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Contardi M, Fadda M, Isa V, Louis YD, Madaschi A, Vencato S, Montalbetti E, Bertolacci L, Ceseracciu L, Seveso D, Lavorano S, Galli P, Athanassiou A, Montano S. Biodegradable Zein-Based Biocomposite Films for Underwater Delivery of Curcumin Reduce Thermal Stress Effects in Corals. ACS APPLIED MATERIALS & INTERFACES 2023. [PMID: 37376819 PMCID: PMC10360034 DOI: 10.1021/acsami.3c01166] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/29/2023]
Abstract
Massive coral bleaching episodes induced by thermal stress are one of the first causes of coral death worldwide. Overproduction of reactive oxygen species (ROS) has been identified as one of the potential causes of symbiosis breakdown between polyps and algae in corals during extreme heat wave events. Here, we propose a new strategy for mitigating heat effects by delivering underwater an antioxidant to the corals. We fabricated zein/polyvinylpyrrolidone (PVP)-based biocomposite films laden with the strong and natural antioxidant curcumin as an advanced coral bleaching remediation tool. Biocomposites' mechanical, water contact angle (WCA), swelling, and release properties can be tuned thanks to different supramolecular rearrangements that occur by varying the zein/PVP weight ratio. Following immersion in seawater, the biocomposites became soft hydrogels that did not affect the coral's health in the short (24 h) and long periods (15 days). Laboratory bleaching experiments at 29 and 33 °C showed that coral colonies of Stylophora pistillata coated with the biocomposites had ameliorated conditions in terms of morphological aspects, chlorophyll content, and enzymatic activity compared to untreated colonies and did not bleach. Finally, biochemical oxygen demand (BOD) confirmed the full biodegradability of the biocomposites, showing a low potential environmental impact in the case of open-field application. These insights may pave the way for new frontiers in mitigating extreme coral bleaching events by combining natural antioxidants and biocomposites.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marco Contardi
- Department of Earth and Environmental Sciences (DISAT), University of Milan - Bicocca, Milan 20126, Italy
- MaRHE Center (Marine Research and High Education Center), Magoodhoo Island, Faafu Atoll 12030, Republic of Maldives
| | - Marta Fadda
- Smart Materials, Istituto Italiano di Tecnologia, Genova 16163, Italy
| | - Valerio Isa
- Department of Earth and Environmental Sciences (DISAT), University of Milan - Bicocca, Milan 20126, Italy
- MaRHE Center (Marine Research and High Education Center), Magoodhoo Island, Faafu Atoll 12030, Republic of Maldives
| | - Yohan D Louis
- Department of Earth and Environmental Sciences (DISAT), University of Milan - Bicocca, Milan 20126, Italy
- MaRHE Center (Marine Research and High Education Center), Magoodhoo Island, Faafu Atoll 12030, Republic of Maldives
| | - Andrea Madaschi
- Department of Earth and Environmental Sciences (DISAT), University of Milan - Bicocca, Milan 20126, Italy
- MaRHE Center (Marine Research and High Education Center), Magoodhoo Island, Faafu Atoll 12030, Republic of Maldives
| | - Sara Vencato
- Department of Earth and Environmental Sciences (DISAT), University of Milan - Bicocca, Milan 20126, Italy
- MaRHE Center (Marine Research and High Education Center), Magoodhoo Island, Faafu Atoll 12030, Republic of Maldives
| | - Enrico Montalbetti
- Department of Earth and Environmental Sciences (DISAT), University of Milan - Bicocca, Milan 20126, Italy
- MaRHE Center (Marine Research and High Education Center), Magoodhoo Island, Faafu Atoll 12030, Republic of Maldives
| | - Laura Bertolacci
- Smart Materials, Istituto Italiano di Tecnologia, Genova 16163, Italy
| | - Luca Ceseracciu
- Materials Characterization Facility, Istituto Italiano di Tecnologia, Genova 16163, Italy
| | - Davide Seveso
- Department of Earth and Environmental Sciences (DISAT), University of Milan - Bicocca, Milan 20126, Italy
- MaRHE Center (Marine Research and High Education Center), Magoodhoo Island, Faafu Atoll 12030, Republic of Maldives
| | - Silvia Lavorano
- Costa Edutainment SpA - Acquario di Genova, Genova 16128, Italy
| | - Paolo Galli
- Department of Earth and Environmental Sciences (DISAT), University of Milan - Bicocca, Milan 20126, Italy
- MaRHE Center (Marine Research and High Education Center), Magoodhoo Island, Faafu Atoll 12030, Republic of Maldives
- Dubai Business School, University of Dubai, Dubai 14143, United Arab Emirates
| | | | - Simone Montano
- Department of Earth and Environmental Sciences (DISAT), University of Milan - Bicocca, Milan 20126, Italy
- MaRHE Center (Marine Research and High Education Center), Magoodhoo Island, Faafu Atoll 12030, Republic of Maldives
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2
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Madeira C, Dias M, Ferreira A, Gouveia R, Cabral H, Diniz MS, Vinagre C. Does Predation Exacerbate the Risk of Endosymbiont Loss in Heat Stressed Hermatypic Corals? Molecular Cues Provide Insights Into Species-Specific Health Outcomes in a Multi-Stressor Ocean. Front Physiol 2022; 13:801672. [PMID: 35299660 PMCID: PMC8922028 DOI: 10.3389/fphys.2022.801672] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/25/2021] [Accepted: 01/31/2022] [Indexed: 11/30/2022] Open
Abstract
