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Alessi C, Lemonnier H, Camp EF, Wabete N, Payri C, Rodolfo Metalpa R. Algal symbiont diversity in Acropora muricata from the extreme reef of Bouraké associated with resistance to coral bleaching. PLoS One 2024; 19:e0296902. [PMID: 38416713 PMCID: PMC10901360 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0296902] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/16/2023] [Accepted: 12/21/2023] [Indexed: 03/01/2024] Open
Abstract
Widespread coral bleaching has generally been linked to high water temperatures at larger geographic scales. However, the bleaching response can be highly variable among individual of the same species, between different species, and across localities; what causes this variability remains unresolved. Here, we tracked bleached and non-bleached colonies of Acropora muricata to see if they recovered or died following a stress event inside the semi-enclosed lagoon of Bouraké (New Caledonia), where corals are long-term acclimatized to extreme conditions of temperature, pH and dissolved oxygen, and at a nearby control reef where conditions are more benign. We describe Symbiodiniaceae community changes based on next-generation sequencing of the ITS2 marker, metabolic responses, and energetic reserve measures (12 physiological traits evaluated) during the La Niña warm and rainy summer in 2021. Widespread coral bleaching (score 1 and 2 on the coral colour health chart) was observed only in Bouraké, likely due to the combination of the high temperatures (up to 32°C) and heavy rain. All colonies (i.e., Bouraké and reference site) associated predominantly with Symbiodinaceae from the genera Cladocopium. Unbleached colonies in Bouraké had a specific ITS2-type profile (proxies for Symbiodiniaceae genotypes), while the bleached colonies in Bouraké had the same ITS2-type profile of the reef control colonies during the stress event. After four months, the few bleached colonies that survived in Bouraké (B2) acquired the same ITS2 type profiles of the unbleached colonies in Bouraké. In terms of physiological performances, all bleached corals showed metabolic depression (e.g., Pgross and Rdark). In contrast, unbleached colonies in Bouraké maintained higher metabolic rates and energetic reserves compared to control corals. Our study suggests that Acropora muricata enhanced their resistance to bleaching thanks to specific Symbiodiniaceae associations, while energetic reserves may increase their resilience after stress.
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Affiliation(s)
- Cinzia Alessi
- ENTROPIE, IRD, Université de la Réunion, CNRS, IFREMER, Université de Nouvelle-Calédonie, Nouméa, New Caledonia
- Laboratoire d'Excellence CORAIL, ENTROPIE (UMR9220), IRD, Nouméa, New Caledonia
| | - Hugues Lemonnier
- ENTROPIE, IRD, Université de la Réunion, CNRS, IFREMER, Université de Nouvelle-Calédonie, Nouméa, New Caledonia
- Laboratoire d'Excellence CORAIL, ENTROPIE (UMR9220), IRD, Nouméa, New Caledonia
| | - Emma F Camp
- Climate Change Cluster, University of Technology, Ultimo, NSW, Australia
| | - Nelly Wabete
- ENTROPIE, IRD, Université de la Réunion, CNRS, IFREMER, Université de Nouvelle-Calédonie, Nouméa, New Caledonia
| | - Claude Payri
- ENTROPIE, IRD, Université de la Réunion, CNRS, IFREMER, Université de Nouvelle-Calédonie, Nouméa, New Caledonia
- Laboratoire d'Excellence CORAIL, ENTROPIE (UMR9220), IRD, Nouméa, New Caledonia
| | - Riccardo Rodolfo Metalpa
- ENTROPIE, IRD, Université de la Réunion, CNRS, IFREMER, Université de Nouvelle-Calédonie, Nouméa, New Caledonia
- Laboratoire d'Excellence CORAIL, ENTROPIE (UMR9220), IRD, Nouméa, New Caledonia
- Labex ICONA International CO2 Natural Analogues Network, Shimoda, Japan
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Chen B, Yu K, Fu L, Wei Y, Liang J, Liao Z, Qin Z, Yu X, Deng C, Han M, Ma H. The diversity, community dynamics, and interactions of the microbiome in the world's deepest blue hole: insights into extreme environmental response patterns and tolerance of marine microorganisms. Microbiol Spectr 2023; 11:e0053123. [PMID: 37861344 PMCID: PMC10883803 DOI: 10.1128/spectrum.00531-23] [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: 02/03/2023] [Accepted: 09/08/2023] [Indexed: 10/21/2023] Open
Abstract
IMPORTANCE This study comprehensively examined the community dynamics, functional profiles, and interactions of the microbiome in the world's deepest blue hole. The findings revealed a positive correlation between the α-diversities of Symbiodiniaceae and archaea, indicating the potential reliance of Symbiodiniaceae on archaea in an extreme environment resulting from a partial niche overlap. The negative association between the α-diversity and β-diversity of the bacterial community suggested that the change rule of the bacterial community was consistent with the Anna Karenina effects. The core microbiome comprised nine microbial taxa, highlighting their remarkable tolerance and adaptability to sharp environmental gradient variations. Bacteria and archaea played significant roles in carbon, nitrogen, and sulfur cycles, while fungi contributed to carbon metabolism. This study advanced our understanding of the community dynamics, response patterns, and resilience of microorganisms populating the world's deepest blue hole, thereby facilitating further ecological and evolutional exploration of microbiomes in diverse extreme environments.
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Affiliation(s)
- Biao Chen
- Guangxi Laboratory on the Study of Coral Reefs in the South China Sea, Coral Reef Research Center of China, School of Marine Sciences, Guangxi University , Nanning, China
- Southern Marine Science and Engineering Guangdong Laboratory (Zhuhai) , Zhuhai, China
| | - Kefu Yu
- Guangxi Laboratory on the Study of Coral Reefs in the South China Sea, Coral Reef Research Center of China, School of Marine Sciences, Guangxi University , Nanning, China
- Southern Marine Science and Engineering Guangdong Laboratory (Zhuhai) , Zhuhai, China
| | - Liang Fu
- Sansha Track Ocean Coral Reef Conservation Research Institute Co. Ltd. , Qionghai, China
| | - Yuxin Wei
- Guangxi Laboratory on the Study of Coral Reefs in the South China Sea, Coral Reef Research Center of China, School of Marine Sciences, Guangxi University , Nanning, China
| | - Jiayuan Liang
- Guangxi Laboratory on the Study of Coral Reefs in the South China Sea, Coral Reef Research Center of China, School of Marine Sciences, Guangxi University , Nanning, China
| | - Zhiheng Liao
- Guangxi Laboratory on the Study of Coral Reefs in the South China Sea, Coral Reef Research Center of China, School of Marine Sciences, Guangxi University , Nanning, China
- Key Laboratory of Environmental Change and Resource Use in Beibu Gulf, Ministry of Education, Nanning Normal University , Nanning, China
| | - Zhenjun Qin
- Guangxi Laboratory on the Study of Coral Reefs in the South China Sea, Coral Reef Research Center of China, School of Marine Sciences, Guangxi University , Nanning, China
| | - Xiaopeng Yu
- Guangxi Laboratory on the Study of Coral Reefs in the South China Sea, Coral Reef Research Center of China, School of Marine Sciences, Guangxi University , Nanning, China
| | - Chuanqi Deng
- Guangxi Laboratory on the Study of Coral Reefs in the South China Sea, Coral Reef Research Center of China, School of Marine Sciences, Guangxi University , Nanning, China
| | - Minwei Han
- Guangxi Laboratory on the Study of Coral Reefs in the South China Sea, Coral Reef Research Center of China, School of Marine Sciences, Guangxi University , Nanning, China
| | - Honglin Ma
- Key Laboratory of Environmental Change and Resource Use in Beibu Gulf, Ministry of Education, Nanning Normal University , Nanning, China
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Edmunds PJ. Coral recruitment: patterns and processes determining the dynamics of coral populations. Biol Rev Camb Philos Soc 2023; 98:1862-1886. [PMID: 37340617 DOI: 10.1111/brv.12987] [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: 01/17/2023] [Revised: 05/30/2023] [Accepted: 06/02/2023] [Indexed: 06/22/2023]
Abstract
Coral recruitment describes the addition of new individuals to populations, and it is one of the most fundamental demographic processes contributing to population size. As many coral reefs around the world have experienced large declines in coral cover and abundance, there has been great interest in understanding the factors causing coral recruitment to vary and the conditions under which it can support community resilience. While progress in these areas is being facilitated by technological and scientific advances, one of the best tools to quantify recruitment remains the humble settlement tile, variants of which have been in use for over a century. Here I review the biology and ecology of coral recruits and the recruitment process, largely as resolved through the use of settlement tiles, by: (i) defining how the terms 'recruit' and 'recruitment' have been used, and explaining why loose terminology has impeded scientific advancement; (ii) describing how coral recruitment is measured and why settlement tiles have value for this purpose; (iii) summarizing previous efforts to review quantitative analyses of coral recruitment; (iv) describing advances from hypothesis-driven studies in determining how refuges, seawater flow, and grazers can modulate coral recruitment; (v) reviewing the biology of small corals (i.e. recruits) to understand better how they respond to environmental conditions; and (vi) updating a quantitative compilation of coral recruitment studies extending from 1974 to present, thus revealing long-term global declines in density of recruits, juxtaposed with apparent resilience to coral bleaching. Finally, I review future directions in the study of coral recruitment, and highlight the need to expand studies to deliver taxonomic resolution, and explain why time series of settlement tile deployments are likely to remain pivotal in quantifying coral recruitment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Peter J Edmunds
- Department of Biology, California State University, 18111 Nordhoff Street, Northridge, CA, 91330-8303, USA
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4
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Chan WY, Meyers L, Rudd D, Topa SH, van Oppen MJH. Heat-evolved algal symbionts enhance bleaching tolerance of adult corals without trade-off against growth. GLOBAL CHANGE BIOLOGY 2023; 29:6945-6968. [PMID: 37913765 DOI: 10.1111/gcb.16987] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/17/2023] [Revised: 09/11/2023] [Accepted: 10/01/2023] [Indexed: 11/03/2023]
Abstract
Ocean warming has caused coral mass bleaching and mortality worldwide and the persistence of symbiotic reef-building corals requires rapid acclimation or adaptation. Experimental evolution of the coral's microalgal symbionts followed by their introduction into coral is one potential method to enhance coral thermotolerance. Heat-evolved microalgal symbionts of the generalist species, Cladocopium proliferum (strain SS8), were exposed to elevated temperature (31°C) for ~10 years, and were introduced into four genotypes of chemically bleached adult fragments of the scleractinian coral, Galaxea fascicularis. Two of the four coral genotypes acquired SS8. The new symbionts persisted for the 5 months of the experiment and enhanced adult coral thermotolerance, compared with corals that were inoculated with the wild-type C. proliferum strain. Thermotolerance of SS8-corals was similar to that of coral fragments from the same colony hosting the homologous symbiont, Durusdinium sp., which is naturally heat tolerant. However, SS8-coral fragments exhibited faster growth and recovered cell density and photochemical efficiency more quickly following chemical bleaching and inoculation under ambient temperature relative to Durusdinium-corals. Mass spectrometry imaging suggests that algal pigments involved in photobiology and oxidative stress were the greatest contributors to the thermotolerance differences between coral hosting heat-evolved versus wild-type C. proliferum. These pigments may have increased photoprotection in the heat-evolved symbionts. This is the first laboratory study to show that thermotolerance of adult corals (G. fascicularis) can be enhanced via the uptake of exogenously supplied, heat-evolved symbionts, without a trade-off against growth under ambient temperature. Importantly, heat-evolved C. proliferum remained in the corals in moderate abundance 2 years after first inoculation, suggesting long-term stability of this novel symbiosis and potential long-term benefits to coral thermotolerance.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wing Yan Chan
- School of BioSciences, University of Melbourne, Parkville, Victoria, Australia
- Australian Institute of Marine Science, Townsville, Queensland, Australia
| | - Luka Meyers
- School of BioSciences, University of Melbourne, Parkville, Victoria, Australia
| | - David Rudd
- Monash Institute of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Parkville, Victoria, Australia
- Melbourne Centre for Nanofabrication, Clayton, Victoria, Australia
| | - Sanjida H Topa
- School of BioSciences, University of Melbourne, Parkville, Victoria, Australia
| | - Madeleine J H van Oppen
- School of BioSciences, University of Melbourne, Parkville, Victoria, Australia
- Australian Institute of Marine Science, Townsville, Queensland, Australia
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5
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Rädecker N, Escrig S, Spangenberg JE, Voolstra CR, Meibom A. Coupled carbon and nitrogen cycling regulates the cnidarian-algal symbiosis. Nat Commun 2023; 14:6948. [PMID: 37914705 PMCID: PMC10620199 DOI: 10.1038/s41467-023-42579-7] [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: 12/15/2022] [Accepted: 10/16/2023] [Indexed: 11/03/2023] Open
Abstract
Efficient nutrient recycling underpins the ecological success of cnidarian-algal symbioses in oligotrophic waters. In these symbioses, nitrogen limitation restricts the growth of algal endosymbionts in hospite and stimulates their release of photosynthates to the cnidarian host. However, the mechanisms controlling nitrogen availability and their role in symbiosis regulation remain poorly understood. Here, we studied the metabolic regulation of symbiotic nitrogen cycling in the sea anemone Aiptasia by experimentally altering labile carbon availability in a series of experiments. Combining 13C and 15N stable isotope labeling experiments with physiological analyses and NanoSIMS imaging, we show that the competition for environmental ammonium between the host and its algal symbionts is regulated by labile carbon availability. Light regimes optimal for algal photosynthesis increase carbon availability in the holobiont and stimulate nitrogen assimilation in the host metabolism. Consequently, algal symbiont densities are lowest under optimal environmental conditions and increase toward the lower and upper light tolerance limits of the symbiosis. This metabolic regulation promotes efficient carbon recycling in a stable symbiosis across a wide range of environmental conditions. Yet, the dependence on resource competition may favor parasitic interactions, explaining the instability of the cnidarian-algal symbiosis as environmental conditions in the Anthropocene shift towards its tolerance limits.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nils Rädecker
- Laboratory for Biological Geochemistry, School of Architecture, Civil and Environmental Engineering, École Polytechnique Fédérale de Lausanne (EPFL), Lausanne, Switzerland.
