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Johnston EC, Caruso C, Mujica E, Walker NS, Drury C. Complex parental effects impact variation in larval thermal tolerance in a vertically transmitting coral. Heredity (Edinb) 2024; 132:275-283. [PMID: 38538721 PMCID: PMC11167003 DOI: 10.1038/s41437-024-00681-6] [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: 05/23/2023] [Revised: 03/12/2024] [Accepted: 03/14/2024] [Indexed: 06/13/2024] Open
Abstract
Coral populations must be able to adapt to changing environmental conditions for coral reefs to persist under climate change. The adaptive potential of these organisms is difficult to forecast due to complex interactions between the host animal, dinoflagellate symbionts and the environment. Here we created 26 larval families from six Montipora capitata colonies from a single reef, showing significant, heritable variation in thermal tolerance. Our results indicate that 9.1% of larvae are expected to exhibit four times the thermal tolerance of the general population. Differences in larval thermotolerance were driven mainly by maternal contributions, but we found no evidence that these effects were driven by symbiont identity despite vertical transmission from the dam. We also document no evidence of reproductive incompatibility attributable to symbiont identity. These data demonstrate significant genetic variation within this population which provides the raw material upon which natural selection can act.
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Affiliation(s)
- Erika C Johnston
- Hawai'i Institute of Marine Biology, University of Hawai'i, Kāne'ohe, HI, USA.
| | - Carlo Caruso
- Hawai'i Institute of Marine Biology, University of Hawai'i, Kāne'ohe, HI, USA
| | - Elena Mujica
- Department of Bioengineering, University of California, Berkeley, CA, USA
| | - Nia S Walker
- Hawai'i Institute of Marine Biology, University of Hawai'i, Kāne'ohe, HI, USA
| | - Crawford Drury
- Hawai'i Institute of Marine Biology, University of Hawai'i, Kāne'ohe, HI, USA
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2
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Powell-Palm MJ, Henley EM, Consiglio AN, Lager C, Chang B, Perry R, Fitzgerald K, Daly J, Rubinsky B, Hagedorn M. Cryopreservation and revival of Hawaiian stony corals using isochoric vitrification. Nat Commun 2023; 14:4859. [PMID: 37612315 PMCID: PMC10447501 DOI: 10.1038/s41467-023-40500-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/01/2023] [Accepted: 07/28/2023] [Indexed: 08/25/2023] Open
Abstract
Corals are under siege by both local and global threats, creating a worldwide reef crisis. Cryopreservation is an important intervention measure and a vital component of the modern coral conservation toolkit, but preservation techniques are currently limited to sensitive reproductive materials that can only be obtained a few nights per year during spawning. Here, we report the successful cryopreservation and revival of cm-scale coral fragments via mL-scale isochoric vitrification. We demonstrate coral viability at 24 h post-thaw using a calibrated oxygen-uptake respirometry technique, and further show that the method can be applied in a passive, electronics-free configuration. Finally, we detail a complete prototype coral cryopreservation pipeline, which provides a platform for essential next steps in modulating post-thaw stress and initiating long-term growth. These findings pave the way towards an approach that can be rapidly deployed around the world to secure the biological genetic diversity of our vanishing coral reefs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Matthew J Powell-Palm
- J. Mike Walker '66 Department of Mechanical Engineering, Texas A&M University, College Station, TX, USA.
- Department of Materials Science and Engineering, Texas A&M University, College Station, TX, USA.
| | - E Michael Henley
- Smithsonian National Zoo and Conservation Biology Institute, Front Royal, VA, 22630, USA.
- Hawai'i Institute of Marine Biology, University of Hawai'i at Mānoa, Kāne'ohe, HI, 96744, USA.
