1
|
Kang J, Kwak YS, Kim EJ, Gwon Y, Choi HG, Eyun SI. Transcriptome and functional analyses of phenotypic plasticity in sea grape Caulerpa okamurae. PHYSIOLOGIA PLANTARUM 2024; 176:e14339. [PMID: 38736185 DOI: 10.1111/ppl.14339] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/01/2023] [Revised: 03/21/2024] [Accepted: 04/25/2024] [Indexed: 05/14/2024]
Abstract
Caulerpa is a marine green macroalga distinguished by a large single cell with multiple nuclei. It also exhibits remarkable morphological intraspecies variations, in response to diverse environmental types. However, the molecular mechanisms underlying this phenotypic plasticity remain poorly understood. In this work, we compare the transcriptomes of Caulerpa okamurae Weber Bosse, 1897 displaying altered phenotypes of cultivation and natural phenotypes and investigate significantly regulated genes and their biological functions using differential expression analyses. We observe light-harvesting complex upregulation and cellular framework stability downregulation in altered phenotypes compared to the natural phenotypes. Intertidal macrophytes reduce light capture to avoid photodamage and regulate their morphology to protect against wave damage. In contrast, the lower light conditions and the cultivation environment augment light capture and increase a morphology prioritizing light trapping. Moreover, the addition of simulated wave-sweeping stimuli induces a return to the natural morphology under high-light conditions, showing how mechanical stress affects morphological organization in C. okamurae. We provide detailed gene expression patterns in C. okamurae under varying light intensities and water conditions, suggesting a distinct influence on its morphological traits.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Jiwon Kang
- Department of Life Science, Chung-Ang University, Seoul, Korea
| | - Yong Sung Kwak
- Faculty of Biological Science and Sea & Biotech, Wonkwang University, Iksan, Korea
| | - Eun-Jeong Kim
- Department of Life Science, Chung-Ang University, Seoul, Korea
| | - Yeongjin Gwon
- Department of Biostatistics, College of Public Health, University of Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha, NE, USA
| | - Han Gil Choi
- Faculty of Biological Science and Sea & Biotech, Wonkwang University, Iksan, Korea
| | - Seong-Il Eyun
- Department of Life Science, Chung-Ang University, Seoul, Korea
| |
Collapse
|
2
|
Voerman SE, Marsh BC, Bahia RG, Pereira-Filho GH, Becker ACF, Amado-Filho GM, Ruseckas A, Turnbull GA, Samuel IDW, Burdett HL. Dominance of photo over chromatic acclimation strategies by habitat-forming mesophotic red algae. Proc Biol Sci 2023; 290:20231329. [PMID: 37788706 PMCID: PMC10547552 DOI: 10.1098/rspb.2023.1329] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/14/2023] [Accepted: 09/01/2023] [Indexed: 10/05/2023] Open
Abstract
Red coralline algae are the deepest living macroalgae, capable of creating spatially complex reefs from the intertidal to 100+ m depth with global ecological and biogeochemical significance. How these algae maintain photosynthetic function under increasingly limiting light intensity and spectral availability is key to explaining their large depth distribution. Here, we investigated the photo- and chromatic acclimation and morphological change of free-living red coralline algae towards mesophotic depths in the Fernando do Noronha archipelago, Brazil. From 13 to 86 m depth, thalli tended to become smaller and less complex. We observed a dominance of the photo-acclimatory response, characterized by an increase in photosynthetic efficiency and a decrease in maximum electron transport rate. Chromatic acclimation was generally stable across the euphotic-mesophotic transition with no clear depth trend. Taxonomic comparisons suggest these photosynthetic strategies are conserved to at least the Order level. Light saturation necessitated the use of photoprotection to 65 m depth, while optimal light levels were met at 86 m. Changes to the light environment (e.g. reduced water clarity) due to human activities therefore places these mesophotic algae at risk of light limitation, necessitating the importance of maintaining good water quality for the conservation and protection of mesophotic habitats.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Sofie E. Voerman
