Bioorganic Analytics, Friedrich Schiller University Jena, Lessingstrasse 8, 07743, Jena, Germany
- Department of Plankton and Microbial Ecology, Leibniz Institute of Freshwater Ecology and Inland Fisheries, Zur alten Fischerhütte 2, 16775, Stechlin, Germany
| | - Peter Bellstedt
- Institute of Organic and Macromolecular Chemistry, Friedrich Schiller University Jena, Humboldtstraße 10, 07743, Jena, Germany
- Institute of Clinical Chemistry, University of Zurich & University Hospital, Rämistrasse 100, 8091, Zürich, Switzerland
| | - Wim Vyverman
- Laboratory of Protistology and Aquatic Ecology, Department of Biology, Ghent University, Krijgslaan 281 S8, 9000, Ghent, Belgium
| | - Georg Pohnert
- Institute for Inorganic and Analytical Chemistry, Bioorganic Analytics, Friedrich Schiller University Jena, Lessingstrasse 8, 07743, Jena, Germany
- Max Planck Institute for Chemical Ecology, Hans-Knöll-Straße 8, 07745, Jena, Germany
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4
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Ferrante MI, Broccoli A, Montresor M. The pennate diatom Pseudo-nitzschia multistriata as a model for diatom life cycles, from the laboratory to the sea. JOURNAL OF PHYCOLOGY 2023; 59:637-643. [PMID: 37256710 DOI: 10.1111/jpy.13342] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/14/2023] [Revised: 05/03/2023] [Accepted: 05/04/2023] [Indexed: 06/02/2023]
Abstract
Phytoplankton dynamics are regulated by external cues, such as light and nutrients, as well as by biotic interactions and endogenous controls linked to life cycle characteristics. The planktonic pennate diatom Pseudo-nitzschia multistriata, with a heterothallic mating system with two opposite mating types (MTs), represents a model for the study of diatom life cycles. P. multistriata is a toxic species, able to produce the neurotoxin domoic acid. First described in Japan in 1993, it was detected at the long-term monitoring station MareChiara (Gulf of Naples, Italy) in 1995. Since then, P. multistriata has been reported from several worldwide coastal sites. A large body of knowledge has been produced on its ecology, genetic diversity, and life cycle characteristics. The availability of these data, the ecological relevance of the Pseudo-nitzschia genus, and its controllable life cycle with a short generation time made it an ideal species to develop a genetic model system for diatoms. To enable functional studies, a 59 Mb genome sequence and several transcriptomic data were produced, and genetic transformation was optimized. These tools allowed the discovery of the first mating-type determining gene for diatoms. Gene expression studies and metabolomics analyses defined genes and molecules underpinning different phases of the process of sexual reproduction. This model system, developed to explore the genetics of diatom life cycles, offers the opportunity to parallel experimental observations in the laboratory using in situ meta-omics analyses along space and time, empowering knowledge on the biology and ecology of the genus.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maria Immacolata Ferrante
- Integrative Marine Ecology, Stazione Zoologica Anton Dohrn, Naples, Italy
- National Institute of Oceanography and Applied Geophysics, Trieste, Italy
| | - Andrea Broccoli
- Integrative Marine Ecology, Stazione Zoologica Anton Dohrn, Naples, Italy
| | - Marina Montresor
- Integrative Marine Ecology, Stazione Zoologica Anton Dohrn, Naples, Italy
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5
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Annunziata R, Mele BH, Marotta P, Volpe M, Entrambasaguas L, Mager S, Stec K, d’Alcalà MR, Sanges R, Finazzi G, Iudicone D, Montresor M, Ferrante MI. Trade-off between sex and growth in diatoms: Molecular mechanisms and demographic implications. SCIENCE ADVANCES 2022; 8:eabj9466. [PMID: 35044817 PMCID: PMC8769554 DOI: 10.1126/sciadv.abj9466] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/04/2023]
Abstract
Diatoms are fast-growing and winning competitors in aquatic environments, possibly due to optimized growth performance. However, their life cycles are complex, heteromorphic, and not fully understood. Here, we report on the fine control of cell growth and physiology during the sexual phase of the marine diatom Pseudo-nitzschia multistriata. We found that mating, under nutrient replete conditions, induces a prolonged growth arrest in parental cells. Transcriptomic analyses revealed down-regulation of genes related to major metabolic functions from the early phases of mating. Single-cell photophysiology also pinpointed an inhibition of photosynthesis and storage lipids accumulated in the arrested population, especially in gametes and zygotes. Numerical simulations revealed that growth arrest affects the balance between parental cells and their siblings, possibly favoring the new generation. Thus, in addition to resources availability, life cycle traits contribute to shaping the species ecological niches and must be considered to describe and understand the structure of plankton communities.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rossella Annunziata
- Stazione Zoologica Anton Dohrn, Napoli, Italy
- Corresponding author. (R.A.); (M.I.F.)