| | - Anthony N Consiglio
- Department of Mechanical Engineering, University of California Berkeley, Berkeley, CA, USA
| | - Claire Lager
- Smithsonian National Zoo and Conservation Biology Institute, Front Royal, VA, 22630, USA
- Hawai'i Institute of Marine Biology, University of Hawai'i at Mānoa, Kāne'ohe, HI, 96744, USA
| | - Brooke Chang
- Department of Mechanical Engineering, University of California Berkeley, Berkeley, CA, USA
| | - Riley Perry
- Smithsonian National Zoo and Conservation Biology Institute, Front Royal, VA, 22630, USA
- Hawai'i Institute of Marine Biology, University of Hawai'i at Mānoa, Kāne'ohe, HI, 96744, USA
| | - Kendall Fitzgerald
- Smithsonian National Zoo and Conservation Biology Institute, Front Royal, VA, 22630, USA
| | - Jonathan Daly
- Taronga Institute of Science and Learning, Taronga Conservation Society Australia, Mosman, NSW, 2088, Australia
- Centre for Ecosystem Science and Centre for Marine Science and Innovation, School of Biological, Earth and Environmental Sciences, University of New South Wales, Sydney, NSW, 2052, Australia
| | - Boris Rubinsky
- Department of Mechanical Engineering, University of California Berkeley, Berkeley, CA, USA
| | - Mary Hagedorn
- Smithsonian National Zoo and Conservation Biology Institute, Front Royal, VA, 22630, USA
- Hawai'i Institute of Marine Biology, University of Hawai'i at Mānoa, Kāne'ohe, HI, 96744, USA
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3
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Neale PJ, Williamson CE, Banaszak AT, Häder DP, Hylander S, Ossola R, Rose KC, Wängberg SÅ, Zepp R. The response of aquatic ecosystems to the interactive effects of stratospheric ozone depletion, UV radiation, and climate change. Photochem Photobiol Sci 2023:10.1007/s43630-023-00370-z. [PMID: 37129840 PMCID: PMC10153058 DOI: 10.1007/s43630-023-00370-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/20/2022] [Accepted: 01/13/2023] [Indexed: 05/03/2023]
Abstract
Variations in stratospheric ozone and changes in the aquatic environment by climate change and human activity are modifying the exposure of aquatic ecosystems to UV radiation. These shifts in exposure have consequences for the distributions of species, biogeochemical cycles, and services provided by aquatic ecosystems. This Quadrennial Assessment presents the latest knowledge on the multi-faceted interactions between the effects of UV irradiation and climate change, and other anthropogenic activities, and how these conditions are changing aquatic ecosystems. Climate change results in variations in the depth of mixing, the thickness of ice cover, the duration of ice-free conditions and inputs of dissolved organic matter, all of which can either increase or decrease exposure to UV radiation. Anthropogenic activities release oil, UV filters in sunscreens, and microplastics into the aquatic environment that are then modified by UV radiation, frequently amplifying adverse effects on aquatic organisms and their environments. The impacts of these changes in combination with factors such as warming and ocean acidification are considered for aquatic micro-organisms, macroalgae, plants, and animals (floating, swimming, and attached). Minimising the disruptive consequences of these effects on critical services provided by the world's rivers, lakes and oceans (freshwater supply, recreation, transport, and food security) will not only require continued adherence to the Montreal Protocol but also a wider inclusion of solar UV radiation and its effects in studies and/or models of aquatic ecosystems under conditions of the future global climate.
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Affiliation(s)
- P J Neale
- Smithsonian Environmental Research Center, Edgewater, USA.
| | | | - A T Banaszak
- Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México, Unidad Académica de Sistemas Arrecifales, Puerto Morelos, Mexico
| | - D-P Häder
- Friedrich-Alexander University, Möhrendorf, Germany
| | | | - R Ossola
- Colorado State University, Fort Collins, USA
| | - K C Rose
- Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute, Troy, USA
| | | | - R Zepp
- ORD/CEMM, US Environmental Protection Agency, Athens, USA
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4
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Glass BH, Schmitt AH, Brown KT, Speer KF, Barott KL. Parental exposure to ocean acidification impacts gamete production and physiology but not offspring performance in Nematostella vectensis. Biol Open 2023; 12:bio059746. [PMID: 36716103 PMCID: PMC10003076 DOI: 10.1242/bio.059746] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/17/2022] [Accepted: 01/20/2023] [Indexed: 01/31/2023] Open
Abstract
Ocean acidification (OA) resulting from anthropogenic CO2 emissions is impairing the reproduction of marine organisms. While parental exposure to OA can protect offspring via carryover effects, this phenomenon is poorly understood in many marine invertebrate taxa. Here, we examined how parental exposure to acidified (pH 7.40) versus ambient (pH 7.72) seawater influenced reproduction and offspring performance across six gametogenic cycles (13 weeks) in the estuarine sea anemone Nematostella vectensis. Females exhibited reproductive plasticity under acidic conditions, releasing significantly fewer but larger eggs compared to ambient females after 4 weeks of exposure, and larger eggs in two of the four following spawning cycles despite recovering fecundity, indicating long-term acclimatization and greater investment in eggs. Males showed no changes in fecundity under acidic conditions but produced a greater percentage of sperm with high mitochondrial membrane potential (MMP; a proxy for elevated motility), which corresponded with higher fertilization rates relative to ambient males. Finally, parental exposure to acidic conditions did not significantly influence offspring development rates, respiration rates, or heat tolerance. Overall, this study demonstrates that parental exposure to acidic conditions impacts gamete production and physiology but not offspring performance in N. vectensis, suggesting that increased investment in individual gametes may promote fitness.