| | - Stéphane Escrig
- Laboratory for Biological Geochemistry, School of Architecture, Civil and Environmental Engineering, École Polytechnique Fédérale de Lausanne (EPFL), Lausanne, Switzerland
| | - Jorge E Spangenberg
- Institute of Earth Surface Dynamics, University of Lausanne, Lausanne, Switzerland
| | | | - Anders Meibom
- Laboratory for Biological Geochemistry, School of Architecture, Civil and Environmental Engineering, École Polytechnique Fédérale de Lausanne (EPFL), Lausanne, Switzerland
- Center for Advanced Surface Analysis, Institute of Earth Sciences, University of Lausanne, Lausanne, Switzerland
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Kemp DW, Hoadley KD, Lewis AM, Wham DC, Smith RT, Warner ME, LaJeunesse TC. Thermotolerant coral-algal mutualisms maintain high rates of nutrient transfer while exposed to heat stress. Proc Biol Sci 2023; 290:20231403. [PMID: 37727091 PMCID: PMC10509592 DOI: 10.1098/rspb.2023.1403] [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: 06/21/2023] [Accepted: 08/15/2023] [Indexed: 09/21/2023] Open
Abstract
Symbiotic mutualisms are essential to ecosystems and numerous species across the tree of life. For reef-building corals, the benefits of their association with endosymbiotic dinoflagellates differ within and across taxa, and nutrient exchange between these partners is influenced by environmental conditions. Furthermore, it is widely assumed that corals associated with symbionts in the genus Durusdinium tolerate high thermal stress at the expense of lower nutrient exchange to support coral growth. We traced both inorganic carbon (H13CO3-) and nitrate (15NO3-) uptake by divergent symbiont species and quantified nutrient transfer to the host coral under normal temperatures as well as in colonies exposed to high thermal stress. Colonies representative of diverse coral taxa associated with Durusdinium trenchii or Cladocopium spp. exhibited similar nutrient exchange under ambient conditions. By contrast, heat-exposed colonies with D. trenchii experienced less physiological stress than conspecifics with Cladocopium spp. while high carbon assimilation and nutrient transfer to the host was maintained. This discovery differs from the prevailing notion that these mutualisms inevitably suffer trade-offs in physiological performance. These findings emphasize that many host-symbiont combinations adapted to high-temperature equatorial environments are high-functioning mutualisms; and why their increased prevalence is likely to be important to the future productivity and stability of coral reef ecosystems.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dustin W. Kemp
- Department of Biology, University of Alabama at Birmingham, AL, USA
| | | | - Allison M. Lewis
- Department of Biology, Pennsylvania State University, University Park, PA, USA
| | - Drew C. Wham
- Department of Biology, Pennsylvania State University, University Park, PA, USA
| | - Robin T. Smith
- Center for Marine and Environmental Studies, University of the Virgin Islands, St. Thomas, VI, USA
| | - Mark E. Warner
- School of Marine Science and Policy, University of Delaware, Lewes, DE, USA
| | - Todd C. LaJeunesse
- Department of Biology, Pennsylvania State University, University Park, PA, USA
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Wang C, Zheng X, Kvitt H, Sheng H, Sun D, Niu G, Tchernov D, Shi T. Lineage-specific symbionts mediate differential coral responses to thermal stress. MICROBIOME 2023; 11:211. [PMID: 37752514 PMCID: PMC10521517 DOI: 10.1186/s40168-023-01653-4] [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: 03/29/2022] [Accepted: 08/23/2023] [Indexed: 09/28/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Ocean warming is a leading cause of increasing episodes of coral bleaching, the dissociation between coral hosts and their dinoflagellate algal symbionts in the family Symbiodiniaceae. While the diversity and flexibility of Symbiodiniaceae is presumably responsible for variations in coral response to physical stressors such as elevated temperature, there is little data directly comparing physiological performance that accounts for symbiont identity associated with the same coral host species. Here, using Pocillopora damicornis harboring genotypically distinct Symbiodiniaceae strains, we examined the physiological responses of the coral holobiont and the dynamics of symbiont community change under thermal stress in a laboratory-controlled experiment. RESULTS We found that P. damicornis dominated with symbionts of metahaplotype D1-D4-D6 in the genus Durusdinium (i.e., PdD holobiont) was more robust to thermal stress than its counterpart with symbionts of metahaplotype C42-C1-C1b-C1c in the genus Cladocopium (i.e., PdC holobiont). Under ambient temperature, however, the thermally sensitive Cladocopium spp. exhibited higher photosynthetic efficiency and translocated more fixed carbon to the host, likely facilitating faster coral growth and calcification. Moreover, we observed a thermally induced increase in Durusdinium proportion in the PdC holobiont; however, this "symbiont shuffling" in the background was overwhelmed by the overall Cladocopium dominance, which coincided with faster coral bleaching and reduced calcification. CONCLUSIONS These findings support that lineage-specific symbiont dominance is a driver of distinct coral responses to thermal stress. In addition, we found that "symbiont shuffling" may begin with stress-forced, subtle changes in the rare biosphere to eventually trade off growth for increased resilience. Furthermore, the flexibility in corals' association with thermally tolerant symbiont lineages to adapt or acclimatize to future warming oceans should be viewed with conservative optimism as the current rate of environmental changes may outpace the evolutionary capabilities of corals. Video Abstract.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chenying Wang
- Key Laboratory of Marine Ecology Conservation and Restoration, Third Institute of Oceanography, Ministry of Natural Resources, Xiamen, 361005, China
- State Key Laboratory of Marine Environmental Science, College of Ocean and Earth Sciences, Xiamen University, Xiamen, 361102, China
| | - Xinqing Zheng
- Key Laboratory of Marine Ecology Conservation and Restoration, Third Institute of Oceanography, Ministry of Natural Resources, Xiamen, 361005, China.
- Observation and Research Station of Wetland Ecosystem in the Beibu Gulf, Ministry of Natural Resources, Beihai, 536015, China.
| | - Hagit Kvitt
- Marine Biology Department, The Leon H. Charney School of Marine Sciences, University of Haifa, 31905, Haifa, Israel
- Israel Oceanographic and Limnological Research, National Center for Mariculture, 88112, Eilat, Israel
| | - Huaxia Sheng
- State Key Laboratory of Marine Environmental Science, College of Ocean and Earth Sciences, Xiamen University, Xiamen, 361102, China
| | - Danye Sun
- State Key Laboratory of Marine Environmental Science, College of Ocean and Earth Sciences, Xiamen University, Xiamen, 361102, China
| | - Gaofeng Niu
- Marine Genomics and Biotechnology Program, Institute of Marine Science and Technology, Shandong University, Qingdao, 266237, China
| | - Dan Tchernov
- Marine Biology Department, The Leon H. Charney School of Marine Sciences, University of Haifa, 31905, Haifa, Israel.
| | - Tuo Shi
- State Key Laboratory of Marine Environmental Science, College of Ocean and Earth Sciences, Xiamen University, Xiamen, 361102, China.
- Marine Genomics and Biotechnology Program, Institute of Marine Science and Technology, Shandong University, Qingdao, 266237, China.
- Southern Marine Science and Engineering Guangdong Laboratory (Zhuhai), Guangzhou, 510000, China.
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Scharfenstein HJ, Alvarez‐Roa C, Peplow LM, Buerger P, Chan WY, van Oppen MJH. Chemical mutagenesis and thermal selection of coral photosymbionts induce adaptation to heat stress with trait trade-offs. Evol Appl 2023; 16:1549-1567. [PMID: 37752965 PMCID: PMC10519419 DOI: 10.1111/eva.13586] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/13/2022] [Revised: 08/02/2023] [Accepted: 08/02/2023] [Indexed: 09/28/2023] Open
Abstract
Despite the relevance of heat-evolved microalgal endosymbionts to coral reef restoration, to date, few Symbiodiniaceae strains have been thermally enhanced via experimental evolution. Here, we investigated whether the thermal tolerance of Symbiodiniaceae can be increased through chemical mutagenesis followed by thermal selection. Strains of Durusdinium trenchii, Fugacium kawagutii and Symbiodinium pilosum were exposed to ethyl methanesulfonate to induce random mutagenesis, and then underwent thermal selection at high temperature (31/33°C). After 4.6-5 years of experimental evolution, the in vitro thermal tolerance of these strains was assessed via reciprocal transplant experiments to ambient (27°C) and elevated (31/35°C) temperatures. Growth, photosynthetic efficiency, oxidative stress and nutrient use were measured to compare thermal tolerance between strains. Heat-evolved D. trenchii, F. kawagutii and S. pilosum strains all exhibited increased photosynthetic efficiency under thermal stress. However, trade-offs in growth rates were observed for the heat-evolved D. trenchii lineage at both ambient and elevated temperatures. Reduced phosphate and nitrate uptake rates in F. kawagutii and S. pilosum heat-evolved lineages, respectively, suggest alterations in nutrition resource usage and allocation processes may have occurred. Increased phosphate uptake rates of the heat-evolved D. trenchii strain indicate that experimental evolution resulted in further trade-offs in this species. These findings deepen our understanding of the physiological responses of Symbiodiniaceae cultures to thermal selection and their capacity to adapt to elevated temperatures. The new heat-evolved Symbiodiniaceae developed here may be beneficial for coral reef restoration efforts if their enhanced thermal tolerance can be conferred in hospite.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hugo J. Scharfenstein
- School of BioSciencesThe University of MelbourneParkvilleVictoriaAustralia
- Australian Institute of Marine ScienceTownsvilleQueenslandAustralia
| | | | - Lesa M. Peplow
- Australian Institute of Marine ScienceTownsvilleQueenslandAustralia
| | - Patrick Buerger
- School of BioSciencesThe University of MelbourneParkvilleVictoriaAustralia
- Applied BioSciencesMacquarie UniversitySydneyNew South WalesAustralia
| | - Wing Yan Chan
- School of BioSciencesThe University of MelbourneParkvilleVictoriaAustralia
| | - Madeleine J. H. van Oppen
- School of BioSciencesThe University of MelbourneParkvilleVictoriaAustralia
- Australian Institute of Marine ScienceTownsvilleQueenslandAustralia
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Turnham KE, Aschaffenburg MD, Pettay DT, Paz-García DA, Reyes-Bonilla H, Pinzón J, Timmins E, Smith RT, McGinley MP, Warner ME, LaJeunesse TC. High physiological function for corals with thermally tolerant, host-adapted symbionts. Proc Biol Sci 2023; 290:20231021. [PMID: 37465983 DOI: 10.1098/rspb.2023.1021] [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: 05/09/2023] [Accepted: 06/23/2023] [Indexed: 07/20/2023] Open
Abstract
The flexibility to associate with more than one symbiont may considerably expand a host's niche breadth. Coral animals and dinoflagellate micro-algae represent one of the most functionally integrated and widespread mutualisms between two eukaryotic partners. Symbiont identity greatly affects a coral's ability to cope with extremes in temperature and light. Over its broad distribution across the Eastern Pacific, the ecologically dominant branching coral, Pocillopora grandis, depends on mutualisms with the dinoflagellates Durusdinium glynnii and Cladocopium latusorum. Measurements of skeletal growth, calcification rates, total mass increase, calyx dimensions, reproductive output and response to thermal stress were used to assess the functional performance of these partner combinations. The results show both host-symbiont combinations displayed similar phenotypes; however, significant functional differences emerged when exposed to increased temperatures. Negligible physiological differences in colonies hosting the more thermally tolerant D. glynnii refute the prevailing view that these mutualisms have considerable growth tradeoffs. Well beyond the Eastern Pacific, pocilloporid colonies with D. glynnii are found across the Pacific in warm, environmentally variable, near shore lagoonal habitats. While rising ocean temperatures threaten the persistence of contemporary coral reefs, lessons from the Eastern Pacific indicate that co-evolved thermally tolerant host-symbiont combinations are likely to expand ecologically and spread geographically to dominate reef ecosystems in the future.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kira E Turnham
- Department of Biology, The Pennsylvania State University, University Park, PA, USA
| | | | - D Tye Pettay
- Department of Natural Sciences, University of South Carolina Beaufort, 801 Carteret Street, Beaufort, SC 29902,USA
| | - David A Paz-García
- Centro de Investigaciones Biológicas del Noroeste (CIBNOR), Av. IPN 195, La Paz, Baja California Sur 23096, México
| | - Héctor Reyes-Bonilla
- Universidad Autónoma de Baja California Sur, Carretera al Sur 5.5, La Paz, C.P 23080, Mexico
| | - Jorge Pinzón
- Department of Biology, The Pennsylvania State University, University Park, PA, USA
| | - Ellie Timmins
- Department of Biology, The Pennsylvania State University, University Park, PA, USA
| | - Robin T Smith
- Center for Marine and Environmental Studies, University of the Virgin Islands, St. Thomas, US Virgin Islands
| | - Michael P McGinley
- School of Marine Science and Policy, University of Delaware, Lewes, DE, USA
| | - Mark E Warner
- School of Marine Science and Policy, University of Delaware, Lewes, DE, USA
| | - Todd C LaJeunesse
- Department of Biology, The Pennsylvania State University, University Park, PA, USA
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10
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Puntin G, Sweet M, Fraune S, Medina M, Sharp K, Weis VM, Ziegler M. Harnessing the Power of Model Organisms To Unravel Microbial Functions in the Coral Holobiont. Microbiol Mol Biol Rev 2022; 86:e0005322. [PMID: 36287022 PMCID: PMC9769930 DOI: 10.1128/mmbr.00053-22] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/01/2023] Open
Abstract
Stony corals build the framework of coral reefs, ecosystems of immense ecological and economic importance. The existence of these ecosystems is threatened by climate change and other anthropogenic stressors that manifest in microbial dysbiosis such as coral bleaching and disease, often leading to coral mortality. Despite a significant amount of research, the mechanisms ultimately underlying these destructive phenomena, and what could prevent or mitigate them, remain to be resolved. This is mostly due to practical challenges in experimentation on corals and the highly complex nature of the coral holobiont that also includes bacteria, archaea, protists, and viruses. While the overall importance of these partners is well recognized, their specific contributions to holobiont functioning and their interspecific dynamics remain largely unexplored. Here, we review the potential of adopting model organisms as more tractable systems to address these knowledge gaps. We draw on parallels from the broader biological and biomedical fields to guide the establishment, implementation, and integration of new and emerging model organisms with the aim of addressing the specific needs of coral research. We evaluate the cnidarian models Hydra, Aiptasia, Cassiopea, and Astrangia poculata; review the fast-evolving field of coral tissue and cell cultures; and propose a framework for the establishment of "true" tropical reef-building coral models. Based on this assessment, we also suggest future research to address key aspects limiting our ability to understand and hence improve the response of reef-building corals to future ocean conditions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Giulia Puntin
- Department of Animal Ecology and Systematics, Marine Holobiomics Lab, Justus Liebig University Giessen, Giessen, Germany
| | - Michael Sweet
- Aquatic Research Facility, Environmental Sustainability Research Centre, University of Derby, Derby, United Kingdom
| | - Sebastian Fraune
- Institute for Zoology and Organismic Interactions, Heinrich-Heine University Düsseldorf, Düsseldorf, Germany
| | - Mónica Medina
- Department of Biology, Pennsylvania State University, State College, Pennsylvania, USA
| | - Koty Sharp
- Department of Biology, Marine Biology, and Environmental Science, Roger Williams University, Bristol, Rhode Island, USA
| | - Virginia M. Weis
- Department of Integrative Biology, Oregon State University, Corvallis, Oregon, USA
| | - Maren Ziegler
- Department of Animal Ecology and Systematics, Marine Holobiomics Lab, Justus Liebig University Giessen, Giessen, Germany
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11
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McIlroy SE, terHorst CP, Teece M, Coffroth MA. Nutrient dynamics in coral symbiosis depend on both the relative and absolute abundance of Symbiodiniaceae species. MICROBIOME 2022; 10:192. [PMID: 36336686 PMCID: PMC9639324 DOI: 10.1186/s40168-022-01382-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/14/2022] [Accepted: 09/30/2022] [Indexed: 06/16/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Symbionts provide a variety of reproductive, nutritional, and defensive resources to their hosts, but those resources can vary depending on symbiont community composition. As genetic techniques open our eyes to the breadth of symbiont diversity within myriad microbiomes, symbiosis research has begun to consider what ecological mechanisms affect the identity and relative abundance of symbiont species and how this community structure impacts resource exchange among partners. Here, we manipulated the in hospite density and relative ratio of two species of coral endosymbionts (Symbiodinium microadriaticum and Breviolum minutum) and used stable isotope enrichment to trace nutrient exchange with the host, Briareum asbestinum. RESULTS The patterns of uptake and translocation of carbon and nitrogen varied with both density and ratio of symbionts. Once a density threshold was reached, carbon acquisition decreased with increasing proportions of S. microadriaticum. In hosts dominated by B. minutum, nitrogen uptake was density independent and intermediate. Conversely, for those corals dominated by S. microadriaticum, nitrogen uptake decreased as densities increased, and as a result, these hosts had the overall highest (at low density) and lowest (at high density) nitrogen enrichment. CONCLUSIONS Our findings show that the uptake and sharing of nutrients was strongly dependent on both the density of symbionts within the host, as well as which symbiont species was dominant. Together, these complex interactive effects suggest that host regulation and the repression of in hospite symbiont competition can ultimately lead to a more productive mutualism. Video Abstract.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shelby E McIlroy
- School of Biological Sciences, Swire Institute of Marine Science, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong SAR, China.
- Graduate Program in Evolution, Ecology and Behaviour, University at Buffalo, Buffalo, NY, 14260, USA.
| | - Casey P terHorst
- Department of Biology, California State University, Northridge, CA, 91330, USA
| | - Mark Teece
- Department of Chemistry, State University of New York College of Environmental Science and Forestry, Syracuse, NY, 13210, USA
| | - Mary Alice Coffroth
- Graduate Program in Evolution, Ecology and Behaviour, University at Buffalo, Buffalo, NY, 14260, USA
- Department of Geology University at Buffalo, Buffalo, NY, 14260, USA
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12
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Lima MS, Hamerski L, Silva TA, da Cruz MLR, Varasteh T, Tschoeke DA, Atella GC, de Souza W, Thompson FL, Thompson CC. Insights on the biochemical and cellular changes induced by heat stress in the Cladocopium isolated from coral Mussismilia braziliensis. Front Microbiol 2022; 13:973980. [PMID: 36299729 PMCID: PMC9590694 DOI: 10.3389/fmicb.2022.973980] [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: 06/20/2022] [Accepted: 09/22/2022] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Corals are treatened by global warming. Bleaching is one immediate effect of global warming, resulting from the loss of photosynthetic endosymbiont dinoflagellates. Understanding host-symbiont associations are critical for assessing coral’s habitat requirements and its response to environmental changes. Cladocopium (formerly family Symbiodiniaceae clade C) are dominant endosymbionts in the reef-building coral, Mussismilia braziliensis. This study aimed to investigate the effect of temperature on the biochemical and cellular features of Cladocopium. Heat stress increased oxygen (O2) and decreased proteins, pigments (Chla + Chlc2), hexadecanoic acid- methyl ester, methyl stearate, and octadecenoic acid (Z)- methyl ester molecules. In addition, there was an increase in neutral lipids such as esterified cholesterol and a decrease in free fatty acids that may have been incorporated for the production of lipid droplets. Transmission electron microscopy (TEM) demonstrated that Cladocopium cells subjected to heat stress had thinner cell walls, deformation of chloroplasts, and increased lipid droplets after 3 days at 28°C. These findings indicate that thermal stress negatively affects isolated Cladocopium spp. from Mussismilia host coral.
