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Zhang Y, Liu W, Lu X, Li S, Li Y, Shan Y, Wang S, Zhou Y, Chen L. Effects of different light conditions on morphological, anatomical, photosynthetic and biochemical parameters of Cypripedium macranthos Sw. PHOTOSYNTHESIS RESEARCH 2024; 160:97-109. [PMID: 38702531 DOI: 10.1007/s11120-024-01100-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/28/2023] [Accepted: 04/09/2024] [Indexed: 05/06/2024]
Abstract
In this study, the morphological (plant height, leaf length and width, stem diameter and leaf number), anatomical (epidermal cell density and thickness, Stomatal length and width), photosynthetic (net photosynthetic rate, transpiration rate, stomatal conductance, intercellular CO2 concentration, relative humidity, leaf temperature and chlorophyll fluorescence parameters) and biochemical parameters (the content of soluble sugar, soluble protein, proline, malondialdehyde and electrical conductivity) of Cypripedium macranthos Sw. in Changbai Mountain were determined under different light conditions (L10, L30, L50, L100). The results showed that morphological values including plant height, leaf area, stem diameter and leaf number of C. macranthos were smaller under the condition of full light at L100. The epidermal cell density and epidermal thickness of C. macranthos were the highest under L30 and L50 treatments, respectively. It had the highest net photosynthetic rate (Pn) and chlorophyll content under L50 treatment. Meanwhile, correlation analysis indicated that photosynthetically active radiation (PAR) and water use efficiency (WUE) were the main factors influencing Pn. C. macranthos accumulated more soluble sugars and soluble proteins under L100 treatment, while the degree of membrane peroxidation was the highest and the plant was severely damaged. In summary, the adaptability of C. macranthos to light conditions is ranked as follows L50 > L30 > L10 > L100. Appropriate light conditions for C. macranthos are 30%-50% of full light, which should be taken into account in protection and cultivation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yuqing Zhang
- College of Forestry and Grassland, Jilin Agricultural University, 2888 Xincheng Street, Changchun, 130118, China
| | - Wei Liu
- College of Forestry and Grassland, Jilin Agricultural University, 2888 Xincheng Street, Changchun, 130118, China
| | - Xi Lu
- College of Horticulture, Jilin Agricultural University, 2888 Xincheng Street, Changchun, 130118, China
| | - Shuang Li
- College of Forestry and Grassland, Jilin Agricultural University, 2888 Xincheng Street, Changchun, 130118, China
| | - Ying Li
- College of Forestry and Grassland, Jilin Agricultural University, 2888 Xincheng Street, Changchun, 130118, China
| | - Yuze Shan
- College of Forestry and Grassland, Jilin Agricultural University, 2888 Xincheng Street, Changchun, 130118, China
| | - Shizhuo Wang
- College of Forestry and Grassland, Jilin Agricultural University, 2888 Xincheng Street, Changchun, 130118, China
| | - Yunwei Zhou
- College of Horticulture, Jilin Agricultural University, 2888 Xincheng Street, Changchun, 130118, China
| | - Lifei Chen
- College of Horticulture, Jilin Agricultural University, 2888 Xincheng Street, Changchun, 130118, China.
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2
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Luo FS, Zhao X, Li F, Zhang YH, Li WT, Zhang PD. Integrating ecology, physiology and transcriptomics reveals the response of Zostera marina to rusting of iron transplantation frame. MARINE POLLUTION BULLETIN 2024; 199:115977. [PMID: 38194824 DOI: 10.1016/j.marpolbul.2023.115977] [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: 08/29/2023] [Revised: 12/21/2023] [Accepted: 12/22/2023] [Indexed: 01/11/2024]
Abstract
Frame Transplantation System (FTS) is considered an efficient method for seagrass restoration, but the effect of the rusting of iron frame on seagrass restoration remains unclear. We transplanted Zostera marina plants using iron FTS treated with fluorocarbon paint (painted treatment, PT) and traditional unpainted iron FTS (unpainted treatment, UT) under controlled mesocosm conditions for 24 days. Our results showed that the survival rate of Z. marina under the UT was significantly 31.2 % lower than that of the plants under the PT. Soluble sugar content in Z. marina rhizomes under the UT was significantly 2.19 times higher than that of the plants under the PT. Transcriptome analysis revealed differentially expressed genes (DEGs) involved in photosynthesis, metabolism and signal transduction functions. The results provide valuable data that could prove helpful in the development of efficient restoration techniques for Z. marina beds.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fan-Shu Luo
- Key Laboratory of Mariculture (Ocean University of China), Ministry of Education, Qingdao, People's Republic of China
| | - Xiang Zhao
- Key Laboratory of Mariculture (Ocean University of China), Ministry of Education, Qingdao, People's Republic of China
| | - Fan Li
- Shandong Provincial Key Laboratory of Restoration for Marine Ecology, Shandong Marine Resources and Environment Research Institute, Yantai, People's Republic of China
| | - Yan-Hao Zhang
- Key Laboratory of Mariculture (Ocean University of China), Ministry of Education, Qingdao, People's Republic of China
| | - Wen-Tao Li
- Key Laboratory of Mariculture (Ocean University of China), Ministry of Education, Qingdao, People's Republic of China
| | - Pei-Dong Zhang
- Key Laboratory of Mariculture (Ocean University of China), Ministry of Education, Qingdao, People's Republic of China.
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3
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Ravaglioli C, De Marchi L, Anselmi S, Dattolo E, Fontanini D, Pretti C, Procaccini G, Rilov G, Renzi M, Silverman J, Bulleri F. Ocean acidification impairs seagrass performance under thermal stress in shallow and deep water. ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH 2024; 241:117629. [PMID: 37967703 DOI: 10.1016/j.envres.2023.117629] [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: 08/09/2023] [Revised: 10/21/2023] [Accepted: 11/07/2023] [Indexed: 11/17/2023]
Abstract
Despite the effects of ocean acidification (OA) on seagrasses have been widely investigated, predictions of seagrass performance under future climates need to consider multiple environmental factors. Here, we performed a mesocosm study to assess the effects of OA on shallow and deep Posidonia oceanica plants. The experiment was run in 2021 and repeated in 2022, a year characterized by a prolonged warm water event, to test how the effects of OA on plants are modulated by thermal stress. The response of P. oceanica to experimental conditions was investigated at different levels of biological organization. Under average seawater temperature, there were no effects of OA in both shallow and deep plants, indicating that P. oceanica is not limited by current inorganic carbon concentration, regardless of light availability. In contrast, under thermal stress, exposure of plants to OA increased lipid peroxidation and decreased photosynthetic performance, with deep plants displaying higher levels of heat stress, as indicated by the over-expression of stress-related genes and the activation of antioxidant systems. In addition, warming reduced plant growth, regardless of seawater CO2 and light levels, suggesting that thermal stress may play a fundamental role in the future development of seagrass meadows. Our results suggest that OA may exacerbate the negative effects of future warming on seagrasses.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chiara Ravaglioli
- Dipartimento di Biologia, Università di Pisa, CoNISMa, Via Derna 1, 56126, Pisa, Italy.
| | - Lucia De Marchi
- Dipartimento di Scienze Veterinarie, Università of Pisa, Via Livornese (lato monte), 56122, San Piero a Grado, Pisa, Italy.
| | - Serena Anselmi
- Bioscience Research Center, Via Aurelia Vecchia, 32, 58015, Orbetello, GR, Italy.
| | - Emanuela Dattolo
- Stazione Zoologica Anton Dohrn, Villa Comunale, 80121, Napoli, Italy; National Biodiversity Future Centre (NBFC), Palermo, Italy.
| | - Debora Fontanini
- Dipartimento di Biologia, Università di Pisa, CoNISMa, Via Derna 1, 56126, Pisa, Italy.
| | - Carlo Pretti
- Dipartimento di Scienze Veterinarie, Università of Pisa, Via Livornese (lato monte), 56122, San Piero a Grado, Pisa, Italy; Interuniversity Consortium of Marine Biology and Applied Ecology "G. Bacci" (CIBM), Viale N.Sauro 4, 57128, Livorno, Italy.
| | - Gabriele Procaccini
- Stazione Zoologica Anton Dohrn, Villa Comunale, 80121, Napoli, Italy; National Biodiversity Future Centre (NBFC), Palermo, Italy.
| | - Gil Rilov
- National Institute of Oceanography, Israel Oceanographic and Limnological Research, Haifa, Israel.
| | - Monia Renzi
- Dipartimento di Scienze Della Vita, Università di Trieste, Via Giorgieri, 10, 34127, Trieste, Italy.
| | - Jacob Silverman
- National Institute of Oceanography, Israel Oceanographic and Limnological Research, Haifa, Israel.
| | - Fabio Bulleri
- Dipartimento di Biologia, Università di Pisa, CoNISMa, Via Derna 1, 56126, Pisa, Italy; Centro Interdipartimentale di Ricerca per Lo Studio Degli Effetti Del Cambiamento Climatico (CIRSEC), Università di Pisa, Italy.
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4
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Ravaglioli C, De Marchi L, Giannessi J, Pretti C, Bulleri F. Seagrass meadows as ocean acidification refugia for sea urchin larvae. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2024; 906:167465. [PMID: 37778543 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2023.167465] [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: 07/03/2023] [Revised: 09/15/2023] [Accepted: 09/28/2023] [Indexed: 10/03/2023]
Abstract
Foundation species have been widely documented to provide suitable habitats for other species by ameliorating stressful environmental conditions. Nonetheless, their role in rescuing stress-sensitive species from adverse conditions due to climate change remains often unexplored. Here, we performed a mesocosm experiment to assess whether the seagrass, Posidonia oceanica, through its photosynthetic activity, could mitigate the negative effects of ocean acidification on larval development and growth of the calcifying sea urchin, Paracentrotus lividus. Sea urchin larvae at early and late developmental stages that are generally associated to benthic habitats, were grown in aquaria with or without P. oceanica plants, under ambient or low pH conditions predicted by the end of the century under the worst climate scenario (RCP8.5). The percentage of abnormal larvae and their total body length under different experimental conditions were assessed on early- (i.e., pluteus; 72 h post-fertilization) and final-developmental stages (i.e., echinopluteus; 30 days post-fertilization), respectively. The presence of P. oceanica increased mean daily pH values of ∼0.1 and ∼0.15 units at ambient and low pH conditions, respectively, compared with tanks without plants. When grown at low pH in association with P. oceanica, plutei showed a ∼23 % reduction of malformations and echinoplutei a ∼34 % increase in total body length, respectively, compared with larvae developing in tanks without plants. Our results suggest that P. oceanica, by increasing pH and altering seawater carbonate chemistry through its metabolic activity, could buffer the negative effects of ocean acidification on calcifying organisms and could, thus, represent a tool against climate-driven loss of biodiversity.
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Affiliation(s)
- C Ravaglioli
- Dipartimento di Biologia, Università di Pisa, CoNISMa, via Derna 1, 56126 Pisa, Italy.
| | - L De Marchi
- Dipartimento di Scienze Veterinarie, Università of Pisa, Via Livornese (lato monte) - 56122 San Piero a Grado, Pisa, Italy.
| | - J Giannessi
- Dipartimento di Scienze Veterinarie, Università of Pisa, Via Livornese (lato monte) - 56122 San Piero a Grado, Pisa, Italy.
| | - C Pretti
- Dipartimento di Scienze Veterinarie, Università of Pisa, Via Livornese (lato monte) - 56122 San Piero a Grado, Pisa, Italy; Interuniversity Consortium of Marine Biology and Applied Ecology "G. Bacci" (CIBM), Viale N.Sauro 4, 57128 Livorno, Italy.
| | - F Bulleri
- Dipartimento di Biologia, Università di Pisa, CoNISMa, via Derna 1, 56126 Pisa, Italy; Centro interdipartimentale di Ricerca per lo Studio degli Effetti del Cambiamento Climatico (CIRSEC), Università di Pisa, Italy.
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5
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Ismael M, Charras Q, Leschevin M, Herfurth D, Roulard R, Quéro A, Rusterucci C, Domon JM, Jungas C, Vermerris W, Rayon C. Seasonal Variation in Cell Wall Composition and Carbohydrate Metabolism in the Seagrass Posidonia oceanica Growing at Different Depths. PLANTS (BASEL, SWITZERLAND) 2023; 12:3155. [PMID: 37687400 PMCID: PMC10490095 DOI: 10.3390/plants12173155] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/07/2023] [Revised: 08/26/2023] [Accepted: 08/28/2023] [Indexed: 09/10/2023]
Abstract
Posidonia oceanica is a common seagrass in the Mediterranean Sea that is able to sequester large amounts of carbon. The carbon assimilated during photosynthesis can be partitioned into non-structural sugars and cell-wall polymers. In this study, we investigated the distribution of carbon in starch, soluble carbohydrates and cell-wall polymers in leaves and rhizomes of P. oceanica. Analyses were performed during summer and winter in meadows located south of the Frioul archipelago near Marseille, France. The leaves and rhizomes were isolated from plants collected in shallow (2 m) and deep water (26 m). Our results showed that P. oceanica stores more carbon as starch, sucrose and cellulose in summer and that this is more pronounced in rhizomes from deep-water plants. In winter, the reduction in photoassimilates was correlated with a lower cellulose content, compensated with a greater lignin content, except in rhizomes from deep-water plants. The syringyl-to-guaiacyl (S/G) ratio in the lignin was higher in leaves than in rhizomes and decreased in rhizomes in winter, indicating a change in the distribution or structure of the lignin. These combined data show that deep-water plants store more carbon during summer, while in winter the shallow- and deep-water plants displayed a different cell wall composition reflecting their environment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marwa Ismael
- UMR-INRAE 1158 Transfrontalière BioEcoAgro, BIOlogie des Plantes et Innovation (BIOPI), Université de Picardie Jules Verne, 80039 Amiens, France; (M.I.); (M.L.); (D.H.); (R.R.); (A.Q.); (C.R.); (J.-M.D.)
| | - Quentin Charras
- Aix-Marseille University, CEA, CNRS, BIAM, LGBP Team, 13009 Marseille, France; (Q.C.); (C.J.)
| | - Maïté Leschevin
- UMR-INRAE 1158 Transfrontalière BioEcoAgro, BIOlogie des Plantes et Innovation (BIOPI), Université de Picardie Jules Verne, 80039 Amiens, France; (M.I.); (M.L.); (D.H.); (R.R.); (A.Q.); (C.R.); (J.-M.D.)