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | - Remo Sanges
- International School for Advanced Studies (SISSA), Via Bonomea 265, Trieste 34136, Italy
| | - Giovanni Finazzi
- Université Grenoble Alpes (UGA), Centre National Recherche Scientifique (CNRS), Commissariat Energie Atomique, Energies Alternatives (CEA), Institut National Recherche Agriculture, Alimentation, Environnement (INRAE), Interdisciplinary Research Institute of Grenoble, IRIG-Laboratoire de Physiologie Cellulaire et Végétale, Grenoble, France
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6
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Klapper F, Audoor S, Vyverman W, Pohnert G. Pheromone Mediated Sexual Reproduction of Pennate Diatom Cylindrotheca closterium. J Chem Ecol 2021; 47:504-512. [PMID: 33914225 PMCID: PMC8217010 DOI: 10.1007/s10886-021-01277-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/26/2021] [Revised: 04/06/2021] [Accepted: 04/13/2021] [Indexed: 12/01/2022]
Abstract
Benthic diatoms dominate primary production in marine subtidal and intertidal environments. Their extraordinary species diversity and ecological success is thought to be linked with their predominantly heterothallic sexual reproduction. Little is known about pheromone involvement during mating of pennate diatoms. Here we describe pheromone guided mating in the coastal raphid diatom Cylindrotheca closterium. We show that the two mating types (mt+ and mt−) have distinct functions. Similar to other benthic diatoms, mt+ cells are searching for the mt− cells to pair. To enhance mating efficiency mt− exudes an attraction pheromone which we proved by establishing a novel capillary assay. Further, two more pheromones produced by mt− promote the sexual events. One arrests the cell cycle progression of mt+ while the other induces gametogenesis of mt+. We suggest that C. closterium shares a functionally similar pheromone system with other pennate diatoms like Seminavis robusta and Pseudostaurosira trainorii which synchronize sexual events and mate attraction. Remarkably, we found no evidence of mt+ producing pheromones, which differentiates C. closterium from other pennates and suggests a less complex pheromone system in C. closterium.
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Affiliation(s)
- Franziska Klapper
- Bioorganic Analytics, Institute for Inorganic and Analytical Chemistry, Friedrich Schiller University Jena, Lessingstrasse 8, 07743, Jena, Germany
| | - Sien Audoor
- Laboratory of Protistology and Aquatic Ecology, Department of Biology, University Gent, Krijgslaan 281 S8, 9000, Gent, Belgium
| | - Wim Vyverman
- Laboratory of Protistology and Aquatic Ecology, Department of Biology, University Gent, Krijgslaan 281 S8, 9000, Gent, Belgium
| | - Georg Pohnert
- Bioorganic Analytics, Institute for Inorganic and Analytical Chemistry, Friedrich Schiller University Jena, Lessingstrasse 8, 07743, Jena, Germany. .,Max Planck Institute for Chemical Ecology, Hans-Knöll-Straße 8, 07745, Jena, Germany.