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Affiliation(s)
- Michele S. Lima
- Laboratory of Microbiology, Biology Institute, Federal University of Rio de Janeiro (UFRJ), Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
| | - Lidilhone Hamerski
- Walter Mors Institute of Research on Natural Products, Federal University of Rio de Janeiro (UFRJ), Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
| | - Tatiana A. Silva
- Laboratory of Celullar Ultrastructure Hertha Meyer, Biophysics Institute Carlos Chagas Filho, Federal University of Rio de Janeiro (UFRJ), Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
- National Center for Structural Biology and Bioimaging (Cenabio), Federal University of Rio de Janeiro (UFRJ), Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
| | - Maria Luíza R. da Cruz
- Laboratory of Microbiology, Biology Institute, Federal University of Rio de Janeiro (UFRJ), Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
| | - Tooba Varasteh
- Laboratory of Microbiology, Biology Institute, Federal University of Rio de Janeiro (UFRJ), Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
| | - Diogo A. Tschoeke
- Biomedical Engineering Program – COPPE, Federal University of Rio de Janeiro (UFRJ), Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
| | - Georgia C. Atella
- Laboratory of Lipids Biochemistry and Lipoprotein, Biochemistry Institute Leopoldo de Meis, Federal University of Rio de Janeiro (UFRJ), Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
| | - Wanderley de Souza
- Laboratory of Celullar Ultrastructure Hertha Meyer, Biophysics Institute Carlos Chagas Filho, Federal University of Rio de Janeiro (UFRJ), Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
- National Center for Structural Biology and Bioimaging (Cenabio), Federal University of Rio de Janeiro (UFRJ), Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
| | - Fabiano L. Thompson
- Laboratory of Microbiology, Biology Institute, Federal University of Rio de Janeiro (UFRJ), Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
- Center of Technology-CT2, SAGE-COPPE, Federal University of Rio de Janeiro (UFRJ), Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
- *Correspondence: Fabiano L. Thompson, ; Cristiane C. Thompson,
| | - Cristiane C. Thompson
- Laboratory of Microbiology, Biology Institute, Federal University of Rio de Janeiro (UFRJ), Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
- *Correspondence: Fabiano L. Thompson, ; Cristiane C. Thompson,
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13
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de Souza MR, Caruso C, Ruiz-Jones L, Drury C, Gates R, Toonen RJ. Community composition of coral-associated Symbiodiniaceae differs across fine-scale environmental gradients in Kāne'ohe Bay. ROYAL SOCIETY OPEN SCIENCE 2022; 9:212042. [PMID: 36117869 PMCID: PMC9459668 DOI: 10.1098/rsos.212042] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/31/2021] [Accepted: 08/12/2022] [Indexed: 06/04/2023]
Abstract
The survival of most reef-building corals is dependent upon a symbiosis between the coral and the community of Symbiodiniaceae. Montipora capitata, one of the main reef-building coral species in Hawai'i, is known to host a diversity of symbionts, but it remains unclear how they change spatially and whether environmental factors drive those changes. Here, we surveyed the Symbiodiniaceae community in 600 M. capitata colonies from 30 sites across Kāne'ohe Bay and tested for host specificity and environmental gradients driving spatial patterns of algal symbiont distribution. We found that the Symbiodiniaceae community differed markedly across sites, with M. capitata in the most open-ocean (northern) site hosting few or none of the genus Durusdinium, whereas individuals at other sites had a mix of Durusdinium and Cladocopium. Our study shows that the algal symbiont community composition responds to fine-scale differences in environmental gradients; depth and temperature variability were the most significant predictor of Symbiodiniaceae community, although environmental factors measured in the study explained only about 20% of observed variation. Identifying and mapping Symbiodiniaceae community distribution at multiple scales is an important step in advancing our understanding of algal symbiont diversity, distribution and evolution and the potential responses of corals to future environmental change.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mariana Rocha de Souza
- Hawai‘i Institute of Marine Biology, School of Ocean and Earth Science and Technology, University of Hawai‘i at Mānoa, Kāne'ohe, HI 96744, USA
| | - Carlo Caruso
- Hawai‘i Institute of Marine Biology, School of Ocean and Earth Science and Technology, University of Hawai‘i at Mānoa, Kāne'ohe, HI 96744, USA
| | - Lupita Ruiz-Jones
- Chaminade University of Honolulu, 3140 Waialae Ave, Honolulu, HI 96816, USA
| | - Crawford Drury
- Hawai‘i Institute of Marine Biology, School of Ocean and Earth Science and Technology, University of Hawai‘i at Mānoa, Kāne'ohe, HI 96744, USA
| | - Ruth Gates
- Hawai‘i Institute of Marine Biology, School of Ocean and Earth Science and Technology, University of Hawai‘i at Mānoa, Kāne'ohe, HI 96744, USA
| | - Robert J. Toonen
- Hawai‘i Institute of Marine Biology, School of Ocean and Earth Science and Technology, University of Hawai‘i at Mānoa, Kāne'ohe, HI 96744, USA
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14
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Al-Hammady MA, Silva TF, Hussein HN, Saxena G, Modolo LV, Belasy MB, Westphal H, Farag MA. How do algae endosymbionts mediate for their coral host fitness under heat stress? A comprehensive mechanistic overview. ALGAL RES 2022. [DOI: 10.1016/j.algal.2022.102850] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
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15
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Han JHJ, Stefanak MP, Rodgers KS. Low-level nutrient enrichment during thermal stress delays bleaching and ameliorates calcification in three Hawaiian reef coral species. PeerJ 2022; 10:e13707. [PMID: 35855432 PMCID: PMC9288827 DOI: 10.7717/peerj.13707] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/31/2022] [Accepted: 06/19/2022] [Indexed: 01/17/2023] Open
Abstract
Terrestrial-based nutrient pollution has emerged as one of the most detrimental factors to coral health in many reef habitats. Recent studies have shown that excessive dissolved inorganic nutrients can reduce coral thermal tolerance thresholds and even exacerbate bleaching during thermal stress, yet the effects of minor nutrient enrichment under heat stress have not been extensively studied. In this study, Lobactis scutaria, Montipora capitata, and Pocillopora acuta colonies under heated conditions (~30.5 °C) were exposed to low and balanced nitrogen and phosphorous concentrations over a 31-day heating period. Coral colonies were collected from Kāne'ohe Bay, O'ahu, which has a unique history of nutrient pollution, and held in mesocosms that allowed for environmental manipulation yet are also influenced by local field conditions. Principal findings included delays in the bleaching of nutrient-enriched heated colonies as compared to heated-only colonies, in addition to relatively greater calcification rates and lower proportions of early-stage paling. Species-specific outcomes were prevalent, with L. scutaria demonstrating no difference in calcification with enrichment under heat stress. By the end of the heating stage, however, many heated colonies were at least partially impacted by bleaching or mortality. Despite this, our findings suggest that low levels of balanced nutrient enrichment may serve as a mitigative force during thermal events. Further field-based studies will be required to assess these results in different reef habitats.
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16
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Yuyama I, Higuchi T, Mezaki T, Tashiro H, Ikeo K. Metatranscriptomic Analysis of Corals Inoculated With Tolerant and Non-Tolerant Symbiont Exposed to High Temperature and Light Stress. Front Physiol 2022; 13:806171. [PMID: 35480050 PMCID: PMC9037784 DOI: 10.3389/fphys.2022.806171] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/31/2021] [Accepted: 02/17/2022] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Algal symbionts of corals can influence host stress resistance; for example, in the Pacific Ocean, whereas Cladocopium (C-type) is generally dominant in corals, Durusdinium (D-type) is found in more heat-resistant corals. Thus, the presence of D-type symbiont likely increases coral heat tolerance, and this symbiotic relationship potentially provides a hint to increase the stress tolerance of coral–algal symbioses. In this study, transcriptome profiles of Cladocopium- and Durusdinium-harboring Acropora solitaryensis (C-coral and D-coral, respectively) and algal photosystem functioning (Fv/Fm) under bleaching conditions (high temperature and light stress) were compared. Stress treatment caused algal photoinhibition that the Fv/Fm value of Symbiodiniaceae was immediately reduced. The transcriptome analysis of corals revealed that genes involved in the following processes were detected: endoplasmic reticulum (ER) stress, mitophagy, apoptosis, endocytosis, metabolic processes (acetyl-CoA, chitin metabolic processes, etc.), and the PI3K-AKT pathway were upregulated, while DNA replication and the calcium signaling pathway were downregulated in both C- and D-corals. These results suggest that unrepaired DNA and protein damages were accumulated in corals under high temperature and light stress. Additionally, some differentially expressed genes (DEGs) were specific to C- or D-corals, which includes genes involved in transient receptor potential (TRP) channels and vitamin B metabolic processes. Algal transcriptome analysis showed the increased expression of gene encoding photosystem and molecular chaperone especially in D-type symbiont. The transcriptome data imply a possible difference in the stress reactions on C-type and D-type symbionts. The results reveal the basic process of coral heat/light stress response and symbiont-type-specific coral transcriptional responses, which provides a perspective on the mechanisms that cause differences in coral stress tolerance.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ikuko Yuyama
- Graduate School of Science and Technology for Innovation, Yamaguchi University, Yamaguchi, Japan
- *Correspondence: Ikuko Yuyama
| | - Tomihiko Higuchi
- Atmosphere and Ocean Research Institute, The University of Tokyo, Kashiwa, Japan
| | - Takuma Mezaki
- Kuroshio Biological Research Foundation, Otsuki, Japan
| | - Hisako Tashiro
- Department of Genomics and Evolutionary Biology, National Institute of Genetics, Mishima, Japan
| | - Kazuho Ikeo
- Department of Genomics and Evolutionary Biology, National Institute of Genetics, Mishima, Japan
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17
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Camp EF, Nitschke MR, Clases D, Gonzalez de Vega R, Reich HG, Goyen S, Suggett DJ. Micronutrient content drives elementome variability amongst the Symbiodiniaceae. BMC PLANT BIOLOGY 2022; 22:184. [PMID: 35395710 PMCID: PMC8994382 DOI: 10.1186/s12870-022-03512-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/21/2021] [Accepted: 03/06/2022] [Indexed: 06/14/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Elements are the basis of life on Earth, whereby organisms are essentially evolved chemical substances that dynamically interact with each other and their environment. Determining species elemental quotas (their elementome) is a key indicator for their success across environments with different resource availabilities. Elementomes remain undescribed for functionally diverse dinoflagellates within the family Symbiodiniaceae that includes coral endosymbionts. We used dry combustion and ICP-MS to assess whether Symbiodiniaceae (ten isolates spanning five genera Breviolum, Cladocopium, Durusdinium, Effrenium, Symbiodinium) maintained under long-term nutrient replete conditions have unique elementomes (six key macronutrients and nine micronutrients) that would reflect evolutionarily conserved preferential elemental acquisition. For three isolates we assessed how elevated temperature impacted their elementomes. Further, we tested whether Symbiodiniaceae conform to common stoichiometric hypotheses (e.g., the growth rate hypothesis) documented in other marine algae. This study considers whether Symbiodiniaceae isolates possess unique elementomes reflective of their natural ecologies, evolutionary histories, and resistance to environmental change. RESULTS Symbiodiniaceae isolates maintained under long-term luxury uptake conditions, all exhibited highly divergent elementomes from one another, driven primarily by differential content of micronutrients. All N:P and C:P ratios were below the Redfield ratio values, whereas C:N was close to the Redfield value. Elevated temperature resulted in a more homogenised elementome across isolates. The Family-level elementome was (C19.8N2.6 P1.0S18.8K0.7Ca0.1) · 1000 (Fe55.7Mn5.6Sr2.3Zn0.8Ni0.5Se0.3Cu0.2Mo0.1V0.04) mmol Phosphorous-1 versus (C25.4N3.1P1.0S23.1K0.9Ca0.4) · 1000 (Fe66.7Mn6.3Sr7.2Zn0.8Ni0.4Se0.2Cu0.2Mo0.2V0.05) mmol Phosphorous -1 at 27.4 ± 0.4 °C and 30.7 ± 0.01 °C, respectively. Symbiodiniaceae isolates tested here conformed to some, but not all, stoichiometric principles. CONCLUSIONS Elementomes for Symbiodiniaceae diverge from those reported for other marine algae, primarily via lower C:N:P and different micronutrient expressions. Long-term maintenance of Symbiodiniaceae isolates in culture under common nutrient replete conditions suggests isolates have evolutionary conserved preferential uptake for certain elements that allows these unique elementomes to be identified. Micronutrient content (normalised to phosphorous) commonly increased in the Symbiodiniaceae isolates in response to elevated temperature, potentially indicating a common elemental signature to warming.
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Affiliation(s)
- Emma F Camp
- Climate Change Cluster (C3), University of Technology Sydney, PO Box 123, Broadway, Ultimo, NSW, 2007, Australia.
| | - Matthew R Nitschke
- Climate Change Cluster (C3), University of Technology Sydney, PO Box 123, Broadway, Ultimo, NSW, 2007, Australia
- School of Biological Sciences, Victoria University, Wellington, 6012, New Zealand
| | - David Clases
- The Atomic Medicine Initiative, University of Technology Sydney, 15 Broadway, Ultimo, NSW, 2007, Australia
- Institute of Chemistry, University of Graz, Graz, 8010, Austria
| | - Raquel Gonzalez de Vega
- The Atomic Medicine Initiative, University of Technology Sydney, 15 Broadway, Ultimo, NSW, 2007, Australia
- Institute of Chemistry, University of Graz, Graz, 8010, Austria
| | - Hannah G Reich
- Department of Biological Sciences, University of Rhode Island, 120 Flagg Road, Kingston, RI, 02881, USA
| | - Samantha Goyen
- Climate Change Cluster (C3), University of Technology Sydney, PO Box 123, Broadway, Ultimo, NSW, 2007, Australia
| | - David J Suggett
- Climate Change Cluster (C3), University of Technology Sydney, PO Box 123, Broadway, Ultimo, NSW, 2007, Australia
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18
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Proteome metabolome and transcriptome data for three Symbiodiniaceae under ambient and heat stress conditions. Sci Data 2022; 9:153. [PMID: 35383179 PMCID: PMC8983644 DOI: 10.1038/s41597-022-01258-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/25/2021] [Accepted: 03/14/2022] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
The Symbiodiniaceae are a taxonomically and functionally diverse family of marine dinoflagellates. Their symbiotic relationship with invertebrates such as scleractinian corals has made them the focus of decades of research to resolve the underlying biology regulating their sensitivity to stressors, particularly thermal stress. Research to-date suggests that Symbiodiniaceae stress sensitivity is governed by a complex interplay between phylogenetic dependent and independent traits (diversity of characteristics of a species). Consequently, there is a need for datasets that simultaneously broadly resolve molecular and physiological processes under stressed and non-stressed conditions. Therefore, we provide a dataset simultaneously generating transcriptome, metabolome, and proteome data for three ecologically important Symbiodiniaceae isolates under nutrient replete growth conditions and two temperature treatments (ca. 26 °C and 32 °C). Elevated sea surface temperature is primarily responsible for coral bleaching events that occur when the coral-Symbiodiniaceae relationship has been disrupted. Symbiodiniaceae can strongly influence their host's response to thermal stress and consequently it is necessary to resolve drivers of Symbiodiniaceae heat stress tolerance. We anticipate these datasets to expand our understanding on the key genotypic and functional properties that influence the sensitivities of Symbiodiniaceae to thermal stress.