- Aix-Marseille University, CEA Cadarache, Zone Cité des Énergies BIAM, Bâtiment 1900, 13108 Saint-Paul-lez-Durance, France
| | - Damien Herfurth
- UMR-INRAE 1158 Transfrontalière BioEcoAgro, BIOlogie des Plantes et Innovation (BIOPI), Université de Picardie Jules Verne, 80039 Amiens, France; (M.I.); (M.L.); (D.H.); (R.R.); (A.Q.); (C.R.); (J.-M.D.)
| | - Romain Roulard
- UMR-INRAE 1158 Transfrontalière BioEcoAgro, BIOlogie des Plantes et Innovation (BIOPI), Université de Picardie Jules Verne, 80039 Amiens, France; (M.I.); (M.L.); (D.H.); (R.R.); (A.Q.); (C.R.); (J.-M.D.)
| | - Anthony Quéro
- UMR-INRAE 1158 Transfrontalière BioEcoAgro, BIOlogie des Plantes et Innovation (BIOPI), Université de Picardie Jules Verne, 80039 Amiens, France; (M.I.); (M.L.); (D.H.); (R.R.); (A.Q.); (C.R.); (J.-M.D.)
| | - Christine Rusterucci
- UMR-INRAE 1158 Transfrontalière BioEcoAgro, BIOlogie des Plantes et Innovation (BIOPI), Université de Picardie Jules Verne, 80039 Amiens, France; (M.I.); (M.L.); (D.H.); (R.R.); (A.Q.); (C.R.); (J.-M.D.)
| | - Jean-Marc Domon
- UMR-INRAE 1158 Transfrontalière BioEcoAgro, BIOlogie des Plantes et Innovation (BIOPI), Université de Picardie Jules Verne, 80039 Amiens, France; (M.I.); (M.L.); (D.H.); (R.R.); (A.Q.); (C.R.); (J.-M.D.)
| | - Colette Jungas
- Aix-Marseille University, CEA, CNRS, BIAM, LGBP Team, 13009 Marseille, France; (Q.C.); (C.J.)
| | - Wilfred Vermerris
- Department of Microbiology & Cell Science and UF Genetics Institute, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL 32610, USA;
| | - Catherine Rayon
- UMR-INRAE 1158 Transfrontalière BioEcoAgro, BIOlogie des Plantes et Innovation (BIOPI), Université de Picardie Jules Verne, 80039 Amiens, France; (M.I.); (M.L.); (D.H.); (R.R.); (A.Q.); (C.R.); (J.-M.D.)
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Molecular Response of Ulva prolifera to Short-Term High Light Stress Revealed by a Multi-Omics Approach. BIOLOGY 2022; 11:biology11111563. [PMID: 36358264 PMCID: PMC9687821 DOI: 10.3390/biology11111563] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/27/2022] [Revised: 10/16/2022] [Accepted: 10/19/2022] [Indexed: 12/02/2022]
Abstract
The main algal species of Ulva prolifera green tide in the coastal areas of China are four species, but after reaching the coast of Qingdao, U. prolifera becomes the dominant species, where the light intensity is one of the most important influencing factors. In order to explore the effects of short-term high light stress on the internal molecular level of cells and its coping mechanism, the transcriptome, proteome, metabolome, and lipid data of U. prolifera were collected. The algae were cultivated in high light environment conditions (400 μmol·m−2·s−1) for 12 h and measured, and the data with greater relative difference (p < 0.05) were selected, then analyzed with the KEGG pathway. The results showed that the high light stress inhibited the assimilation of U. prolifera, destroyed the cell structure, and arrested its growth and development. Cells entered the emergency defense state, the TCA cycle was weakened, and the energy consumption processes such as DNA activation, RNA transcription, protein synthesis and degradation, and lipid alienation were inhibited. A gradual increase in the proportion of the C4 pathway was recorded. This study showed that U. prolifera can reduce the reactive oxygen species produced by high light stress, inhibit respiration, and reduce the generation of NADPH. At the same time, the C3 pathway began to change to the C4 pathway which consumed more energy. Moreover, this research provides the basis for the study of algae coping with high light stress.
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7
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Single-molecule real-time sequencing of the full-length transcriptome of Halophila beccarii. Sci Rep 2022; 12:16444. [PMID: 36180578 PMCID: PMC9525579 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-022-20988-w] [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: 04/08/2022] [Accepted: 09/21/2022] [Indexed: 11/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Ecologically, Halophila beccarii Asch. is considered as a colonizing or a pioneer seagrass species and a “tiny but mighty” seagrass species, since it may recover quickly from disturbance generally. The use of transcriptome technology can provide a better understanding of the physiological processes of seagrasses. To date, little is known about the genome and transcriptome information of H. beccarii. In this study, we used single molecule real-time (SMRT) sequencing to obtain full-length transcriptome data and characterize the transcriptome structure. A total of 11,773 of the 15,348 transcripts were successfully annotated in seven databases. In addition, 1573 long non-coding RNAs, 8402 simple sequence repeats and 2567 transcription factors were predicted in all the transcripts. A GO analysis showed that 5843 transcripts were divided into three categories, including biological process (BP), cellular component (CC) and molecular function (MF). In these three categories, metabolic process (1603 transcripts), protein-containing complex (515 transcripts) and binding (3233 transcripts) were the primary terms in BP, CC, and MF, respectively. The major types of transcription factors were involved in MYB-related and NF-YB families. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first report of the transcriptome of H. beccarii using SMRT sequencing technology.
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8
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Patnaik A, Alavilli H, Rath J, Panigrahi KCS, Panigrahy M. Variations in Circadian Clock Organization & Function: A Journey from Ancient to Recent. PLANTA 2022; 256:91. [PMID: 36173529 DOI: 10.1007/s00425-022-04002-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/07/2022] [Accepted: 09/21/2022] [Indexed: 06/16/2023]
Abstract
Circadian clock components exhibit structural variations in different plant systems, and functional variations during various abiotic stresses. These variations bear relevance for plant fitness and could be important evolutionarily. All organisms on earth have the innate ability to measure time as diurnal rhythms that occur due to the earth's rotations in a 24-h cycle. Circadian oscillations arising from the circadian clock abide by its fundamental properties of periodicity, entrainment, temperature compensation, and oscillator mechanism, which is central to its function. Despite the fact that a myriad of research in Arabidopsis thaliana illuminated many detailed aspects of the circadian clock, many more variations in clock components' organizations and functions remain to get deciphered. These variations are crucial for sustainability and adaptation in different plant systems in the varied environmental conditions in which they grow. Together with these variations, circadian clock functions differ drastically even during various abiotic and biotic stress conditions. The present review discusses variations in the organization of clock components and their role in different plant systems and abiotic stresses. We briefly introduce the clock components, entrainment, and rhythmicity, followed by the variants of the circadian clock in different plant types, starting from lower non-flowering plants, marine plants, dicots to the monocot crop plants. Furthermore, we discuss the interaction of the circadian clock with components of various abiotic stress pathways, such as temperature, light, water stress, salinity, and nutrient deficiency with implications for the reprogramming during these stresses. We also update on recent advances in clock regulations due to post-transcriptional, post-translation, non-coding, and micro-RNAs. Finally, we end this review by summarizing the points of applicability, a remark on the future perspectives, and the experiments that could clear major enigmas in this area of research.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alena Patnaik
- School of Biological Sciences, National Institute of Science Education and Research, Jatni, Odisha, 752050, India
| | - Hemasundar Alavilli
- Department of Bioresources Engineering, Sejong University, Seoul, 05006, South Korea
| | - Jnanendra Rath
- Institute of Science, Visva-Bharati Central University, Santiniketan, West Bengal, 731235, India
| | - Kishore C S Panigrahi
- School of Biological Sciences, National Institute of Science Education and Research, Jatni, Odisha, 752050, India
| | - Madhusmita Panigrahy
- School of Biological Sciences, National Institute of Science Education and Research, Jatni, Odisha, 752050, India.
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9
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Booth MW, Breed MF, Kendrick GA, Bayer PE, Severn-Ellis AA, Sinclair EA. Tissue-specific transcriptome profiles identify functional differences key to understanding whole plant response to life in variable salinity. Biol Open 2022; 11:276025. [PMID: 35876771 PMCID: PMC9428325 DOI: 10.1242/bio.059147] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/15/2021] [Accepted: 07/14/2022] [Indexed: 11/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Plants endure environmental stressors via adaptation and phenotypic plasticity. Studying these mechanisms in seagrasses is extremely relevant as they are important primary producers and functionally significant carbon sinks. These mechanisms are not well understood at the tissue level in seagrasses. Using RNA-seq, we generated transcriptome sequences from tissue of leaf, basal leaf meristem and root organs of Posidonia australis, establishing baseline in situ transcriptomic profiles for tissues across a salinity gradient. Samples were collected from four P. australis meadows growing in Shark Bay, Western Australia. Analysis of gene expression showed significant differences between tissue types, with more variation among leaves than meristem or roots. Gene ontology enrichment analysis showed the differences were largely due to the role of photosynthesis, plant growth and nutrient absorption in leaf, meristem and root organs, respectively. Differential gene expression of leaf and meristem showed upregulation of salinity regulation processes in higher salinity meadows. Our study highlights the importance of considering leaf meristem tissue when evaluating whole-plant responses to environmental change. This article has an associated First Person interview with the first author of the paper. Summary: Differences in seagrass leaf, meristem and root transcriptomes across variable salinities are due to tissue-specific processes. Leaf meristem contained the broadest process range, indicating preferential use for inferring plant-wide activity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mitchell W Booth
- School of Biological Sciences, The University of Western Australia, Crawley, Western Australia 6009, Australia.,Oceans Institute, The University of Western Australia, Crawley, Western Australia 6009, Australia
| | - Martin F Breed
- College of Science and Engineering, Flinders University, Bedford Park, South Australia 5042, Australia
| | - Gary A Kendrick
- School of Biological Sciences, The University of Western Australia, Crawley, Western Australia 6009, Australia.,Oceans Institute, The University of Western Australia, Crawley, Western Australia 6009, Australia
| | - Philipp E Bayer
- School of Biological Sciences, The University of Western Australia, Crawley, Western Australia 6009, Australia
| | - Anita A Severn-Ellis
- School of Biological Sciences, The University of Western Australia, Crawley, Western Australia 6009, Australia.,Aquatic Animal Health Research, Indian Ocean Marine Research Centre, Department of Primary Industries and Regional Development, Western Australia, 6020, Australia
| | - Elizabeth A Sinclair
- School of Biological Sciences, The University of Western Australia, Crawley, Western Australia 6009, Australia.,Oceans Institute, The University of Western Australia, Crawley, Western Australia 6009, Australia.,Kings Park Science, Department of Biodiversity Conservation and Attractions, 1 Kattidj Close, West Perth, Western Australia, 6005, Australia
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10
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Pazzaglia J, Santillán-Sarmiento A, Ruocco M, Dattolo E, Ambrosino L, Marín-Guirao L, Procaccini G. Local environment modulates whole-transcriptome expression in the seagrass Posidonia oceanica under warming and nutrients excess. ENVIRONMENTAL POLLUTION (BARKING, ESSEX : 1987) 2022; 303:119077. [PMID: 35276251 DOI: 10.1016/j.envpol.2022.119077] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/23/2021] [Revised: 02/23/2022] [Accepted: 02/27/2022] [Indexed: 06/14/2023]
Abstract
The intensification of anomalous events of seawater warming and the co-occurrence with local anthropogenic stressors are threatening coastal marine habitats, including seagrasses, which form extensive underwater meadows. Eutrophication highly affects coastal environments, potentially summing up to the widespread effects of global climate changes. In the present study, we investigated for the first time in seagrasses, the transcriptional response of different plant organs (i.e., leaf and shoot apical meristem, SAM) of the Mediterranean seagrass Posidonia oceanica growing in environments with a different history of nutrient enrichment. To this end, a mesocosm experiment exposing plants to single (nutrient enrichment or temperature increase) and multiple stressors (nutrient enrichment plus temperature increase), was performed. Results revealed a differential transcriptome regulation of plants under single and multiple stressors, showing an organ-specific sensitivity depending on plants' origin. While leaf tissues were more responsive to nutrient stress, SAM revealed a higher sensitivity to temperature treatments, especially in plants already impacted in their native environment. The exposure to stress conditions induced the modulation of different biological processes. Plants living in an oligotrophic environment were more responsive to nutrients compared to plants from a eutrophic environment. Evidences that epigenetic mechanisms were involved in the regulation of transcriptional reprogramming were also observed in both plants' organs. These results represent a further step in the comprehension of seagrass response to abiotic stressors pointing out the importance of local pressures in a global warming scenario.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jessica Pazzaglia
- Department of Integrative Marine Ecology, Stazione Zoologica Anton Dohrn, 80121, Naples, Italy; Department of Life Sciences, University of Trieste, 34127, Trieste, Italy
| | - Alex Santillán-Sarmiento
- Department of Integrative Marine Ecology, Stazione Zoologica Anton Dohrn, 80121, Naples, Italy; Faculty of Engineering, National University of Chimborazo, Riobamba, Ecuador
| | - Miriam Ruocco
- Department of Integrative Marine Ecology, Stazione Zoologica Anton Dohrn, 80121, Naples, Italy
| | - Emanuela Dattolo
- Department of Integrative Marine Ecology, Stazione Zoologica Anton Dohrn, 80121, Naples, Italy
| | - Luca Ambrosino
- Department of Research Infrastructure for Marine Biological Resources, Stazione Zoologica Anton Dohrn, Villa Comunale, 80121, Napoli, Italy
| | - Lazaro Marín-Guirao
- Department of Integrative Marine Ecology, Stazione Zoologica Anton Dohrn, 80121, Naples, Italy; Seagrass Ecology Group, Oceanographic Center of Murcia, Spanish Institute of Oceanography (IEO-CSIC), Murcia, Spain
| | - Gabriele Procaccini
- Department of Integrative Marine Ecology, Stazione Zoologica Anton Dohrn, 80121, Naples, Italy.
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11
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Spatiotemporal Trends Observed in 20 Years of Posidonia oceanica Monitoring along the Alicante Coast, Spain. WATER 2022. [DOI: 10.3390/w14030274] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
Posidonia oceanica meadows, known to be valuable marine ecosystems, have been reported to be in decline as a result of human activities in recent decades. However, it is still controversial if this decline is a global phenomenon or it is caused by specific disturbances related to human development at a local scale. In order to evaluate changes in P. oceanica meadows, in this study, monitoring data obtained at 14 stations along the Mediterranean coast near Alicante, Spain, over a 20-year period were analyzed. Field data were obtained through the citizen science project POSIMED, which had the aim of carrying out annual monitoring of both shallow and deep P. oceanica meadows along the coast near Alicante and determining whether their ecological status was changing over time. The percentage cover of living P. oceanica and dead matte and shoot density data were used to assess the ecosystem status and to determine whether there had been an overall regional decline in seagrass over the 20-year period. Both cover and density data showed a significant positive trend at most locations. However, the amount of dead matte was noted to slightly increase with time while six shallow and one deep station showed a negative P. oceanica cover trend, indicating that in certain locations meadow regression might be taking place. Shoot density decreased with depth and increased with the amount of rock cover; its correlation with the dead matte percentage was unclear, which probably means that a range of different factors can result in the presence of dead plants. These results support the idea that local disturbances are the cause of seagrass decline in the Mediterranean, thus demonstrating the need for management plans that focus on local stressors of P. oceanica meadows at specific locations. Long-term, large-scale monitoring allows the ecosystem status in the western Mediterranean to be assessed; however, local disturbances can also affect specific locations.
