1
|
Merritt KA, Richardson TL. Variability in spectral absorption within cryptophyte phycobiliprotein types. JOURNAL OF PHYCOLOGY 2024; 60:528-540. [PMID: 38456338 DOI: 10.1111/jpy.13439] [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: 10/14/2023] [Revised: 01/29/2024] [Accepted: 02/05/2024] [Indexed: 03/09/2024]
Abstract
Cryptophytes are known to vary widely in coloration among species. These differences in color arise primarily from the presence of phycobiliprotein accessory pigments. There are nine defined cryptophyte phycobiliprotein (Cr-PBP) types, named for their wavelength of maximal absorbance. Because Cr-PBP type has traditionally been regarded as a categorical trait, there is a paucity of information about how spectral absorption characteristics of Cr-PBPs vary among species. We investigated variability in primary and secondary peak absorbance wavelengths and full width at half max (FWHM) values of spectra of Cr-PBPs extracted from 75 cryptophyte strains (55 species) grown under full spectrum irradiance. We show that there may be substantial differences in spectral shapes within Cr-PBP types, with Cr-Phycoerythrin (Cr-PE) 545 showing the greatest variability with two, possibly three, subtypes, while Cr-PE 566 spectra were the least variable, with only ±1 nm of variance around the mean absorbance maximum of 565 nm. We provide additional criteria for classification in cases where the wavelength of maximum absorbance alone is not definitive. Variations in spectral characteristics among strains containing the same presumed Cr-PBP type may indicate differing chromophore composition and/or the presence of more than one Cr-PBP in a single cryptophyte species.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Kristiaän A Merritt
- Department of Biological Sciences, University of South Carolina, Columbia, South Carolina, USA
| | - Tammi L Richardson
- Department of Biological Sciences, University of South Carolina, Columbia, South Carolina, USA
- School of the Earth, Ocean & Environment, University of South Carolina, Columbia, South Carolina, USA
| |
Collapse
|
2
|
Greenwold MJ, Merritt K, Richardson TL, Dudycha JL. A three-genome ultraconserved element phylogeny of cryptophytes. Protist 2023; 174:125994. [PMID: 37935085 DOI: 10.1016/j.protis.2023.125994] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/26/2023] [Revised: 09/18/2023] [Accepted: 10/31/2023] [Indexed: 11/09/2023]
Abstract
Cryptophytes are single celled protists found in all aquatic environments. They are composed of a heterotrophic genus, Goniomonas, and a largely autotrophic group comprising many genera. Cryptophytes evolved through secondary endosymbiosis between a host eukaryotic heterotroph and a symbiont red alga. This merger resulted in a four-genome system that includes the nuclear and mitochondrial genomes from the host and a second nuclear genome (nucleomorph) and plastid genome inherited from the symbiont. Here, we make use of different genomes (with potentially distinct evolutionary histories) to perform a phylogenomic study of the early history of cryptophytes. Using ultraconserved elements from the host nuclear genome and symbiont nucleomorph and plastid genomes, we produce a three-genome phylogeny of 91 strains of cryptophytes. Our phylogenetic analyses find that that there are three major cryptophyte clades: Clade 1 comprises Chroomonas and Hemiselmis species, Clade 2, a taxonomically rich clade, comprises at least twelve genera, and Clade 3, comprises the heterotrophic Goniomonas species. Each of these major clades include both freshwater and marine species, but subclades within these clades differ in degrees of niche conservatism. Finally, we discuss priorities for taxonomic revision to Cryptophyceae based on previous studies and in light of these phylogenomic analyses.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Matthew J Greenwold
- Biology Department, University of Texas at Tyler, 3900 University Blvd., Tyler, TX, 75799, USA.