- Lyell Centre for Earth and Marine Science and Technology, Edinburgh, UK
- School of Energy, Geoscience, Infrastructure and Society, Heriot-Watt University, Edinburgh, UK
| | - Beauregard C. Marsh
- Lyell Centre for Earth and Marine Science and Technology, Edinburgh, UK
- School of Energy, Geoscience, Infrastructure and Society, Heriot-Watt University, Edinburgh, UK
| | - Ricardo G. Bahia
- Botanical Garden Research Institute of Rio de Janeiro, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
| | - Guilherme H. Pereira-Filho
- Laboratório de Ecologia e Conservação Marinha, Instituto do Mar, Universidade Federal de São Paulo, Santos, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Ana Clara F. Becker
- Laboratório de Ecologia e Conservação Marinha, Instituto do Mar, Universidade Federal de São Paulo, Santos, São Paulo, Brazil
| | | | - Arvydas Ruseckas
- Organic Semiconductor Centre, SUPA, School of Physics and Astronomy, University of St Andrews, St Andrews, UK
| | - Graham A. Turnbull
- Organic Semiconductor Centre, SUPA, School of Physics and Astronomy, University of St Andrews, St Andrews, UK
| | - Ifor D. W. Samuel
- Organic Semiconductor Centre, SUPA, School of Physics and Astronomy, University of St Andrews, St Andrews, UK
| | - Heidi L. Burdett
- Umeå Marine Sciences Centre, Umeå University, Norrbyn, Sweden
- Department of Ecology & Environmental Science, Umeå University, Umeå, Sweden
| |
Collapse
|
3
|
Voerman SE, Marsh BC, Bahia RG, Pereira-Filho GH, Yee TW, Becker ACF, Amado-Filho GM, Ruseckas A, Turnbull GA, Samuel IDW, Burdett HL. Ecosystem engineer morphological traits and taxon identity shape biodiversity across the euphotic-mesophotic transition. Proc Biol Sci 2022; 289:20211834. [PMID: 35193402 PMCID: PMC8864346 DOI: 10.1098/rspb.2021.1834] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/12/2022] Open
Abstract
The euphotic-mesophotic transition is characterized by dramatic changes in environmental conditions, which can significantly alter the functioning of ecosystem engineers and the structure of their associated communities. However, the drivers of biodiversity change across the euphotic-mesophotic transition remain unclear. Here, we investigated the mechanisms affecting the biodiversity-supporting potential of free-living red coralline algae-globally important habitat creators-towards mesophotic depths. Across a 73 m depth gradient, we observed a general decline in macrofaunal biodiversity (fauna abundance, taxon richness and alpha diversity), but an increase in beta-diversity (i.e. variation between assemblages) at the deepest site (86 m depth, where light levels were less than 1% surface irradiance). We identified a gradient in abundance decline rather than distinct ecological shifts, driven by a complex interaction between declining light availability, declining size of the coralline algal host individuals and a changing host taxonomy. However, despite abundance declines, high between-assemblage variability at deeper depths allowed biodiversity-supporting potential to be maintained, highlighting their importance as coastal refugia.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Sofie E. Voerman
- Lyell Centre for Earth and Marine Science and Technology, Edinburgh, UK,School of Energy, Geoscience, Infrastructure and Society, Heriot-Watt University, Edinburgh, UK
| | - Beauregard C. Marsh
- Lyell Centre for Earth and Marine Science and Technology, Edinburgh, UK,School of Energy, Geoscience, Infrastructure and Society, Heriot-Watt University, Edinburgh, UK
| | - Ricardo G. Bahia
- Botanical Garden Research Institute of Rio de Janeiro, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
| | - Guilherme H. Pereira-Filho
- Laboratório de Ecologia e Conservação Marinha, Instituto do Mar, Universidade Federal de São Paulo, Santos, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Thomas W. Yee
- Department of Statistics, University of Auckland, Auckland, New Zealand
| | - Ana Clara F. Becker
- Laboratório de Ecologia e Conservação Marinha, Instituto do Mar, Universidade Federal de São Paulo, Santos, São Paulo, Brazil