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12
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Pazzaglia J, Badalamenti F, Bernardeau-Esteller J, Ruiz JM, Giacalone VM, Procaccini G, Marín-Guirao L. Thermo-priming increases heat-stress tolerance in seedlings of the Mediterranean seagrass P. oceanica. MARINE POLLUTION BULLETIN 2022; 174:113164. [PMID: 34864463 DOI: 10.1016/j.marpolbul.2021.113164] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/02/2021] [Revised: 11/09/2021] [Accepted: 11/12/2021] [Indexed: 06/13/2023]
Abstract
Seawater warming and increased incidence of marine heatwaves (MHW) are threatening the integrity of coastal marine habitats including seagrasses, which are particularly vulnerable to climate changes. Novel stress tolerance-enhancing strategies, including thermo-priming, have been extensively applied in terrestrial plants for enhancing resilience capacity under the re-occurrence of a stress event. We applied, for the first time in seedlings of the Mediterranean seagrass Posidonia oceanica, a thermo-priming treatment through the exposure to a simulated warming event. We analyzed the photo-physiological and growth performance of primed and non-primed seedlings, and the gene expression responses of selected genes (i.e. stress-, photosynthesis- and epigenetic-related genes). Results revealed that during the re-occurring stress event, primed seedlings performed better than unprimed showing unaltered photo-physiology supported by high expression levels of genes related to stress response, photosynthesis, and epigenetic modifications. These findings offer new opportunities to improve conservation and restoration efforts in a future scenario of environmental changes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jessica Pazzaglia
- Department of Integrative Marine Ecology, Stazione Zoologica Anton Dohrn, 80121 Naples, Italy; Department of Life Sciences, University of Trieste, 34127 Trieste, Italy
| | - Fabio Badalamenti
- Department of Integrative Marine Ecology, Stazione Zoologica Anton Dohrn, 80121 Naples, Italy; CNR-IAS, Lungomare Cristoforo Colombo 4521, 90149 Palermo, Italy
| | - Jaime Bernardeau-Esteller
- Seagrass Ecology Group, Oceanographic Center of Murcia, Spanish Institute of Oceanography, Murcia, Spain
| | - Juan M Ruiz
- Seagrass Ecology Group, Oceanographic Center of Murcia, Spanish Institute of Oceanography, Murcia, Spain
| | | | - Gabriele Procaccini
- Department of Integrative Marine Ecology, Stazione Zoologica Anton Dohrn, 80121 Naples, Italy.
| | - Lazaro Marín-Guirao
- Department of Integrative Marine Ecology, Stazione Zoologica Anton Dohrn, 80121 Naples, Italy; Seagrass Ecology Group, Oceanographic Center of Murcia, Spanish Institute of Oceanography, Murcia, Spain
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13
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Jueterbock A, Duarte B, Coyer J, Olsen JL, Kopp MEL, Smolina I, Arnaud-Haond S, Hu ZM, Hoarau G. Adaptation of Temperate Seagrass to Arctic Light Relies on Seasonal Acclimatization of Carbon Capture and Metabolism. FRONTIERS IN PLANT SCIENCE 2021; 12:745855. [PMID: 34925400 PMCID: PMC8675887 DOI: 10.3389/fpls.2021.745855] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/22/2021] [Accepted: 10/29/2021] [Indexed: 06/14/2023]
Abstract
Due to rising global surface temperatures, Arctic habitats are becoming thermally suitable for temperate species. Whether a temperate species can immigrate into an ice-free Arctic depends on its ability to tolerate extreme seasonal fluctuations in daylength. Thus, understanding adaptations to polar light conditions can improve the realism of models predicting poleward range expansions in response to climate change. Plant adaptations to polar light have rarely been studied and remain unknown in seagrasses. If these ecosystem engineers can migrate polewards, seagrasses will enrich biodiversity, and carbon capture potential in shallow coastal regions of the Arctic. Eelgrass (Zostera marina) is the most widely distributed seagrass in the northern hemisphere. As the only seagrass species growing as far north as 70°N, it is the most likely candidate to first immigrate into an ice-free Arctic. Here, we describe seasonal (and diurnal) changes in photosynthetic characteristics, and in genome-wide gene expression patterns under strong annual fluctuations of daylength. We compared PAM measurements and RNA-seq data between two populations at the longest and shortest day of the year: (1) a Mediterranean population exposed to moderate annual fluctuations of 10-14 h daylength and (2) an Arctic population exposed to high annual fluctuations of 0-24 h daylength. Most of the gene expression specificities of the Arctic population were found in functions of the organelles (chloroplast and mitochondrion). In winter, Arctic eelgrass conserves energy by repressing respiration and reducing photosynthetic energy fluxes. Although light-reactions, and genes involved in carbon capture and carbon storage were upregulated in summer, enzymes involved in CO2 fixation and chlorophyll-synthesis were upregulated in winter, suggesting that winter metabolism relies not only on stored energy resources but also on active use of dim light conditions. Eelgrass is unable to use excessive amounts of light during summer and demonstrates a significant reduction in photosynthetic performance under long daylengths, possibly to prevent photoinhibition constrains. Our study identified key mechanisms that allow eelgrass to survive under Arctic light conditions and paves the way for experimental research to predict whether and up to which latitude eelgrass can potentially migrate polewards in response to climate change.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alexander Jueterbock
- Algal and Microbial Biotechnology Division, Faculty of Biosciences and Aquaculture, Nord University, Bodø, Norway
| | - Bernardo Duarte
- Marine and Environmental Sciences Centre, Faculty of Sciences of the University of Lisbon, Lisbon, Portugal
- Departamento de Biologia Vegetal da Faculdade de Ciências da Universidade de Lisboa, Lisbon, Portugal
| | - James Coyer
- Shoals Marine Laboratory, University of New Hampshire, Durham, NH, United States
| | - Jeanine L. Olsen
- Ecological Genetics-Genomics Group, Groningen Institute of Evolutionary Life Sciences, University of Groningen, Groningen, Netherlands
| | | | - Irina Smolina
- Marine Molecular Ecology Group, Faculty of Biosciences and Aquaculture, Nord University, Bodø, Norway
| | - Sophie Arnaud-Haond
- UMR MARBEC Marine Biodiversity Exploitation and Conservation, Univ Montpellier, CNRS, IFREMER, IRD, Montpellier, France
| | - Zi-Min Hu
- Ocean School, Yantai University, Yantai, China
| | - Galice Hoarau
- Marine Molecular Ecology Group, Faculty of Biosciences and Aquaculture, Nord University, Bodø, Norway
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14
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Balestri E, Menicagli V, Lardicci C. Managing biotic interactions during early seagrass life stages to improve seed‐based restoration. J Appl Ecol 2021. [DOI: 10.1111/1365-2664.13980] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Affiliation(s)
| | - Virginia Menicagli
- Department of Biology University of Pisa Pisa Italy
- Center for Instrument Sharing University of Pisa (CISUP) University of Pisa Pisa Italy
| | - Claudio Lardicci
- Center for Instrument Sharing University of Pisa (CISUP) University of Pisa Pisa Italy
- Department of Earth Sciences University of Pisa Pisa Italy
- Center for Climate Change Impact University of Pisa Pisa Italy
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15
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Björk M, Asplund ME, Deyanova D, Gullström M. The amount of light reaching the leaves in seagrass (Zostera marina) meadows. PLoS One 2021; 16:e0257586. [PMID: 34547042 PMCID: PMC8454950 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0257586] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/26/2021] [Accepted: 09/03/2021] [Indexed: 12/04/2022] Open
Abstract
Seagrass meadows, and other submerged vegetated habitats, support a wide range of essential ecological services, but the true extents of these services are in many ways still not quantified. One important tool needed to assess and model many of these services is accurate estimations of the systems´ primary productivity. Such productivity estimations require an understanding of the underwater light field, especially regarding the amount of light that actually reaches the plants' photosynthetic tissue. In this study, we tested a simple practical approach to estimate leaf light exposure, relative to incoming light at the canopy, by attaching light sensitive film at different positions on leaves of Zostera marina, eelgrass, in four seagrass meadows composed of different shoot density and at two different depths. We found that the light reaching the leaves decreased linearly down through the canopy. While the upper parts of the leaves received approximately the same level of light (photosynthetic photon flux density, PPFD) as recorded with a PAR meter at the canopy top, the average light that the seagrass leaves were exposed to varied between 40 and 60% of the light on top of the canopy, with an overall average of 48%. We recommend that actual light interception is measured when assessing or modelling light depending processes in submerged vegetation, but if this is not achievable a rough estimation for vegetation similar to Z. marina would be to use a correction factor of 0.5 to compensate for the reduced light due to leaf orientation and internal shading.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mats Björk
- Department of Ecology, Environment and Plant Sciences, Stockholm University, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Maria E. Asplund
- Department of Biological and Environmental Sciences, University of Gothenburg, Gothenburg, Kristineberg, Fiskebäckskil, Sweden
| | - Diana Deyanova
- Department of Biological and Environmental Sciences, University of Gothenburg, Gothenburg, Kristineberg, Fiskebäckskil, Sweden
| | - Martin Gullström
- School of Natural Sciences, Technology and Environmental Studies, Södertörn University, Huddinge, Sweden
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16
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Hu ZM, Zhang QS, Zhang J, Kass JM, Mammola S, Fresia P, Draisma SGA, Assis J, Jueterbock A, Yokota M, Zhang Z. Intraspecific genetic variation matters when predicting seagrass distribution under climate change. Mol Ecol 2021; 30:3840-3855. [PMID: 34022079 DOI: 10.1111/mec.15996] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/26/2021] [Revised: 05/13/2021] [Accepted: 05/14/2021] [Indexed: 01/01/2023]
Abstract
Seagrasses play a vital role in structuring coastal marine ecosystems, but their distributional range and genetic diversity have declined rapidly in recent decades. To improve conservation of seagrass species, it is important to predict how climate change may impact their ranges. Such predictions are typically made with correlative species distribution models (SDMs), which can estimate a species' potential distribution under present and future climatic scenarios given species' presence data and climatic predictor variables. However, these models are typically constructed with species-level data, and thus ignore intraspecific genetic variability, which can give rise to populations with adaptations to heterogeneous climatic conditions. Here, we explore the link between intraspecific adaptation and niche differentiation in Thalassia hemprichii, a seagrass broadly distributed in the tropical Indo-Pacific Ocean and a crucial provider of habitat for numerous marine species. By retrieving and re-analysing microsatellite data from previous studies, we delimited two distinct phylogeographical lineages within the nominal species and found an intermediate level of differentiation in their multidimensional environmental niches, suggesting the possibility for local adaptation. We then compared projections of the species' habitat suitability under climate change scenarios using species-level and lineage-level SDMs. In the Central Tropical Indo-Pacific region, models for both levels predicted considerable range contraction in the future, but the lineage-level models predicted more severe habitat loss. Importantly, the two modelling approaches predicted opposite patterns of habitat change in the Western Tropical Indo-Pacific region. Our results highlight the necessity of conserving distinct populations and genetic pools to avoid regional extinction due to climate change and have important implications for guiding future management of seagrasses.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zi-Min Hu
- Ocean School, YanTai University, Yantai, China
| | | | - Jie Zhang
- Key Laboratory of Experimental Marine Biology, Center for Ocean Mega-Science, Institute of Oceanology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Qingdao, China
| | - Jamie M Kass
- Biodiversity and Biocomplexity Unit, Okinawa Institute of Science and Technology Graduate University, Okinawa, Japan
| | - Stefano Mammola
- Laboratory for Integrative Biodiversity Research (LIBRe), Finnish Museum of Natural History (LUOMUS), University of Helsinki, Helsinki, Finland.,Molecular Ecology Group (MEG), Water Research Institute (IRSA, National Research Council of Italy (CNR, Verbania Pallanza, Italy
| | - Pablo Fresia
- Pasteur+INIA Joint Unit (UMPI), Institut Pasteur de Montevideo, Montevideo, Uruguay
| | - Stefano G A Draisma
- Excellence Center for Biodiversity of Peninsular Thailand, Faculty of Science, Prince of Songkla University, Hat Yai, Songkhla, Thailand
| | - Jorge Assis
- CCMAR, University of Algarve, Faro, Portugal
| | - Alexander Jueterbock
- Algal and Microbial Biotechnology Division, Faculty of Biosciences and Aquaculture, Nord University, Bodø, Norway
| | - Masashi Yokota
- Graduate School of Marine Science and Technology, Tokyo University of Marine Science and Technology, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Zhixin Zhang
- Arctic Research Center, Hokkaido University, Sapporo, Japan
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17
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Pazzaglia J, Reusch TBH, Terlizzi A, Marín‐Guirao L, Procaccini G. Phenotypic plasticity under rapid global changes: The intrinsic force for future seagrasses survival. Evol Appl 2021; 14:1181-1201. [PMID: 34025759 PMCID: PMC8127715 DOI: 10.1111/eva.13212] [Citation(s) in RCA: 39] [Impact Index Per Article: 13.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/05/2020] [Revised: 02/03/2021] [Accepted: 02/21/2021] [Indexed: 12/30/2022] Open
Abstract
Coastal oceans are particularly affected by rapid and extreme environmental changes with dramatic consequences for the entire ecosystem. Seagrasses are key ecosystem engineering or foundation species supporting diverse and productive ecosystems along the coastline that are particularly susceptible to fast environmental changes. In this context, the analysis of phenotypic plasticity could reveal important insights into seagrasses persistence, as it represents an individual property that allows species' phenotypes to accommodate and react to fast environmental changes and stress. Many studies have provided different definitions of plasticity and related processes (acclimation and adaptation) resulting in a variety of associated terminology. Here, we review different ways to define phenotypic plasticity with particular reference to seagrass responses to single and multiple stressors. We relate plasticity to the shape of reaction norms, resulting from genotype by environment interactions, and examine its role in the presence of environmental shifts. The potential role of genetic and epigenetic changes in underlying seagrasses plasticity in face of environmental changes is also discussed. Different approaches aimed to assess local acclimation and adaptation in seagrasses are explored, explaining strengths and weaknesses based on the main results obtained from the most recent literature. We conclude that the implemented experimental approaches, whether performed with controlled or field experiments, provide new insights to explore the basis of plasticity in seagrasses. However, an improvement of molecular analysis and the application of multi-factorial experiments are required to better explore genetic and epigenetic adjustments to rapid environmental shifts. These considerations revealed the potential for selecting the best phenotypes to promote assisted evolution with fundamental implications on restoration and preservation efforts.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jessica Pazzaglia
- Department of Integrative Marine EcologyStazione Zoologica Anton DohrnNaplesItaly
- Department of Life SciencesUniversity of TriesteTriesteItaly
| | - Thorsten B. H. Reusch
- Marine Evolutionary EcologyGEOMAR Helmholtz Centre for Ocean Research KielKielGermany
| | - Antonio Terlizzi
- Department of Life SciencesUniversity of TriesteTriesteItaly
- Department of Biology and Evolution of Marine OrganismsStazione Zoologica Anton DohrnNaplesItaly
| | - Lázaro Marín‐Guirao
- Department of Integrative Marine EcologyStazione Zoologica Anton DohrnNaplesItaly
- Seagrass Ecology GroupOceanographic Center of MurciaSpanish Institute of OceanographyMurciaSpain
| | - Gabriele Procaccini
- Department of Integrative Marine EcologyStazione Zoologica Anton DohrnNaplesItaly
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18