Ocean warming has been a major driver of coral reef bleaching and mass mortality. Coupled to other biotic pressures, corals’ ability for acclimatization and adaptation may become compromised. Here, we tested the combined effects of warming scenarios (26, 30, and 32°C) and predation (wound vs. no wound) in coral health condition (paleness, bleaching, and mortality), cellular stress responses (heat shock protein 70 kDa Hsp70, total ubiquitin Ub, and total antioxidant capacity TAC), and physiological state (integrated biomarker response index, IBR) of seven Scleractinian coral species, after being exposed for 60 days. Results show that although temperature was the main factor driving coral health condition, thermotolerant species (Galaxea fascicularis, Psammocora contigua, and Turbinaria reniformis) displayed increased paleness, bleaching, and mortality in predation treatments at high temperature, whereas thermosensitive species (Acropora tenuis, Echinopora lamellosa, and Montipora capricornis brown and green morphotypes) all died at 32°C, regardless of predation condition. At the molecular level, results show that there were significant main and interactive effects of species, temperature, and predation in the biomarkers assessed. Temperature affected Hsp70, Ub, and TAC, evidencing the role of protein folding and turnover, as well as reactive oxygen species scavenging in heat stress management. Predation increased Hsp70 and Ub, suggesting the activation of the pro-phenoloxidase system and cytokine activity, whereas the combination of both stressors mainly affected TAC during moderate stress and Ub under severe stress, suggesting that redox balance and defense of homeostasis are crucial in tissue repair at high temperature. IBR levels showed an increasing trend at 32°C in predated coral fragments (although non-significant). We conclude that coral responses to the combination of high temperature and predation pressure display high inter-species variability, but these stressors may pose a higher risk of endosymbiont loss, depending on species physiology and stress intensity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Carolina Madeira
- i4HB – Associate Laboratory Institute for Health and Bioeconomy, NOVA School of Science and Technology, NOVA University Lisbon, Caparica, Portugal
- UCIBIO – Applied Molecular Biosciences Unit, NOVA School of Science and Technology, NOVA University of Lisbon, Caparica, Portugal
- MARE – Marine and Environmental Sciences Centre, Faculty of Sciences, University of Lisbon, Lisbon, Portugal
- *Correspondence: Carolina Madeira, , orcid.org/0000-0003-1632-634X
| | - Marta Dias
- MARE – Marine and Environmental Sciences Centre, Faculty of Sciences, University of Lisbon, Lisbon, Portugal
- Marta Dias, , orcid.org/0000-0003-0447-6009
| | - Ana Ferreira
- Biology Department, Oceanário de Lisboa, Lisbon, Portugal
| | - Raúl Gouveia
- Biology Department, Oceanário de Lisboa, Lisbon, Portugal
| | - Henrique Cabral
- MARE – Marine and Environmental Sciences Centre, Faculty of Sciences, University of Lisbon, Lisbon, Portugal
- INRAE – National Research Institute for Agriculture, Food and Environment, UR EABX, Cestas, France
| | - Mário S. Diniz
- i4HB – Associate Laboratory Institute for Health and Bioeconomy, NOVA School of Science and Technology, NOVA University Lisbon, Caparica, Portugal
- UCIBIO – Applied Molecular Biosciences Unit, NOVA School of Science and Technology, NOVA University of Lisbon, Caparica, Portugal
| | - Catarina Vinagre
- MARE – Marine and Environmental Sciences Centre, Faculty of Sciences, University of Lisbon, Lisbon, Portugal
- CCMAR – Centre of Marine Sciences, University of Algarve, Faro, Portugal
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3
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Reichert J, Tirpitz V, Anand R, Bach K, Knopp J, Schubert P, Wilke T, Ziegler M. Interactive effects of microplastic pollution and heat stress on reef-building corals. ENVIRONMENTAL POLLUTION (BARKING, ESSEX : 1987) 2021; 290:118010. [PMID: 34488160 DOI: 10.1016/j.envpol.2021.118010] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/19/2021] [Revised: 07/30/2021] [Accepted: 08/18/2021] [Indexed: 06/13/2023]
Abstract
Plastic pollution is an emerging stressor that increases pressure on ecosystems such as coral reefs that are already challenged by climate change. However, the effects of plastic pollution in combination with global warming are largely unknown. Thus, the goal of this study was to determine the cumulative effects of microplastic pollution with that of global warming on reef-building coral species and to compare the severity of both stressors. For this, we conducted a series of three controlled laboratory experiments and exposed a broad range of coral species (Acropora muricata, Montipora digitata, Porites lutea, Pocillopora verrucosa, and Stylophora pistillata) to microplastic particles in a range of concentrations (2.5-2500 particles L-1) and mixtures (from different industrial sectors) at ambient temperatures and in combination with heat stress. We show that microplastic can occasionally have both aggravating or mitigating effects on the corals' thermal tolerance. In comparison to heat stress, however, microplastic constitutes a minor stressor. While heat stress led to decreased photosynthetic efficiency of algal symbionts, and increased bleaching, tissue necrosis, and mortality, treatment with microplastic particles had only minor effects on the physiology and health of the tested coral species at ambient temperatures. These findings underline that while efforts to reduce plastic pollution should continue, they should not replace more urgent efforts to halt global warming, which are immediately needed to preserve remaining coral reef ecosystems.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jessica Reichert
- Department of Animal Ecology & Systematics, Justus Liebig University, Giessen, Germany
| | - Vanessa Tirpitz
- Department of Animal Ecology & Systematics, Justus Liebig University, Giessen, Germany
| | - Rajshree Anand
- Department of Animal Ecology & Systematics, Justus Liebig University, Giessen, Germany
| | - Katharina Bach
- Department of Animal Ecology & Systematics, Justus Liebig University, Giessen, Germany
| | - Jonas Knopp
- Department of Animal Ecology & Systematics, Justus Liebig University, Giessen, Germany
| | - Patrick Schubert
- Department of Animal Ecology & Systematics, Justus Liebig University, Giessen, Germany
| | - Thomas Wilke
- Department of Animal Ecology & Systematics, Justus Liebig University, Giessen, Germany
| | - Maren Ziegler
- Department of Animal Ecology & Systematics, Justus Liebig University, Giessen, Germany.