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7
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Kim JH, Ajani P, Murray SA, Kim JH, Lim HC, Teng ST, Lim PT, Han MS, Park BS. Sexual reproduction and genetic polymorphism within the cosmopolitan marine diatom Pseudo-nitzschia pungens. Sci Rep 2020; 10:10653. [PMID: 32606343 PMCID: PMC7326933 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-020-67547-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/02/2019] [Accepted: 06/10/2020] [Indexed: 01/10/2023] Open
Abstract
Different clades belonging to the cosmopolitan marine diatom Pseudo-nitzschia pungens appear to be present in different oceanic environments, however, a ‘hybrid zone’, where populations of different clades interbreed, has also been reported. Many studies have investigated the sexual reproduction of P. pungens, focused on morphology and life cycle, rather than the role of sexual reproduction in mixing the genomes of their parents. We carried out crossing experiments to determine the sexual compatibility/incompatibility between different clades of P. pungens, and examined the genetic polymorphism in the ITS2 region. Sexual reproduction did not occur only between clades II and III under any of experimental temperature conditions. Four offspring strains were established between clade I and III successfully. Strains established from offspring were found interbreed with other offspring strains as well as viable with their parental strains. We confirmed the hybrid sequence patterns between clades I and III and found novel sequence types including polymorphic single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) in the offspring strains. Our results implicate that gene exchange and mixing between different clades are still possible, and that sexual reproduction is a significant ecological strategy to maintain the genetic diversity within this diatom species.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jin Ho Kim
- Department of Life Science, College of Natural Sciences, Hanyang University, Seoul, 04763, Republic of Korea.,Risk Assessment Research Center, Korea Institute of Ocean Science and Technology, Geoje, 53201, Republic of Korea.,DNA Analysis Division, National Forensic Service, Seoul, 158-707, Republic of Korea
| | - Penelope Ajani
- Climate Change Cluster, University of Technology, Sydney, 2007, Australia
| | - Shauna A Murray
- Climate Change Cluster, University of Technology, Sydney, 2007, Australia
| | - Joo-Hwan Kim
- Department of Life Science, College of Natural Sciences, Hanyang University, Seoul, 04763, Republic of Korea
| | | | - Sing Tung Teng
- Faculty of Research Science and Technology, University Malaysia Sarawak, 94300, Kota Samarahan, Malaysia
| | - Po Teen Lim
- Bachok Marine Research Station, Institute of Ocean and Earth Sciences, University of Malaya, 16020, Bachok, Kelantan, Malaysia
| | - Myung-Soo Han
- Department of Life Science, College of Natural Sciences, Hanyang University, Seoul, 04763, Republic of Korea.
| | - Bum Soo Park
- Department of Life Science, College of Natural Sciences, Hanyang University, Seoul, 04763, Republic of Korea. .,Marine Ecosystem Research Center, Korea Institute of Ocean Science and Technology, Busan, 49111, Republic of Korea.
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8
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A Metabolomics Exploration of the Sexual Phase in the Marine Diatom Pseudo-nitzschia multistriata. Mar Drugs 2020; 18:md18060313. [PMID: 32545923 PMCID: PMC7345340 DOI: 10.3390/md18060313] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/26/2020] [Revised: 06/11/2020] [Accepted: 06/12/2020] [Indexed: 12/31/2022] Open
Abstract
Pseudo-nitzschia multistriata is a planktonic marine diatom with a diplontic life cycle comprising a short sexual phase, during which gametes are produced following the encounter of two diploid cells of opposite mating type (MT). Gene expression studies have highlighted the presence of substantial changes occurring at the onset of sexual reproduction. Herein, we have hypothesized that the amount and nature of cellular metabolites varies along the mating process. To capture the metabolome of Pseudo-nitzschia multistriata at different harvesting times in an unbiased manner, we undertook an untargeted metabolomics approach based on liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry. Using three different extraction steps, the method revealed pronounced differences in the metabolic profiles between control cells in the vegetative phase (MT+ and MT-) and mixed strains of opposite MTs (cross) undergoing sexual reproduction. Of the 2408 high-quality features obtained, 70 known metabolites could be identified based on in-house libraries and online databases; additional 46 features could be classified by molecular networking of tandem mass spectra. The reduction of phytol detected in the cross can be linked to the general downregulation of photosynthesis during sexual reproduction observed elsewhere. Moreover, the role of highly regulated compounds such as 7-dehydrodesmosterol, whose changes in abundance were the highest in the experiment, oleamide, ectoine, or trigonelline is discussed.