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Premarathne C, Jiang Z, He J, Fang Y, Chen Q, Cui L, Wu Y, Liu S, Chunyu Z, Vijerathna P, Huang X. Low Light Availability Reduces the Subsurface Sediment Carbon Content in Halophila beccarii From the South China Sea. FRONTIERS IN PLANT SCIENCE 2021; 12:664060. [PMID: 34163504 PMCID: PMC8215720 DOI: 10.3389/fpls.2021.664060] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/04/2021] [Accepted: 04/16/2021] [Indexed: 05/15/2023]
Abstract
Eutrophication, dredging, agricultural and urban runoffs, and epiphyte overgrowth could reduce light availability for seagrass. This may affect "blue carbon" stocks in seagrass beds. However, little research is available on the effect of light intensities on carbon sequestration capacity in seagrass beds, especially small-bodied seagrasses. The dominant seagrass Halophila beccarii, a vulnerable species on the IUCN Red List, was cultured in different light intensities to examine the response of vegetation and sediment carbon in seagrass beds. The results showed that low light significantly reduced leaf length and above-ground biomass, while carbon content in both above-ground and below-ground tissues were not affected. Low light reduced both the above-ground biomass carbon and the total biomass carbon. Interestingly, while under saturating light conditions, the subsurface and surface carbon content was similar, under low light conditions, subsurface sediment carbon was significantly lower than the surface content. The reduction of subsurface sediment carbon might be caused by less release flux of dissolved organic carbon from roots in low light. Taken together, these results indicate that reduced light intensities, to which these meadows are exposed to, will reduce carbon sequestration capacity in seagrass beds. Measures should be taken to eliminate the input of nutrients on seagrass meadows and dredging activities to maintain the "blue carbon" storage service by enhancing light penetration into seagrass.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chanaka Premarathne
- Key Laboratory of Tropical Marine Bio-Resources and Ecology, South China Sea Institute of Oceanology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Guangzhou, China
- University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Zhijian Jiang
- Key Laboratory of Tropical Marine Bio-Resources and Ecology, South China Sea Institute of Oceanology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Guangzhou, China
- University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China
- Southern Marine Science and Engineering Guangdong Laboratory, Guangzhou, China
- Innovation Academy of South China Sea Ecology and Environmental Engineering, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Guangzhou, China
- *Correspondence: Zhijian Jiang,
| | - Jialu He
- Key Laboratory of Tropical Marine Bio-Resources and Ecology, South China Sea Institute of Oceanology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Guangzhou, China
- University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Yang Fang
- Key Laboratory of Tropical Marine Bio-Resources and Ecology, South China Sea Institute of Oceanology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Guangzhou, China
- University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Qiming Chen
- Key Laboratory of Tropical Marine Bio-Resources and Ecology, South China Sea Institute of Oceanology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Guangzhou, China
- University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Lijun Cui
- Key Laboratory of Tropical Marine Bio-Resources and Ecology, South China Sea Institute of Oceanology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Guangzhou, China
- University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Yunchao Wu
- Key Laboratory of Tropical Marine Bio-Resources and Ecology, South China Sea Institute of Oceanology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Guangzhou, China
- Southern Marine Science and Engineering Guangdong Laboratory, Guangzhou, China
- Innovation Academy of South China Sea Ecology and Environmental Engineering, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Guangzhou, China
| | - Songlin Liu
- Key Laboratory of Tropical Marine Bio-Resources and Ecology, South China Sea Institute of Oceanology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Guangzhou, China
- Southern Marine Science and Engineering Guangdong Laboratory, Guangzhou, China
- Innovation Academy of South China Sea Ecology and Environmental Engineering, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Guangzhou, China
| | - Zhao Chunyu
- College of Resources, Environment and Planning, Dezhou University, Dezhou, China
| | | | - Xiaoping Huang
- Key Laboratory of Tropical Marine Bio-Resources and Ecology, South China Sea Institute of Oceanology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Guangzhou, China
- University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China
- Southern Marine Science and Engineering Guangdong Laboratory, Guangzhou, China
- Innovation Academy of South China Sea Ecology and Environmental Engineering, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Guangzhou, China
- Xiaoping Huang,
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19
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Nguyen HM, Kim M, Ralph PJ, Marín-Guirao L, Pernice M, Procaccini G. Stress Memory in Seagrasses: First Insight Into the Effects of Thermal Priming and the Role of Epigenetic Modifications. FRONTIERS IN PLANT SCIENCE 2020; 11:494. [PMID: 32411166 PMCID: PMC7199800 DOI: 10.3389/fpls.2020.00494] [Citation(s) in RCA: 27] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/06/2020] [Accepted: 04/01/2020] [Indexed: 05/30/2023]
Abstract
While thermal priming and the relative role of epigenetic modifications have been widely studied in terrestrial plants, their roles remain unexplored in seagrasses so far. Here, we experimentally compared the ability of two different functional types of seagrass species, dominant in the Southern hemisphere, climax species Posidonia australis and pioneer species Zostera muelleri, to acquire thermal-stress memory to better survive successive stressful thermal events. To this end, a two-heatwave experimental design was conducted in a mesocosm setup. Findings across levels of biological organization including the molecular (gene expression), physiological (photosynthetic performances and pigments content) and organismal (growth) levels provided the first evidence of thermal priming in seagrasses. Non-preheated plants suffered a significant reduction in photosynthetic capacity, leaf growth and chlorophyll a content, while preheated plants were able to cope better with the recurrent stressful event. Gene expression results demonstrated significant regulation of methylation-related genes in response to thermal stress, suggesting that epigenetic modifications could play a central role in seagrass thermal stress memory. In addition, we revealed some interspecific differences in thermal responses between the two different functional types of seagrass species. These results provide the first insights into thermal priming and relative epigenetic modifications in seagrasses paving the way for more comprehensive forecasting and management of thermal stress in these marine foundation species in an era of rapid environmental change.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Mikael Kim
- Seagrass Ecology Group, Oceanographic Center of Murcia, Spanish Institute of Oceanography, Murcia, Spain
| | - Peter J. Ralph
- Seagrass Ecology Group, Oceanographic Center of Murcia, Spanish Institute of Oceanography, Murcia, Spain
| | - Lázaro Marín-Guirao
- Stazione Zoologica Anton Dohrn, Villa Comunale, Naples, Italy
- Climate Change Cluster (C3), University of Technology Sydney, Sydney, NSW, Australia
| | - Mathieu Pernice
- Seagrass Ecology Group, Oceanographic Center of Murcia, Spanish Institute of Oceanography, Murcia, Spain
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20
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Ruocco M, De Luca P, Marín-Guirao L, Procaccini G. Differential Leaf Age-Dependent Thermal Plasticity in the Keystone Seagrass Posidonia oceanica. FRONTIERS IN PLANT SCIENCE 2019; 10:1556. [PMID: 31850036 PMCID: PMC6900526 DOI: 10.3389/fpls.2019.01556] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/22/2019] [Accepted: 11/07/2019] [Indexed: 05/22/2023]
Abstract
Introduction: Gene-expression patterns and their upstream regulatory mechanisms (e.g. epigenetic) are known to modulate plant acclimatability and thus tolerance to heat stress. Within species, thermal plasticity (i.e. temperature-sensitive phenotypic plasticity) and differential thermo-tolerance are recognized among different genotypes, development stages, organs or tissues. Leaf age and lifespan have been demonstrated to strongly affect photosynthetic thermo-tolerance in terrestrial species, whereas there is no information available for marine plants. Materials and Methods: Here, we investigated how an intense warming event affects molecular and photo-physiological functions in the large-sized seagrass Posidonia oceanica, at fine spatial resolution. Plants were exposed for one week at 34°C in a controlled-mesocosm system. Subsequent variations in the expression of 12 target genes and global DNA methylation level were evaluated in three leaf-age sections (i.e. basal, medium and high) established along the longitudinal axis of youngest, young and fully mature leaves of the shoot. Targeted genes were involved in photosynthesis, chlorophyll biosynthesis, energy dissipation mechanisms, stress response and programmed cell death. Molecular analyses paralleled the assessment of pigment content and photosynthetic performance of the same leaf segments, as well as of plant growth inhibition under acute warming. Results: Our data revealed, for the first time, the presence of variable leaf age-dependent stress-induced epigenetic and gene-expression changes in seagrasses, underlying photo-physiological and growth responses to heat stress. An investment in protective responses and growth arrest was observed in immature tissues; while mature leaf sections displayed a higher ability to offset gene down-regulation, possibly through the involvement of DNA methylation changes, although heat-induced damages were visible at photo-physiological level. Discussion: Overall, mature and young leaf tissues exhibited different strategies to withstand heat stress and thus a variable thermal plasticity. This should be taken in consideration when addressing seagrass response to warming and other stressors, especially in large-sized species, where sharp age differences are present within and among leaves, and other gradients of environmental factors (e.g. light) could be at play. Molecular and physiological evaluations conducted only on adult leaf tissues, as common practice in seagrass research, could give inadequate estimates of the overall plant state, and should not be considered as a proxy for the whole shoot.
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Affiliation(s)
- Miriam Ruocco
- Integrative Marine Ecology Department, Stazione Zoologica Anton Dohrn, Naples, Italy
| | - Pasquale De Luca
- Research Infrastructures for Marine Biological Resources Department, Stazione Zoologica Anton Dohrn, Naples, Italy
| | - Lázaro Marín-Guirao
- Integrative Marine Ecology Department, Stazione Zoologica Anton Dohrn, Naples, Italy
- Seagrass Ecology Group, Oceanographic Center of Murcia, Spanish Institute of Oceanography, San Pedro del Pinatar, Spain
| | - Gabriele Procaccini
- Integrative Marine Ecology Department, Stazione Zoologica Anton Dohrn, Naples, Italy
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21
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Flood PJ. Using natural variation to understand the evolutionary pressures on plant photosynthesis. CURRENT OPINION IN PLANT BIOLOGY 2019; 49:68-73. [PMID: 31284076 DOI: 10.1016/j.pbi.2019.06.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/17/2018] [Revised: 05/23/2019] [Accepted: 06/03/2019] [Indexed: 06/09/2023]
Abstract
Photosynthesis is the gateway of the Sun's energy into the biosphere and the source of the ozone layer; thus it is both provider and protector of life as we know it. Despite its pivotal role we know surprisingly little about the genetic basis of variation in photosynthesis and the selective pressures giving rise to or maintaining this variation. In this review, I will briefly summarise our current knowledge of intraspecific and interspecific variation in photosynthesis to understand the main selective constraints on photosynthesis and what this means for the future of nature and agriculture in a changing world.
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Affiliation(s)
- Pádraic J Flood
- Department of Plant Developmental Biology, Max Planck Institute for Plant Breeding Research, Cologne, Germany.
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22
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Yang XQ, Zhang QS, Zhang D, Feng JX, Zhao W, Liu Z, Tan Y. Interaction of high seawater temperature and light intensity on photosynthetic electron transport of eelgrass (Zostera marina L.). PLANT PHYSIOLOGY AND BIOCHEMISTRY : PPB 2018; 132:453-464. [PMID: 30292162 DOI: 10.1016/j.plaphy.2018.09.032] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/15/2018] [Revised: 09/13/2018] [Accepted: 09/25/2018] [Indexed: 05/25/2023]
Abstract
The interaction of widely recognized causes of eelgrass decline (high seawater temperature and limited light intensity) on photosynthetic electron transport was investigated via chlorophyll fluorescence technique. High seawater temperature combined light intensity significantly increasing the relative maximum electron transport rate (rETRmax); at critical temperature of 30 °C, the rETRmax increased with the enhancement of light intensity, indicating the elevation of overall photosynthetic performance. Based on the magnitude of effect size (η2), light intensity was the predominant factor affecting the performance index (PIABS), indicating that photosystem II (PSII) was sensitive to light intensity. Moreover, the donor side was severely damaged as evidenced by the higher decrease amplitude of fast component and its subsequent incomplete recovery. The reaction center exhibited limited flexibility due to the slight decrease amplitude in maximum photochemical quantum yield. In contrast with PSII, photosystem I (PSI) was more sensitive to high seawater temperature, based on the magnitude of η2 derived from the maximal decrease in slope. High seawater temperature significantly increased PSI activity, plastoquinol reoxidation capacity, and probability for electron transfer to final PSI electron acceptors. Moreover, it combined elevated light intensity significantly stimulated the activity of cyclic electron flow (CEF) around PSI. Higher activity of both PSI and CEF contributed to balancing the linear electron transport via alleviating the over-reduction of the plastoquinone pool, exhibiting flexible regulation of photosynthetic electron transport at critical temperature. Therefore, limited light intensity decreased the tolerance of eelgrass to critical temperature, which might be a factor contributing factor in the observed decline.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiao Qi Yang
- Ocean School, Yantai University, Yantai, 264005, PR China
| | | | - Di Zhang
- Ocean School, Yantai University, Yantai, 264005, PR China
| | - Ji Xing Feng
- Ocean School, Yantai University, Yantai, 264005, PR China
| | - Wei Zhao
- Ocean School, Yantai University, Yantai, 264005, PR China
| | - Zhe Liu
- Ocean School, Yantai University, Yantai, 264005, PR China
| | - Ying Tan
- Ocean School, Yantai University, Yantai, 264005, PR China
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Lin H, Sun T, Zhou Y, Gu R, Zhang X, Yang W. Which Genes in a Typical Intertidal Seagrass ( Zostera japonica) Indicate Copper-, Lead-, and Cadmium Pollution? FRONTIERS IN PLANT SCIENCE 2018; 9:1545. [PMID: 30405676 PMCID: PMC6207952 DOI: 10.3389/fpls.2018.01545] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/30/2017] [Accepted: 10/02/2018] [Indexed: 05/08/2023]
Abstract
Healthy seagrasses are considered a prime indicator of estuarine and coastal ecosystem function; however, as the only group of flowering plants recolonizing the sea, seagrasses are frequently exposed to anthropogenic heavy metal pollutants, which are associated with high levels of molecular damage. To determine whether biologically relevant concentrations of heavy metals cause systematic alterations in RNA expression patterns, we performed a gene expression study using transcriptome analyses (RNA-seq). We exposed the typical intertidal seagrass Zostera japonica to 0 and 50 μM of copper (Cu), lead (Pb), and cadmium (Cd) under laboratory conditions. A total of 18,266 differentially expressed genes (DEGs) were identified, of which 2001 co-expressed genes directly related by Cu, Pb, and Cd stress. We also examined the effects of short-term heavy metal Cu, Pb, and Cd pulses on the accumulation of metals in Z. japonica and showed metal concentrations were higher in the shoots than in roots. Twelve differentially expressed genes were further analyzed for expression differences using real-time quantitative polymerase chain reaction (RT-qPCR). Our data suggest that as coastal seawater pollution worsens, the sensitive genes identified in this study may be useful biomarkers of sublethal effects and provide fundamental information for Z. japonica resistant gene engineering.