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4
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Thummasan M, Casareto BE, Ramphul C, Suzuki T, Toyoda K, Suzuki Y. Physiological responses (Hsps 60 and 32, caspase 3, H 2O 2 scavenging, and photosynthetic activity) of the coral Pocillopora damicornis under thermal and high nitrate stresses. MARINE POLLUTION BULLETIN 2021; 171:112737. [PMID: 34298325 DOI: 10.1016/j.marpolbul.2021.112737] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/01/2021] [Revised: 06/22/2021] [Accepted: 07/14/2021] [Indexed: 06/13/2023]
Abstract
This study explored the physiological responses of the coral Pocillopora damicornis to high nitrate concentrations and thermal stresses. The expression of heat shock proteins Hsp60 and Hsp32, Symbiodiniaceae density, Chl a concentration, Fv/Fm, H2O2 scavenging, and caspase 3 activity varied during 60 h incubations at 28 °C or 32 °C, ambient or high nitrate (~10 μM) concentrations, and their combinations. In combined stresses, corals showed a rapid and high oxidation level negatively affecting the Symbiodiniaceae density and Chl a concentration at 12 h, followed by caspase 3 and Hsps upregulations that induced apoptosis, bleaching and tissue detachment. Corals under thermal stress showed the highest oxidation and upregulation of Hsps and caspase 3 resulting in coral discoloration. High nitrate treatment alone did not seriously affect the coral function. Results showed that combined stress treatment severely affected coral physiology and, judging from the condition of detached tissues, these corals might have lower chances to recover.
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Affiliation(s)
- Montaphat Thummasan
- Environmental and Energy System, Graduate School of Science and Technology, Shizuoka University, 836 Ohya, Suruga-ku, Shizuoka 422-8529, Japan
| | - Beatriz Estela Casareto
- Environmental and Energy System, Graduate School of Science and Technology, Shizuoka University, 836 Ohya, Suruga-ku, Shizuoka 422-8529, Japan.
| | - Chitra Ramphul
- Environmental and Energy System, Graduate School of Science and Technology, Shizuoka University, 836 Ohya, Suruga-ku, Shizuoka 422-8529, Japan
| | - Toshiyuki Suzuki
- Environmental and Energy System, Graduate School of Science and Technology, Shizuoka University, 836 Ohya, Suruga-ku, Shizuoka 422-8529, Japan.
| | - Keita Toyoda
- Environmental and Energy System, Graduate School of Science and Technology, Shizuoka University, 836 Ohya, Suruga-ku, Shizuoka 422-8529, Japan.
| | - Yoshimi Suzuki
- Environmental and Energy System, Graduate School of Science and Technology, Shizuoka University, 836 Ohya, Suruga-ku, Shizuoka 422-8529, Japan.