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9
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Pelusi A, Rotolo F, Gallo A, Ferrante MI, Montresor M. Effects of elutriates from contaminated coastal sediments on different life cycle phases of planktonic diatoms. MARINE ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH 2020; 155:104890. [PMID: 32072992 DOI: 10.1016/j.marenvres.2020.104890] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/31/2019] [Revised: 01/21/2020] [Accepted: 01/21/2020] [Indexed: 06/10/2023]
Abstract
We assessed the effects of elutriates from sediments collected at three stations in the polluted Bay of Bagnoli-Coroglio along the Campania coast (Tyrrhenian Sea, Italy) using three planktonic diatoms regularly occurring in the area, Pseudo-nitzschia multistriata, P. arenysensis and Chaetoceros socialis. Specifically, we tested the production of sexual stages in the heterothallic Pseudo-nitzschia species with the hypothesis that pollutants could impair sexual reproduction. We also tested the seeding capacity of spores of C. socialis after up to six months of storage in elutriates, assuming that pollutants could affect the capability of resting stages to germinate. Elutriate from station 56, with the highest concentrations of pollutants, impaired growth, sexual reproduction and spore germination. Elutriates from stations 25 and 84 caused moderate enhancement of growth and sexual reproduction in Pseudo-nitzschia as compared with control conditions, and also had intermediate effect on spore seeding capacity.
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Affiliation(s)
- A Pelusi
- Stazione Zoologica Anton Dohrn, Villa Comunale 1, 80121, Napoli, Italy
| | - F Rotolo
- Stazione Zoologica Anton Dohrn, Villa Comunale 1, 80121, Napoli, Italy
| | - A Gallo
- Stazione Zoologica Anton Dohrn, Villa Comunale 1, 80121, Napoli, Italy
| | - M I Ferrante
- Stazione Zoologica Anton Dohrn, Villa Comunale 1, 80121, Napoli, Italy
| | - M Montresor
- Stazione Zoologica Anton Dohrn, Villa Comunale 1, 80121, Napoli, Italy.
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10
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Font-Muñoz JS, Jeanneret R, Arrieta J, Anglès S, Jordi A, Tuval I, Basterretxea G. Collective sinking promotes selective cell pairing in planktonic pennate diatoms. Proc Natl Acad Sci U S A 2019; 116:15997-16002. [PMID: 31346087 PMCID: PMC6689993 DOI: 10.1073/pnas.1904837116] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/26/2022] Open
Abstract
Finding a partner in an inherently unsteady 3-dimensional system, such as the planktonic marine environment, is a difficult task for nonswimming organisms with poor control over their orientation. We experimentally investigate the process of cell pairing in pennate marine diatoms and present field evidence of its occurrence in the ocean. We describe the mechanism as a 3-step process in which pennate diatoms (i) vertically reorient while sinking from surface turbulent waters to a more stable environment (i.e., under the seasonal pycnocline), (ii) segregate from incompatible partners (e.g., dead or different sized cells), and (iii) pair with other partners as a result of the hydrodynamic instabilities generated by collective cell sinking. This is, eminently, a cell abundance-dependent process, therefore being more effective when population sinking is synchronized. We suggest that this selective process, enabling matching of size-compatible healthy partners, could be fundamental in understanding sexual reproduction in pennate diatoms.