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Affiliation(s)
- Haiying Lin
- State Key Laboratory of Water Environment Simulation, School of Environment, Beijing Normal University, Beijing, China
| | - Tao Sun
- State Key Laboratory of Water Environment Simulation, School of Environment, Beijing Normal University, Beijing, China
| | - Yi Zhou
- Key Laboratory of Marine Ecology and Environmental Sciences, Institute of Oceanology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Qingdao, China
| | - Ruiting Gu
- Key Laboratory of Marine Ecology and Environmental Sciences, Institute of Oceanology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Qingdao, China
| | - Xiaomei Zhang
- Key Laboratory of Marine Ecology and Environmental Sciences, Institute of Oceanology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Qingdao, China
| | - Wei Yang
- State Key Laboratory of Water Environment Simulation, School of Environment, Beijing Normal University, Beijing, China
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Schubert N, Freitas C, Silva A, Costa MM, Barrote I, Horta PA, Rodrigues AC, Santos R, Silva J. Photoacclimation strategies in northeastern Atlantic seagrasses: Integrating responses across plant organizational levels. Sci Rep 2018; 8:14825. [PMID: 30287907 PMCID: PMC6172194 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-018-33259-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/05/2018] [Accepted: 09/18/2018] [Indexed: 01/01/2023] Open
Abstract
Seagrasses live in highly variable light environments and adjust to these variations by expressing acclimatory responses at different plant organizational levels (meadow, shoot, leaf and chloroplast level). Yet, comparative studies, to identify species' strategies, and integration of the relative importance of photoacclimatory adjustments at different levels are still missing. The variation in photoacclimatory responses at the chloroplast and leaf level were studied along individual leaves of Cymodocea nodosa, Zostera marina and Z. noltei, including measurements of variable chlorophyll fluorescence, photosynthesis, photoprotective capacities, non-photochemical quenching and D1-protein repair, and assessments of variation in leaf anatomy and chloroplast distribution. Our results show that the slower-growing C. nodosa expressed rather limited physiological and biochemical adjustments in response to light availability, while both species of faster-growing Zostera showed high variability along the leaves. In contrast, the inverse pattern was found for leaf anatomical adjustments in response to light availability, which were more pronounced in C. nodosa. This integrative plant organizational level approach shows that seagrasses differ in their photoacclimatory strategies and that these are linked to the species' life history strategies, information that will be critical for predicting the responses of seagrasses to disturbances and to accordingly develop adequate management strategies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nadine Schubert
- Programa de Pós-graduação em Oceanografia, Centro de Ciências Físicas e Matemáticas, Universidade Federal de Santa Catarina, Campus Trindade, Florianópolis, Brazil.
| | - Cátia Freitas
- CCMAR - Centre of Marine Sciences, University of Algarve, Campus Gambelas, 8005-139, Faro, Portugal
| | - André Silva
- CCMAR - Centre of Marine Sciences, University of Algarve, Campus Gambelas, 8005-139, Faro, Portugal
| | - Monya M Costa
- CCMAR - Centre of Marine Sciences, University of Algarve, Campus Gambelas, 8005-139, Faro, Portugal
| | - Isabel Barrote
- CCMAR - Centre of Marine Sciences, University of Algarve, Campus Gambelas, 8005-139, Faro, Portugal
| | - Paulo A Horta
- Departamento de Botânica, Centro de Ciências Biológicas, Universidade Federal de Santa Catarina, Campus Trindade, Florianópolis, Brazil
| | - Ana Claudia Rodrigues
- Departamento de Botânica, Centro de Ciências Biológicas, Universidade Federal de Santa Catarina, Campus Trindade, Florianópolis, Brazil
| | - Rui Santos
- CCMAR - Centre of Marine Sciences, University of Algarve, Campus Gambelas, 8005-139, Faro, Portugal
| | - João Silva
- CCMAR - Centre of Marine Sciences, University of Algarve, Campus Gambelas, 8005-139, Faro, Portugal
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25
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Molecular level responses to chronic versus pulse nutrient loading in the seagrass Posidonia oceanica undergoing herbivore pressure. Oecologia 2018; 188:23-39. [PMID: 29845353 DOI: 10.1007/s00442-018-4172-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/21/2017] [Accepted: 05/20/2018] [Indexed: 12/31/2022]
Abstract
Seagrasses are key marine foundation species, currently declining due to the compounded action of global and regional anthropogenic stressors. Eutrophication has been associated with seagrass decline, while grazing has been traditionally considered to be a natural disturbance with a relatively low impact on seagrasses. In the recent years, this assumption has been revisited. Here, by means of a 16-month field-experiment, we investigated the molecular mechanisms driving the long-term response of Posidonia oceanica to the combination of nutrient enrichment, either as a chronic (press) or pulse disturbance, and herbivory. Changes in expression levels of 19 target genes involved in key steps of photosynthesis, nutrient assimilation, chlorophyll metabolism, oxidative-stress response and plant defense were evaluated through reverse transcription-quantitative polymerase chain reaction (RT-qPCR). High herbivore pressure affected the molecular response of P. oceanica more dramatically than did enhanced nutrient levels, altering the expression of genes involved in plant tolerance and resistance traits, such as photosynthesis and defense mechanisms. Genes involved in carbon fixation and N assimilation modulated the response of plants to high nutrient levels. Availability of resources seems to modify P. oceanica response to herbivory, where the upregulation of a nitrate transporter gene was accompanied by the decline in the expression of nitrate reductase in the leaves, suggesting a change in plant-nutrient allocation strategy. Finally, press and pulse fertilizations altered nitrate uptake and reduction-related genes in opposite ways, suggesting that taking into account the temporal regime of nutrient loading is important to assess the physiological response of seagrasses to eutrophication.
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26
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Davey PA, Pernice M, Ashworth J, Kuzhiumparambil U, Szabó M, Dolferus R, Ralph PJ. A new mechanistic understanding of light-limitation in the seagrass Zostera muelleri. MARINE ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH 2018; 134:55-67. [PMID: 29307464 DOI: 10.1016/j.marenvres.2017.12.012] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/15/2017] [Revised: 11/12/2017] [Accepted: 12/17/2017] [Indexed: 05/28/2023]
Abstract
In this study we investigated the effect of light-limitation (∼20 μmol photons m-2 s-1) on the southern hemisphere seagrass, Zostera muelleri. RNA sequencing, chlorophyll fluorometry and HPLC techniques were used to investigate how the leaf-specific transcriptome drives changes in photosynthesis and photo-pigments in Z. muelleri over 6 days. 1593 (7.51%) genes were differentially expressed on day 2 and 1481 (6.98%) genes were differentially expressed on day 6 of the experiment. Differential gene expression correlated with significant decreases in rETRMax, Ik, an increase in Yi (initial photosynthetic quantum yield of photosystem II), and significant changes in pigment composition. Regulation of carbohydrate metabolism was observed along with evidence that abscisic acid may serve a role in the low-light response of this seagrass. This study provides a novel understanding of how Z. muelleri responds to light-limitation in the marine water column and provides potential molecular markers for future conservation monitoring efforts.
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Affiliation(s)
- Peter A Davey
- Climate Change Cluster, University of Technology Sydney, NSW, Australia; Centre for Tropical Water and Aquatic Ecosystem Research (TropWater), James Cook University, Cairns, QLD, Australia.
| | - Mathieu Pernice
- Climate Change Cluster, University of Technology Sydney, NSW, Australia
| | - Justin Ashworth
- Climate Change Cluster, University of Technology Sydney, NSW, Australia
| | | | - Milán Szabó
- Climate Change Cluster, University of Technology Sydney, NSW, Australia
| | - Rudy Dolferus
- CSIRO Agriculture and Food, Black Mountain, Canberra, ACT, Australia
| | - Peter J Ralph
- Climate Change Cluster, University of Technology Sydney, NSW, Australia
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27
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Sablok G, Hayward RJ, Davey PA, Santos RP, Schliep M, Larkum A, Pernice M, Dolferus R, Ralph PJ. SeagrassDB: An open-source transcriptomics landscape for phylogenetically profiled seagrasses and aquatic plants. Sci Rep 2018; 8:2749. [PMID: 29426939 PMCID: PMC5807536 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-017-18782-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/12/2017] [Accepted: 12/11/2017] [Indexed: 12/04/2022] Open
Abstract
Seagrasses and aquatic plants are important clades of higher plants, significant for carbon sequestration and marine ecological restoration. They are valuable in the sense that they allow us to understand how plants have developed traits to adapt to high salinity and photosynthetically challenged environments. Here, we present a large-scale phylogenetically profiled transcriptomics repository covering seagrasses and aquatic plants. SeagrassDB encompasses a total of 1,052,262 unigenes with a minimum and maximum contig length of 8,831 bp and 16,705 bp respectively. SeagrassDB provides access to 34,455 transcription factors, 470,568 PFAM domains, 382,528 prosite models and 482,121 InterPro domains across 9 species. SeagrassDB allows for the comparative gene mining using BLAST-based approaches and subsequent unigenes sequence retrieval with associated features such as expression (FPKM values), gene ontologies, functional assignments, family level classification, Interpro domains, KEGG orthology (KO), transcription factors and prosite information. SeagrassDB is available to the scientific community for exploring the functional genic landscape of seagrass and aquatic plants at: http://115.146.91.129/index.php.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gaurav Sablok
- Climate Change Cluster (C3), University of Technology Sydney, PO Box 123 Broadway, NSW 2007, Australia.
| | - Regan J Hayward
- Climate Change Cluster (C3), University of Technology Sydney, PO Box 123 Broadway, NSW 2007, Australia
| | - Peter A Davey
- Climate Change Cluster (C3), University of Technology Sydney, PO Box 123 Broadway, NSW 2007, Australia
| | - Rosiane P Santos
- Laboratório de Recursos Genéticos, Universidade Federal de São João Del-Rei, Campus CTAN, São João Del Rei, Minas Gerais, 36307-352, Brazil
| | - Martin Schliep
- Climate Change Cluster (C3), University of Technology Sydney, PO Box 123 Broadway, NSW 2007, Australia
| | - Anthony Larkum
- Climate Change Cluster (C3), University of Technology Sydney, PO Box 123 Broadway, NSW 2007, Australia
| | - Mathieu Pernice
- Climate Change Cluster (C3), University of Technology Sydney, PO Box 123 Broadway, NSW 2007, Australia
| | - Rudy Dolferus
- CSIRO Agriculture and Food, GPO Box 1700, Canberra, ACT 2601, Australia
| | - Peter J Ralph
- Climate Change Cluster (C3), University of Technology Sydney, PO Box 123 Broadway, NSW 2007, Australia.
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28
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Ceccherelli G, Oliva S, Pinna S, Piazzi L, Procaccini G, Marin-Guirao L, Dattolo E, Gallia R, La Manna G, Gennaro P, Costa MM, Barrote I, Silva J, Bulleri F. Seagrass collapse due to synergistic stressors is not anticipated by phenological changes. Oecologia 2018; 186:1137-1152. [PMID: 29357032 DOI: 10.1007/s00442-018-4075-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 30] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/22/2017] [Accepted: 01/03/2018] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Abstract
Seagrasses are globally declining and often their loss is due to synergies among stressors. We investigated the interactive effects of eutrophication and burial on the Mediterranean seagrass, Posidonia oceanica. A field experiment was conducted to estimate whether shoot survival depends on the interactive effects of three levels of intensity of both stressors and to identify early changes in plants (i.e., morphological, physiological and biochemical, and expression of stress-related genes) that may serve to detect signals of imminent shoot density collapse. Sediment burial and nutrient enrichment produced interactive effects on P. oceanica shoot survival, as high nutrient levels had the potential to accelerate the regression of the seagrass exposed to high burial (HB). After 11 weeks, HB in combination with either high or medium nutrient enrichment caused a shoot loss of about 60%. Changes in morphology were poor predictors of the seagrass decline. Likewise, few biochemical variables were associated with P. oceanica survival (the phenolics, ORAC and leaf δ34S). In contrast, the expression of target genes had the highest correlation with plant survival: photosynthetic genes (ATPa, psbD and psbA) were up-regulated in response to high burial, while carbon metabolism genes (CA-chl, PGK and GADPH) were down-regulated. Therefore, die-offs due to high sedimentation rate in eutrophic areas can only be anticipated by altered expression of stress-related genes that may warn the imminent seagrass collapse. Management of local stressors, such as nutrient pollution, may enhance seagrass resilience in the face of the intensification of extreme climate events, such as floods.
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Affiliation(s)
- Giulia Ceccherelli
- Dipartimento di Scienze della Natura e del Territorio, Polo Bionaturalistico, University of Sassari, Via Piandanna 4, 07100, Sassari, Italy.
| | - Silvia Oliva
- Dipartimento di Scienze della Natura e del Territorio, Polo Bionaturalistico, University of Sassari, Via Piandanna 4, 07100, Sassari, Italy
| | - Stefania Pinna
- Dipartimento di Scienze della Natura e del Territorio, Polo Bionaturalistico, University of Sassari, Via Piandanna 4, 07100, Sassari, Italy
| | - Luigi Piazzi
- Dipartimento di Scienze della Natura e del Territorio, Polo Bionaturalistico, University of Sassari, Via Piandanna 4, 07100, Sassari, Italy
| | | | | | | | - Roberto Gallia
- Stazione Zoologica Anton Dohrn, Villa Comunale, Naples, Italy
| | - Gabriella La Manna
- Dipartimento di Scienze della Natura e del Territorio, Polo Bionaturalistico, University of Sassari, Via Piandanna 4, 07100, Sassari, Italy.,MareTerra - Environmental Research and Conservation, Regione Sa Londra 9, Alghero, SS, Italy
| | - Paola Gennaro
- Italian National Institute for Environmental Protection and Research (ISPRA), via di Castel Romano 100, Rome, Italy
| | - Monya M Costa
- CCMAR - Centre of Marine Sciences, University of Algarve, Faro, Portugal
| | - Isabel Barrote
- CCMAR - Centre of Marine Sciences, University of Algarve, Faro, Portugal
| | - João Silva
- CCMAR - Centre of Marine Sciences, University of Algarve, Faro, Portugal
| | - Fabio Bulleri
- Department of Biology, University of Pisa, Via Derna 1, Pisa, Italy
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29
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Tutar O, Marín-Guirao L, Ruiz JM, Procaccini G. Antioxidant response to heat stress in seagrasses. A gene expression study. MARINE ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH 2017; 132:94-102. [PMID: 29126631 DOI: 10.1016/j.marenvres.2017.10.011] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/19/2017] [Revised: 10/16/2017] [Accepted: 10/22/2017] [Indexed: 05/03/2023]
Abstract
Seawater warming associated to the ongoing climate change threatens functioning and survival of keystone coastal benthic species such as seagrasses. Under elevated temperatures, the production of reactive oxygen species (ROS) is increased and plants must activate their antioxidant defense mechanisms to protect themselves from oxidative damage. Here we explore from a molecular perspective the ability of Mediterranean seagrasses to activate heat stress response mechanisms, with particular focus on antioxidants. The level of expression of targeted genes was analyzed in shallow and deep plants of the species Posidonia oceanica and in shallow plants of Cymodocea nodosa along an acute heat exposure of several days and after recovery. The overall gene expression response of P. oceanica was more intense and complete than in C. nodosa and reflected a higher oxidative stress level during the experimental heat exposure. The strong activation of genes with chaperone activity (heat shock proteins and a luminal binding protein) just in P. oceanica plants, suggested the higher sensitivity of the species to increased temperatures. In spite of the interspecific differences, genes from the superoxide dismutase (SOD) family seem to play a pivotal role in the thermal stress response of Mediterranean seagrasses as previously reported for other marine plant species. Shallow and deep P. oceanica ecotypes showed a different timing of response to heat. Shallow plants early responded to heat and after a few days relaxed their response which suggests a successful early metabolic adjustment. The response of deep plants was delayed and their recovery incomplete evidencing a lower resilience to heat in respect to shallow ecotypes. Moreover, shallow ecotypes showed some degree of pre-adaptation to heat as most analyzed genes showed higher constitutive expression levels than in deep ecotypes. The recurrent exposure of shallow plants to elevated summer temperatures has likely endowed them with a higher basal level of antioxidant defense and a faster responsiveness to warming than deep plants. Our findings match with previous physiological studies and supported the idea that warming will differently impact Mediterranean seagrass meadows depending on the species as well as on the depth (i.e. thermal regimen) at which the meadow grows. The increase in the incidence of summer heat waves could therefore produce a significant change in the distribution and composition of Mediterranean seagrass meadows with considerable consequences for the functioning of the whole ecosystem and for the socio-economic services that these ecosystems offer to the riverine populations.