| | - Kristiaän Merritt
- Department of Biological Sciences, University of South Carolina, 715 Sumter St., Columbia, SC 29208, USA
| | - Tammi L Richardson
- Department of Biological Sciences, University of South Carolina, 715 Sumter St., Columbia, SC 29208, USA; School of the Earth, Ocean, and Environment, University of South Carolina, 715 Sumter St., Columbia, SC 29208, USA
| | - Jeffry L Dudycha
- Department of Biological Sciences, University of South Carolina, 715 Sumter St., Columbia, SC 29208, USA
| |
Collapse
|
3
|
Kezlya E, Tseplik N, Kulikovskiy M. Genetic Markers for Metabarcoding of Freshwater Microalgae: Review. BIOLOGY 2023; 12:1038. [PMID: 37508467 PMCID: PMC10376359 DOI: 10.3390/biology12071038] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/23/2023] [Revised: 07/14/2023] [Accepted: 07/18/2023] [Indexed: 07/30/2023]
Abstract
The metabarcoding methods for studying the diversity of freshwater microalgae and routine biomonitoring are actively used in modern research. A lot of experience has been accumulated already, and many methodological questions have been solved (such as the influence of the methods and time of sample conservation, DNA extraction and bioinformatical processing). The reproducibility of the method has been tested and confirmed. However, one of the main problems-choosing a genetic marker for the study-still lacks a clear answer. We analyzed 70 publications and found out that studies on eukaryotic freshwater microalgae use 12 markers (different nuclear regions 18S and ITS and plastids rbcL, 23S and 16S). Each marker has its peculiarities; they amplify differently and have various levels of efficiency (variability) in different groups of algae. The V4 and V9 18S and rbcL regions are used most often. We concentrated especially on the studies that compare the results of using different markers and microscopy. We summarize the data on the primers for each region and on how the choice of a marker affects the taxonomic composition of a community.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Elena Kezlya
- Laboratory of Molecular Systematics of Aquatic Plants, K.A. Timiryazev Institute of Plant Physiology RAS, IPP RAS, 127276 Moscow, Russia
| | - Natalia Tseplik
- Laboratory of Molecular Systematics of Aquatic Plants, K.A. Timiryazev Institute of Plant Physiology RAS, IPP RAS, 127276 Moscow, Russia
| | - Maxim Kulikovskiy
- Laboratory of Molecular Systematics of Aquatic Plants, K.A. Timiryazev Institute of Plant Physiology RAS, IPP RAS, 127276 Moscow, Russia
| |
Collapse
|
4
|
Michie KA, Harrop SJ, Rathbone HW, Wilk KE, Teng CY, Hoef‐Emden K, Hiller RG, Green BR, Curmi PMG. Molecular structures reveal the origin of spectral variation in cryptophyte light harvesting antenna proteins. Protein Sci 2023; 32:e4586. [PMID: 36721353 PMCID: PMC9951199 DOI: 10.1002/pro.4586] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/05/2022] [Revised: 01/24/2023] [Accepted: 01/27/2023] [Indexed: 02/02/2023]
Abstract
In addition to their membrane-bound chlorophyll a/c light-harvesting antenna, the cryptophyte algae have evolved a unique phycobiliprotein antenna system located in the thylakoid lumen. The basic unit of this antenna consists of two copies of an αβ protomer where the α and β subunits scaffold different combinations of a limited number of linear tetrapyrrole chromophores. While the β subunit is highly conserved, encoded by a single plastid gene, the nuclear-encoded α subunits have evolved diversified multigene families. It is still unclear how this sequence diversity results in the spectral diversity of the mature proteins. By careful examination of three newly determined crystal structures in comparison with three previously obtained, we show how the α subunit amino acid sequences control chromophore conformations and hence spectral properties even when the chromophores are identical. Previously we have shown that α subunits control the quaternary structure of the mature αβ.αβ complex (either open or closed), however, each species appeared to only harbor a single quaternary form. Here we show that species of the Hemiselmis genus contain expressed α subunit genes that encode both distinct quaternary structures. Finally, we have discovered a common single-copy gene (expressed into protein) consisting of tandem copies of a small α subunit that could potentially scaffold pairs of light harvesting units. Together, our results show how the diversity of the multigene α subunit family produces a range of mature cryptophyte antenna proteins with differing spectral properties, and the potential for minor forms that could contribute to acclimation to varying light regimes.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Katharine A. Michie
- School of PhysicsThe University of New South WalesSydneyNew South WalesAustralia
- School of Biotechnology and Biomolecular SciencesThe University of New South WalesSydneyNew South WalesAustralia
- Mark Wainwright Analytical CentreUniversity of New South WalesSydneyNew South WalesAustralia
| | - Stephen J. Harrop
- School of PhysicsThe University of New South WalesSydneyNew South WalesAustralia