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Affiliation(s)
- Joan S Font-Muñoz
- Department of Marine Ecology, Institut Mediterrani d'Estudis Avançats, Universitat de les Illes Balears-Consejo Superior de Investigaciones Científicas, 07190 Esporles, Illes Balears, Spain;
| | - Raphaël Jeanneret
- Department of Marine Ecology, Institut Mediterrani d'Estudis Avançats, Universitat de les Illes Balears-Consejo Superior de Investigaciones Científicas, 07190 Esporles, Illes Balears, Spain
| | - Jorge Arrieta
- Department of Marine Ecology, Institut Mediterrani d'Estudis Avançats, Universitat de les Illes Balears-Consejo Superior de Investigaciones Científicas, 07190 Esporles, Illes Balears, Spain
| | - Sílvia Anglès
- Department of Marine Ecology, Institut Mediterrani d'Estudis Avançats, Universitat de les Illes Balears-Consejo Superior de Investigaciones Científicas, 07190 Esporles, Illes Balears, Spain
| | | | - Idan Tuval
- Department of Marine Ecology, Institut Mediterrani d'Estudis Avançats, Universitat de les Illes Balears-Consejo Superior de Investigaciones Científicas, 07190 Esporles, Illes Balears, Spain
| | - Gotzon Basterretxea
- Department of Marine Ecology, Institut Mediterrani d'Estudis Avançats, Universitat de les Illes Balears-Consejo Superior de Investigaciones Científicas, 07190 Esporles, Illes Balears, Spain
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11
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Cryptic Diversity: a Long-lasting Issue for Diatomologists. Protist 2018; 170:1-7. [PMID: 30554004 DOI: 10.1016/j.protis.2018.09.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/15/2018] [Accepted: 09/20/2018] [Indexed: 11/22/2022]
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12
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Russo MT, Vitale L, Entrambasaguas L, Anestis K, Fattorini N, Romano F, Minucci C, De Luca P, Biffali E, Vyverman W, Sanges R, Montresor M, Ferrante MI. MRP3 is a sex determining gene in the diatom Pseudo-nitzschia multistriata. Nat Commun 2018; 9:5050. [PMID: 30487611 PMCID: PMC6261938 DOI: 10.1038/s41467-018-07496-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/21/2018] [Accepted: 11/05/2018] [Indexed: 01/01/2023] Open
Abstract
A broad diversity of sex-determining systems has evolved in eukaryotes. However, information on the mechanisms of sex determination for unicellular microalgae is limited, including for diatoms, key-players of ocean food webs. Here we report the identification of a mating type (MT) determining gene for the diatom Pseudo-nitzschia multistriata. By comparing the expression profile of the two MTs, we find five MT-biased genes, of which one, MRP3, is expressed exclusively in MT+ strains in a monoallelic manner. A short tandem repeat of specific length in the region upstream of MRP3 is consistently present in MT+ and absent in MT- strains. MRP3 overexpression in an MT- strain induces sex reversal: the transgenic MT- can mate with another MT- strain and displays altered regulation of the other MT-biased genes, indicating that they lie downstream. Our data show that a relatively simple genetic program is involved in defining the MT in P. multistriata.
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Affiliation(s)
- Monia T Russo
- Stazione Zoologica Anton Dohrn of Naples, Villa Comunale, 80121, Naples, Italy
| | - Laura Vitale
- Stazione Zoologica Anton Dohrn of Naples, Villa Comunale, 80121, Naples, Italy
| | | | | | - Neri Fattorini
- Stazione Zoologica Anton Dohrn of Naples, Villa Comunale, 80121, Naples, Italy
| | - Filomena Romano
- Stazione Zoologica Anton Dohrn of Naples, Villa Comunale, 80121, Naples, Italy
| | - Carmen Minucci
- Stazione Zoologica Anton Dohrn of Naples, Villa Comunale, 80121, Naples, Italy
| | - Pasquale De Luca
- Stazione Zoologica Anton Dohrn of Naples, Villa Comunale, 80121, Naples, Italy
| | - Elio Biffali
- Stazione Zoologica Anton Dohrn of Naples, Villa Comunale, 80121, Naples, Italy
| | - Wim Vyverman
- Protistology and Aquatic Ecology, Department of Biology, Ghent University, 9000, Gent, Belgium
| | - Remo Sanges
- Stazione Zoologica Anton Dohrn of Naples, Villa Comunale, 80121, Naples, Italy.,Scuola Internazionale Superiore di Studi Avanzati (SISSA), via Bonomea 265, 34136, Trieste, Italy
| | - Marina Montresor
- Stazione Zoologica Anton Dohrn of Naples, Villa Comunale, 80121, Naples, Italy
| | - Maria I Ferrante
- Stazione Zoologica Anton Dohrn of Naples, Villa Comunale, 80121, Naples, Italy.