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5
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Louis YD, Bhagooli R, Seveso D, Maggioni D, Galli P, Vai M, Dyall SD. Local acclimatisation-driven differential gene and protein expression patterns of Hsp70 in Acropora muricata: Implications for coral tolerance to bleaching. Mol Ecol 2020; 29:4382-4394. [PMID: 32967057 DOI: 10.1111/mec.15642] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/26/2020] [Revised: 08/22/2020] [Accepted: 08/25/2020] [Indexed: 01/15/2023]
Abstract
Corals show spatial acclimatisation to local environment conditions. However, the various cellular mechanisms involved in local acclimatisation and variable bleaching patterns in corals remain to be thoroughly understood. In this study, the modulation of a protein implicated in cellular heat stress tolerance, the heat shock protein 70, was compared at both gene (hsp70) and protein (Hsp70) expression level in bleaching tolerant near-coast Acropora muricata colonies and bleaching susceptible reef colonies, in the lagoon of Belle Mare (Mauritius). The relative Hsp70 levels varied significantly between colonies from the two different locations, colonies having different health conditions and the year of collection. Before the bleaching event of 2016, near-coast colonies had higher basal levels of both Hsp70 gene and protein compared to reef colonies. During the bleaching event, the near-coast colonies did not bleach and had significantly higher relative levels of both Hsp70 gene and protein compared to bleached reef colonies. No significant genetic differentiation between the two studied coral populations was observed and all the colonies analysed were associated with Symbiodiniaceae of the genus Symbiodinium (Clade A) irrespective of location and sampling period. These findings provide further evidence of the involvement of Hsp70 in conferring bleaching tolerance to corals. Moreover, the consistent expression differences of Hsp70 gene and protein between the near-coast and reef coral populations in a natural setting indicate that the modulation of this Hsp is involved in local acclimatisation of corals to their environments.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yohan Didier Louis
- Department of Biosciences and Ocean Studies, Faculty of Science, University of Mauritius, Réduit, Republic of Mauritius
| | - Ranjeet Bhagooli
- Department of Biosciences and Ocean Studies, Faculty of Science, University of Mauritius, Réduit, Republic of Mauritius.,The Biodiversity and Environmental Institute, Réduit, Republic of Mauritius.,Institute of Oceanography and Environment (INOS), University Malaysia Terengganu, Kuala Terengganu, Terengganu, Malaysia.,Pole of Research Excellence in Sustainable Marine Biodiversity, University of Mauritius, Réduit, Mauritius
| | - Davide Seveso
- Department of Earth and Environmental Sciences (DISAT), University of Milano-Bicocca, Milan, Italy.,MaRHE Center (Marine Research and High Education Centre), Faafu Atoll, Magoodhoo, Faafu, Republic of Maldives
| | - Davide Maggioni
- Department of Earth and Environmental Sciences (DISAT), University of Milano-Bicocca, Milan, Italy.,MaRHE Center (Marine Research and High Education Centre), Faafu Atoll, Magoodhoo, Faafu, Republic of Maldives
| | - Paolo Galli
- Department of Earth and Environmental Sciences (DISAT), University of Milano-Bicocca, Milan, Italy.,MaRHE Center (Marine Research and High Education Centre), Faafu Atoll, Magoodhoo, Faafu, Republic of Maldives
| | - Marina Vai
- Department of Biotechnologies and Biosciences, University of Milano - Bicocca, Milan, Italy
| | - Sabrina Devi Dyall
- Department of Biosciences and Ocean Studies, Faculty of Science, University of Mauritius, Réduit, Republic of Mauritius.,Pole of Research Excellence in Molecular Life Sciences, University of Mauritius, Réduit, Republic of Mauritius
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6
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Multi-Temporal UAV Data and Object-Based Image Analysis (OBIA) for Estimation of Substrate Changes in a Post-Bleaching Scenario on a Maldivian Reef. REMOTE SENSING 2020. [DOI: 10.3390/rs12132093] [Citation(s) in RCA: 27] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/19/2022]
Abstract
Coral reefs are declining worldwide as a result of the effects of multiple natural and anthropogenic stressors, including regional-scale temperature-induced coral bleaching. Such events have caused significant coral mortality, leading to an evident structural collapse of reefs and shifts in associated benthic communities. In this scenario, reasonable mapping techniques and best practices are critical to improving data collection to describe spatial and temporal patterns of coral reefs after a significant bleaching impact. Our study employed the potential of a consumer-grade drone, coupled with structure from motion and object-based image analysis to investigate for the first time a tool to monitor changes in substrate composition and the associated deterioration in reef environments in a Maldivian shallow-water coral reef. Three key substrate types (hard coral, coral rubble and sand) were detected with high accuracy on high-resolution orthomosaics collected from four sub-areas. Multi-temporal acquisition of UAV data allowed us to compare the classified maps over time (February 2017, November 2018) and obtain evidence of the relevant deterioration in structural complexity of flat reef environments that occurred after the 2016 mass bleaching event. We believe that our proposed methodology offers a cost-effective procedure that is well suited to generate maps for the long-term monitoring of changes in substrate type and reef complexity in shallow water.
