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Krämer WE, Iglesias-Prieto R, Enríquez S. Evaluation of the current understanding of the impact of climate change on coral physiology after three decades of experimental research. Commun Biol 2022; 5:1418. [PMID: 36572721 PMCID: PMC9792581 DOI: 10.1038/s42003-022-04353-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/23/2022] [Accepted: 12/08/2022] [Indexed: 12/27/2022] Open
Abstract
After three decades of coral research on the impacts of climate change, there is a wide consensus on the adverse effects of heat-stress, but the impacts of ocean acidification (OA) are not well established. Using a review of published studies and an experimental analysis, we confirm the large species-specific component of the OA response, which predicts moderate impacts on coral physiology and pigmentation by 2100 (scenario-B1 or SSP2-4.5), in contrast with the severe disturbances induced by only +2 °C of thermal anomaly. Accordingly, global warming represents a greater threat for coral calcification than OA. The incomplete understanding of the moderate OA response relies on insufficient attention to key regulatory processes of these symbioses, particularly the metabolic dependence of coral calcification on algal photosynthesis and host respiration. Our capacity to predict the future of coral reefs depends on a correct identification of the main targets and/or processes impacted by climate change stressors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wiebke E. Krämer
- grid.9486.30000 0001 2159 0001Laboratory of Photobiology, Unidad Académica de Sistemas Arrecifales (Puerto Morelos), Instituto de Ciencias del Mar y Limnología, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México, Quintana Roo Cancún, Mexico
| | - Roberto Iglesias-Prieto
- grid.9486.30000 0001 2159 0001Laboratory of Photobiology, Unidad Académica de Sistemas Arrecifales (Puerto Morelos), Instituto de Ciencias del Mar y Limnología, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México, Quintana Roo Cancún, Mexico ,grid.29857.310000 0001 2097 4281Present Address: Department of Biology, The Pennsylvania State University, University Park, PA 16802 USA
| | - Susana Enríquez
- grid.9486.30000 0001 2159 0001Laboratory of Photobiology, Unidad Académica de Sistemas Arrecifales (Puerto Morelos), Instituto de Ciencias del Mar y Limnología, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México, Quintana Roo Cancún, Mexico
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2
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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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3
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Zhou G, Tong H, Cai L, Huang H. Transgenerational Effects on the Coral Pocillopora damicornis Microbiome Under Ocean Acidification. MICROBIAL ECOLOGY 2021; 82:572-580. [PMID: 33576852 DOI: 10.1007/s00248-021-01690-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/24/2020] [Accepted: 01/11/2021] [Indexed: 06/12/2023]
Abstract
Reef-building corals are inhabited by functionally diverse microorganisms which play important roles in coral health and persistence in the Anthropocene. However, our understanding of the complex associations within coral holobionts is largely limited, particularly transgenerational exposure to environmental stress, like ocean acidification. Here we investigated the microbiome development of an ecologically important coral Pocillopora damicornis following transgenerational exposure to moderate and high pCO2 (partial pressure of CO2) levels, using amplicon sequencing and analysis. Our results showed that the Symbiodiniaceae community structures in adult and juvenile had similar patterns, all of which were dominated by Durusdinium spp., previously known as clade D. Conversely, prokaryotic communities varied between adults and juveniles, possibly driven by the effect of host development. Surprisingly, there were no significant changes in both Symbiodiniaceae and prokaryotic communities with different pCO2 treatments, which was independent of the life history stage. This study shows that ocean acidification has no significant effect on P. damicornis microbiome, and warrants further research to test whether transgenerational acclimation exists in coral holobiont to projected future climate change.
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Affiliation(s)
- Guowei Zhou
- CAS Key Laboratory of Tropical Marine Bio-resources and Ecology and Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Applied Marine Biology, South China Sea Institute of Oceanology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Guangzhou, China.
- Innovation Academy of South China Sea Ecology and Environmental Engineering, Chinese Academy of Sciences, ISEE, CAS, Guangzhou, China.
- CAS-HKUST Sanya Joint Laboratory of Marine Science Research and Key Laboratory of Tropical Marine Biotechnology of Hainan Province, Sanya Institute of Oceanology, SCSIO, Sanya, China.
- Sanya National Marine Ecosystem Research Station and Tropical Marine Biological Research Station in Hainan, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Sanya, China.
| | - Haoya Tong
- CAS-HKUST Sanya Joint Laboratory of Marine Science Research and Key Laboratory of Tropical Marine Biotechnology of Hainan Province, Sanya Institute of Oceanology, SCSIO, Sanya, China
- Department of Ocean Science, Division of Life Science and Hong Kong Branch of the Southern Marine Science and Engineering Guangdong Laboratory (Guangzhou), The Hong Kong University of Science and Technology, Hong Kong, SAR, China
| | - Lin Cai
- Department of Ocean Science, Division of Life Science and Hong Kong Branch of the Southern Marine Science and Engineering Guangdong Laboratory (Guangzhou), The Hong Kong University of Science and Technology, Hong Kong, SAR, China
| | - Hui Huang
- CAS Key Laboratory of Tropical Marine Bio-resources and Ecology and Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Applied Marine Biology, South China Sea Institute of Oceanology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Guangzhou, China.