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19
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Tsang Min Ching SJ, Chan WY, Perez-Gonzalez A, Hillyer KE, Buerger P, van Oppen MJH. Colonization and metabolite profiles of homologous, heterologous and experimentally evolved algal symbionts in the sea anemone Exaiptasia diaphana. ISME COMMUNICATIONS 2022; 2:30. [PMID: 37938648 PMCID: PMC9723793 DOI: 10.1038/s43705-022-00114-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/24/2022] [Revised: 02/17/2022] [Accepted: 03/01/2022] [Indexed: 07/30/2023]
Abstract
The sea anemone, Exaiptasia diaphana, is a model of coral-dinoflagellate (Symbiodiniaceae) symbiosis. However, little is known of its potential to form symbiosis with Cladocopium-a key Indo-Pacific algal symbiont of scleractinian corals, nor the host nutritional consequences of such an association. Aposymbiotic anemones were inoculated with homologous algal symbionts, Breviolum minutum, and seven heterologous strains of Cladocopium C1acro (wild-type and heat-evolved) under ambient conditions. Despite lower initial algal cell density, Cladocopium C1acro-anemeones achieved similar cell densities as B. minutum-anemones by week 77. Wild-type and heat-evolved Cladocopium C1acro showed similar colonization patterns. Targeted LC-MS-based metabolomics revealed that almost all significantly different metabolites in the host and Symbiodiniaceae fractions were due to differences between Cladocopium C1acro and B. minutum, with little difference between heat-evolved and wild-type Cladocopium C1acro at week 9. The algal fraction of Cladocopium C1acro-anemones was enriched in metabolites related to nitrogen storage, while the host fraction of B. minutum-anemones was enriched in sugar-related metabolites. Compared to B. minutum, Cladocopium C1acro is likely slightly less nutritionally beneficial to the host under ambient conditions, but more capable of maintaining its own growth when host nitrogen supply is limited. Our findings demonstrate the value of E. diaphana to study experimentally evolved Cladocopium.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Wing Yan Chan
- School of BioSciences, University of Melbourne, Parkville, VIC, Australia.
| | - Alexis Perez-Gonzalez
- Melbourne Cytometry Platform, University of Melbourne, Parkville, VIC, Australia
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, The University of Melbourne, at The Peter Doherty Institute of Infection and Immunity, Parkville, VIC, Australia
| | | | - Patrick Buerger
- School of BioSciences, University of Melbourne, Parkville, VIC, Australia
- Applied Biosciences, Macquarie University, North Ryde, NSW, Australia
| | - Madeleine J H van Oppen
- School of BioSciences, University of Melbourne, Parkville, VIC, Australia
- Australian Institute of Marine Science, Townsville, QLD, Australia
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Ge R, Liang J, Yu K, Chen B, Yu X, Deng C, Chen J, Xu Y, Qin L. Regulation of the Coral-Associated Bacteria and Symbiodiniaceae in Acropora valida Under Ocean Acidification. Front Microbiol 2022; 12:767174. [PMID: 34975794 PMCID: PMC8718875 DOI: 10.3389/fmicb.2021.767174] [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: 08/30/2021] [Accepted: 11/11/2021] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Ocean acidification is one of many stressors that coral reef ecosystems are currently contending with. Thus, understanding the response of key symbiotic microbes to ocean acidification is of great significance for understanding the adaptation mechanism and development trend of coral holobionts. Here, high-throughput sequencing technology was employed to investigate the coral-associated bacteria and Symbiodiniaceae of the ecologically important coral Acropora valida exposed to different pH gradients. After 30 days of acclimatization, we set four acidification gradients (pH 8.2, 7.8, 7.4, and 7.2, respectively), and each pH condition was applied for 10 days, with the whole experiment lasting for 70 days. Although the Symbiodiniaceae density decreased significantly, the coral did not appear to be bleached, and the real-time photosynthetic rate did not change significantly, indicating that A. valida has strong tolerance to acidification. Moreover, the Symbiodiniaceae community composition was hardly affected by ocean acidification, with the C1 subclade (Cladocopium goreaui) being dominant among the Symbiodiniaceae dominant types. The relative abundance of the Symbiodiniaceae background types was significantly higher at pH 7.2, indicating that ocean acidification might increase the stability of the community composition by regulating the Symbiodiniaceae rare biosphere. Furthermore, the stable symbiosis between the C1 subclade and coral host may contribute to the stability of the real-time photosynthetic efficiency. Finally, concerning the coral-associated bacteria, the stable symbiosis between Endozoicomonas and coral host is likely to help them adapt to ocean acidification. The significant increase in the relative abundance of Cyanobacteria at pH 7.2 may also compensate for the photosynthesis efficiency of a coral holobiont. In summary, this study suggests that the combined response of key symbiotic microbes helps the whole coral host resist the threats of ocean acidification.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ruiqi Ge
- Guangxi Laboratory on the Study of Coral Reefs in the South China Sea, Coral Reef Research Center of China, School of Marine Sciences, Guangxi University, Nanning, China
| | - Jiayuan Liang
- Guangxi Laboratory on the Study of Coral Reefs in the South China Sea, Coral Reef Research Center of China, School of Marine Sciences, Guangxi University, Nanning, China.,Southern Marine Science and Engineering Guangdong Laboratory (Zhuhai), Zhuhai, China
| | - Kefu Yu
- Guangxi Laboratory on the Study of Coral Reefs in the South China Sea, Coral Reef Research Center of China, School of Marine Sciences, Guangxi University, Nanning, China.,Southern Marine Science and Engineering Guangdong Laboratory (Zhuhai), Zhuhai, China
| | - Biao Chen
- Guangxi Laboratory on the Study of Coral Reefs in the South China Sea, Coral Reef Research Center of China, School of Marine Sciences, Guangxi University, Nanning, China
| | - Xiaopeng Yu
- Guangxi Laboratory on the Study of Coral Reefs in the South China Sea, Coral Reef Research Center of China, School of Marine Sciences, Guangxi University, Nanning, China
| | - Chuanqi Deng
- Guangxi Laboratory on the Study of Coral Reefs in the South China Sea, Coral Reef Research Center of China, School of Marine Sciences, Guangxi University, Nanning, China
| | - Jinni Chen
- Guangxi Laboratory on the Study of Coral Reefs in the South China Sea, Coral Reef Research Center of China, School of Marine Sciences, Guangxi University, Nanning, China
| | - Yongqian Xu
- Guangxi Laboratory on the Study of Coral Reefs in the South China Sea, Coral Reef Research Center of China, School of Marine Sciences, Guangxi University, Nanning, China
| | - Liangyun Qin
- Guangxi Laboratory on the Study of Coral Reefs in the South China Sea, Coral Reef Research Center of China, School of Marine Sciences, Guangxi University, Nanning, China
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21
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Abstract
Ocean warming is causing repeated mass coral bleaching, leading to catastrophic losses of coral reefs worldwide. Our ability to slow or revert this decline is hampered by an incomplete understanding of the processes underlying the breakdown of the coral–algal symbiosis. Here, we show that heat stress destabilizes the nutrient cycling between corals and their endosymbiotic algae long before bleaching becomes apparent. Notably, increased metabolic energy demands shift the coral–algal symbiosis from a nitrogen- to a carbon-limited state, reducing translocation and recycling of photosynthetic carbon. This effectively undermines the ecological advantage of harboring algal symbionts and directly contributes to the breakdown of the coral–algal symbiosis during heat stress. Recurrent mass bleaching events are pushing coral reefs worldwide to the brink of ecological collapse. While the symptoms and consequences of this breakdown of the coral–algal symbiosis have been extensively characterized, our understanding of the underlying causes remains incomplete. Here, we investigated the nutrient fluxes and the physiological as well as molecular responses of the widespread coral Stylophora pistillata to heat stress prior to the onset of bleaching to identify processes involved in the breakdown of the coral–algal symbiosis. We show that altered nutrient cycling during heat stress is a primary driver of the functional breakdown of the symbiosis. Heat stress increased the metabolic energy demand of the coral host, which was compensated by the catabolic degradation of amino acids. The resulting shift from net uptake to release of ammonium by the coral holobiont subsequently promoted the growth of algal symbionts and retention of photosynthates. Together, these processes form a feedback loop that will gradually lead to the decoupling of carbon translocation from the symbiont to the host. Energy limitation and altered symbiotic nutrient cycling are thus key factors in the early heat stress response, directly contributing to the breakdown of the coral–algal symbiosis. Interpreting the stability of the coral holobiont in light of its metabolic interactions provides a missing link in our understanding of the environmental drivers of bleaching and may ultimately help uncover fundamental processes underpinning the functioning of endosymbioses in general.
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22
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Pupier CA, Grover R, Fine M, Rottier C, van de Water JAJM, Ferrier-Pagès C. Dissolved Nitrogen Acquisition in the Symbioses of Soft and Hard Corals With Symbiodiniaceae: A Key to Understanding Their Different Nutritional Strategies? Front Microbiol 2021; 12:657759. [PMID: 34149646 PMCID: PMC8211778 DOI: 10.3389/fmicb.2021.657759] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/23/2021] [Accepted: 04/23/2021] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Nitrogen is one of the limiting nutrients for coral growth and primary productivity. Therefore, the capacity of different associations between corals and their algal symbionts (Symbiodiniaceae) to efficiently exploit the available nitrogen sources will influence their distribution and abundance. Recent studies have advanced our understanding of nitrogen assimilation in reef-building scleractinian (hard) coral-Symbiodiniaceae symbioses. However, the nutrient metabolism of other coral taxa, such as Alcyoniina (soft corals), remains underexplored. Using stable isotope labeling, we investigated the assimilation of dissolved nitrogen (i.e., ammonium, nitrate, and free amino acids) by multiple species of soft and hard corals sampled in the Gulf of Aqaba in shallow (8-10 m) and mesophotic (40-50 m) reefs. Our results show that dissolved nitrogen assimilation rates per tissue biomass were up to 10-fold higher in hard than in soft coral symbioses for all sources of nitrogen. Although such differences in assimilation rates could be linked to the Symbiodiniaceae density, Symbiodiniaceae species, or the C:N ratio of the host and algal symbiont fractions, none of these parameters were different between the two coral taxa. Instead, the lower assimilation rates in soft coral symbioses might be explained by their different nutritional strategy: whereas soft corals may obtain most of their nitrogen via the capture of planktonic prey by the coral host (heterotrophic feeding), hard corals may rely more on dissolved nitrogen assimilation by their algal symbionts to fulfill their needs. This study highlights different nutritional strategies in soft and hard coral symbioses. A higher reliance on heterotrophy may help soft corals to grow in reefs with higher turbidity, which have a high concentration of particles in suspension in seawater. Further, soft corals may benefit from lower dissolved nitrogen assimilation rates in areas with low water quality.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chloé A. Pupier
- Marine Department, Centre Scientifique de Monaco, Monaco, Monaco
- Collège Doctoral, Sorbonne Université, Paris, France
| | - Renaud Grover
- Marine Department, Centre Scientifique de Monaco, Monaco, Monaco
| | - Maoz Fine
- The Goodman Faculty of Life Sciences, Bar-Ilan University, Ramat Gan, Israel
- The Interuniversity Institute for Marine Science in Eilat, Eilat, Israel
| | - Cécile Rottier
- Marine Department, Centre Scientifique de Monaco, Monaco, Monaco
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23
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Röthig T, Puntin G, Wong JCY, Burian A, McLeod W, Baker DM. Holobiont nitrogen control and its potential for eutrophication resistance in an obligate photosymbiotic jellyfish. MICROBIOME 2021; 9:127. [PMID: 34078452 PMCID: PMC8173792 DOI: 10.1186/s40168-021-01075-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/09/2020] [Accepted: 04/07/2021] [Indexed: 05/08/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Marine holobionts depend on microbial members for health and nutrient cycling. This is particularly evident in cnidarian-algae symbioses that facilitate energy and nutrient acquisition. However, this partnership is highly sensitive to environmental change-including eutrophication-that causes dysbiosis and contributes to global coral reef decline. Yet, some holobionts exhibit resistance to dysbiosis in eutrophic environments, including the obligate photosymbiotic scyphomedusa Cassiopea xamachana. METHODS Our aim was to assess the mechanisms in C. xamachana that stabilize symbiotic relationships. We combined labelled bicarbonate (13C) and nitrate (15N) with metabarcoding approaches to evaluate nutrient cycling and microbial community composition in symbiotic and aposymbiotic medusae. RESULTS C-fixation and cycling by algal Symbiodiniaceae was essential for C. xamachana as even at high heterotrophic feeding rates aposymbiotic medusae continuously lost weight. Heterotrophically acquired C and N were readily shared among host and algae. This was in sharp contrast to nitrate assimilation by Symbiodiniaceae, which appeared to be strongly restricted. Instead, the bacterial microbiome seemed to play a major role in the holobiont's DIN assimilation as uptake rates showed a significant positive relationship with phylogenetic diversity of medusa-associated bacteria. This is corroborated by inferred functional capacity that links the dominant bacterial taxa (~90 %) to nitrogen cycling. Observed bacterial community structure differed between apo- and symbiotic C. xamachana putatively highlighting enrichment of ammonium oxidizers and nitrite reducers and depletion of nitrogen-fixers in symbiotic medusae. CONCLUSION Host, algal symbionts, and bacterial associates contribute to regulated nutrient assimilation and cycling in C. xamachana. We found that the bacterial microbiome of symbiotic medusae was seemingly structured to increase DIN removal and enforce algal N-limitation-a mechanism that would help to stabilize the host-algae relationship even under eutrophic conditions. Video abstract.
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Affiliation(s)
- Till Röthig
- The Swire Institute of Marine Science and School of Biological Sciences, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, Hong Kong, SAR of China
- Department of Bioresources, Fraunhofer Institute for Molecular Biology and Applied Ecology, Giessen, Germany
- Department of Biology, University of Konstanz, Konstanz, Germany
| | - Giulia Puntin
- The Swire Institute of Marine Science and School of Biological Sciences, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, Hong Kong, SAR of China
- Department of Animal Ecology & Systematics, Justus Liebig University, Giessen, Germany
| | - Jane C. Y. Wong
- The Swire Institute of Marine Science and School of Biological Sciences, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, Hong Kong, SAR of China
| | - Alfred Burian
- Marine Ecology Department, Lurio University, Nampula, Mozambique
- Department of Computational Landscape Ecology, UFZ– Helmholtz Centre for Environmental Research, Leipzig, Germany
| | - Wendy McLeod
- The Swire Institute of Marine Science and School of Biological Sciences, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, Hong Kong, SAR of China
| | - David M. Baker
- The Swire Institute of Marine Science and School of Biological Sciences, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, Hong Kong, SAR of China
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24
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Chen B, Yu K, Liao Z, Yu X, Qin Z, Liang J, Wang G, Wu Q, Jiang L. Microbiome community and complexity indicate environmental gradient acclimatisation and potential microbial interaction of endemic coral holobionts in the South China Sea. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2021; 765:142690. [PMID: 33071127 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2020.142690] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/29/2020] [Revised: 08/31/2020] [Accepted: 09/26/2020] [Indexed: 06/11/2023]
Abstract
Regional acclimatisation and microbial interactions significantly influence the resilience of reef-building corals facing anthropogenic climate change, allowing them to adapt to environmental stresses. However, the connections between community structure and microbial interactions of the endemic coral microbiome and holobiont acclimatisation remain unclear. Herein, we used generation sequencing of internal transcribed spacer (ITS2) and 16S rRNA genes to investigate the microbiome composition (Symbiodiniaceae and bacteria) and associated potential interactions of endemic dominant coral holobionts (Pocillopora verrucosa and Turbinaria peltata) in the South China Sea (SCS). We found that shifts in Symbiodiniaceae and bacterial communities of P. verrucosa were associated with latitudinal gradient and climate zone changes, respectively. The C1 sub-clade consistently dominated the Symbiodiniaceae community in T. peltata; yet, the bacterial community structure was spatially heterogeneous. The relative abundance of the core microbiome among P. verrucosa holobionts was reduced in the biogeographical transition zone, while bacterial taxa associated with anthropogenic activity (Escherichia coli and Sphingomonas) were identified in the core microbiomes. Symbiodiniaceae and bacteria potentially interact in microbial co-occurrence networks. Further, increased bacterial, and Symbiodiniaceae α-diversity was associated with increased and decreased network complexity, respectively. Hence, Symbiodiniaceae and bacteria demonstrated different flexibility in latitudinal or climatic environmental regimes, which correlated with holobiont acclimatisation. Core microbiome analysis has indicated that the function of core bacterial microbiota might have changed in distinct environmental regimes, implying potential human activity in the coral habitats. Increased bacterial α diversity may lead to a decline in the stability of coral-microorganism symbioses, whereas rare Symbiodiniaceae may help to retain symbioses. Cladocopium, γ-proteobacteria, while α-proteobacteria may have been the primary drivers in the Symbiodiniaceae-bacterial interactions (SBIs). Our study highlights the association between microbiome shift in distinct environmental regimes and holobiont acclimatisation, while providing insights into the impact of SBIs on holobiont health and acclimatisation during climate change.