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Affiliation(s)
- O Tutar
- Integrative Marine Ecology, Stazione Zoologica Anton Dohrn, Villa Comunale, 80121 Napoli, Italy; Department of Earth and Environmental Sciences, University Milano-Bicocca, Piazza della Scienza, 4-20126 Milano, Italy
| | - L Marín-Guirao
- Integrative Marine Ecology, Stazione Zoologica Anton Dohrn, Villa Comunale, 80121 Napoli, Italy.
| | - J M Ruiz
- Seagrass Ecology Group, Oceanographic Center of Murcia, Spanish Institute of Oceanography, C/ Varadero, 30740 San Pedro del Pinatar, Murcia, Spain
| | - G Procaccini
- Integrative Marine Ecology, Stazione Zoologica Anton Dohrn, Villa Comunale, 80121 Napoli, Italy
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30
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Ravaglioli C, Lauritano C, Buia MC, Balestri E, Capocchi A, Fontanini D, Pardi G, Tamburello L, Procaccini G, Bulleri F. Nutrient Loading Fosters Seagrass Productivity Under Ocean Acidification. Sci Rep 2017; 7:13732. [PMID: 29062025 PMCID: PMC5653774 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-017-14075-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/06/2017] [Accepted: 09/20/2017] [Indexed: 12/04/2022] Open
Abstract
The effects of climate change are likely to be dependent on local settings. Nonetheless, the compounded effects of global and regional stressors remain poorly understood. Here, we used CO2 vents to assess how the effects of ocean acidification on the seagrass, Posidonia oceanica, and the associated epiphytic community can be modified by enhanced nutrient loading. P. oceanica at ambient and low pH sites was exposed to three nutrient levels for 16 months. The response of P. oceanica to experimental conditions was assessed by combining analyses of gene expression, plant growth, photosynthetic pigments and epiphyte loading. At low pH, nutrient addition fostered plant growth and the synthesis of photosynthetic pigments. Overexpression of nitrogen transporter genes following nutrient additions at low pH suggests enhanced nutrient uptake by the plant. In addition, enhanced nutrient levels reduced the expression of selected antioxidant genes in plants exposed to low pH and increased epiphyte cover at both ambient and low pH. Our results show that the effects of ocean acidification on P. oceanica depend upon local nutrient concentration. More generally, our findings suggest that taking into account local environmental settings will be crucial to advance our understanding of the effects of global stressors on marine systems.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chiara Ravaglioli
- Dipartimento di Biologia, Università di Pisa, CoNISMa, Via Derna, 1, 56126 Pisa, Italy.
| | - Chiara Lauritano
- Stazione Zoologica Anton Dohrn, Villa Comunale, 80121, Napoli, Italy
| | | | - Elena Balestri
- Dipartimento di Biologia, Università di Pisa, CoNISMa, Via Derna, 1, 56126 Pisa, Italy
| | - Antonella Capocchi
- Dipartimento di Biologia, Università di Pisa, CoNISMa, Via Derna, 1, 56126 Pisa, Italy
| | - Debora Fontanini
- Dipartimento di Biologia, Università di Pisa, CoNISMa, Via Derna, 1, 56126 Pisa, Italy
| | - Giuseppina Pardi
- Dipartimento di Biologia, Università di Pisa, CoNISMa, Via Derna, 1, 56126 Pisa, Italy
| | - Laura Tamburello
- Dipartimento di Biologia, Università di Pisa, CoNISMa, Via Derna, 1, 56126 Pisa, Italy.,CoNISMa, Piazzale Flaminio, 9, 00196, Roma, Italy
| | | | - Fabio Bulleri
- Dipartimento di Biologia, Università di Pisa, CoNISMa, Via Derna, 1, 56126 Pisa, Italy
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31
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Ruocco M, Musacchia F, Olivé I, Costa MM, Barrote I, Santos R, Sanges R, Procaccini G, Silva J. Genomewide transcriptional reprogramming in the seagrass Cymodocea nodosa under experimental ocean acidification. Mol Ecol 2017; 26:4241-4259. [PMID: 28614601 DOI: 10.1111/mec.14204] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/06/2017] [Revised: 05/18/2017] [Accepted: 05/30/2017] [Indexed: 12/29/2022]
Abstract
Here, we report the first use of massive-scale RNA-sequencing to explore seagrass response to CO2 -driven ocean acidification (OA). Large-scale gene expression changes in the seagrass Cymodocea nodosa occurred at CO2 levels projected by the end of the century. C. nodosa transcriptome was obtained using Illumina RNA-Seq technology and de novo assembly, and differential gene expression was explored in plants exposed to short-term high CO2 /low pH conditions. At high pCO2 , there was a significant increased expression of transcripts associated with photosynthesis, including light reaction functions and CO2 fixation, and also to respiratory pathways, specifically for enzymes involved in glycolysis, in the tricarboxylic acid cycle and in the energy metabolism of the mitochondrial electron transport. The upregulation of respiratory metabolism is probably supported by the increased availability of photosynthates and increased energy demand for biosynthesis and stress-related processes under elevated CO2 and low pH. The upregulation of several chaperones resembling heat stress-induced changes in gene expression highlighted the positive role these proteins play in tolerance to intracellular acid stress in seagrasses. OA further modifies C. nodosa secondary metabolism inducing the transcription of enzymes related to biosynthesis of carbon-based secondary compounds, in particular the synthesis of polyphenols and isoprenoid compounds that have a variety of biological functions including plant defence. By demonstrating which physiological processes are most sensitive to OA, this research provides a major advance in the understanding of seagrass metabolism in the context of altered seawater chemistry from global climate change.
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Affiliation(s)
- Miriam Ruocco
- CCMar-Centre of Marine Sciences, University of Algarve, Faro, Portugal
| | | | - Irene Olivé
- CCMar-Centre of Marine Sciences, University of Algarve, Faro, Portugal
| | - Monya M Costa
- CCMar-Centre of Marine Sciences, University of Algarve, Faro, Portugal
| | - Isabel Barrote
- CCMar-Centre of Marine Sciences, University of Algarve, Faro, Portugal
| | - Rui Santos
- CCMar-Centre of Marine Sciences, University of Algarve, Faro, Portugal
| | - Remo Sanges
- Stazione Zoologica Anton Dohrn, Villa Comunale, Naples, Italy
| | | | - João Silva
- CCMar-Centre of Marine Sciences, University of Algarve, Faro, Portugal
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Balestri E, Vallerini F, Lardicci C. Recruitment and Patch Establishment by Seed in the Seagrass Posidonia oceanica: Importance and Conservation Implications. FRONTIERS IN PLANT SCIENCE 2017; 8:1067. [PMID: 28670323 PMCID: PMC5472673 DOI: 10.3389/fpls.2017.01067] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/20/2017] [Accepted: 06/02/2017] [Indexed: 05/30/2023]
Abstract
Seagrasses are declining globally, and deeper understanding is needed on the recruitment potential and distribution of new populations for many threatened species to support conservation planning in the face of climate change. Recruitment of Posidonia oceanica, a threatened seagrass endemic to the Mediterranean, has long been considered rare due to infrequent flowering, but mounting evidence demonstrates that the species is responding to a changing climate through greater reproductive effort. Due to the fragmentary information on recruit occurrence and distribution, little is known about reproductive success in the species and its contribution to persistence. We assembled P. oceanica recruitment data from published and unpublished sources, including our own, to examine the frequency and extent of recruitment events (establishment of seedlings in a site), seedling growth potential and habitat characteristics at recruitment sites. Results show that at least one recruitment event has occurred about every 3 years, and 18 localities were colonized at least one time since the first seedling record in 1986. Notably, consistently high seedling inputs were observed in four localities of the Western Mediterranean. Seedlings established mainly on unoccupied substrate areas along the coasts of islands, in sheltered sites and at shallower depths (<3 m) than the upper limit of adjacent P. oceanica meadows. Seedling establishment occurred more frequently on rocky than on sandy substrate, and rarely on dead "matte" or meadows of the seagrass Cymodocea nodosa. The chance of colonization success on rock was two times higher than on sand. Our 11 years of observations have allowed for the first time the documentation of the formation and development of patches by P. oceanica seed. These findings contradict the historical assumption that sexual recruitment is rare and usually unsuccessful for P. oceanica, and highlight the potential importance of recruitment for the long-term persistence and adaptation of the species to sea level rise predicted in the next century in the Mediterranean. Unfortunately, management actions have mainly focused on established meadows, ignoring the presence of recruits in outside areas. Therefore, it will be useful to identify and consider regeneration sites in designing future management strategies to improve seagrass conservation effectiveness.
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Larkum AWD, Davey PA, Kuo J, Ralph PJ, Raven JA. Carbon-concentrating mechanisms in seagrasses. JOURNAL OF EXPERIMENTAL BOTANY 2017; 68:3773-3784. [PMID: 28911056 DOI: 10.1093/jxb/erx206] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/07/2023]
Abstract
Seagrasses are unique angiosperms that carry out growth and reproduction submerged in seawater. They occur in at least three families of the Alismatales. All have chloroplasts mainly in the cells of the epidermis. Living in seawater, the supply of inorganic carbon (Ci) to the chloroplasts is diffusion limited, especially under unstirred conditions. Therefore, the supply of CO2 and bicarbonate across the diffusive boundary layer on the outer side of the epidermis is often a limiting factor. Here we discuss the evidence for mechanisms that enhance the uptake of Ci into the epidermal cells. Since bicarbonate is plentiful in seawater, a bicarbonate pump might be expected; however, the evidence for such a pump is not strongly supported. There is evidence for a carbonic anhydrase outside the outer plasmalemma. This, together with evidence for an outward proton pump, suggests the possibility that local acidification leads to enhanced concentrations of CO2 adjacent to the outer tangential epidermal walls, which enhances the uptake of CO2, and this could be followed by a carbon-concentrating mechanism (CCM) in the cytoplasm and/or chloroplasts. The lines of evidence for such an epidermal CCM are discussed, including evidence for special 'transfer cells' in some but not all seagrass leaves in the tangential inner walls of the epidermal cells. It is concluded that seagrasses have a CCM but that the case for concentration of CO2 at the site of Rubisco carboxylation is not proven.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anthony William D Larkum
- Plant Functional Biology and Global Climate Change Cluster, University of Technology Sydney, NSW 2009, Australia
| | - Peter A Davey
- Plant Functional Biology and Global Climate Change Cluster, University of Technology Sydney, NSW 2009, Australia
| | - John Kuo
- Electron Microscope Centre, University of Western Australia, WA 6900, Australia
| | - Peter J Ralph
- Plant Functional Biology and Global Climate Change Cluster, University of Technology Sydney, NSW 2009, Australia
| | - John A Raven
- Plant Functional Biology and Global Climate Change Cluster, University of Technology Sydney, NSW 2009, Australia
- University of Dundee at JHI, Invergowrie, Dundee, UK
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Rasmusson LM, Lauritano C, Procaccini G, Gullström M, Buapet P, Björk M. Respiratory oxygen consumption in the seagrass Zostera marina varies on a diel basis and is partly affected by light. MARINE BIOLOGY 2017; 164:140. [PMID: 28596620 PMCID: PMC5446554 DOI: 10.1007/s00227-017-3168-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/10/2016] [Accepted: 05/17/2017] [Indexed: 06/07/2023]
Abstract
The seagrass Zostera marina is an important marine ecosystem engineer, greatly influencing oxygen and carbon fluctuations in temperate coastal areas. Although photosynthetically driven gas fluxes are well studied, the impact of the plant's mitochondrial respiration on overall CO2 and O2 fluxes in marine vegetated areas is not yet understood. Likewise, the gene expression in relation to the respiratory pathway has not been well analyzed in seagrasses. This study uses a combined approach, studying respiratory oxygen consumption rates in darkness simultaneously with changes in gene expression, with the aim of examining how respiratory oxygen consumption fluctuates on a diel basis. Measurements were first made in a field study where samples were taken directly from the ocean to the laboratory for estimations of respiratory rates. This was followed by a laboratory study where measurements of respiration and expression of genes known to be involved in mitochondrial respiration were conducted for 5 days under light conditions mimicking natural summer light (i.e., 15 h of light and 9 h of darkness), followed by 3 days of constant darkness to detect the presence of a potential circadian clock. In the field study, there was a clear diel variation in respiratory oxygen consumption with the highest rates in the late evening and at night (0.766 and 0.869 µmol O2 m-2 s-1, respectively). These repetitive diel patterns were not seen in the laboratory, where water conditions (temperature, pH, and oxygen) showed minor fluctuations and only light varied. The gene expression analysis did not give clear evidence on drivers behind the respiratory fluxes; however, expression levels of the selected genes generally increased when the seagrass was kept in constant darkness. While light may influence mitochondrial respiratory fluxes, it appears that other environmental factors (e.g., temperature, pH, or oxygen) could be of significance too. As seagrasses substantially alter the proportions of both oxygen and inorganic carbon in the water column and respiration is a great driver of these alterations, we propose that acknowledging the presence of respiratory fluctuations in nature should be considered when estimating coastal carbon budgets. As dark respiration in field at midnight was approximately doubled from that of midday, great over-, or underestimations of the respiratory carbon dioxide release from seagrasses could be made if values are just obtained at one specific time point and considered constant.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lina M. Rasmusson
- Seagrass Ecology and Physiology Research Group, Department of Ecology, Environment and Plant Sciences, Stockholm University, SE-106 91 Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Chiara Lauritano
- Department of Integrative Marine Ecology, Stazione Zoologica Anton Dohrn, Villa Comunale, 80121 Naples, Italy
| | - Gabriele Procaccini
- Department of Integrative Marine Ecology, Stazione Zoologica Anton Dohrn, Villa Comunale, 80121 Naples, Italy
| | - Martin Gullström
- Seagrass Ecology and Physiology Research Group, Department of Ecology, Environment and Plant Sciences, Stockholm University, SE-106 91 Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Pimchanok Buapet
- Seagrass Ecology and Physiology Research Group, Department of Ecology, Environment and Plant Sciences, Stockholm University, SE-106 91 Stockholm, Sweden
- Department of Biology, Faculty of Science, Prince of Songkla University, Hat Yai, Songkhla 90112 Thailand
| | - Mats Björk
- Seagrass Ecology and Physiology Research Group, Department of Ecology, Environment and Plant Sciences, Stockholm University, SE-106 91 Stockholm, Sweden
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Depth-specific fluctuations of gene expression and protein abundance modulate the photophysiology in the seagrass Posidonia oceanica. Sci Rep 2017; 7:42890. [PMID: 28211527 PMCID: PMC5314359 DOI: 10.1038/srep42890] [Citation(s) in RCA: 41] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/14/2016] [Accepted: 01/16/2017] [Indexed: 12/29/2022] Open
Abstract
Here we present the results of a multiple organizational level analysis conceived to identify acclimative/adaptive strategies exhibited by the seagrass Posidonia oceanica to the daily fluctuations in the light environment, at contrasting depths. We assessed changes in photophysiological parameters, leaf respiration, pigments, and protein and mRNA expression levels. The results show that the diel oscillations of P. oceanica photophysiological and respiratory responses were related to transcripts and proteins expression of the genes involved in those processes and that there was a response asynchrony between shallow and deep plants probably caused by the strong differences in the light environment. The photochemical pathway of energy use was more effective in shallow plants due to higher light availability, but these plants needed more investment in photoprotection and photorepair, requiring higher translation and protein synthesis than deep plants. The genetic differentiation between deep and shallow stands suggests the existence of locally adapted genotypes to contrasting light environments. The depth-specific diel rhythms of photosynthetic and respiratory processes, from molecular to physiological levels, must be considered in the management and conservation of these key coastal ecosystems.