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7
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Aguilar C, Raina JB, Fôret S, Hayward DC, Lapeyre B, Bourne DG, Miller DJ. Transcriptomic analysis reveals protein homeostasis breakdown in the coral Acropora millepora during hypo-saline stress. BMC Genomics 2019; 20:148. [PMID: 30786881 PMCID: PMC6381741 DOI: 10.1186/s12864-019-5527-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/05/2018] [Accepted: 02/13/2019] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Coral reefs can experience salinity fluctuations due to rainfall and runoff; these events can have major impacts on the corals and lead to bleaching and mortality. On the Great Barrier Reef (GBR), low salinity events, which occur during summer seasons and can involve salinity dropping ~ 10 PSU correlate with declines in coral cover, and these events are predicted to increase in frequency and severity under future climate change scenarios. In other marine invertebrates, exposure to low salinity causes increased expression of genes involved in proteolysis, responses to oxidative stress, and membrane transport, but the effects that changes in salinity have on corals have so far received only limited attention. To better understand the coral response to hypo-osmotic stress, here we investigated the transcriptomic response of the coral Acropora millepora in both adult and juvenile life stages to acute (1 h) and more prolonged (24 h) exposure to low salinity. Results Differential gene expression analysis revealed the involvement of both common and specific response mechanisms in Acropora. The general response to environmental stressors included up-regulation of genes involved in the mitigation of macromolecular and oxidative damage, while up-regulation of genes involved in amino acid metabolism and transport represent specific responses to salinity stress. Conclusions This study is the first comprehensive transcriptomic analysis of the coral response to low salinity stress and provides important insights into the likely consequences of heavy rainfall and runoff events on coral reefs. Electronic supplementary material The online version of this article (10.1186/s12864-019-5527-2) contains supplementary material, which is available to authorized users.
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Affiliation(s)
- Catalina Aguilar
- AIMS@JCU and Department of Molecular and Cell Biology, James Cook University, Townsville, Queensland, 4811, Australia.,ARC Centre of Excellence for Coral Reef Studies and Department of Molecular and Cell Biology, James Cook University, Townsville, Queensland, 4811, Australia.,Cooperative Institute for Marine and Atmospheric Studies, Rosenstiel School of Marine & Atmospheric Science, University of Miami, 4600 Rickenbacker Causeway, Miami, Florida, 33149, USA.,Atlantic Oceanographic and Meteorological Laboratories (AOML), NOAA, 4301 Rickenbacker Causeway, Miami, Florida, 33149, USA
| | - Jean-Baptiste Raina
- AIMS@JCU and Department of Molecular and Cell Biology, James Cook University, Townsville, Queensland, 4811, Australia.,Climate Change Cluster (C3), University of Technology, Sydney, NSW, 2007, Australia
| | - Sylvain Fôret
- ARC Centre of Excellence for Coral Reef Studies and Department of Molecular and Cell Biology, James Cook University, Townsville, Queensland, 4811, Australia.,Division of Ecology and Evolution, Research School of Biology, Australian National University, Canberra, ACT, 2601, Australia
| | - David C Hayward
- Division of Ecology and Evolution, Research School of Biology, Australian National University, Canberra, ACT, 2601, Australia
| | - Bruno Lapeyre
- Laboratoire d'excellence CORAIL, Centre de Recherches Insulaires et Observatoire de l'Environnement (CRIOBE), Moorea, B.P.1013, Papeete, French Polynesia
| | - David G Bourne
- AIMS@JCU and Department of Molecular and Cell Biology, James Cook University, Townsville, Queensland, 4811, Australia.,Australian Institute of Marine Science, Townsville, Queensland, 4810, Australia.,College of Science and Engineering, James Cook University, Townsville, 4811, Australia
| | - David J Miller
- AIMS@JCU and Department of Molecular and Cell Biology, James Cook University, Townsville, Queensland, 4811, Australia. .,ARC Centre of Excellence for Coral Reef Studies and Department of Molecular and Cell Biology, James Cook University, Townsville, Queensland, 4811, Australia.
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8
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Franzellitti S, Airi V, Calbucci D, Caroselli E, Prada F, Voolstra CR, Mass T, Falini G, Fabbri E, Goffredo S. Transcriptional response of the heat shock gene hsp70 aligns with differences in stress susceptibility of shallow-water corals from the Mediterranean Sea. MARINE ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH 2018; 140:444-454. [PMID: 30055833 DOI: 10.1016/j.marenvres.2018.07.006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/29/2018] [Revised: 07/09/2018] [Accepted: 07/13/2018] [Indexed: 06/08/2023]
Abstract
Shallow-water corals of the Mediterranean Sea are facing a dramatic increase in water temperature due to climate change, predicted to increase the frequency of bleaching and mass mortality events. However, supposedly not all corals are affected equally, as they show differences in stress susceptibility, as suggested by physiological outputs of corals along temperature gradients and under controlled conditions in terms of reproduction, demography, growth, calcification, and photosynthetic efficiency. In this study, gene expression and induction of a 70-kDa heat shock protein (HSP70) was analyzed in five common shallow-water hard corals in the Mediterranean Sea, namely Astroides calycularis, Balanophyllia europaea, Caryophyllia inornata, Cladocora caespitosa, and Leptopsammia pruvoti. The main aim was to assess the contribution of this evolutionary conserved cytoprotective mechanism to the physiological plasticity of these species that possess different growth modes (solitary vs colonial) and trophic strategies (zooxanthellate vs azooxanthellate). Using quantitative real-time PCR, in situ hsp70 baseline levels and expression profiles after a heat-shock exposure were assessed. Levels of hsp70 and heat stress induction were higher in zooxanthellate than in azooxanthellate species, and different heat stress transcriptional profiles were observed between colonial and solitary zooxanthellate corals. On the whole, the hsp70 transcriptional response to heat stress aligns with stress susceptibility of the species and suggests a contribution of trophic strategy and morphology in shaping coral resilience to stress. Understanding these molecular processes may contribute to assess the potential effects and relative resilience of Mediterranean corals under climate change.