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Affiliation(s)
- Biao Chen
- Guangxi Laboratory on the Study of Coral Reefs in the South China Sea, Guangxi University, Nanning, China; Coral Reef Research Center of China, Guangxi University, Nanning, China; School of Marine Sciences, Guangxi University, Nanning, China
| | - Kefu Yu
- Guangxi Laboratory on the Study of Coral Reefs in the South China Sea, Guangxi University, Nanning, China; Coral Reef Research Center of China, Guangxi University, Nanning, China; School of Marine Sciences, Guangxi University, Nanning, China.
| | - Zhiheng Liao
- Guangxi Laboratory on the Study of Coral Reefs in the South China Sea, Guangxi University, Nanning, China; Coral Reef Research Center of China, Guangxi University, Nanning, China; School of Marine Sciences, Guangxi University, Nanning, China
| | - Xiaopeng Yu
- Guangxi Laboratory on the Study of Coral Reefs in the South China Sea, Guangxi University, Nanning, China; Coral Reef Research Center of China, Guangxi University, Nanning, China; School of Marine Sciences, Guangxi University, Nanning, China
| | - Zhenjun Qin
- Guangxi Laboratory on the Study of Coral Reefs in the South China Sea, Guangxi University, Nanning, China; Coral Reef Research Center of China, Guangxi University, Nanning, China; School of Marine Sciences, Guangxi University, Nanning, China
| | - Jiayuan Liang
- Guangxi Laboratory on the Study of Coral Reefs in the South China Sea, Guangxi University, Nanning, China; Coral Reef Research Center of China, Guangxi University, Nanning, China; School of Marine Sciences, Guangxi University, Nanning, China
| | - Guanghua Wang
- Guangxi Laboratory on the Study of Coral Reefs in the South China Sea, Guangxi University, Nanning, China; Coral Reef Research Center of China, Guangxi University, Nanning, China; School of Marine Sciences, Guangxi University, Nanning, China
| | - Qian Wu
- Guangxi Laboratory on the Study of Coral Reefs in the South China Sea, Guangxi University, Nanning, China; Coral Reef Research Center of China, Guangxi University, Nanning, China; School of Marine Sciences, Guangxi University, Nanning, China
| | - Leilei Jiang
- Guangxi Laboratory on the Study of Coral Reefs in the South China Sea, Guangxi University, Nanning, China; Coral Reef Research Center of China, Guangxi University, Nanning, China; School of Marine Sciences, Guangxi University, Nanning, China
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25
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Sepahvand V, Brown BL, Gholamifard A. Host specificity and microhabitat preference of symbiotic copepods (Cyclopoida: Clausiididae) associated with ghost shrimps (Decapoda: Callichiridae, Callianideidae). Ecol Evol 2020; 10:10709-10718. [PMID: 33072291 PMCID: PMC7548166 DOI: 10.1002/ece3.6726] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/25/2020] [Revised: 07/01/2020] [Accepted: 07/27/2020] [Indexed: 11/22/2022] Open
Abstract
We examined the host specificity of two ectosymbiotic Clausidium Kossman, 1874 copepods (Cyclopoida: Clausiididae) on two co‐occurrence species of host ghost shrimps. Our results revealed that both species of symbiotic copepod demonstrated extremely high host specificity. Moreover, within a single host shrimp species, each symbiont species displayed strong spatial patterns in microhabitat selection on their hosts’ bodies. Clausidium persiaensis Sepahvand & Kihara, 2017, was only found on the host Callianidea typa Milne Edwards, 1837 and almost exclusively within the host shrimp gill chamber, while C. iranensis Sepahvand, Kihara, & Boxshall, 2019 was only found on the host Neocallichirus jousseaumei (Nobili, 1904) and showed extremely strong preferences for the chelae and anterior walking legs. We also found that while the number of symbionts tends to increase with the host size, the two host species differed in the degree of symbiont infestation, with large C. typa hosting approximately 7× as many symbionts as the similarly sized N. jousseaumeia. The mechanisms resulting in the observed differences in infestation levels and microhabitat preferences of clausidium copepods among their hosts, including differences in physiology, burrowing pattern, and host grooming behavior should be further investigated.
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Affiliation(s)
- Vahid Sepahvand
- Department of Marine Biological Sciences Iranian National Institute for Oceanography and Atmospheric Science (INIOAS) Tehran Iran
| | - Bryan L. Brown
- Department of Biological Sciences Virginia Tech Blacksburg VA USA
| | - Ali Gholamifard
- Department of Biology Faculty of Sciences Lorestan University Khorramabad Iran
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26
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Nitschke MR, Craveiro SC, Brandão C, Fidalgo C, Serôdio J, Calado AJ, Frommlet JC. Description of Freudenthalidium gen. nov. and Halluxium gen. nov. to Formally Recognize Clades Fr3 and H as Genera in the Family Symbiodiniaceae (Dinophyceae). JOURNAL OF PHYCOLOGY 2020; 56:923-940. [PMID: 32267533 DOI: 10.1111/jpy.12999] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/06/2019] [Accepted: 03/03/2020] [Indexed: 05/13/2023]
Abstract
The Symbiodiniaceae are a family of marine dinoflagellates known mostly for their endosymbiotic interactions with invertebrates and protists, but facultatively and exclusively free-living life histories in this family are also evident. A recent systematic revision of the Symbiodiniaceae replaced the clade-based nomenclature of seven divergent lineages of "Symbiodinium" sensu lato with one based on formally described genera. The revised taxonomy was not extended to the whole group because type species to describe a new genus for each of the remaining clades and subclades were lacking. In an effort to characterize benthic habitats of symbiodiniaceans in sediments at Heron Island (Great Barrier Reef, Australia), we isolated >100 monoclonal Symbiodiniaceae cultures. Four of these belonged to Symbiodiniaceae 'subclade' Fr3, and three to Clade H, based on nucleotide sequence similarity (ITS2, LSU, cp23S, and mtCOB), representing the first cultures of these taxa. Based on these isolates, we propose two new genera: Freudenthalidium gen. nov. and Halluxium gen. nov., circumscribing Clades Fr3 and H, respectively. Three new species are described: Freudenthalidium heronense, F. endolithicum, and Halluxium pauxillum. Kofoidian tabulations of motile cells confirm previous observations that amphiesmal vesicle arrangements are generally conserved across the family. These descriptions are an important step toward completing the systematic revision of the Symbiodiniaceae. That this contribution was enabled by isolates from an endopsammic habitat highlights the potential of discovering new symbiodiniacean species in the environment, the study of which will lead to a deeper understanding of free-living versus symbiotic life histories in this ecologically important family of dinoflagellates.
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Affiliation(s)
- Matthew R Nitschke
- Department of Biology and Centre for Environmental and Marine Studies (CESAM), University of Aveiro, 3810-193, Aveiro, Portugal
- Climate Change Cluster, University of Technology Sydney, Broadway, NSW, 2007, Australia
- School of Biological Sciences, Victoria University of Wellington, Wellington, 6012, New Zealand
| | - Sandra C Craveiro
- Department of Biology and GeoBioTec Research Unit, University of Aveiro, 3810-193, Aveiro, Portugal
| | - Cláudio Brandão
- Department of Biology and Centre for Environmental and Marine Studies (CESAM), University of Aveiro, 3810-193, Aveiro, Portugal
| | - Cátia Fidalgo
- Department of Biology and Centre for Environmental and Marine Studies (CESAM), University of Aveiro, 3810-193, Aveiro, Portugal
| | - João Serôdio
- Department of Biology and Centre for Environmental and Marine Studies (CESAM), University of Aveiro, 3810-193, Aveiro, Portugal
| | - António J Calado
- Department of Biology and GeoBioTec Research Unit, University of Aveiro, 3810-193, Aveiro, Portugal
| | - Jörg C Frommlet
- Department of Biology and Centre for Environmental and Marine Studies (CESAM), University of Aveiro, 3810-193, Aveiro, Portugal
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27
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Cunning R, Baker AC. Thermotolerant coral symbionts modulate heat stress‐responsive genes in their hosts. Mol Ecol 2020; 29:2940-2950. [DOI: 10.1111/mec.15526] [Citation(s) in RCA: 28] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/24/2020] [Revised: 06/05/2020] [Accepted: 06/15/2020] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Ross Cunning
- Department of Marine Biology and Ecology Rosenstiel School of Marine and Atmospheric Science University of Miami Miami FL USA
- Daniel P. Haerther Center for Conservation and Research John G. Shedd Aquarium Chicago IL USA
| | - Andrew C. Baker
- Department of Marine Biology and Ecology Rosenstiel School of Marine and Atmospheric Science University of Miami Miami FL USA
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28
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Sproles AE, Oakley CA, Krueger T, Grossman AR, Weis VM, Meibom A, Davy SK. Sub-cellular imaging shows reduced photosynthetic carbon and increased nitrogen assimilation by the non-native endosymbiont Durusdinium trenchii in the model cnidarian Aiptasia. Environ Microbiol 2020; 22:3741-3753. [PMID: 32592285 DOI: 10.1111/1462-2920.15142] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/12/2019] [Revised: 05/26/2020] [Accepted: 06/23/2020] [Indexed: 01/18/2023]
Abstract
Hosting different symbiont species can affect inter-partner nutritional fluxes within the cnidarian-dinoflagellate symbiosis. Using nanoscale secondary ion mass spectrometry (NanoSIMS), we measured the spatial incorporation of photosynthetically fixed 13 C and heterotrophically derived 15 N into host and symbiont cells of the model symbiotic cnidarian Aiptasia (Exaiptasia pallida) when colonized with its native symbiont Breviolum minutum or the non-native Durusdinium trenchii. Breviolum minutum exhibited high photosynthetic carbon assimilation per cell and translocation to host tissue throughout symbiosis establishment, whereas D. trenchii assimilated significantly less carbon, but obtained more host nitrogen. These findings suggest that D. trenchii has less potential to provide photosynthetically fixed carbon to the host despite obtaining considerable amounts of heterotrophically derived nitrogen. These sub-cellular events help explain previous observations that demonstrate differential effects of D. trenchii compared to B. minutum on the host transcriptome, proteome, metabolome and host growth and asexual reproduction. Together, these differential effects suggest that the non-native host-symbiont pairing is sub-optimal with respect to the host's nutritional benefits under normal environmental conditions. This contributes to our understanding of the ways in which metabolic integration impacts the benefits of a symbiotic association, and the potential evolution of novel host-symbiont pairings.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ashley E Sproles
- School of Biological Sciences, Victoria University of Wellington, Wellington, 6012, New Zealand.,The California Center for Algae Biotechnology, Division of Biological Sciences, University of California San Diego, 9500 Gilman Drive, La Jolla, CA, 92093, USA
| | - Clinton A Oakley
- School of Biological Sciences, Victoria University of Wellington, Wellington, 6012, New Zealand
| | - Thomas Krueger
- Laboratory for Biological Geochemistry, School of Architecture, Civil and Environmental Engineering, Ecole Polytechnique Fédérale de Lausanne (EPFL), Lausanne, CH-1015, Switzerland.,Department of Biochemistry, University of Cambridge, Hopkins Building, Tennis Court Road, Cambridge, CB2 1QW, UK
| | - Arthur R Grossman
- Department of Plant Biology, The Carnegie Institution for Science, Stanford, California, 94305, USA
| | - Virginia M Weis
- Department of Integrative Biology, Oregon State University, Corvallis, Oregon, 97331, USA
| | - Anders Meibom
- Laboratory for Biological Geochemistry, School of Architecture, Civil and Environmental Engineering, Ecole Polytechnique Fédérale de Lausanne (EPFL), Lausanne, CH-1015, Switzerland.,Center for Advanced Surface Analysis, Institute of Earth Sciences, University of Lausanne, Lausanne, CH-1015, Switzerland
| | - Simon K Davy
- School of Biological Sciences, Victoria University of Wellington, Wellington, 6012, New Zealand
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29
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Demographic census confirms a stable population of the critically-endangered caryophyllid coral Polycyathus chaishanensis (Scleractinia; Caryophyllidae) in the Datan Algal Reef, Taiwan. Sci Rep 2020; 10:10585. [PMID: 32601375 PMCID: PMC7324372 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-020-67653-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/17/2019] [Accepted: 05/14/2020] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Polycyathus chaishanensis is a symbiotic caryophyllid coral described from a single population in a tidal pool off Chaishan, Kaohsiung, Taiwan. Due to its rarity, P. chaishanensis was declared a critically-endangered species under the Taiwan Wildlife Protection Act. In May 2017, a P. chaishanensis colony was discovered in the intertidal area of the Datan Algal Reef, Taoyuan, Taiwan. To determine whether this is a stable population in the algal reef, a demographic census—including data on occurrence, distribution, and colony size—was carried out in the algal reef in southern Taoyuan. Intertidal censuses and sediment collections were conducted at five different sections—Baiyu, Datan G1, Datan G2, Yongxing, and Yongan algal reefs—during the monthly spring low tide from July 2018 to January 2019. In total, 84 colonies—23 in Datan G1 and 61 in Datan G2—were recorded from a tidal range of − 160 to − 250 cm, according to the Taiwan Vertical Datum 2001 compiled by the Central Weather Bureau. No P. chaishanensis was found in Baiyu, Yongxing, or Yongan. The P. chaishanensis colony sizes ranged from 2.55 to 81.5 cm in diameter, with the larger P. chaishanensis present in the lower intertidal zone. Sediment was extremely high, with monthly site averages ranging from 3,818.26 to 29,166.88 mg cm−2 day−1, and there was a significant difference between sites and months, both of which affected the distribution of P. chaishanensis in the algal reef. Our study confirms the existence of a second population of P. chaishanensis in Taiwan, highlighting the importance of the Datan Algal Reef for the survival and protection of this critically-endangered caryophyllid coral and why it is so urgent that the reef should be conserved.
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30
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Chen B, Yu K, Qin Z, Liang J, Wang G, Huang X, Wu Q, Jiang L. Dispersal, genetic variation, and symbiont interaction network of heat-tolerant endosymbiont Durusdinium trenchii: Insights into the adaptive potential of coral to climate change. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2020; 723:138026. [PMID: 32213418 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2020.138026] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/20/2020] [Revised: 03/10/2020] [Accepted: 03/16/2020] [Indexed: 06/10/2023]
Abstract
Global warming has degraded coral reef ecosystems worldwide. Some corals develop thermal tolerance by associating with heat-tolerant Symbiodiniaceae. Here, we studied the mechanisms surrounding the dispersal, genetic variation and symbionts interaction of heat-tolerant Durusdinium trenchii across 13° latitudes in the South China Sea (SCS), to explore the possible mechanisms underlying these changes. Our results showed that Durusdinium trenchii are widely distributed in the seawater from the SCS. Our analyses of microsatellite loci revealed that D. trenchii has a high genetic diversity in the SCS; STRUCTURE analysis indicated that D. trenchii can be divided into four populations within the SCS; There exist positive correlations between genetic variation and geographic isolation, average sea surface temperature (SST) and variations in SST. Network modelling inferences showed that D. trenchii is a key species in the Symbiodiniaceae communities in the tropical SCS and contributes the greatest number of co-exclusion relationships. These results indicated that D. trenchii can affect the rare Symbiodiniaceae community. The long lifespan and the monsoon-driven ocean currents have shaped the wide distribution of D. trenchii. But low SST limits the ability of D. trenchii to establish stable symbioses with coral in the subtropical habitats. Geographical isolation and SST have shaped significant genetic variation of D.trenchii around the SCS. Our data reveals the biogeography and genetic population characteristics of D. trenchii in the Indo-Pacific region, and suggests that heat-tolerance and high genetic diversity of D. trenchii aid the corals with their adaptation to climate change.