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Olivé I, Silva J, Lauritano C, Costa MM, Ruocco M, Procaccini G, Santos R. Linking gene expression to productivity to unravel long- and short-term responses of seagrasses exposed to CO 2 in volcanic vents. Sci Rep 2017; 7:42278. [PMID: 28205566 PMCID: PMC5304229 DOI: 10.1038/srep42278] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/08/2016] [Accepted: 01/09/2017] [Indexed: 11/09/2022] Open
Abstract
Ocean acidification is a major threat for marine life but seagrasses are expected to benefit from high CO2. In situ (long-term) and transplanted (short-term) plant incubations of the seagrass Cymodocea nodosa were performed near and away the influence of volcanic CO2 vents at Vulcano Island to test the hypothesis of beneficial effects of CO2 on plant productivity. We relate, for the first time, the expression of photosynthetic, antioxidant and metal detoxification-related genes to net plant productivity (NPP). Results revealed a consistent pattern between gene expression and productivity indicating water origin as the main source of variability. However, the hypothesised beneficial effect of high CO2 around vents was not supported. We observed a consistent long- and short-term pattern of gene down-regulation and 2.5-fold NPP decrease in plants incubated in water from the vents and a generalized up-regulation and NPP increase in plants from the vent site incubated with water from the Reference site. Contrastingly, NPP of specimens experimentally exposed to a CO2 range significantly correlated with CO2 availability. The down-regulation of metal-related genes in C. nodosa leaves exposed to water from the venting site suggests that other factors than heavy metals, may be at play at Vulcano confounding the CO2 effects.
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Affiliation(s)
- Irene Olivé
- CCMar-Centre of Marine Sciences, ALGAE - Marine Plant Ecology Research Group. Universidade do Algarve, Campus de Gambelas, 8005-139 Faro, Portugal
| | - João Silva
- CCMar-Centre of Marine Sciences, ALGAE - Marine Plant Ecology Research Group. Universidade do Algarve, Campus de Gambelas, 8005-139 Faro, Portugal
| | - Chiara Lauritano
- Stazione Zoologica Anton Dohrn, Villa Comunale, 80121, Napoli, Italy
| | - Monya M Costa
- CCMar-Centre of Marine Sciences, ALGAE - Marine Plant Ecology Research Group. Universidade do Algarve, Campus de Gambelas, 8005-139 Faro, Portugal
| | - Miriam Ruocco
- Stazione Zoologica Anton Dohrn, Villa Comunale, 80121, Napoli, Italy
| | | | - Rui Santos
- CCMar-Centre of Marine Sciences, ALGAE - Marine Plant Ecology Research Group. Universidade do Algarve, Campus de Gambelas, 8005-139 Faro, Portugal
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Marine genomics: News and views. Mar Genomics 2017; 31:1-8. [DOI: 10.1016/j.margen.2016.09.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/01/2016] [Revised: 09/08/2016] [Accepted: 09/09/2016] [Indexed: 11/23/2022]
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Dattolo E, Marín-Guirao L, Ruiz JM, Procaccini G. Long-term acclimation to reciprocal light conditions suggests depth-related selection in the marine foundation species Posidonia oceanica. Ecol Evol 2017; 7:1148-1164. [PMID: 28303185 PMCID: PMC5306012 DOI: 10.1002/ece3.2731] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/09/2016] [Revised: 11/24/2016] [Accepted: 12/18/2016] [Indexed: 01/09/2023] Open
Abstract
Phenotypic differences among populations of the same species reflect selective responses to ecological gradients produced by variations in abiotic and biotic factors. Moreover, they can also originate from genetic differences among populations, due to a reduced gene flow. In this study, we examined the extent of differences in photo‐acclimative traits of Posidonia oceanica (L.) Delile clones collected above and below the summer thermocline (i.e., −5 and −25 m) in a continuous population extending along the water depth gradient. During a reciprocal light exposure and subsequent recovery in mesocosms, we assessed degree of phenotypic plasticity and local adaptation of plants collected at different depths, by measuring changes in several traits, such as gene expression of target genes, photo‐physiological features, and other fitness‐related traits (i.e., plant morphology, growth, and mortality rates). Samples were also genotyped, using microsatellite markers, in order to evaluate the genetic divergence among plants of the two depths. Measures collected during the study have shown a various degree of phenotypic changes among traits and experimental groups, the amount of phenotypic changes observed was also dependent on the type of light environments considered. Overall plants collected at different depths seem to be able to acclimate to reciprocal light conditions in the experimental time frame, through morphological changes and phenotypic buffering, supported by the plastic regulation of a reduced number of genes. Multivariate analyses indicated that plants cluster better on the base of their depth origin rather than the experimental light conditions applied. The two groups were genetically distinct, but the patterns of phenotypic divergence observed during the experiment support the hypothesis that ecological selection can play a role in the adaptive divergence of P. oceanica clones along the depth gradient.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Juan M Ruiz
- Instituto Español de Oceanografía (IEO) San Pedro del Pinatar Murcia Spain
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Marín-Guirao L, Entrambasaguas L, Dattolo E, Ruiz JM, Procaccini G. Molecular Mechanisms behind the Physiological Resistance to Intense Transient Warming in an Iconic Marine Plant. FRONTIERS IN PLANT SCIENCE 2017; 8:1142. [PMID: 28706528 PMCID: PMC5489684 DOI: 10.3389/fpls.2017.01142] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/21/2017] [Accepted: 06/14/2017] [Indexed: 05/03/2023]
Abstract
The endemic Mediterranean seagrass Posidonia oceanica is highly threatened by the increased frequency and intensity of heatwaves. Meadows of the species offer a unique opportunity to unravel mechanisms marine plants activate to cope transient warming, since their wide depth distribution impose divergent heat-tolerance. Understanding these mechanisms is imperative for their conservation. Shallow and deep genotypes within the same population were exposed to a simulated heatwave in mesocosms, to analyze their transcriptomic and photo-physiological responses during and after the exposure. Shallow plants, living in a more unstable thermal environment, optimized phenotype variation in response to warming. These plants showed a pre-adaptation of genes in anticipation of stress. Shallow plants also showed a stronger activation of heat-responsive genes and the exclusive activation of genes involved in epigenetic mechanisms and in molecular mechanisms that are behind their higher photosynthetic stability and respiratory acclimation. Deep plants experienced higher heat-induced damage and activated metabolic processes for obtaining extra energy from sugars and amino acids, likely to support the higher protein turnover induced by heat. In this study we identify transcriptomic mechanisms that may facilitate persistence of seagrasses to anomalous warming events and we discovered that P. oceanica plants from above and below the mean depth of the summer thermocline have differential resilience to heat.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lazaro Marín-Guirao
- Integrative Marine Ecology, Stazione Zoologica Anton DohrnNaples, Italy
- *Correspondence: Lazaro Marín-Guirao
| | | | - Emanuela Dattolo
- Integrative Marine Ecology, Stazione Zoologica Anton DohrnNaples, Italy
| | - Juan M. Ruiz
- Seagrass Ecology Group, Oceanographic Center of Murcia, Spanish Institute of OceanographyMurcia, Spain
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D’Esposito D, Orrù L, Dattolo E, Bernardo L, Lamontara A, Orsini L, Serra I, Mazzuca S, Procaccini G. Transcriptome characterisation and simple sequence repeat marker discovery in the seagrass Posidonia oceanica. Sci Data 2016; 3:160115. [PMID: 27996971 PMCID: PMC5170596 DOI: 10.1038/sdata.2016.115] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/13/2016] [Accepted: 10/19/2016] [Indexed: 01/28/2023] Open
Abstract
Posidonia oceanica is an endemic seagrass in the Mediterranean Sea, where it provides important ecosystem services and sustains a rich and diverse ecosystem. P. oceanica meadows extend from the surface to 40 meters depth. With the aim of boosting research in this iconic species, we generated a comprehensive RNA-Seq data set for P. oceanica by sequencing specimens collected at two depths and two times during the day. With this approach we attempted to capture the transcriptional diversity associated with change in light and other depth-related environmental factors. Using this extensive data set we generated gene predictions and identified an extensive catalogue of potential Simple Sequence Repeats (SSR) markers. The data generated here will open new avenues for the analysis of population genetic features and functional variation in P. oceanica. In total, 79,235 contigs were obtained by the assembly of 70,453,120 paired end reads. 43,711 contigs were successfully annotated. A total of 17,436 SSR were identified within 13,912 contigs.
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Affiliation(s)
- D. D’Esposito
- Stazione Zoologica Anton Dohrn, Villa Comunale, 80121 Napoli, Italy
| | - L. Orrù
- Consiglio per la ricerca in agricoltura e l’analisi dell’economia agraria, Centro di ricerca per la genomica vegetale, 29017 Fiorenzuola d’Arda, Italy
| | - E. Dattolo
- Stazione Zoologica Anton Dohrn, Villa Comunale, 80121 Napoli, Italy
| | - L. Bernardo
- Laboratorio di Biologia e Proteomica Vegetale (Lab. Bio. Pro. Ve.), Dipartimento di Chimica e Tecnologie Chimiche, Università della Calabria, 87036 Rende (CS), Italy
| | - A. Lamontara
- Consiglio per la ricerca in agricoltura e l’analisi dell’economia agraria, Centro di ricerca per la genomica vegetale, 29017 Fiorenzuola d’Arda, Italy
| | - L. Orsini
- Environmental Genomics Group, School of Biosciences, University of Birmingham, Birmingham, B15 2TT, UK
| | - I.A Serra
- Laboratorio di Biologia e Proteomica Vegetale (Lab. Bio. Pro. Ve.), Dipartimento di Chimica e Tecnologie Chimiche, Università della Calabria, 87036 Rende (CS), Italy
| | - S. Mazzuca
- Laboratorio di Biologia e Proteomica Vegetale (Lab. Bio. Pro. Ve.), Dipartimento di Chimica e Tecnologie Chimiche, Università della Calabria, 87036 Rende (CS), Italy
| | - G. Procaccini
- Stazione Zoologica Anton Dohrn, Villa Comunale, 80121 Napoli, Italy
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Pernice M, Sinutok S, Sablok G, Commault AS, Schliep M, Macreadie PI, Rasheed MA, Ralph PJ. Molecular physiology reveals ammonium uptake and related gene expression in the seagrass Zostera muelleri. MARINE ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH 2016; 122:126-134. [PMID: 28327303 DOI: 10.1016/j.marenvres.2016.10.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/10/2016] [Revised: 10/18/2016] [Accepted: 10/18/2016] [Indexed: 05/24/2023]
Abstract
Seagrasses are important marine foundation species, which are presently threatened by coastal development and global change worldwide. The molecular mechanisms that drive seagrass responses to anthropogenic stresses, including elevated levels of nutrients such as ammonium, remains poorly understood. Despite the evidence that seagrasses can assimilate ammonium by using glutamine synthetase (GS)/glutamate synthase (glutamine-oxoglutarate amidotransferase or GOGAT) cycle, the regulation of this fundamental metabolic pathway has never been studied at the gene expression level in seagrasses so far. Here, we combine (i) reverse transcription quantitative real-time PCR (RT-qPCR) to measure expression of key genes involved in the GS/GOGAT cycle, and (ii) stable isotope labelling and mass spectrometry to investigate 15N-ammonium assimilation in the widespread Australian species Zostera muelleri subsp. capricorni (Z. muelleri). We demonstrate that exposure to a pulse of ammonium in seawater can induce changes in GS gene expression of Z. muelleri, and further correlate these changes in gene expression with 15N-ammonium uptake rate in above- and below-ground tissue.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mathieu Pernice
- Climate Change Cluster, University of Technology Sydney, New South Wales 2007, Australia.
| | - Sutinee Sinutok
- Climate Change Cluster, University of Technology Sydney, New South Wales 2007, Australia; Faculty of Environmental Management, Prince of Songkhla University, PO Box 50, Kor-Hong, Hatyai 90112, Thailand
| | - Gaurav Sablok
- Climate Change Cluster, University of Technology Sydney, New South Wales 2007, Australia
| | - Audrey S Commault
- Climate Change Cluster, University of Technology Sydney, New South Wales 2007, Australia
| | - Martin Schliep
- Climate Change Cluster, University of Technology Sydney, New South Wales 2007, Australia
| | - Peter I Macreadie
- Climate Change Cluster, University of Technology Sydney, New South Wales 2007, Australia; School of Life and Environmental Sciences, Centre for Integrative Ecology, Deakin University, Victoria 3125, Australia
| | - Michael A Rasheed
- TropWATER - Centre for Tropical Water and Aquatic Ecosystem Research, James Cook University, PO Box 6811, Cairns, Queensland 4870, Australia
| | - Peter J Ralph
- Climate Change Cluster, University of Technology Sydney, New South Wales 2007, Australia
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Piro A, Serra IA, Spadafora A, Cardilio M, Bianco L, Perrotta G, Santos R, Mazzuca S. Purification of intact chloroplasts from marine plant Posidonia oceanica suitable for organelle proteomics. Proteomics 2016; 15:4159-74. [PMID: 26444578 DOI: 10.1002/pmic.201500246] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/24/2015] [Revised: 09/24/2015] [Accepted: 09/30/2015] [Indexed: 12/20/2022]
Abstract
Posidonia oceanica is a marine angiosperm, or seagrass, adapted to grow to the underwater life from shallow waters to 50 m depth. This raises questions of how their photosynthesis adapted to the attenuation of light through the water column and leads to the assumption that biochemistry and metabolism of the chloroplast are the basis of adaptive capacity. In the present study, we described a protocol that was adapted from those optimized for terrestrial plants, to extract chloroplasts from as minimal tissue as possible. We obtained the best balance between tissue amount/intact chloroplasts yield using one leaf from one plant. After isopynic separations, the chloroplasts purity and integrity were evaluated by biochemical assay and using a proteomic approach. Chloroplast proteins were extracted from highly purified organelles and resolved by 1DE SDS-PAGE. Proteins were sequenced by nLC-ESI-IT-MS/MS of 1DE gel bands and identified against NCBInr green plant databases, Dr. Zompo database for seagrasses in a local customized dataset. The curated localization of proteins in sub-plastidial compartments (i.e. envelope, stroma and thylakoids) was retrieved in the AT_CHLORO database. This purification protocol and the validation of compartment markers may serve as basis for sub-cellular proteomics in P. oceanica and other seagrasses.