- MX Beamlines, Australian SynchrotronClaytonVictoriaAustralia
| | - Harry W. Rathbone
- School of PhysicsThe University of New South WalesSydneyNew South WalesAustralia
- School of Biotechnology and Biomolecular SciencesThe University of New South WalesSydneyNew South WalesAustralia
| | - Krystyna E. Wilk
- School of PhysicsThe University of New South WalesSydneyNew South WalesAustralia
| | - Chang Ying Teng
- Department of BotanyUniversity of British ColumbiaVancouverCanada
| | | | - Roger G. Hiller
- Department of Biological SciencesMacquarie UniversitySydneyNew South WalesAustralia
| | | | - Paul M. G. Curmi
- School of PhysicsThe University of New South WalesSydneyNew South WalesAustralia
- School of Biotechnology and Biomolecular SciencesThe University of New South WalesSydneyNew South WalesAustralia
| |
Collapse
|
5
|
Magalhães K, Santos AL, Vaulot D, Oliveira MC. Hemiselmis aquamarina sp. nov. (Cryptomonadales, Cryptophyceae), A Cryptophyte with A Novel Phycobiliprotein Type (Cr-PC 564). Protist 2021; 172:125832. [PMID: 34597847 DOI: 10.1016/j.protis.2021.125832] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/24/2021] [Revised: 07/07/2021] [Accepted: 07/30/2021] [Indexed: 10/20/2022]
Abstract
Cryptophytes are a small group of photosynthetic biflagellate organisms distributed worldwide in fresh, brackish and marine waters. Although members of this class are easily distinguished from other groups, species identification is difficult and studies concerning their diversity are scarce. Two strains of an undescribed Hemiselmis species were isolated from the marine waters off Brazil and Japan. Analyses of morphology, phycobiliprotein spectral characterization, molecular phylogeny and ITS2 secondary structure comparisons were performed to assist the identification. The morphological features of Hemiselmis aquamarina sp. nov. matches that of other species from the same genus, but it has a new type of phycocyanin. Molecular phylogeny and ITS2 secondary structure support H. aquamarina as a distinct species. Furthermore, phylogenetic inferences indicate H. aquamarina as closely related to H. tepida, H. andersenii and H. rufescens. Currently, all Hemiselmis species have been described from the Northern Hemisphere and most from the subtropical region. H. aquamarina is the first species of this genus described from the South Atlantic.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Karoline Magalhães
- Laboratório de Algas Marinhas Edison José de Paula, Departamento de Botânica, Instituto de Biociências, Universidade de São Paulo, Rua do Matão, 277, 05508-090, Butantã, São Paulo, SP, Brazil.
| | - Adriana Lopes Santos
- Asian School of the Environment, Nanyang Technological University, 50 Nanyang Avenue, Singapore 639798, Singapore
| | - Daniel Vaulot
- Sorbonne Université, CNRS, UMR 7144, ECOMAP Team Station Biologique de Roscoff, Roscoff, France; Asian School of the Environment, Nanyang Technological University, 50 Nanyang Avenue, Singapore 639798, Singapore
| | - Mariana Cabral Oliveira
- Laboratório de Algas Marinhas Edison José de Paula, Departamento de Botânica, Instituto de Biociências, Universidade de São Paulo, Rua do Matão, 277, 05508-090, Butantã, São Paulo, SP, Brazil
| |
Collapse
|
6
|
Cunningham BR, Greenwold MJ, Lachenmyer EM, Heidenreich KM, Davis AC, Dudycha JL, Richardson TL. Light capture and pigment diversity in marine and freshwater cryptophytes. JOURNAL OF PHYCOLOGY 2019; 55:552-564. [PMID: 30468692 DOI: 10.1111/jpy.12816] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/18/2017] [Accepted: 10/22/2018] [Indexed: 06/09/2023]
Abstract
Phenotypic traits associated with light capture and phylogenetic relationships were characterized in 34 strains of diversely pigmented marine and freshwater cryptophytes. Nuclear SSU and partial LSU rDNA sequence data from 33 of these strains plus an additional 66 strains produced a concatenated rooted maximum likelihood tree that classified the strains into 7 distinct clades. Molecular and phenotypic data together support: (i) the reclassification of Cryptomonas irregularis NIES 698 to the genus Rhodomonas, (ii) revision of phycobiliprotein (PBP) diversity within the genus Hemiselmis to include cryptophyte phycocyanin (Cr-PC) 569, (iii) the inclusion of previously unidentified strain CCMP 2293 into the genus Falcomonas, even though it contains cryptophyte phycoerythrin 545 (Cr-PE 545), and (iv) the inclusion of previously unidentified strain CCMP 3175, which contains Cr-PE 545, in a clade with PC-containing Chroomonas species. A discriminant analysis-based model of group membership correctly predicted 70.6% of the clades using three traits: PBP concentration · cell-1 , the wavelength of PBP maximal absorption, and habitat. Non-PBP pigments (alloxanthin, chl-a, chl-c2 , α-carotene) did not contribute significantly to group classification, indicating the potential plasticity of these pigments and the evolutionary conservation of the PBPs. Pigment data showed evidence of trade-offs in investments in PBPs vs. chlorophylls (a +c2 ).