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Affiliation(s)
- Biao Chen
- Guangxi Laboratory on the Study of Coral Reefs in the South China Sea, Guangxi University, Nanning, China; Coral Reef Research Center of China, Guangxi University, Nanning, China; School of Marine Sciences, Guangxi University, Nanning, China
| | - Kefu Yu
- Guangxi Laboratory on the Study of Coral Reefs in the South China Sea, Guangxi University, Nanning, China; Coral Reef Research Center of China, Guangxi University, Nanning, China; School of Marine Sciences, Guangxi University, Nanning, China.
| | - Zhenjun Qin
- Guangxi Laboratory on the Study of Coral Reefs in the South China Sea, Guangxi University, Nanning, China; Coral Reef Research Center of China, Guangxi University, Nanning, China; School of Marine Sciences, Guangxi University, Nanning, China
| | - Jiayuan Liang
- Guangxi Laboratory on the Study of Coral Reefs in the South China Sea, Guangxi University, Nanning, China; Coral Reef Research Center of China, Guangxi University, Nanning, China; School of Marine Sciences, Guangxi University, Nanning, China
| | - Guanghua Wang
- Guangxi Laboratory on the Study of Coral Reefs in the South China Sea, Guangxi University, Nanning, China; Coral Reef Research Center of China, Guangxi University, Nanning, China; School of Marine Sciences, Guangxi University, Nanning, China
| | - Xueyong Huang
- Guangxi Laboratory on the Study of Coral Reefs in the South China Sea, Guangxi University, Nanning, China; Coral Reef Research Center of China, Guangxi University, Nanning, China; School of Marine Sciences, Guangxi University, Nanning, China
| | - Qian Wu
- Guangxi Laboratory on the Study of Coral Reefs in the South China Sea, Guangxi University, Nanning, China; Coral Reef Research Center of China, Guangxi University, Nanning, China; School of Marine Sciences, Guangxi University, Nanning, China
| | - Leilei Jiang
- Guangxi Laboratory on the Study of Coral Reefs in the South China Sea, Guangxi University, Nanning, China; Coral Reef Research Center of China, Guangxi University, Nanning, China; School of Marine Sciences, Guangxi University, Nanning, China
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31
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McIlroy SE, Wong JCY, Baker DM. Competitive traits of coral symbionts may alter the structure and function of the microbiome. ISME JOURNAL 2020; 14:2424-2432. [PMID: 32518247 PMCID: PMC7490369 DOI: 10.1038/s41396-020-0697-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/06/2019] [Revised: 05/06/2020] [Accepted: 05/14/2020] [Indexed: 01/08/2023]
Abstract
In the face of global warming and unprecedented coral bleaching, a new avenue of research is focused on relatively rare algal symbionts and their ability to confer thermal tolerance to their host by association. Yet, thermal tolerance is just one of many physiological attributes inherent to the diversity of symbiodinians, a result of millions of years of competition and niche partitioning. Here, we revealed that competition among cocultured symbiodinians alters nutrient assimilation and compound production with species-specific responses. For Cladocopium goreaui, a species ubiquitous within stable coral associations, temperature stress increased sensitivity to competition eliciting a shift toward investment in cell replication, i.e., putative niche exploitation. Meanwhile, competition led Durusdinium trenchii, a thermally tolerant “background” symbiodinian, to divert resources from immediate growth to storage. As such, competition may be driving the dominance of C. goreaui outside of temperature stress, the destabilization of symbioses under thermal stress, the repopulation of coral tissues by D. trenchii following bleaching, and ultimately undermine the efficacy of symbiont turnover as an adaptive mechanism.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shelby E McIlroy
- The Swire Institute of Marine Science, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, Hong Kong, PRC.,School of Biological Sciences, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, Hong Kong, PRC
| | - Jane C Y Wong
- The Swire Institute of Marine Science, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, Hong Kong, PRC.,School of Biological Sciences, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, Hong Kong, PRC
| | - David M Baker
- The Swire Institute of Marine Science, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, Hong Kong, PRC. .,School of Biological Sciences, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, Hong Kong, PRC.
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32
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Swain TD, Lax S, Backman V, Marcelino LA. Uncovering the role of Symbiodiniaceae assemblage composition and abundance in coral bleaching response by minimizing sampling and evolutionary biases. BMC Microbiol 2020; 20:124. [PMID: 32429833 PMCID: PMC7236918 DOI: 10.1186/s12866-020-01765-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/15/2019] [Accepted: 03/26/2020] [Indexed: 12/23/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Biodiversity and productivity of coral-reef ecosystems depend upon reef-building corals and their associations with endosymbiotic Symbiodiniaceae, which offer diverse functional capabilities to their hosts. The number of unique symbiotic partners (richness) and relative abundances (evenness) have been hypothesized to affect host response to climate change induced thermal stress. Symbiodiniaceae assemblages with many unique phylotypes may provide greater physiological flexibility or form less stable symbioses; assemblages with low abundance phylotypes may allow corals to retain thermotolerant symbionts or represent associations with less-suitable symbionts. RESULTS Here we demonstrate that true richness of Symbiodiniaceae phylotype assemblages is generally not discoverable from direct enumeration of unique phylotypes in association records and that cross host-species comparisons are biased by sampling and evolutionary patterns among species. These biases can be minimized through rarefaction of richness (rarefied-richness) and evenness (Probability of Interspecific Encounter, PIE), and analyses that account for phylogenetic patterns. These standardized metrics were calculated for individual Symbiodiniaceae assemblages composed of 377 unique ITS2 phylotypes associated with 123 coral species. Rarefied-richness minimized correlations with sampling effort, while maintaining important underlying characteristics across host bathymetry and geography. Phylogenetic comparative methods reveal significant increases in coral bleaching and mortality associated with increasing Symbiodiniaceae assemblage richness and evenness at the level of host species. CONCLUSIONS These results indicate that the potential flexibility afforded by assemblages characterized by many phylotypes present at similar relative abundances does not result in decreased bleaching risk and point to the need to characterize the overall functional and genetic diversity of Symbiodiniaceae assemblages to quantify their effect on host fitness under climate change.
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Affiliation(s)
- Timothy D Swain
- Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering, Northwestern University, Evanston, IL, 60208, USA
- Integrative Research Center, Field Museum of Natural History, Chicago, IL, 60605, USA
- Department of Marine and Environmental Science, Nova Southeastern University, Dania Beach, FL, 33004, USA
| | - Simon Lax
- Department of Ecology and Evolution, University of Chicago, Chicago, IL, 60637, USA
- Physics of Living Systems, Department of Physics, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, MA, 02139, USA
| | - Vadim Backman
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Northwestern University, Evanston, IL, 60208, USA
| | - Luisa A Marcelino
- Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering, Northwestern University, Evanston, IL, 60208, USA.
- Integrative Research Center, Field Museum of Natural History, Chicago, IL, 60605, USA.
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33
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Camp EF, Kahlke T, Nitschke MR, Varkey D, Fisher NL, Fujise L, Goyen S, Hughes DJ, Lawson CA, Ros M, Woodcock S, Xiao K, Leggat W, Suggett DJ. Revealing changes in the microbiome of Symbiodiniaceae under thermal stress. Environ Microbiol 2020; 22:1294-1309. [DOI: 10.1111/1462-2920.14935] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/18/2019] [Revised: 01/08/2020] [Accepted: 01/27/2020] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Emma F. Camp
- Climate Change ClusterUniversity of Technology Sydney Broadway NSW 2007 Australia
| | - Tim Kahlke
- Climate Change ClusterUniversity of Technology Sydney Broadway NSW 2007 Australia
| | - Matthew R. Nitschke
- Climate Change ClusterUniversity of Technology Sydney Broadway NSW 2007 Australia
- School of Biological SciencesVictoria University of Wellington Wellington New Zealand
| | - Deepa Varkey
- Climate Change ClusterUniversity of Technology Sydney Broadway NSW 2007 Australia
- Department of Molecular SciencesMacquarie University Sydney NSW 2109 Australia
| | - Nerissa L. Fisher
- Climate Change ClusterUniversity of Technology Sydney Broadway NSW 2007 Australia
| | - Lisa Fujise
- Climate Change ClusterUniversity of Technology Sydney Broadway NSW 2007 Australia
| | - Samantha Goyen
- Climate Change ClusterUniversity of Technology Sydney Broadway NSW 2007 Australia
| | - David J. Hughes
- Climate Change ClusterUniversity of Technology Sydney Broadway NSW 2007 Australia
| | - Caitlin A. Lawson
- Climate Change ClusterUniversity of Technology Sydney Broadway NSW 2007 Australia
| | - Mickael Ros
- Climate Change ClusterUniversity of Technology Sydney Broadway NSW 2007 Australia
| | - Stephen Woodcock
- Climate Change ClusterUniversity of Technology Sydney Broadway NSW 2007 Australia
| | - Kun Xiao
- Climate Change ClusterUniversity of Technology Sydney Broadway NSW 2007 Australia
| | - William Leggat
- School of Environmental and Life SciencesUniversity of Newcastle Ourimbah NSW 2308 Australia
| | - David J. Suggett
- Climate Change ClusterUniversity of Technology Sydney Broadway NSW 2007 Australia
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34
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Krueger T, Horwitz N, Bodin J, Giovani ME, Escrig S, Fine M, Meibom A. Intracellular competition for nitrogen controls dinoflagellate population density in corals. Proc Biol Sci 2020; 287:20200049. [PMID: 32126963 PMCID: PMC7126079 DOI: 10.1098/rspb.2020.0049] [Citation(s) in RCA: 27] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/14/2023] Open
Abstract
The density of dinoflagellate microalgae in the tissue of symbiotic corals is an important determinant for health and productivity of the coral animal. Yet, the specific mechanism for their regulation and the consequence for coral nutrition are insufficiently understood due to past methodological limitations to resolve the fine-scale metabolic consequences of fluctuating densities. Here, we characterized the physiological and nutritional consequences of symbiont density variations on the colony and tissue level in Stylophora pistillata from the Red Sea. Alterations in symbiont photophysiology maintained coral productivity and host nutrition across a broad range of symbiont densities. However, we demonstrate that density-dependent nutrient competition between individual symbiont cells, manifested as reduced nitrogen assimilation and cell biomass, probably creates the negative feedback mechanism for symbiont population growth that ultimately defines the steady-state density. Despite fundamental changes in symbiont nitrogen assimilation, we found no density-related metabolic optimum beyond which host nutrient assimilation or tissue biomass declined, indicating that host nutrient demand is sufficiently met across the typically observed range of symbiont densities under ambient conditions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Thomas Krueger
- Laboratory for Biological Geochemistry, School of Architecture, Civil and Environmental Engineering, Ecole Polytechnique Fédérale de Lausanne (EPFL), 1015 Lausanne, Switzerland
| | - Noa Horwitz
- The Mina and Everard Goodman Faculty of Life Sciences, Bar-Ilan University, Ramat-Gan 52900, Israel.,The Interuniversity Institute for Marine Sciences, Eilat 88103, Israel
| | - Julia Bodin
- Laboratory for Biological Geochemistry, School of Architecture, Civil and Environmental Engineering, Ecole Polytechnique Fédérale de Lausanne (EPFL), 1015 Lausanne, Switzerland
| | - Maria-Evangelia Giovani
- Laboratory for Biological Geochemistry, School of Architecture, Civil and Environmental Engineering, Ecole Polytechnique Fédérale de Lausanne (EPFL), 1015 Lausanne, Switzerland
| | - Stéphane Escrig
- Laboratory for Biological Geochemistry, School of Architecture, Civil and Environmental Engineering, Ecole Polytechnique Fédérale de Lausanne (EPFL), 1015 Lausanne, Switzerland
| | - Maoz Fine
- The Mina and Everard Goodman Faculty of Life Sciences, Bar-Ilan University, Ramat-Gan 52900, Israel.,The Interuniversity Institute for Marine Sciences, Eilat 88103, Israel
| | - Anders Meibom
- Laboratory for Biological Geochemistry, School of Architecture, Civil and Environmental Engineering, Ecole Polytechnique Fédérale de Lausanne (EPFL), 1015 Lausanne, Switzerland.,Center for Advanced Surface Analysis, Institute of Earth Sciences, University of Lausanne, 1015 Lausanne, Switzerland
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35
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Morgans CA, Hung JY, Bourne DG, Quigley KM. Symbiodiniaceae probiotics for use in bleaching recovery. Restor Ecol 2020. [DOI: 10.1111/rec.13069] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/01/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- Carys A. Morgans
- College of Science and EngineeringJames Cook University Townsville Queensland 4814 Australia
| | - Julia Y. Hung
- College of Science and EngineeringJames Cook University Townsville Queensland 4814 Australia
| | - David G. Bourne
- College of Science and EngineeringJames Cook University Townsville Queensland 4814 Australia
- Australian Institute of Marine Science Townsville Queensland 4816 Australia
| | - Kate M. Quigley
- College of Science and EngineeringJames Cook University Townsville Queensland 4814 Australia
- Australian Institute of Marine Science Townsville Queensland 4816 Australia
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36
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Wall CB, Kaluhiokalani M, Popp BN, Donahue MJ, Gates RD. Divergent symbiont communities determine the physiology and nutrition of a reef coral across a light-availability gradient. ISME JOURNAL 2020; 14:945-958. [PMID: 31900444 PMCID: PMC7082336 DOI: 10.1038/s41396-019-0570-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 34] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/22/2019] [Revised: 11/25/2019] [Accepted: 12/11/2019] [Indexed: 11/21/2022]
Abstract
Reef corals are mixotrophic organisms relying on symbiont-derived photoautotrophy and water column heterotrophy. Coral endosymbionts (Family: Symbiodiniaceae), while typically considered mutualists, display a range of species-specific and environmentally mediated opportunism in their interactions with coral hosts, potentially requiring corals to rely more on heterotrophy to avoid declines in performance. To test the influence of symbiont communities on coral physiology (tissue biomass, symbiont density, photopigmentation) and nutrition (δ13C, δ15N), we sampled Montipora capitata colonies dominated by a specialist symbiont Cladocopium spp. or a putative opportunist Durusdinium glynnii (hereafter, C- or D-colonies) from Kāne‘ohe Bay, Hawai‘i, across gradients in photosynthetically active radiation (PAR) during summer and winter. We report for the first time that isotope values of reef corals are influenced by Symbiodiniaceae communities, indicative of different autotrophic capacities among symbiont species. D-colonies had on average 56% higher symbiont densities, but lower photopigments per symbiont cell and consistently lower δ13C values in host and symbiont tissues; this pattern in isotope values is consistent with lower symbiont carbon assimilation and translocation to the host. Neither C- nor D-colonies showed signs of greater heterotrophy or nutritional plasticity; instead changes in δ13C values were driven by PAR availability and photoacclimation attributes that differed between symbiont communities. Together, these results reveal Symbiodiniaceae functional diversity produces distinct holobionts with different capacities for autotrophic nutrition, and energy tradeoffs from associating with opportunist symbionts are not met with increased heterotrophy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Christopher B Wall
- Hawai'i Institute of Marine Biology, University of Hawai'i at Mānoa, PO Box 1346, Kāne'ohe, HI, 96744, USA. .,Pacific Biosciences Research Center, University of Hawai'i at Mānoa, 1993 East-West Road, Honolulu, HI, 96822, USA.
| | - Mario Kaluhiokalani
- Hawai'i Institute of Marine Biology, University of Hawai'i at Mānoa, PO Box 1346, Kāne'ohe, HI, 96744, USA
| | - Brian N Popp
- Department of Earth Sciences, University of Hawai'i at Mānoa, 1680 East-West Rd, POST 701, Honolulu, HI, 96822, USA
| | - Megan J Donahue
- Hawai'i Institute of Marine Biology, University of Hawai'i at Mānoa, PO Box 1346, Kāne'ohe, HI, 96744, USA
| | - Ruth D Gates
- Hawai'i Institute of Marine Biology, University of Hawai'i at Mānoa, PO Box 1346, Kāne'ohe, HI, 96744, USA
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37
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Thermal Stress and Resilience of Corals in a Climate-Changing World. JOURNAL OF MARINE SCIENCE AND ENGINEERING 2019. [DOI: 10.3390/jmse8010015] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
Coral reef ecosystems are under the direct threat of increasing atmospheric greenhouse gases, which increase seawater temperatures in the oceans and lead to bleaching events. Global bleaching events are becoming more frequent and stronger, and understanding how corals can tolerate and survive high-temperature stress should be accorded paramount priority. Here, we review evidence of the different mechanisms that corals employ to mitigate thermal stress, which include association with thermally tolerant endosymbionts, acclimatisation, and adaptation processes. These differences highlight the physiological diversity and complexity of symbiotic organisms, such as scleractinian corals, where each species (coral host and microbial endosymbionts) responds differently to thermal stress. We conclude by offering some insights into the future of coral reefs and examining the strategies scientists are leveraging to ensure the survival of this valuable ecosystem. Without a reduction in greenhouse gas emissions and a divergence from our societal dependence on fossil fuels, natural mechanisms possessed by corals might be insufficient towards ensuring the ecological functioning of coral reef ecosystems.