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Affiliation(s)
- Amalia Piro
- Laboratory of Plant Biology and Plant Proteomics (Lab.Bio.Pro.Ve), Department of Chemistry and Chemical Technologies, Università della Calabria, Rende, Italy
| | - Ilia Anna Serra
- Laboratory of Plant Biology and Plant Proteomics (Lab.Bio.Pro.Ve), Department of Chemistry and Chemical Technologies, Università della Calabria, Rende, Italy
| | - Antonia Spadafora
- Laboratory of Plant Biology and Plant Proteomics (Lab.Bio.Pro.Ve), Department of Chemistry and Chemical Technologies, Università della Calabria, Rende, Italy
| | | | - Linda Bianco
- Italian National Agency for New Technologies, Energy and Sustainable Economic Development (ENEA), TRISAIA Research Center, Rotondella (Matera), Italy
| | - Gaetano Perrotta
- Italian National Agency for New Technologies, Energy and Sustainable Economic Development (ENEA), TRISAIA Research Center, Rotondella (Matera), Italy
| | - Rui Santos
- ALGAE - Marine Plant Ecology, Center of Marine Sciences (CCMAR), University of Algarve, Faro, Portugal
| | - Silvia Mazzuca
- Laboratory of Plant Biology and Plant Proteomics (Lab.Bio.Pro.Ve), Department of Chemistry and Chemical Technologies, Università della Calabria, Rende, Italy
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The emergence of molecular profiling and omics techniques in seagrass biology; furthering our understanding of seagrasses. Funct Integr Genomics 2016; 16:465-80. [DOI: 10.1007/s10142-016-0501-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/14/2016] [Revised: 06/09/2016] [Accepted: 06/16/2016] [Indexed: 12/23/2022]
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Marín-Guirao L, Ruiz JM, Dattolo E, Garcia-Munoz R, Procaccini G. Physiological and molecular evidence of differential short-term heat tolerance in Mediterranean seagrasses. Sci Rep 2016; 6:28615. [PMID: 27345831 PMCID: PMC4921816 DOI: 10.1038/srep28615] [Citation(s) in RCA: 53] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/18/2016] [Accepted: 06/06/2016] [Indexed: 01/22/2023] Open
Abstract
The increase in extreme heat events associated to global warming threatens seagrass ecosystems, likely by affecting key plant physiological processes such as photosynthesis and respiration. Understanding species' ability to acclimate to warming is crucial to better predict their future trends. Here, we study tolerance to warming in two key Mediterranean seagrasses, Posidonia oceanica and Cymodocea nodosa. Stress responses of shallow and deep plants were followed during and after short-term heat exposure in mesocosms by coupling photo-physiological measures with analysis of expression of photosynthesis and stress-related genes. Contrasting tolerance and capacity to heat acclimation were shown by shallow and deep P. oceanica ecotypes. While shallow plants acclimated through respiratory homeostasis and activation of photo-protective mechanisms, deep ones experienced photosynthetic injury and impaired carbon balance. This suggests that P. oceanica ecotypes are thermally adapted to local conditions and that Mediterranean warming will likely diversely affect deep and shallow meadow stands. On the other hand, contrasting mechanisms of heat-acclimation were adopted by the two species. P. oceanica regulates photosynthesis and respiration at the level of control plants while C. nodosa balances both processes at enhanced rates. These acclimation discrepancies are discussed in relation to inherent attributes of the two species.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lazaro Marín-Guirao
- Integrative Marine Ecology, Stazione Zoologica Anton Dohrn, Villa Comunale, 80121 Napoli, Italy
| | - Juan M. Ruiz
- Seagrass Ecology Group, Oceanographic Center of Murcia, Spanish Institute of Oceanography C/Varadero, 30740 San Pedro del Pinatar, Murcia, Spain
| | - Emanuela Dattolo
- Integrative Marine Ecology, Stazione Zoologica Anton Dohrn, Villa Comunale, 80121 Napoli, Italy
| | - Rocio Garcia-Munoz
- Seagrass Ecology Group, Oceanographic Center of Murcia, Spanish Institute of Oceanography C/Varadero, 30740 San Pedro del Pinatar, Murcia, Spain
| | - Gabriele Procaccini
- Integrative Marine Ecology, Stazione Zoologica Anton Dohrn, Villa Comunale, 80121 Napoli, Italy
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Kumar M, Kuzhiumparambil U, Pernice M, Jiang Z, Ralph PJ. Metabolomics: an emerging frontier of systems biology in marine macrophytes. ALGAL RES 2016. [DOI: 10.1016/j.algal.2016.02.033] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/22/2022]
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Kumar M, Padula MP, Davey P, Pernice M, Jiang Z, Sablok G, Contreras-Porcia L, Ralph PJ. Proteome Analysis Reveals Extensive Light Stress-Response Reprogramming in the Seagrass Zostera muelleri (Alismatales, Zosteraceae) Metabolism. FRONTIERS IN PLANT SCIENCE 2016; 7:2023. [PMID: 28144245 PMCID: PMC5239797 DOI: 10.3389/fpls.2016.02023] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/23/2016] [Accepted: 12/19/2016] [Indexed: 05/16/2023]
Abstract
Seagrasses are marine ecosystem engineers that are currently declining in abundance at an alarming rate due to both natural and anthropogenic disturbances in ecological niches. Despite reports on the morphological and physiological adaptations of seagrasses to extreme environments, little is known of the molecular mechanisms underlying photo-acclimation, and/or tolerance in these marine plants. This study applies the two-dimensional isoelectric focusing (2D-IEF) proteomics approach to identify photo-acclimation/tolerance proteins in the marine seagrass Zostera muelleri. For this, Z. muelleri was exposed for 10 days in laboratory mesocosms to saturating (control, 200 μmol photons m-2 s-1), super-saturating (SSL, 600 μmol photons m-2 s-1), and limited light (LL, 20 μmol photons m-2 s-1) irradiance conditions. Using LC-MS/MS analysis, 93 and 40 protein spots were differentially regulated under SSL and LL conditions, respectively, when compared to the control. In contrast to the LL condition, Z. muelleri robustly tolerated super-saturation light than control conditions, evidenced by their higher relative maximum electron transport rate and minimum saturating irradiance values. Proteomic analyses revealed up-regulation and/or appearances of proteins belonging to the Calvin-Benson and Krebs cycle, glycolysis, the glycine cleavage system of photorespiration, and the antioxidant system. These proteins, together with those from the inter-connected glutamate-proline-GABA pathway, shaped Z. muelleri photosynthesis and growth under SSL conditions. In contrast, the LL condition negatively impacted the metabolic activities of Z. muelleri by down-regulating key metabolic enzymes for photosynthesis and the metabolism of carbohydrates and amino acids, which is consistent with the observation with lower photosynthetic performance under LL condition. This study provides novel insights into the underlying molecular photo-acclimation mechanisms in Z. muelleri, in addition to identifying protein-based biomarkers that could be used as early indicators to detect acute/chronic light stress in seagrasses to monitor seagrass health.
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Affiliation(s)
- Manoj Kumar
- Climate Change Cluster, Faculty of Science, University of Technology Sydney (UTS)Sydney, NSW, Australia
- *Correspondence: Manoj Kumar
| | - Matthew P. Padula
- School of Life Sciences and Proteomics Core Facility, Faculty of Science, University of Technology Sydney (UTS)Sydney, NSW, Australia
| | - Peter Davey
- Climate Change Cluster, Faculty of Science, University of Technology Sydney (UTS)Sydney, NSW, Australia
| | - Mathieu Pernice
- Climate Change Cluster, Faculty of Science, University of Technology Sydney (UTS)Sydney, NSW, Australia
| | - Zhijian Jiang
- Key Laboratory of Tropical Marine Bio-resources and Ecology, South China Sea Institute of Oceanology, Chinese Academy of Sciences (CAS)Guangzhou, China
| | - Gaurav Sablok
- Climate Change Cluster, Faculty of Science, University of Technology Sydney (UTS)Sydney, NSW, Australia
| | - Loretto Contreras-Porcia
- Departamento de Ecología y Biodiversidad, Facultad de Ecología y Recursos Naturales, Universidad Andres BelloSantiago, Chile
- Center of Applied Ecology and Sustainability (CAPES), Facultad de Ciencias Biológicas, Pontificia Universidad Católica de ChileSantiago, Chile
| | - Peter J. Ralph
- Climate Change Cluster, Faculty of Science, University of Technology Sydney (UTS)Sydney, NSW, Australia
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Schliep M, Pernice M, Sinutok S, Bryant CV, York PH, Rasheed MA, Ralph PJ. Evaluation of Reference Genes for RT-qPCR Studies in the Seagrass Zostera muelleri Exposed to Light Limitation. Sci Rep 2015; 5:17051. [PMID: 26592440 PMCID: PMC4655411 DOI: 10.1038/srep17051] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/30/2014] [Accepted: 10/23/2015] [Indexed: 11/29/2022] Open
Abstract
Seagrass meadows are threatened by coastal development and global change. In the face of these pressures, molecular techniques such as reverse transcription quantitative real-time PCR (RT-qPCR) have great potential to improve management of these ecosystems by allowing early detection of chronic stress. In RT-qPCR, the expression levels of target genes are estimated on the basis of reference genes, in order to control for RNA variations. Although determination of suitable reference genes is critical for RT-qPCR studies, reports on the evaluation of reference genes are still absent for the major Australian species Zostera muelleri subsp. capricorni (Z. muelleri). Here, we used three different software (geNorm, NormFinder and Bestkeeper) to evaluate ten widely used reference genes according to their expression stability in Z. muelleri exposed to light limitation. We then combined results from different software and used a consensus rank of four best reference genes to validate regulation in Photosystem I reaction center subunit IV B and Heat Stress Transcription factor A- gene expression in Z. muelleri under light limitation. This study provides the first comprehensive list of reference genes in Z. muelleri and demonstrates RT-qPCR as an effective tool to identify early responses to light limitation in seagrass.
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Affiliation(s)
- M Schliep
- Plant Functional Biology and Climate Change Cluster (C3), University of Technology Sydney, 15 Broadway, Ultimo, 2007, NSW, Australia
| | - M Pernice
- Plant Functional Biology and Climate Change Cluster (C3), University of Technology Sydney, 15 Broadway, Ultimo, 2007, NSW, Australia
| | - S Sinutok
- Plant Functional Biology and Climate Change Cluster (C3), University of Technology Sydney, 15 Broadway, Ultimo, 2007, NSW, Australia
| | - C V Bryant
- TropWATER - Centre for Tropical Water and Aquatic Ecosystem Research, James Cook University, 1-88 McGregor Road, Smithfield, 4878, QLD, Australia
| | - P H York
- TropWATER - Centre for Tropical Water and Aquatic Ecosystem Research, James Cook University, 1-88 McGregor Road, Smithfield, 4878, QLD, Australia
| | - M A Rasheed
- TropWATER - Centre for Tropical Water and Aquatic Ecosystem Research, James Cook University, 1-88 McGregor Road, Smithfield, 4878, QLD, Australia
| | - P J Ralph
- Plant Functional Biology and Climate Change Cluster (C3), University of Technology Sydney, 15 Broadway, Ultimo, 2007, NSW, Australia
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Piro A, Marín-Guirao L, Serra IA, Spadafora A, Sandoval-Gil JM, Bernardeau-Esteller J, Fernandez JMR, Mazzuca S. The modulation of leaf metabolism plays a role in salt tolerance of Cymodocea nodosa exposed to hypersaline stress in mesocosms. FRONTIERS IN PLANT SCIENCE 2015; 6:464. [PMID: 26167167 PMCID: PMC4482034 DOI: 10.3389/fpls.2015.00464] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/13/2015] [Accepted: 06/11/2015] [Indexed: 05/03/2023]
Abstract
Applying proteomics, we tested the physiological responses of the euryhaline seagrass Cymodocea nodosa to deliberate manipulation of salinity in a mesocosm system. Plants were subjected to a chronic hypersaline condition (43 psu) to compare protein expression and plant photochemistry responses after 15 and 30 days of exposure with those of plants cultured under normal/ambient saline conditions (37 psu). Results showed a general decline in the expression level of leaf proteins in hypersaline stressed plants, with more intense reductions after long-lasting exposure. Specifically, the carbon-fixing enzyme RuBisCo displayed a lower accumulation level in stressed plants relative to controls. In contrast, the key enzymes involved in the regulation of glycolysis, cytosolic glyceraldehyde-3-phosphate dehydrogenase, enolase 2 and triose-phosphate isomerase, showed significantly higher accumulation levels. These responses suggested a shift in carbon metabolism in stressed plants. Hypersaline stress also induced a significant alteration of the photosynthetic physiology of C. nodosa by means of a down-regulation in structural proteins and enzymes of both PSII and PSI. However we found an over-expression of the cytochrome b559 alpha subunit of the PSII initial complex, which is a receptor for the PSII core proteins involved in biogenesis or repair processes and therefore potentially involved in the absence of effects at the photochemical level of stressed plants. As expected hypersalinity also affects vacuolar metabolism by increasing the leaf cell turgor pressure and enhancing the up-take of Na(+) by over-accumulating the tonoplast specific intrinsic protein pyrophosphate-energized inorganic pyrophosphatase (H(+)-PPase) coupled to the Na(+)/H(+)-antiporter. The modulation of carbon metabolism and the enhancement of vacuole capacity in Na(+) sequestration and osmolarity changes are discussed in relation to salt tolerance of C. nodosa.
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Affiliation(s)
- Amalia Piro
- Laboratorio di Biologia e Proteomica Vegetale, Dipartimento di Chimica e Tecnologie Chimiche, Università della CalabriaRende, Italy
| | - Lázaro Marín-Guirao
- Spanish Institute of Oceanography, Oceanographic Centre of MurciaMurcia, Spain
| | - Ilia A. Serra
- Laboratorio di Biologia e Proteomica Vegetale, Dipartimento di Chimica e Tecnologie Chimiche, Università della CalabriaRende, Italy
| | - Antonia Spadafora
- Laboratorio di Biologia e Proteomica Vegetale, Dipartimento di Chimica e Tecnologie Chimiche, Università della CalabriaRende, Italy
| | | | | | | | - Silvia Mazzuca
- Laboratorio di Biologia e Proteomica Vegetale, Dipartimento di Chimica e Tecnologie Chimiche, Università della CalabriaRende, Italy
- *Correspondence: Silvia Mazzuca, Laboratorio di Biologia e Proteomica Vegetale, Dipartimento di Chimica e Tecnologie Chimiche, Università della Calabria, Ponte Bucci 12C, 87036 Rende, Italy,
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