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Bates SS, Hubbard KA, Lundholm N, Montresor M, Leaw CP. Pseudo-nitzschia, Nitzschia, and domoic acid: New research since 2011. HARMFUL ALGAE 2018; 79:3-43. [PMID: 30420013 DOI: 10.1016/j.hal.2018.06.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 154] [Impact Index Per Article: 25.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/04/2018] [Revised: 06/04/2018] [Accepted: 06/04/2018] [Indexed: 05/11/2023]
Abstract
Some diatoms of the genera Pseudo-nitzschia and Nitzschia produce the neurotoxin domoic acid (DA), a compound that caused amnesic shellfish poisoning (ASP) in humans just over 30 years ago (December 1987) in eastern Canada. This review covers new information since two previous reviews in 2012. Nitzschia bizertensis was subsequently discovered to be toxigenic in Tunisian waters. The known distribution of N. navis-varingica has expanded from Vietnam to Malaysia, Indonesia, the Philippines and Australia. Furthermore, 15 new species (and one new variety) of Pseudo-nitzschia have been discovered, bringing the total to 52. Seven new species were found to produce DA, bringing the total of toxigenic species to 26. We list all Pseudo-nitzschia species, their ability to produce DA, and show their global distribution. A consequence of the extended distribution and increased number of toxigenic species worldwide is that DA is now found more pervasively in the food web, contaminating new marine organisms (especially marine mammals), affecting their physiology and disrupting ecosystems. Recent findings highlight how zooplankton grazers can induce DA production in Pseudo-nitzschia and how bacteria interact with Pseudo-nitzschia. Since 2012, new discoveries have been reported on physiological controls of Pseudo-nitzschia growth and DA production, its sexual reproduction, and infection by an oomycete parasitoid. Many advances are the result of applying molecular approaches to discovering new species, and to understanding the population genetic structure of Pseudo-nitzschia and mechanisms used to cope with iron limitation. The availability of genomes from three Pseudo-nitzschia species, coupled with a comparative transcriptomic approach, has allowed advances in our understanding of the sexual reproduction of Pseudo-nitzschia, its signaling pathways, its interactions with bacteria, and genes involved in iron and vitamin B12 and B7 metabolism. Although there have been no new confirmed cases of ASP since 1987 because of monitoring efforts, new blooms have occurred. A massive toxic Pseudo-nitzschia bloom affected the entire west coast of North America during 2015-2016, and was linked to a 'warm blob' of ocean water. Other smaller toxic blooms occurred in the Gulf of Mexico and east coast of North America. Knowledge gaps remain, including how and why DA and its isomers are produced, the world distribution of potentially toxigenic Nitzschia species, the prevalence of DA isomers, and molecular markers to discriminate between toxigenic and non-toxigenic species and to discover sexually reproducing populations in the field.
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Affiliation(s)
- Stephen S Bates
- Fisheries and Oceans Canada, Gulf Fisheries Centre, P.O. Box 5030, Moncton, New Brunswick, E1C 9B6, Canada.