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38
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McIlroy SE, Cunning R, Baker AC, Coffroth MA. Competition and succession among coral endosymbionts. Ecol Evol 2019; 9:12767-12778. [PMID: 31788212 PMCID: PMC6875658 DOI: 10.1002/ece3.5749] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/21/2019] [Revised: 09/18/2019] [Accepted: 09/23/2019] [Indexed: 01/03/2023] Open
Abstract
Host species often support a genetically diverse guild of symbionts, the identity and performance of which can determine holobiont fitness under particular environmental conditions. These symbiont communities are structured by a complex set of potential interactions, both positive and negative, between the host and symbionts and among symbionts. In reef-building corals, stable associations with specific symbiont species are common, and we hypothesize that this is partly due to ecological mechanisms, such as succession and competition, which drive patterns of symbiont winnowing in the initial colonization of new generations of coral recruits. We tested this hypothesis using the experimental framework of the de Wit replacement series and found that competitive interactions occurred among symbionts which were characterized by unique ecological strategies. Aposymbiotic octocoral recruits within high- and low-light environments were inoculated with one of three Symbiodiniaceae species as monocultures or with cross-paired mixtures, and we tracked symbiont uptake using quantitative genetic assays. Priority effects, in which early colonizers excluded competitive dominants, were evidenced under low light, but these early opportunistic species were later succeeded by competitive dominants. Under high light, a more consistent competitive hierarchy was established in which competitive dominants outgrew and limited the abundance of others. These findings provide insight into mechanisms of microbial community organization and symbiosis breakdown and recovery. Furthermore, transitions in competitive outcomes across spatial and temporal environmental variation may improve lifetime host fitness.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shelby E. McIlroy
- Graduate Program in Evolution, Ecology and BehaviorState University of New YorkUniversity at BuffaloBuffaloNew York
- Swire Institute of Marine ScienceSchool of Biological ScienceThe University of Hong KongHong Kong
- Present address:
Swire Institute of Marine ScienceSchool of Biological ScienceThe University of Hong KongHong Kong
| | - Ross Cunning
- Department of Marine Biology and EcologyRosenstiel School of Marine and Atmospheric ScienceUniversity of MiamiMiamiFlorida
- Present address:
Daniel P. Haerther Center for Conservation and ResearchJohn G. Shedd AquariumChicagoIllinois
| | - Andrew C. Baker
- Department of Marine Biology and EcologyRosenstiel School of Marine and Atmospheric ScienceUniversity of MiamiMiamiFlorida
| | - Mary Alice Coffroth
- Graduate Program in Evolution, Ecology and BehaviorState University of New YorkUniversity at BuffaloBuffaloNew York
- Department of GeologyState University of New YorkUniversity at BuffaloBuffaloNew York
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39
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Wall CB, Ritson‐Williams R, Popp BN, Gates RD. Spatial variation in the biochemical and isotopic composition of corals during bleaching and recovery. LIMNOLOGY AND OCEANOGRAPHY 2019; 64:2011-2028. [PMID: 31598010 PMCID: PMC6774332 DOI: 10.1002/lno.11166] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/10/2018] [Revised: 12/24/2018] [Accepted: 03/01/2019] [Indexed: 06/01/2023]
Abstract
Ocean warming and the increased prevalence of coral bleaching events threaten coral reefs. However, the biology of corals during and following bleaching events under field conditions is poorly understood. We examined bleaching and postbleaching recovery in Montipora capitata and Porites compressa corals that either bleached or did not bleach during a 2014 bleaching event at three reef locations in Kāne'ohe Bay, O'ahu, Hawai'i. We measured changes in chlorophylls, tissue biomass, and nutritional plasticity using stable isotopes (δ 13C, δ 15N). Coral traits showed significant variation among periods, sites, bleaching conditions, and their interactions. Bleached colonies of both species had lower chlorophyll and total biomass, and while M. capitata chlorophyll and biomass recovered 3 months later, P. compressa chlorophyll recovery was location dependent and total biomass of previously bleached colonies remained low. Biomass energy reserves were not affected by bleaching, instead M. capitata proteins and P. compressa biomass energy and lipids declined over time and P. compressa lipids were site specific during bleaching recovery. Stable isotope analyses did not indicate increased heterotrophic nutrition in bleached colonies of either species, during or after thermal stress. Instead, mass balance calculations revealed that variations in δ 13C values reflect biomass compositional change (i.e., protein : lipid : carbohydrate ratios). Observed δ 15N values reflected spatiotemporal variability in nitrogen sources in both species and bleaching effects on symbiont nitrogen demand in P. compressa. These results highlight the dynamic responses of corals to natural bleaching and recovery and identify the need to consider the influence of biomass composition in the interpretation of isotopic values in corals.
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Affiliation(s)
- Christopher B. Wall
- Hawai‘i Institute of Marine Biology, School of Ocean and Earth Science and Technology, University of Hawai‘i at MānoaKāne‘oheHawai‘i
| | - Raphael Ritson‐Williams
- Hawai‘i Institute of Marine Biology, School of Ocean and Earth Science and Technology, University of Hawai‘i at MānoaKāne‘oheHawai‘i
- Invertebrate Zoology DepartmentCalifornia Academy of SciencesSan FranciscoCalifornia
| | - Brian N. Popp
- Department of Earth SciencesUniversity of Hawai‘i at MānoaHonoluluHawai‘i
| | - Ruth D. Gates
- Hawai‘i Institute of Marine Biology, School of Ocean and Earth Science and Technology, University of Hawai‘i at MānoaKāne‘oheHawai‘i
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40
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Chen B, Yu K, Liang J, Huang W, Wang G, Su H, Qin Z, Huang X, Pan Z, Luo W, Luo Y, Wang Y. Latitudinal Variation in the Molecular Diversity and Community Composition of Symbiodiniaceae in Coral From the South China Sea. Front Microbiol 2019; 10:1278. [PMID: 31275256 PMCID: PMC6591375 DOI: 10.3389/fmicb.2019.01278] [Citation(s) in RCA: 30] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/26/2018] [Accepted: 05/22/2019] [Indexed: 01/18/2023] Open
Abstract
Coral reefs are continuing to decline worldwide due to anthropogenic climate change. The study of the molecular diversity and biogeographical patterns of Symbiodiniaceae, is essential to understand the adaptive potential and resilience of coral–algal symbiosis. Next generation sequencing was used to analyze the Symbiodiniaceae rDNA internal transcribed spacer 2 marker genes from 178 reef-building coral samples in eight coral habitats across approximately 13° of latitude in the South China Sea (SCS). A total of three Symbiodiniaceae genera, Cladocopium, Durusdinium, and Gerakladium, as well as 31 dominant Symbiodiniaceae types, were identified. Symbiodiniaceae richness, diversity, and community composition varied according to latitude; intermediate and low latitude coral reefs (IR and LR) have higher Symbiodiniaceae richness and diversity than high latitude coral habitats (HC and HR). A PERMANOVA analysis found significant differences in the Symbiodiniaceae community composition in the SCS (F = 14.75, R2 = 0.20, p = 0.001 < 0.01). The major dominant Symbiodiniaceae types were C1 in the HC and the HR, C1/Cspc/C50/C15 and D1 in the IR, and C3u and C15 in the LR. Canonical correspondence analysis showed that the relative abundance of different Symbiodiniaceae types is affected by multiple environmental factors. Phylogenetic analysis indicated that the Symbiodiniaceae type Cladocopium, which shared common ancestors, shows similar environmental adaptability. Based on these results, we suggest that coral host species played a relatively small role in the identity of the dominant Symbiodiniaceae type. Therefore, the biogeographical patterns of Symbiodiniaceae may be mainly affected by environmental factors. Our research provides a comprehensive overview of the biogeography of Symbiodiniaceae in the SCS, where coral communities and reefs are widely distributed across different latitude regions and have variable environmental conditions. Our data will provide support for further study of the regional diversification of Symbiodiniaceae and the ecological resilience of the coral-Symbiodiniaceae symbioses.
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Affiliation(s)
- Biao Chen
- Guangxi Laboratory on the Study of Coral Reefs in the South China Sea, Guangxi University, Nanning, China.,Coral Reef Research Center of China, Guangxi University, Nanning, China.,School of Marine Sciences, Guangxi University, Nanning, China
| | - Kefu Yu
- Guangxi Laboratory on the Study of Coral Reefs in the South China Sea, Guangxi University, Nanning, China.,Coral Reef Research Center of China, Guangxi University, Nanning, China.,School of Marine Sciences, Guangxi University, Nanning, China
| | - Jiayuan Liang
- Guangxi Laboratory on the Study of Coral Reefs in the South China Sea, Guangxi University, Nanning, China.,Coral Reef Research Center of China, Guangxi University, Nanning, China.,School of Marine Sciences, Guangxi University, Nanning, China
| | - Wen Huang
- Guangxi Laboratory on the Study of Coral Reefs in the South China Sea, Guangxi University, Nanning, China.,Coral Reef Research Center of China, Guangxi University, Nanning, China.,School of Marine Sciences, Guangxi University, Nanning, China
| | - Guanghua Wang
- Guangxi Laboratory on the Study of Coral Reefs in the South China Sea, Guangxi University, Nanning, China.,Coral Reef Research Center of China, Guangxi University, Nanning, China.,School of Marine Sciences, Guangxi University, Nanning, China
| | - Hongfei Su
- Guangxi Laboratory on the Study of Coral Reefs in the South China Sea, Guangxi University, Nanning, China.,Coral Reef Research Center of China, Guangxi University, Nanning, China.,School of Marine Sciences, Guangxi University, Nanning, China
| | - Zhenjun Qin
- Guangxi Laboratory on the Study of Coral Reefs in the South China Sea, Guangxi University, Nanning, China.,Coral Reef Research Center of China, Guangxi University, Nanning, China.,School of Marine Sciences, Guangxi University, Nanning, China
| | - Xueyong Huang
- Guangxi Laboratory on the Study of Coral Reefs in the South China Sea, Guangxi University, Nanning, China.,Coral Reef Research Center of China, Guangxi University, Nanning, China.,School of Marine Sciences, Guangxi University, Nanning, China
| | - Ziliang Pan
- Guangxi Laboratory on the Study of Coral Reefs in the South China Sea, Guangxi University, Nanning, China.,Coral Reef Research Center of China, Guangxi University, Nanning, China.,School of Marine Sciences, Guangxi University, Nanning, China
| | - Wenwen Luo
- Guangxi Laboratory on the Study of Coral Reefs in the South China Sea, Guangxi University, Nanning, China.,Coral Reef Research Center of China, Guangxi University, Nanning, China.,School of Marine Sciences, Guangxi University, Nanning, China
| | - Yanqiu Luo
- Guangxi Laboratory on the Study of Coral Reefs in the South China Sea, Guangxi University, Nanning, China.,Coral Reef Research Center of China, Guangxi University, Nanning, China.,School of Marine Sciences, Guangxi University, Nanning, China
| | - Yinghui Wang
- Guangxi Laboratory on the Study of Coral Reefs in the South China Sea, Guangxi University, Nanning, China.,Coral Reef Research Center of China, Guangxi University, Nanning, China.,School of Marine Sciences, Guangxi University, Nanning, China
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41
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Gabay Y, Parkinson JE, Wilkinson SP, Weis VM, Davy SK. Inter-partner specificity limits the acquisition of thermotolerant symbionts in a model cnidarian-dinoflagellate symbiosis. ISME JOURNAL 2019; 13:2489-2499. [PMID: 31186513 DOI: 10.1038/s41396-019-0429-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/31/2018] [Revised: 02/07/2019] [Accepted: 04/10/2019] [Indexed: 01/19/2023]
Abstract
The ability of corals and other cnidarians to survive climate change depends partly on the composition of their endosymbiont communities. The dinoflagellate family Symbiodiniaceae is genetically and physiologically diverse, and one proposed mechanism for cnidarians to acclimate to rising temperatures is to acquire more thermally tolerant symbionts. However, cnidarian-dinoflagellate associations vary in their degree of specificity, which may limit their capacity to alter symbiont communities. Here, we inoculated symbiont-free polyps of the sea anemone Exaiptasia pallida (commonly referred to as 'Aiptasia'), a model system for the cnidarian-dinoflagellate symbiosis, with simultaneous or sequential mixtures of thermally tolerant and thermally sensitive species of Symbiodiniaceae. We then monitored symbiont success (relative proportional abundance) at normal and elevated temperatures across two to four weeks. All anemones showed signs of bleaching at high temperature. During simultaneous inoculations, the native, thermally sensitive Breviolum minutum colonized polyps most successfully regardless of temperature when paired against the non-native but more thermally tolerant Symbiodinium microadriaticum or Durusdinium trenchii. Furthermore, anemones initially colonized with B. minutum and subsequently exposed to S. microadriaticum failed to acquire the new symbiont. These results highlight how partner specificity may place strong limitations on the ability of certain cnidarians to acquire more thermally tolerant symbionts, and hence their adaptive potential under climate change.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yasmin Gabay
- School of Biological Sciences, Victoria University of Wellington, Kelburn Parade, Wellington, 6140, New Zealand
| | - John Everett Parkinson
- Department of Integrative Biology, Oregon State University, Corvallis, OR, 97331, USA.,Department of Integrative Biology, University of South Florida, Tampa, FL, 33620, USA
| | - Shaun P Wilkinson
- School of Biological Sciences, Victoria University of Wellington, Kelburn Parade, Wellington, 6140, New Zealand
| | - Virginia M Weis
- Department of Integrative Biology, Oregon State University, Corvallis, OR, 97331, USA
| | - Simon K Davy
- School of Biological Sciences, Victoria University of Wellington, Kelburn Parade, Wellington, 6140, New Zealand.
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42
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Unique quantitative Symbiodiniaceae signature of coral colonies revealed through spatio-temporal survey in Moorea. Sci Rep 2019; 9:7921. [PMID: 31138834 PMCID: PMC6538640 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-019-44017-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/14/2018] [Accepted: 04/25/2019] [Indexed: 12/20/2022] Open
Abstract
One of the mechanisms of rapid adaptation or acclimatization to environmental changes in corals is through the dynamics of the composition of their associated endosymbiotic Symbiodiniaceae community. The various species of these dinoflagellates are characterized by different biological properties, some of which can confer stress tolerance to the coral host. Compelling evidence indicates that the corals’ Symbiodiniaceae community can change via shuffling and/or switching but the ecological relevance and the governance of these processes remain elusive. Using a qPCR approach to follow the dynamics of Symbiodiniaceae genera in tagged colonies of three coral species over a 10–18 month period, we detected putative genus-level switching of algal symbionts, with coral species-specific rates of occurrence. However, the dynamics of the corals’ Symbiodiniaceae community composition was not driven by environmental parameters. On the contrary, putative shuffling event were observed in two coral species during anomalous seawater temperatures and nutrient concentrations. Most notably, our results reveal that a suit of permanent Symbiodiniaceae genera is maintained in each colony in a specific range of quantities, giving a unique ‘Symbiodiniaceae signature’ to the host. This individual signature, together with sporadic symbiont switching may account for the intra-specific differences in resistance and resilience observed during environmental anomalies.
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43
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Morris LA, Voolstra CR, Quigley KM, Bourne DG, Bay LK. Nutrient Availability and Metabolism Affect the Stability of Coral-Symbiodiniaceae Symbioses. Trends Microbiol 2019; 27:678-689. [PMID: 30987816 DOI: 10.1016/j.tim.2019.03.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 116] [Impact Index Per Article: 23.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/21/2018] [Revised: 02/28/2019] [Accepted: 03/13/2019] [Indexed: 01/19/2023]
Abstract
Coral reefs rely upon the highly optimized coral-Symbiodiniaceae symbiosis, making them sensitive to environmental change and susceptible to anthropogenic stress. Coral bleaching is predominantly attributed to photo-oxidative stress, yet nutrient availability and metabolism underpin the stability of symbioses. Recent studies link symbiont proliferation under nutrient enrichment to bleaching; however, the interactions between nutrients and symbiotic stability are nuanced. Here, we demonstrate how bleaching is regulated by the forms and ratios of available nutrients and their impacts on autotrophic carbon metabolism, rather than algal symbiont growth. By extension, historical nutrient conditions mediate host-symbiont compatibility and bleaching tolerance over proximate and evolutionary timescales. Renewed investigations into the coral nutrient metabolism will be required to truly elucidate the cellular mechanisms leading to coral bleaching.