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Affiliation(s)
- Silvia Franzellitti
- Animal and Environmental Physiology Laboratory, Department of Biological, Geological and Environmental Sciences, University of Bologna, via S. Alberto 163, I-48123, Ravenna, Italy.
| | - Valentina Airi
- Marine Science Group, Department of Biological, Geological and Environmental Sciences, University of Bologna, Via F. Selmi 3, I-40126, Bologna, Italy
| | - Diana Calbucci
- Animal and Environmental Physiology Laboratory, Department of Biological, Geological and Environmental Sciences, University of Bologna, via S. Alberto 163, I-48123, Ravenna, Italy
| | - Erik Caroselli
- Marine Science Group, Department of Biological, Geological and Environmental Sciences, University of Bologna, Via F. Selmi 3, I-40126, Bologna, Italy
| | - Fiorella Prada
- Marine Science Group, Department of Biological, Geological and Environmental Sciences, University of Bologna, Via F. Selmi 3, I-40126, Bologna, Italy
| | - Christian R Voolstra
- Red Sea Research Center, Division of Biological and Environmental Science and Engineering (BESE), King Abdullah University of Science and Technology (KAUST), Thuwal, 23955-6900, Saudi Arabia
| | - Tali Mass
- Department of Marine Biology, The Leon H. Charney School of Marine Sciences, University of Haifa, Multi Purpose Boulevard, Mt. Carmel, Haifa, 3498838, Israel
| | - Giuseppe Falini
- Department of Chemistry "Giacomo Ciamician", University of Bologna, via F. Selmi 2, I-40126, Bologna, Italy
| | - Elena Fabbri
- Animal and Environmental Physiology Laboratory, Department of Biological, Geological and Environmental Sciences, University of Bologna, via S. Alberto 163, I-48123, Ravenna, Italy
| | - Stefano Goffredo
- Marine Science Group, Department of Biological, Geological and Environmental Sciences, University of Bologna, Via F. Selmi 3, I-40126, Bologna, Italy
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9
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Seveso D, Montano S, Reggente MAL, Maggioni D, Orlandi I, Galli P, Vai M. The cellular stress response of the scleractinian coral Goniopora columna during the progression of the black band disease. Cell Stress Chaperones 2017; 22:225-236. [PMID: 27988888 PMCID: PMC5352596 DOI: 10.1007/s12192-016-0756-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/21/2016] [Revised: 12/06/2016] [Accepted: 12/07/2016] [Indexed: 12/26/2022] Open
Abstract
Black band disease (BBD) is a widespread coral pathology caused by a microbial consortium dominated by cyanobacteria, which is significantly contributing to the loss of coral cover and diversity worldwide. Since the effects of the BBD pathogens on the physiology and cellular stress response of coral polyps appear almost unknown, the expression of some molecular biomarkers, such as Hsp70, Hsp60, HO-1, and MnSOD, was analyzed in the apparently healthy tissues of Goniopora columna located at different distances from the infection and during two disease development stages. All the biomarkers displayed different levels of expression between healthy and diseased colonies. In the healthy corals, low basal levels were found stable over time in different parts of the same colony. On the contrary, in the diseased colonies, a strong up-regulation of all the biomarkers was observed in all the tissues surrounding the infection, which suffered an oxidative stress probably generated by the alternation, at the progression front of the disease, of conditions of oxygen supersaturation and hypoxia/anoxia, and by the production of the cyanotoxin microcystin by the BBD cyanobacteria. Furthermore, in the infected colonies, the expression of all the biomarkers appeared significantly affected by the development stage of the disease. In conclusion, our approach may constitute a useful diagnostic tool, since the cellular stress response of corals is activated before the pathogens colonize the tissues, and expands the current knowledge of the mechanisms controlling the host responses to infection in corals.
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Affiliation(s)
- Davide Seveso
- Department of Biotechnologies and Biosciences, University of Milano - Bicocca, Piazza della Scienza 2, 20126, Milan, Italy.
- MaRHE Center (Marine Research and High Education Centre), Magoodhoo Island, Faafu Atoll, Republic of Maldives.