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Brady R Cunningham
- School of the Earth, Ocean & Environment, University of South Carolina, Columbia, South Carolina, 29208, USA
| | - Matthew J Greenwold
- Department of Biological Sciences, University of South Carolina, Columbia, South Carolina, 29208, USA
| | - Eric M Lachenmyer
- School of the Earth, Ocean & Environment, University of South Carolina, Columbia, South Carolina, 29208, USA
| | - Kristin M Heidenreich
- School of the Earth, Ocean & Environment, University of South Carolina, Columbia, South Carolina, 29208, USA
| | - Abigail C Davis
- School of the Earth, Ocean & Environment, University of South Carolina, Columbia, South Carolina, 29208, USA
| | - Jeffry L Dudycha
- Department of Biological Sciences, University of South Carolina, Columbia, South Carolina, 29208, USA
| | - Tammi L Richardson
- School of the Earth, Ocean & Environment, University of South Carolina, Columbia, South Carolina, 29208, USA
- Department of Biological Sciences, University of South Carolina, Columbia, South Carolina, 29208, USA
| |
Collapse
|
7
|
Goodenough U, Roth R, Kariyawasam T, He A, Lee JH. Epiplasts: Membrane Skeletons and Epiplastin Proteins in Euglenids, Glaucophytes, Cryptophytes, Ciliates, Dinoflagellates, and Apicomplexans. mBio 2018; 9:e02020-18. [PMID: 30377285 PMCID: PMC6212826 DOI: 10.1128/mbio.02020-18] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/14/2018] [Accepted: 09/17/2018] [Indexed: 01/03/2023] Open
Abstract
Animals and amoebae assemble actin/spectrin-based plasma membrane skeletons, forming what is often called the cell cortex, whereas euglenids and alveolates (ciliates, dinoflagellates, and apicomplexans) have been shown to assemble a thin, viscoelastic, actin/spectrin-free membrane skeleton, here called the epiplast. Epiplasts include a class of proteins, here called the epiplastins, with a head/medial/tail domain organization, whose medial domains have been characterized in previous studies by their low-complexity amino acid composition. We have identified two additional features of the medial domains: a strong enrichment of acid/base amino acid dyads and a predicted β-strand/random coil secondary structure. These features have served to identify members in two additional unicellular eukaryotic radiations-the glaucophytes and cryptophytes-as well as additional members in the alveolates and euglenids. We have analyzed the amino acid composition and domain structure of 219 epiplastin sequences and have used quick-freeze deep-etch electron microscopy to visualize the epiplasts of glaucophytes and cryptophytes. We define epiplastins as proteins encoded in organisms that assemble epiplasts, but epiplastin-like proteins, of unknown function, are also encoded in Insecta, Basidiomycetes, and Caulobacter genomes. We discuss the diverse cellular traits that are supported by epiplasts and propose evolutionary scenarios that are consonant with their distribution in extant eukaryotes.IMPORTANCE Membrane skeletons associate with the inner surface of the plasma membrane to provide support for the fragile lipid bilayer and an elastic framework for the cell itself. Several radiations, including animals, organize such skeletons using actin/spectrin proteins, but four major radiations of eukaryotic unicellular organisms, including disease-causing parasites such as Plasmodium, have been known to construct an alternative and essential skeleton (the epiplast) using a class of proteins that we term epiplastins. We have identified epiplastins in two additional radiations and present images of their epiplasts using electron microscopy. We analyze the sequences and secondary structure of 219 epiplastins and present an in-depth overview and analysis of their known and posited roles in cellular organization and parasite infection. An understanding of epiplast assembly may suggest therapeutic approaches to combat infectious agents such as Plasmodium as well as approaches to the engineering of useful viscoelastic biofilms.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Ursula Goodenough
- Department of Biology, Washington University, St. Louis, Missouri, USA
| | - Robyn Roth
- Center for Cellular Imaging, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, Missouri, USA
| | - Thamali Kariyawasam
- Department of Botany, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada
| | - Amelia He
- Department of Botany, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada
| | - Jae-Hyeok Lee
- Department of Botany, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada
| |
Collapse
|