| | - Katherine A Hubbard
- Fish and Wildlife Research Institute (FWRI), Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC), 100 Eighth Avenue SE, St. Petersburg, FL 33701 USA; Woods Hole Center for Oceans and Human Health, Woods Hole Oceanographic Institution, 266 Woods Hole Road, Woods Hole, MA, 02543 USA
| | - Nina Lundholm
- Natural History Museum of Denmark, University of Copenhagen, Sølvgade 83S, DK-1307 Copenhagen K, Denmark
| | - Marina Montresor
- Stazione Zoologica Anton Dohrn, Villa Comunale, 80121 Naples, Italy
| | - Chui Pin Leaw
- Bachok Marine Research Station, Institute of Ocean and Earth Sciences, University of Malaya, 16310 Bachok, Kelantan, Malaysia
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14
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Figueroa RI, Estrada M, Garcés E. Life histories of microalgal species causing harmful blooms: Haploids, diploids and the relevance of benthic stages. HARMFUL ALGAE 2018; 73:44-57. [PMID: 29602506 DOI: 10.1016/j.hal.2018.01.006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/29/2017] [Revised: 01/18/2018] [Accepted: 01/18/2018] [Indexed: 05/25/2023]
Abstract
In coastal and offshore waters, Harmful Algal Blooms (HABs) currently threaten the well-being of coastal countries. These events, which can be localized or involve wide-ranging areas, pose risks to human health, marine ecosystems, and economic resources, such as tourism, fisheries, and aquaculture. Dynamics of HABs vary from one site to another, depending on the hydrographic and ecological conditions. The challenge in investigating HABs is that they are caused by organisms from multiple algal classes, each with its own unique features, including different life histories. The complete algal life cycle has been determined in <1% of the described species, although elucidation of the life cycles of bloom-forming species is essential in developing preventative measures. The knowledge obtained thus far has confirmed the complexity of the algal life cycle, which is composed of discrete life stages whose morphology, ecological niche (plankton/benthos), function, and lifespan vary. The factors that trigger transitions between the different stages in nature are mostly unknown, but it is clear that an understanding of this process provides the key to effectively forecasting bloom recurrence, maintenance, and decline. Planktonic stages constitute an ephemeral phase of the life cycle of most species whereas resistant, benthic stages enable a species to withstand adverse conditions for prolonged periods, thus providing dormant reservoirs for eventual blooms and facilitating organismal dispersal. Here we review current knowledge of the life cycle strategies of major groups of HAB producers in marine and brackish waters. Rather than providing a comprehensive discussion, the objective was to highlight several of the research milestones that have changed our understanding of the plasticity and frequency of the different life cycle stages as well as the transitions between them. We also discuss the relevance of benthic and planktonic forms and their implications for HAB dynamics.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rosa Isabel Figueroa
- Instituto Español de Oceanografía (IEO), C.O. Vigo, 36280 Vigo, Spain; Aquatic Ecology Division, Department of Biology, Lund University, S-22362 Lund, Sweden.
| | - Marta Estrada
- Departament de Biología Marina i Oceanografía, Institut de Ciències del Mar, Consejo Superior de Investigaciones Científicas (CSIC), Pg. Marítim de la Barceloneta 37-49, 08003 Barcelona, Spain
| | - Esther Garcés
- Departament de Biología Marina i Oceanografía, Institut de Ciències del Mar, Consejo Superior de Investigaciones Científicas (CSIC), Pg. Marítim de la Barceloneta 37-49, 08003 Barcelona, Spain
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15
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Basu S, Patil S, Mapleson D, Russo MT, Vitale L, Fevola C, Maumus F, Casotti R, Mock T, Caccamo M, Montresor M, Sanges R, Ferrante MI. Finding a partner in the ocean: molecular and evolutionary bases of the response to sexual cues in a planktonic diatom. THE NEW PHYTOLOGIST 2017; 215:140-156. [PMID: 28429538 PMCID: PMC5485032 DOI: 10.1111/nph.14557] [Citation(s) in RCA: 66] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/17/2016] [Accepted: 02/25/2017] [Indexed: 05/03/2023]
Abstract
Microalgae play a major role as primary producers in aquatic ecosystems. Cell signalling regulates their interactions with the environment and other organisms, yet this process in phytoplankton is poorly defined. Using the marine planktonic diatom Pseudo-nitzschia multistriata, we investigated the cell response to cues released during sexual reproduction, an event that demands strong regulatory mechanisms and impacts on population dynamics. We sequenced the genome of P. multistriata and performed phylogenomic and transcriptomic analyses, which allowed the definition of gene gains and losses, horizontal gene transfers, conservation and evolutionary rate of sex-related genes. We also identified a small number of conserved noncoding elements. Sexual reproduction impacted on cell cycle progression and induced an asymmetric response of the opposite mating types. G protein-coupled receptors and cyclic guanosine monophosphate (cGMP) are implicated in the response to sexual cues, which overall entails a modulation of cell cycle, meiosis-related and nutrient transporter genes, suggesting a fine control of nutrient uptake even under nutrient-replete conditions. The controllable life cycle and the genome sequence of P. multistriata allow the reconstruction of changes occurring in diatoms in a key phase of their life cycle, providing hints on the evolution and putative function of their genes and empowering studies on sexual reproduction.