| | - Simone Montano
- Department of Biotechnologies and Biosciences, University of Milano - Bicocca, Piazza della Scienza 2, 20126, Milan, Italy
- MaRHE Center (Marine Research and High Education Centre), Magoodhoo Island, Faafu Atoll, Republic of Maldives
| | - Melissa Amanda Ljubica Reggente
- Department of Biotechnologies and Biosciences, University of Milano - Bicocca, Piazza della Scienza 2, 20126, Milan, Italy
- MaRHE Center (Marine Research and High Education Centre), Magoodhoo Island, Faafu Atoll, Republic of Maldives
| | - Davide Maggioni
- Department of Biotechnologies and Biosciences, University of Milano - Bicocca, Piazza della Scienza 2, 20126, Milan, Italy
- MaRHE Center (Marine Research and High Education Centre), Magoodhoo Island, Faafu Atoll, Republic of Maldives
| | - Ivan Orlandi
- Department of Biotechnologies and Biosciences, University of Milano - Bicocca, Piazza della Scienza 2, 20126, Milan, Italy
| | - Paolo Galli
- Department of Biotechnologies and Biosciences, University of Milano - Bicocca, Piazza della Scienza 2, 20126, Milan, Italy
- MaRHE Center (Marine Research and High Education Centre), Magoodhoo Island, Faafu Atoll, Republic of Maldives
| | - Marina Vai
- Department of Biotechnologies and Biosciences, University of Milano - Bicocca, Piazza della Scienza 2, 20126, Milan, Italy
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Louis YD, Bhagooli R, Kenkel CD, Baker AC, Dyall SD. Gene expression biomarkers of heat stress in scleractinian corals: Promises and limitations. Comp Biochem Physiol C Toxicol Pharmacol 2017; 191:63-77. [PMID: 27585119 DOI: 10.1016/j.cbpc.2016.08.007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 38] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/22/2016] [Revised: 08/02/2016] [Accepted: 08/21/2016] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
Gene expression biomarkers (GEBs) are emerging as powerful diagnostic tools for identifying and characterizing coral stress. Their capacity to detect sublethal stress prior to the onset of signs at the organismal level that might already indicate significant damage makes them more precise and proactive compared to traditional monitoring techniques. A high number of candidate GEBs, including certain heat shock protein genes, metabolic genes, oxidative stress genes, immune response genes, ion transport genes, and structural genes have been investigated, and some genes, including hsp16, Cacna1, MnSOD, SLC26, and Nf-kB, are already showing excellent potential as reliable indicators of thermal stress in corals. In this mini-review, we synthesize the current state of knowledge of scleractinian coral GEBs and highlight gaps in our understanding that identify directions for future work. We also address the underlying sources of variation that have sometimes led to contrasting results between studies, such as differences in experimental set-up and approach, intrinsic variation in the expression profiles of different experimental organisms (such as between different colonies or their algal symbionts), diel cycles, varying thermal history, and different expression thresholds. Despite advances in our understanding there is still no universally accepted biomarker of thermal stress, the molecular response of corals to heat stress is still unclear, and biomarker research in Symbiodinium still lags behind that of the host. These gaps should be addressed in future work.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yohan D Louis
- Department of Biosciences, Faculty of Science, University of Mauritius, Réduit 80837, Mauritius
| | - Ranjeet Bhagooli
- Department of Marine & Ocean Science, Fisheries & Mariculture, Faculty of Ocean Studies, University of Mauritius, Réduit 80837, Mauritius.
| | - Carly D Kenkel
- Australian Institute of Marine Science, PMB No. 3, Townsville MC, QLD 4810, Australia
| | - Andrew C Baker
- Department of Marine Biology and Ecology, Rosenstiel School of Marine and Atmospheric Science, University of Miami, 4600 Rickenbacker Cswy., Miami, FL, USA
| | - Sabrina D Dyall
- Department of Biosciences, Faculty of Science, University of Mauritius, Réduit 80837, Mauritius
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Seveso D, Montano S, Strona G, Orlandi I, Galli P, Vai M. Hsp60 expression profiles in the reef-building coral Seriatopora caliendrum subjected to heat and cold shock regimes. MARINE ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH 2016; 119:1-11. [PMID: 27183199 DOI: 10.1016/j.marenvres.2016.05.007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/19/2016] [Revised: 05/02/2016] [Accepted: 05/07/2016] [Indexed: 06/05/2023]
Abstract
Climate changes have increased the intensity/frequency of extreme thermal events, which represent serious threats to the health of reef-building corals. Since the vulnerability of corals exposed to thermal stresses are related to their ability to regulate Heat shock proteins (Hsps), we have analyzed together the time related expression profiles of the mitochondrial Hsp60 and the associated changes in tissue pigmentation in Seriatopora caliendrum subjected to 48 h of heat and cold treatments characterized by moderate (±2 °C) and severe (±6 °C) shocks. For the first time, an Hsp60 response was observed in a scleractinian coral exposed to cold stresses. Furthermore, the Hsp60 modulations and the changes in the tissue coloration were found to be specific for each treatment. A strong down-regulation at the end of the treatments was observed following both the severe shocks, but only the severe heat stress led to bleaching in concert with the lowest levels of Hsp60, suggesting that a severe heat shock can be more deleterious than an exposure to a severe cold temperature. On the contrary, a moderate cold stress seems to be more harmful than a moderate temperature increase, which could allow coral acclimation. Our results can provide a potential framework for understanding the physiological tolerance of corals under possible future climate changes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Davide Seveso
- Department of Biotechnologies and Biosciences, University of Milan - Bicocca, Piazza della Scienza 2, 20126, Milan, Italy; MaRHE Centre (Marine Research and High Education Centre), Magoodhoo Island, Faafu Atoll, Maldives.