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Affiliation(s)
- Luke A Morris
- AIMS@JCU, Australian Institute of Marine Science, College of Science and Engineering, James Cook University, Townsville, Australia; Australian Institute of Marine Science, Townsville, Australia; College of Science and Engineering, James Cook University, Townsville, Australia. https://twitter.com/ReefLuke
| | - Christian R Voolstra
- Red Sea Research Center, Division of Biological and Environmental Science and Engineering, King Abdullah University of Science and Technology (KAUST), Thuwal, Saudi Arabia. https://twitter.com/reefgenomics
| | - Kate M Quigley
- AIMS@JCU, Australian Institute of Marine Science, College of Science and Engineering, James Cook University, Townsville, Australia; Australian Institute of Marine Science, Townsville, Australia. https://twitter.com/la__cientifica
| | - David G Bourne
- AIMS@JCU, Australian Institute of Marine Science, College of Science and Engineering, James Cook University, Townsville, Australia; Australian Institute of Marine Science, Townsville, Australia; College of Science and Engineering, James Cook University, Townsville, Australia
| | - Line K Bay
- AIMS@JCU, Australian Institute of Marine Science, College of Science and Engineering, James Cook University, Townsville, Australia; Australian Institute of Marine Science, Townsville, Australia.
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44
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Lin MF, Takahashi S, Forêt S, Davy SK, Miller DJ. Transcriptomic analyses highlight the likely metabolic consequences of colonization of a cnidarian host by native or non-native Symbiodinium species. Biol Open 2019; 8:bio.038281. [PMID: 30814067 PMCID: PMC6451341 DOI: 10.1242/bio.038281] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/30/2022] Open
Abstract
Reef-building corals and some other cnidarians form symbiotic relationships with members of the dinoflagellate family Symbiodinaceae. As Symbiodinaceae is a highly diverse taxon, the physiological interactions between its members and their hosts are assumed to differ between associations. The presence of different symbiont types is known to affect expression levels of specific host genes, but knowledge of the effects on the transcriptome more broadly remains limited. In the present study, transcriptome profiling was conducted on the tropical corallimorpharian, Ricordea yuma, following the establishment of symbiosis with either the ‘homologous’ symbiont Symbiodinium goreaui (also known as Cladocopium goreaui; ITS2 type C1) or ‘heterologous’ symbionts (predominantly S. trenchii, which is also known as Durusdinium trenchii; ITS2 type D1a) isolated from a different corallimorpharian host (Rhodactis indosinensis). Transcriptomic analyses showed that genes encoding host glycogen biosynthesis pathway components are more highly induced during colonization by the homologous symbiont than by the heterologous symbiont. Similar patterns were also observed for several other genes thought to facilitate symbiotic nutrient exchange, including those involved in lipid translocation/storage and metabolite transport. The gene expression results presented here imply that colonization by homologous or heterologous Symbiodinium types may have very different metabolic consequences for the Ricordea host, supporting the notion that even though some cnidarians may be able to form novel symbioses after bleaching, the metabolic performance of these may be compromised. This article has an associated First Person interview with the first author of the paper. Summary: Colonization by the homologous symbiont, Symbiodinium goreaui, resulted in greater glycogen synthesis and ammonium assimilation capacity in the host than when it was colonized by a heterologous symbiont (S. trenchii).
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Affiliation(s)
- Mei-Fang Lin
- Molecular and Cell Biology, James Cook University, Townsville, QLD 4811, Australia.,ARC Centre of Excellence for Coral Reef Studies, James Cook University, Townsville, QLD 4811, Australia.,Evolutionary Neurobiology Unit, Okinawa Institute of Science and Technology Graduate University, Okinawa 904-0495, Japan
| | - Shunichi Takahashi
- Division of Environmental Photobiology, National Institute for Basic Biology, Nishigonaka 38, Myodaiji, Okazaki 444-8585, Japan
| | - Sylvain Forêt
- ARC Centre of Excellence for Coral Reef Studies, James Cook University, Townsville, QLD 4811, Australia.,Ecology and Evolution, Research School of Biology, Australian National University, Canberra, ACT 0200, Australia
| | - Simon K Davy
- School of Biological Sciences, Victoria University of Wellington, Kelburn Parade, Wellington 6140, New Zealand
| | - David J Miller
- Molecular and Cell Biology, James Cook University, Townsville, QLD 4811, Australia .,ARC Centre of Excellence for Coral Reef Studies, James Cook University, Townsville, QLD 4811, Australia
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45
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Skelton J, Johnson AJ, Jusino MA, Bateman CC, Li Y, Hulcr J. A selective fungal transport organ (mycangium) maintains coarse phylogenetic congruence between fungus-farming ambrosia beetles and their symbionts. Proc Biol Sci 2019; 286:20182127. [PMID: 30963860 PMCID: PMC6367168 DOI: 10.1098/rspb.2018.2127] [Citation(s) in RCA: 31] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/20/2018] [Accepted: 12/07/2018] [Indexed: 11/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Thousands of species of ambrosia beetles excavate tunnels in wood to farm fungi. They maintain associations with particular lineages of fungi, but the phylogenetic extent and mechanisms of fidelity are unknown. We test the hypothesis that selectivity of their mycangium enforces fidelity at coarse phylogenetic scales, while permitting promiscuity among closely related fungal mutualists. We confirm a single evolutionary origin of the Xylosandrus complex-a group of several xyleborine genera that farm fungi in the genus Ambrosiella. Multi-level co-phylogenetic analysis revealed frequent symbiont switching within major Ambrosiella clades, but not between clades. The loss of the mycangium in Diuncus, a genus of evolutionary cheaters, was commensurate with the loss of fidelity to fungal clades, supporting the hypothesis that the mycangium reinforces fidelity. Finally, in vivo experiments tracked symbiotic compatibility throughout the symbiotic life cycle of Xylosandrus compactus and demonstrated that closely related Ambrosiella symbionts are interchangeable, but the probability of fungal uptake in the mycangium was significantly lower in more phylogenetically distant species of symbionts. Symbiont loads in experimental subjects were similar to wild-caught beetles. We conclude that partner choice in ambrosia beetles is achieved in the mycangium, and co-phylogenetic inferences can be used to predict the likelihood of specific symbiont switches.
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Affiliation(s)
- James Skelton
- School of Forest Resources and Conservation, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL 32603, USA
| | - Andrew J. Johnson
- School of Forest Resources and Conservation, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL 32603, USA
| | - Michelle A. Jusino
- Center for Forest Mycology Research, United States Forest Service, Northern Research Station, One Gifford Pinchot Drive, Madison, WI 53726, USA
- Department of Plant Pathology, Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL, USA
| | - Craig C. Bateman
- Department of Entomology and Nematology, Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL, USA
| | - You Li
- School of Forest Resources and Conservation, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL 32603, USA
| | - Jiri Hulcr
- School of Forest Resources and Conservation, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL 32603, USA
- Department of Entomology and Nematology, Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL, USA
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46
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Ferrier‐Pagès C, Leal MC. Stable isotopes as tracers of trophic interactions in marine mutualistic symbioses. Ecol Evol 2019; 9:723-740. [PMID: 30680151 PMCID: PMC6342181 DOI: 10.1002/ece3.4712] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/14/2018] [Revised: 09/17/2018] [Accepted: 10/26/2018] [Indexed: 12/31/2022] Open
Abstract
Mutualistic nutritional symbioses are widespread in marine ecosystems. They involve the association of a host organism (algae, protists, or marine invertebrates) with symbiotic microorganisms, such as bacteria, cyanobacteria, or dinoflagellates. Nutritional interactions between the partners are difficult to identify in symbioses because they only occur in intact associations. Stable isotope analysis (SIA) has proven to be a useful tool to highlight original nutrient sources and to trace nutrients acquired by and exchanged between the different partners of the association. However, although SIA has been extensively applied to study different marine symbiotic associations, there is no review taking into account of the different types of symbiotic associations, how they have been studied via SIA, methodological issues common among symbiotic associations, and solutions that can be transferred from one type of association with another. The present review aims to fill such gaps in the scientific literature by summarizing the current knowledge of how isotopes have been applied to key marine symbioses to unravel nutrient exchanges between partners, and by describing the difficulties in interpreting the isotopic signal. This review also focuses on the use of compound-specific stable isotope analysis and on statistical advances to analyze stable isotope data. It also highlights the knowledge gaps that would benefit from future research.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Miguel Costa Leal
- MARE – Marine and Environmental Sciences CentreFaculdade de Ciências da Universidade de LisboaLisbonPortugal
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47
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Brown A, Akçay E. Evolution of transmission mode in conditional mutualisms with spatial variation in symbiont quality. Evolution 2018; 73:128-144. [DOI: 10.1111/evo.13656] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/04/2018] [Accepted: 10/23/2018] [Indexed: 12/24/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Alexandra Brown
- Department of Biology University of Pennsylvania Philadelphia Pennsylvania 19104
| | - Erol Akçay
- Department of Biology University of Pennsylvania Philadelphia Pennsylvania 19104
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48
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Petersen KL, Paytan A, Rahav E, Levy O, Silverman J, Barzel O, Potts D, Bar-Zeev E. Impact of brine and antiscalants on reef-building corals in the Gulf of Aqaba - Potential effects from desalination plants. WATER RESEARCH 2018; 144:183-191. [PMID: 30029077 DOI: 10.1016/j.watres.2018.07.009] [Citation(s) in RCA: 35] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/06/2018] [Revised: 07/03/2018] [Accepted: 07/04/2018] [Indexed: 06/08/2023]
Abstract
Seawater reverse osmosis (SWRO) is becoming an increasingly important source of potable water in arid and semi-arid regions worldwide. Discharge of brine-effluent from desalination facilities has been shown to significantly impact coastal marine ecosystems ranging from seagrass meadows to microbial communities. In this study, we examined the impacts of increased salinity (10% above ambient) and presence of antiscalants (0.2 mg L-1, polyphosphonate-based) on three reef-building coral species; Stylophora pistillata, Acropora tenuis and Pocillopora verrucosa, from the Gulf of Aqaba (northern Red-Sea). Our results indicate that the corals, as well as associated bacteria and algae, were significantly impaired by the elevated salinity and antiscalants, leading to partial bleaching. Specifically, the abundance of bacteria and symbiotic algae as well as calcification rates were typically lower (20-85%, 50-90% and 40-50%, respectively) following incubations with both amendments. However, the impact of desalination brine was often species-specific. Thus, we propose that the ecotoxicological criteria used for hard corals should be determined based on the sensitivity of key species in the community dominating the area affected by desalination discharge.
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Affiliation(s)
- Karen Lykkebo Petersen
- Department of Earth and Planetary Science, University of California Santa Cruz, CA, 95064, USA
| | - Adina Paytan
- Institute of Marine Science, University of California, Santa Cruz, CA, 95064, USA
| | - Eyal Rahav
- Israel Oceanographic and Limnological Research, Haifa, 31080, Israel
| | - Oren Levy
- Mina and Everard Goodman Faculty of Life Sciences, Bar-Ilan University, Ramat-Gan, 52900, Israel
| | - Jacob Silverman
- Israel Oceanographic and Limnological Research, Haifa, 31080, Israel
| | - Oriya Barzel
- Israel Oceanographic and Limnological Research, Haifa, 31080, Israel; Institute of Earth Sciences, Edmond Safra Campus of Natural Sciences, Givat-Ram, Hebrew University of Jerusalem, Jerusalem 91904, Israel
| | - Donald Potts
- Department of Ecology and Evolutionary Biology, University of California Santa Cruz, CA, 95064, USA
| | - Edo Bar-Zeev
- Zuckerberg Institute for Water Research, Ben-Gurion University of the Negev, 84990, Israel.
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49
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Stabili L, Parisi MG, Parrinello D, Cammarata M. Cnidarian Interaction with Microbial Communities: From Aid to Animal's Health to Rejection Responses. Mar Drugs 2018; 16:E296. [PMID: 30142922 PMCID: PMC6164757 DOI: 10.3390/md16090296] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/27/2018] [Revised: 08/11/2018] [Accepted: 08/16/2018] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
The phylum Cnidaria is an ancient branch in the tree of metazoans. Several species exert a remarkable longevity, suggesting the existence of a developed and consistent defense mechanism of the innate immunity capable to overcome the potential repeated exposure to microbial pathogenic agents. Increasing evidence indicates that the innate immune system in Cnidarians is not only involved in the disruption of harmful microorganisms, but also is crucial in structuring tissue-associated microbial communities that are essential components of the Cnidarian holobiont and useful to the animal's health for several functions, including metabolism, immune defense, development, and behavior. Sometimes, the shifts in the normal microbiota may be used as "early" bio-indicators of both environmental changes and/or animal disease. Here the Cnidarians relationships with microbial communities and the potential biotechnological applications are summarized and discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Loredana Stabili
- Istituto per l'Ambiente Marino Costiero, U.O.S. di Taranto, CNR, Via Roma 3, 74123 Taranto, Italy.
- Dipartimento di Scienze e Tecnologie Biologiche ed Ambientali, Università del Salento, via Prov.le Lecce Monteroni, 73100 Lecce, Italy.
| | - Maria Giovanna Parisi
- Laboratory of Marine Immunobiology, Dipartimento delle Scienze della Terra e del Mare, Università di Palermo, Viale delle Scienze Ed. 16, 90128 Palermo, Italy.
| | - Daniela Parrinello
- Laboratory of Marine Immunobiology, Dipartimento delle Scienze della Terra e del Mare, Università di Palermo, Viale delle Scienze Ed. 16, 90128 Palermo, Italy.
| | - Matteo Cammarata
- Laboratory of Marine Immunobiology, Dipartimento delle Scienze della Terra e del Mare, Università di Palermo, Viale delle Scienze Ed. 16, 90128 Palermo, Italy.
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50
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Bednarz VN, Naumann MS, Cardini U, van Hoytema N, Rix L, Al-Rshaidat MMD, Wild C. Contrasting seasonal responses in dinitrogen fixation between shallow and deep-water colonies of the model coral Stylophora pistillata in the northern Red Sea. PLoS One 2018; 13:e0199022. [PMID: 29902263 PMCID: PMC6002246 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0199022] [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: 10/26/2017] [Accepted: 05/30/2018] [Indexed: 01/08/2023] Open
Abstract
Tropical corals are often associated with dinitrogen (N2)-fixing bacteria (diazotrophs), and seasonal changes in key environmental parameters, such as dissolved inorganic nitrogen (DIN) availability and seawater temperature, are known to affect N2 fixation in coral-microbial holobionts. Despite, then, such potential for seasonal and depth-related changes in N2 fixation in reef corals, such variation has not yet been investigated. Therefore, this study quantified seasonal (winter vs. summer) N2 fixation rates associated with the reef-building coral Stylophora pistillata collected from depths of 5, 10 and 20 m in the northern Gulf of Aqaba (Red Sea). Findings revealed that corals from all depths exhibited the highest N2 fixation rates during the oligotrophic summer season, when up to 11% of their photo-metabolic nitrogen demand (CPND) could be met by N2 fixation. While N2 fixation remained seasonally stable for deep corals (20 m), it significantly decreased for the shallow corals (5 and 10 m) during the DIN-enriched winter season, accounting for less than 2% of the corals’ CPND. This contrasting seasonal response in N2 fixation across corals of different depths could be driven by 1) release rates of coral-derived organic matter, 2) the community composition of the associated diazotrophs, and/or 3) nutrient acquisition by the Symbiodinium community.
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Affiliation(s)
- Vanessa N. Bednarz
- Coral Reef Ecology Group, Leibniz Centre for Tropical Marine Research (ZMT), Bremen, Germany
- Marine Department, Centre Scientifique de Monaco, Principality of Monaco
- * E-mail:
| | - Malik S. Naumann
- Coral Reef Ecology Group, Leibniz Centre for Tropical Marine Research (ZMT), Bremen, Germany
| | - Ulisse Cardini
- Coral Reef Ecology Group, Leibniz Centre for Tropical Marine Research (ZMT), Bremen, Germany
- Integrative Marine Ecology Department, Stazione Zoologica Anton Dohrn, Villa Comunale, Naples, Italy
| | - Nanne van Hoytema
- Coral Reef Ecology Group, Leibniz Centre for Tropical Marine Research (ZMT), Bremen, Germany
| | - Laura Rix
- Coral Reef Ecology Group, Leibniz Centre for Tropical Marine Research (ZMT), Bremen, Germany
- RD3 Marine Microbiology, GEOMAR Helmholtz Centre for Ocean Research, Kiel, Germany
| | - Mamoon M. D. Al-Rshaidat
- Laboratory for Molecular Microbial Ecology, Marine Science Station, Aqaba, Jordan
- Molecular and Microbial Ecology, Department of Biological Sciences, The University of Jordan, Amman, Jordan
| | - Christian Wild
- Coral Reef Ecology Group, Leibniz Centre for Tropical Marine Research (ZMT), Bremen, Germany
- Marine Ecology Group, Faculty of Biology and Chemistry, University of Bremen, Bremen, Germany
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