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Affiliation(s)
- Swaraj Basu
- Integrative Marine EcologyStazione Zoologica Anton DohrnVilla Comunale 1Naples80121Italy
| | - Shrikant Patil
- Integrative Marine EcologyStazione Zoologica Anton DohrnVilla Comunale 1Naples80121Italy
| | | | - Monia Teresa Russo
- Integrative Marine EcologyStazione Zoologica Anton DohrnVilla Comunale 1Naples80121Italy
| | - Laura Vitale
- Integrative Marine EcologyStazione Zoologica Anton DohrnVilla Comunale 1Naples80121Italy
| | - Cristina Fevola
- Integrative Marine EcologyStazione Zoologica Anton DohrnVilla Comunale 1Naples80121Italy
| | | | - Raffaella Casotti
- Integrative Marine EcologyStazione Zoologica Anton DohrnVilla Comunale 1Naples80121Italy
| | - Thomas Mock
- School of Environmental SciencesUniversity of East AngliaNorwich Research ParkNorwichNR4 7TJUK
| | - Mario Caccamo
- Earlham InstituteNorwich Research ParkNorwichNR4 7UGUK
| | - Marina Montresor
- Integrative Marine EcologyStazione Zoologica Anton DohrnVilla Comunale 1Naples80121Italy
| | - Remo Sanges
- Biology and Evolution of Marine OrganismsStazione Zoologica Anton DohrnVilla Comunale 1Naples80121Italy
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16
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Nick P. Cellular mysteries of plant sex. PROTOPLASMA 2016; 253:1389-1390. [PMID: 27682862 DOI: 10.1007/s00709-016-1029-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/19/2016] [Accepted: 09/19/2016] [Indexed: 06/06/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- Peter Nick
- Botanical Institute, Karlsruhe Institute of Technology, Karlsruhe, Germany.
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17
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D'Alelio D, Ruggiero MV. Interspecific plastidial recombination in the diatom genus Pseudo-nitzschia. JOURNAL OF PHYCOLOGY 2015; 51:1024-1028. [PMID: 26986997 DOI: 10.1111/jpy.12350] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/03/2015] [Accepted: 09/15/2015] [Indexed: 06/05/2023]
Abstract
Plastids are usually uni-parentally inherited and genetic recombination between these organelles is seldom observed. The genus Pseudo-nitzschia, a globally relevant marine diatom, features bi-parental plastid inheritance in the course of sexual reproduction. This observation inspired the recombination detection we pursued in this paper over a ~1,400-nucleotide-long region of the plastidial rbcL, a marker used in both molecular taxonomy and phylogenetic studies in diatoms. Among all the rbcL-sequences available in web-databases for Pseudo-nitzschia, 42 haplotypes were identified and grouped in five clusters by Bayesian phylogeny. Signs of hybridization were evident in four of five clusters, at both intra- and interspecific levels, suggesting that, in diatoms, (i) plastidial recombination is not absent and (ii) hybridization can play a role in speciation of Pseudo-nitzschia spp.
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Affiliation(s)
- Domenico D'Alelio
- Integrative Marine Ecology Department, Stazione Zoologica Anton Dohrn, Villa Comunale, Naples, I-80121, Italy
| | - Maria Valeria Ruggiero
- Integrative Marine Ecology Department, Stazione Zoologica Anton Dohrn, Villa Comunale, Naples, I-80121, Italy
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