| | - Simone Montano
- Department of Biotechnologies and Biosciences, University of Milan - Bicocca, Piazza della Scienza 2, 20126, Milan, Italy; MaRHE Centre (Marine Research and High Education Centre), Magoodhoo Island, Faafu Atoll, Maldives
| | - Giovanni Strona
- European Commission, Joint Research Centre, Institute for Environment and Sustainability, Via E. Fermi 2749, I-21027, Ispra, Italy
| | - Ivan Orlandi
- Department of Biotechnologies and Biosciences, University of Milan - Bicocca, Piazza della Scienza 2, 20126, Milan, Italy
| | - Paolo Galli
- Department of Biotechnologies and Biosciences, University of Milan - Bicocca, Piazza della Scienza 2, 20126, Milan, Italy; MaRHE Centre (Marine Research and High Education Centre), Magoodhoo Island, Faafu Atoll, Maldives
| | - Marina Vai
- Department of Biotechnologies and Biosciences, University of Milan - Bicocca, Piazza della Scienza 2, 20126, Milan, Italy
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Jiang X, Guan X, Yao L, Zhang H, Jin X, Han Y. Effects of Single and Joint Subacute Exposure of Copper and Cadmium on Heat Shock Proteins in Common Carp (Cyprinus carpio). Biol Trace Elem Res 2016; 169:374-81. [PMID: 26105544 DOI: 10.1007/s12011-015-0402-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/25/2015] [Accepted: 06/08/2015] [Indexed: 10/23/2022]
Abstract
Copper (Cu) and cadmium (Cd) are the most common heavy metals that are easily detected in aquatic environments on a global scale. In this paper, we investigated the messenger RNA (mRNA) and protein levels of HSPs (HSP60, HSP70, and HSP90) in the liver of the common carp exposed to Cu, Cd, and a combination of both metals by real-time quantitative PCR and Western blot. The results indicated that in each exposure group, the mRNA levels of HSP60, HSP70, and HSP90 were increased significantly compared to the corresponding controls after 96 h of exposure (P < 0.05). A significant increase was observed in the HSP70 protein level in the high-dose Cu group and all of the Cd groups. Significant increases were also observed in the protein levels of HSP60 and HSP90 in the high combination group and the low combination group, respectively. These results indicated that the dynamics of HSP expression observed in the common carp support the role of HSPs as biochemical markers in response to environmental pollution and provided valuable insights into the adaptive mechanisms used by the common carp to adapt to the challenges of stressful environments.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xuyang Jiang
- College of Animal Science and Technology, Northeast Agricultural University, 59 Mucai Street, Harbin, 150030, People's Republic of China
- National and Local Joint Freshwater Fish Breeding Engineering Laboratory of China, 43 Songfa Street, Harbin, 150030, People's Republic of China
| | - Xueting Guan
- College of Animal Science and Technology, Northeast Agricultural University, 59 Mucai Street, Harbin, 150030, People's Republic of China
| | - Linlin Yao
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Northeast Agricultural University, 59 Mucai Street, Harbin, 150030, People's Republic of China
| | - Hong Zhang
- College of Animal Science and Technology, Northeast Agricultural University, 59 Mucai Street, Harbin, 150030, People's Republic of China
| | - Xian Jin
- Harbin Academy of Agricultural Sciences, 5399 Wanbao Street, Harbin, 150030, People's Republic of China.
| | - Ying Han
- College of Animal Science and Technology, Northeast Agricultural University, 59 Mucai Street, Harbin, 150030, People's Republic of China.
- National and Local Joint Freshwater Fish Breeding Engineering Laboratory of China, 43 Songfa Street, Harbin, 150030, People's Republic of China.
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Seveso D, Montano S, Reggente MA, Orlandi I, Galli P, Vai M. Modulation of Hsp60 in response to coral brown band disease. DISEASES OF AQUATIC ORGANISMS 2015; 115:15-23. [PMID: 26119296 DOI: 10.3354/dao02871] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/04/2023]
Abstract
Brown band disease (BrB), a virulent coral disease characterized by a dense concentration of ciliates ingesting coral tissue, is responsible for ongoing coral losses on Indo-Pacific reefs. Although several efforts have been made to identify the microbial communities associated with BrB and study the disease ecology, less attention has been given to the effect of ciliate presence on coral physiology. Levels of the mitochondrial heat shock protein 60-kDa (Hsp60, a biomarker indicative of cellular stress) were analyzed in apparently healthy coral polyps located at different distances along the advancing front of infection in Acropora muricata colonies affected by BrB in a Maldivian reef. Different Hsp60 levels were found in different parts of the same colony. Starting from a basal protein level in the healthy control colonies, a down-regulation of Hsp60 expression was detected near the ciliate band, indicating that the Hsp60 defense activity was probably already compromised due to the rapid progression rate of the BrB ciliate on the diseased branches and/or to the etiology of the disease. Moving away from the band, the Hsp60 levels gradually returned to a state comparable to that found in the control, showing that cellular damage was confined to areas near the infection. In conclusion, we propose the analysis of Hsp60 modulation as a useful tool for examining physiological variations that are not detected at the morphological level in corals subjected to epizootic diseases, while providing new insights into the immune response of corals.
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Affiliation(s)
- Davide Seveso
- Department of Biotechnologies and Biosciences, University of Milano - Bicocca, Piazza della Scienza 2, Milano 20126, Italy
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