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Affiliation(s)
- Benjamin H. Glass
- Department of Biology, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA 19104, USA
| | - Angela H. Schmitt
- Department of Biology, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA 19104, USA
| | - Kristen T. Brown
- Department of Biology, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA 19104, USA
| | - Kelsey F. Speer
- Department of Biology, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA 19104, USA
| | - Katie L. Barott
- Department of Biology, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA 19104, USA
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Solar radiation, temperature and the reproductive biology of the coral Lobactis scutaria in a changing climate. Sci Rep 2023; 13:246. [PMID: 36604569 PMCID: PMC9816315 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-022-27207-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/16/2022] [Accepted: 12/28/2022] [Indexed: 01/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Coral reefs worldwide are at risk due to climate change. Coral bleaching is becoming increasingly common and corals that survive bleaching events can suffer from temporary reproductive failure for several years. While water temperature is a key driver in causing coral bleaching, other environmental factors are involved, such as solar radiation. We investigated the individual and combined effects of temperature, photosynthetically active radiation (PAR), and ultraviolet radiation (UVR) on the spawning patterns and reproductive physiology of the Hawaiian mushroom coral Lobactis scutaria, using long-term experiments in aquaria. We examined effects on spawning timing, fertilisation success, and gamete physiology. Both warmer temperatures and filtering UVR altered the timing of spawning. Warmer temperatures caused a drop in fertilisation success. Warmer temperatures and higher PAR both negatively affected sperm and egg physiology. These results are concerning for the mushroom coral L. scutaria and similar reproductive data are urgently needed to predict future reproductive trends in other species. Nonetheless, thermal stress from global climate change will need to be adequately addressed to ensure the survival of reef-building corals in their natural environment throughout the next century and beyond. Until then, reproduction is likely to be increasingly impaired in a growing number of coral species.
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Stephens TG, Lee J, Jeong Y, Yoon HS, Putnam HM, Majerová E, Bhattacharya D. High-quality genome assembles from key Hawaiian coral species. Gigascience 2022; 11:6815755. [PMID: 36352542 PMCID: PMC9646523 DOI: 10.1093/gigascience/giac098] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/07/2022] [Revised: 08/11/2022] [Accepted: 09/22/2022] [Indexed: 11/11/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Coral reefs house about 25% of marine biodiversity and are critical for the livelihood of many communities by providing food, tourism revenue, and protection from wave surge. These magnificent ecosystems are under existential threat from anthropogenic climate change. Whereas extensive ecological and physiological studies have addressed coral response to environmental stress, high-quality reference genome data are lacking for many of these species. The latter issue hinders efforts to understand the genetic basis of stress resistance and to design informed coral conservation strategies. Results We report genome assemblies from 4 key Hawaiian coral species, Montipora capitata, Pocillopora acuta, Pocillopora meandrina, and Porites compressa. These species, or members of these genera, are distributed worldwide and therefore of broad scientific and ecological importance. For M. capitata, an initial assembly was generated from short-read Illumina and long-read PacBio data, which was then scaffolded into 14 putative chromosomes using Omni-C sequencing. For P. acuta, P. meandrina, and P. compressa, high-quality assemblies were generated using short-read Illumina and long-read PacBio data. The P. acuta assembly is from a triploid individual, making it the first reference genome of a nondiploid coral animal. Conclusions These assemblies are significant improvements over available data and provide invaluable resources for supporting multiomics studies into coral biology, not just in Hawaiʻi but also in other regions, where related species exist. The P. acuta assembly provides a platform for studying polyploidy in corals and its role in genome evolution and stress adaptation in these organisms.
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Affiliation(s)
- Timothy G Stephens
- Department of Biochemistry and Microbiology, Rutgers University , New Brunswick, NJ 08901, USA
| | - JunMo Lee
- Department of Oceanography, Kyungpook National University , Daegu, Buk-gu 41566, Korea
| | - YuJin Jeong
- Department of Oceanography, Kyungpook National University , Daegu, Buk-gu 41566, Korea
| | - Hwan Su Yoon
- Department of Biological Sciences, Sungkyunkwan University , Suwon 16419, Korea
| | - Hollie M Putnam
- Department of Biological Sciences, University of Rhode Island , Kingston, RI 02881, USA
| | - Eva Majerová
- Hawaiʻi Institute of Marine Biology , Kāneʻohe, HI 96744, USA
| | - Debashish Bhattacharya
- Department of Biochemistry and Microbiology, Rutgers University , New Brunswick, NJ 08901, USA
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Contrasting reproductive strategies of two Hawaiian Montipora corals. Sci Rep 2022; 12:12255. [PMID: 35851072 PMCID: PMC9293913 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-022-16032-6] [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: 02/17/2022] [Accepted: 07/04/2022] [Indexed: 11/29/2022] Open
Abstract
Sessile invertebrates often engage in synchronized spawning events to increase likelihood of fertilization. Although coral reefs are well studied, the reproductive behavior of most species and the relative influence of various environmental cues that drive reproduction are not well understood. We conducted a comparative examination of the reproduction of the well-studied Hawaiian coral Montipora capitata and the relatively unknown reproduction of its congener, Montipora flabellata. Both are simultaneous hermaphroditic broadcast spawners that release egg-sperm bundles with external fertilization. Montipora capitata had a distinct reproductive pattern that resulted in coordinated gamete maturation and the synchronized release of thousands of egg-sperm bundles across two spawning pulses tightly coupled to consecutive new moon phases in June and July. Montipora flabellata exhibited a four month reproductive season with spawning that was four-fold less synchronous than M. capitata; its spawning was aperiodic with little linkage to moon phase, a broadly distributed release of only dozens or hundreds of bundles over multiple nights, and a spawning period that ranged from late June through September. The reproductive strategy of M. flabellata might prove detrimental under climate change if increased frequency and severity of bleaching events leave it sparsely populated and local stressors continue to degrade its habitat.
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