| | | | - Arvydas Ruseckas
- Organic Semiconductor Centre, SUPA, School of Physics and Astronomy, University of St Andrews, St Andrews, UK
| | - Graham A. Turnbull
- Organic Semiconductor Centre, SUPA, School of Physics and Astronomy, University of St Andrews, St Andrews, UK
| | - Ifor D. W. Samuel
- Organic Semiconductor Centre, SUPA, School of Physics and Astronomy, University of St Andrews, St Andrews, UK
| | - Heidi L. Burdett
- Lyell Centre for Earth and Marine Science and Technology, Edinburgh, UK,School of Energy, Geoscience, Infrastructure and Society, Heriot-Watt University, Edinburgh, UK
| |
Collapse
|
4
|
Bradley DJ, Boada J, Gladstone W, Glasby TM, Gribben PE. Sublethal effects of a rapidly spreading native alga on a key herbivore. Ecol Evol 2021; 11:12605-12616. [PMID: 34594524 PMCID: PMC8462141 DOI: 10.1002/ece3.8005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/05/2021] [Revised: 07/06/2021] [Accepted: 07/21/2021] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
Abstract
Multiple anthropogenic stressors are causing a global decline in foundation species, including macrophytes, often resulting in the expansion of functionally different, more stressor-tolerant macrophytes. Previously subdominant species may experience further positive demographic feedback if they are exposed to weaker plant-herbivore interactions, possibly via decreased palatability or being structurally different from the species they are replacing. However, the consequences of the spread of opportunistic macrophytes for the local distribution and life history of herbivores are unknown.The green alga, Caulerpa filiformis, previously a subdominant macrophyte on low intertidal-shallow subtidal rock shores, is becoming locally more abundant and has spread into warmer waters across the coast of New South Wales, Australia.In this study, we measured (a) the distribution and abundance of a key consumer, the sea urchin Heliocidaris erythrogramma, across a seascape at sites where C. filiformis has become dominant, (b) performed behavioral field experiments to test the role of habitat selection in determining the local distribution of H. erythrogramma, and (c) consumer experiments to test differential palatability between previously dominant higher quality species like Ecklonia radiata and Sargassum sp. and C. filiformis and the physiological consequences of consuming it.At all sites, urchin densities were positively correlated with distance away from C. filiformis beds, and they actively moved away from beds. Feeding experiments showed that, while urchins consumed C. filiformis, sometimes in equal amounts to higher quality algae, there were strong sublethal consequences associated with C. filiformis consumption, mainly on reproductive potential (gonad size). Specifically, the gonad size of urchins that fed on C. filiformis was equivalent to that in starved urchins. There was also a tendency for urchin mortality to be greater when fed C. filiformis.Overall, strong negative effects on herbivore life-history traits and potentially their survivorship may establish further positive feedback on C. filiformis abundance that contributes to its spread and may mediate shifts from top-down to bottom-up control at locations where C. filiformis has become dominant.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Daniel J. Bradley
- School of Life SciencesFaculty of ScienceUniversity of Technology SydneySydneyNSWAustralia
- Centre for Marine Science and InnovationBiological, Earth and Environmental SciencesUniversity of New South Wales (UNSW)KensingtonNSWAustralia
| | - Jordi Boada
- Centre for Marine Science and InnovationBiological, Earth and Environmental SciencesUniversity of New South Wales (UNSW)KensingtonNSWAustralia
- Institute of Aquatic EcologyFaculty of SciencesUniversity of GironaGironaSpain
| | - William Gladstone
- School of Life SciencesFaculty of ScienceUniversity of Technology SydneySydneyNSWAustralia
| | - Timothy M. Glasby
- NSW Department of Primary IndustriesPort Stephens Fisheries InstituteTaylors BeachNSWAustralia
| | - Paul E. Gribben
- Centre for Marine Science and InnovationBiological, Earth and Environmental SciencesUniversity of New South Wales (UNSW)KensingtonNSWAustralia
- Sydney Institute of Marine ScienceMosmanNSWAustralia
| |
Collapse
|
5
|
Stelling‐Wood TP, Poore AGB, Gribben PE. Shifts in biomass and structure of habitat-formers across a latitudinal gradient. Ecol Evol 2021; 11:8831-8842. [PMID: 34257931 PMCID: PMC8258212 DOI: 10.1002/ece3.7714] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/25/2021] [Revised: 04/21/2021] [Accepted: 04/29/2021] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
Abstract
Global patterns of plant biomass drive the distribution of much of the marine and terrestrial life on Earth. This is because their biomass and physical structure have important consequences for the communities they support by providing food and habitat. In terrestrial ecosystems, temperature is one of the major determinants of plant biomass and can influence plant and leaf morphology. In temperate marine systems, macroalgae are major habitat-formers and commonly display highly variable morphology in response to local environmental conditions. Variation in their morphology, and thus habitat structure on temperate reefs, however, is poorly understood across large scales. In this study, we used a trait-based approach to quantify morphological variability in subtidal rocky reefs dominated by the algal genus Sargassum along a latitudinal gradient, in southeastern Australia (~900 km). We tested whether large-scale variation in sea surface temperature (SST), site exposure, and nutrient availability can predict algal biomass and individual morphology. We found Sargassum biomass declined with increasing maximum SST. We also found that individual morphology varied with abiotic ocean variables. Frond size and intraindividual variability in frond size decreased with increasing with distance from the equator, as SST decreased and nitrate concentration increased. The shape of fronds displayed no clear relationship with any of the abiotic variables measured. These results suggest climate change will cause significant changes to the structure of Sargassum habitats along the southeastern coast of Australia, resulting in an overall reduction in biomass and increase in the prevalence of thalli with large, highly variable fronds. Using a space-for-time approach means shifts in morphological trait values can be used as early warning signs of impending species declines and regime shifts. Consequently, by studying traits and how they change across large scales we can potentially predict and anticipate the impacts of environmental change on these communities.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Talia Peta Stelling‐Wood
- Evolution & Ecology Research CentreUNSW SydneySydneyNSWAustralia
- Centre of Marine Science and InnovationUNSW SydneySydneyNSWAustralia
| | - Alistair G. B. Poore
- Evolution & Ecology Research CentreUNSW SydneySydneyNSWAustralia
- Centre of Marine Science and InnovationUNSW SydneySydneyNSWAustralia
| | - Paul E. Gribben
- Centre of Marine Science and InnovationUNSW SydneySydneyNSWAustralia
- Sydney Institute of Marine ScienceMosmanNSWAustralia
| |
Collapse
|
6
|
Lanham BS, Poore AGB, Gribben PE. Facilitation cascades create a predation refuge for biodiversity in a novel connected habitat. Ecosphere 2020. [DOI: 10.1002/ecs2.3053] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/08/2022] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Brendan S. Lanham
- Centre for Marine Science and Innovation School of Biological, Earth and Environmental Science University of New South Wales Sydney New South Wales Australia
| | - Alistair G. B. Poore
- Centre for Marine Science and Innovation School of Biological, Earth and Environmental Science University of New South Wales Sydney New South Wales Australia
- Evolution and Ecology Research Centre School of Biological, Earth and Environmental Science University of New South Wales Sydney New South Wales Australia
| | - Paul E. Gribben
- Centre for Marine Science and Innovation School of Biological, Earth and Environmental Science University of New South Wales Sydney New South Wales Australia
- Sydney Institute of Marine Science 19 Chowder Bay Road Mosman New South Wales 2088 Australia
| |
Collapse
|