- Innovation Academy of South China Sea Ecology and Environmental Engineering, Chinese Academy of Sciences, ISEE, CAS, Guangzhou, China.
- CAS-HKUST Sanya Joint Laboratory of Marine Science Research and Key Laboratory of Tropical Marine Biotechnology of Hainan Province, Sanya Institute of Oceanology, SCSIO, Sanya, China.
- Sanya National Marine Ecosystem Research Station and Tropical Marine Biological Research Station in Hainan, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Sanya, China.
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Scucchia F, Malik A, Zaslansky P, Putnam HM, Mass T. Combined responses of primary coral polyps and their algal endosymbionts to decreasing seawater pH. Proc Biol Sci 2021; 288:20210328. [PMID: 34157872 PMCID: PMC8220278 DOI: 10.1098/rspb.2021.0328] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/15/2023] Open
Abstract
With coral reefs declining globally, resilience of these ecosystems hinges on successful coral recruitment. However, knowledge of the acclimatory and/or adaptive potential in response to environmental challenges such as ocean acidification (OA) in earliest life stages is limited. Our combination of physiological measurements, microscopy, computed tomography techniques and gene expression analysis allowed us to thoroughly elucidate the mechanisms underlying the response of early-life stages of corals, together with their algal partners, to the projected decline in oceanic pH. We observed extensive physiological, morphological and transcriptional changes in surviving recruits, and the transition to a less-skeleton/more-tissue phenotype. We found that decreased pH conditions stimulate photosynthesis and endosymbiont growth, and gene expression potentially linked to photosynthates translocation. Our unique holistic study discloses the previously unseen intricate net of interacting mechanisms that regulate the performance of these organisms in response to OA.
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Affiliation(s)
- Federica Scucchia
- Department of Marine Biology, The Leon H. Charney School of Marine Sciences, University of Haifa, Haifa 3498838, Israel.,The Interuniversity Institute of Marine Sciences, Eilat 88103, Israel
| | - Assaf Malik
- Department of Marine Biology, The Leon H. Charney School of Marine Sciences, University of Haifa, Haifa 3498838, Israel
| | - Paul Zaslansky
- Department for Operative and Preventive Dentistry, Charité-Center for Dental and Craniofacial Sciences, Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Berlin 14197, Germany
| | - Hollie M Putnam
- Department of Biological Sciences, University of Rhode Island, Kingston, RI 02881, USA
| | - Tali Mass
- Department of Marine Biology, The Leon H. Charney School of Marine Sciences, University of Haifa, Haifa 3498838, Israel.,Morris Kahn Marine Research Station, The Leon H. Charney School of Marine Sciences, University of Haifa, Sdot Yam, Israel
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Mason RAB, Wall CB, Cunning R, Dove S, Gates RD. High light alongside elevated P CO2 alleviates thermal depression of photosynthesis in a hard coral ( Pocillopora acuta). ACTA ACUST UNITED AC 2020; 223:223/20/jeb223198. [PMID: 33087470 DOI: 10.1242/jeb.223198] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/10/2020] [Accepted: 08/12/2020] [Indexed: 11/20/2022]
Abstract
The absorbtion of human-emitted CO2 by the oceans (elevated P CO2 ) is projected to alter the physiological performance of coral reef organisms by perturbing seawater chemistry (i.e. ocean acidification). Simultaneously, greenhouse gas emissions are driving ocean warming and changes in irradiance (through turbidity and cloud cover), which have the potential to influence the effects of ocean acidification on coral reefs. Here, we explored whether physiological impacts of elevated P CO2 on a coral-algal symbiosis (Pocillopora acuta-Symbiodiniaceae) are mediated by light and/or temperature levels. In a 39 day experiment, elevated P CO2 (962 versus 431 µatm P CO2 ) had an interactive effect with midday light availability (400 versus 800 µmol photons m-2 s-1) and temperature (25 versus 29°C) on areal gross and net photosynthesis, for which a decline at 29°C was ameliorated under simultaneous high-P CO2 and high-light conditions. Light-enhanced dark respiration increased under elevated P CO2 and/or elevated temperature. Symbiont to host cell ratio and chlorophyll a per symbiont increased at elevated temperature, whilst symbiont areal density decreased. The ability of moderately strong light in the presence of elevated P CO2 to alleviate the temperature-induced decrease in photosynthesis suggests that higher substrate availability facilitates a greater ability for photochemical quenching, partially offsetting the impacts of high temperature on the photosynthetic apparatus. Future environmental changes that result in moderate increases in light levels could therefore assist the P. acuta holobiont to cope with the 'one-two punch' of rising temperatures in the presence of an acidifying ocean.
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Affiliation(s)
- Robert A B Mason
- Hawai'i Institute of Marine Biology, School of Ocean and Earth Science and Technology, University of Hawai'i at Mānoa, PO Box 1346, Kāne'ohe, HI 96744, USA .,ARC Centre of Excellence for Coral Reef Studies, and Centre for Marine Science, School of Biological Sciences, University of Queensland, St Lucia, QLD 4072, Australia
| | - Christopher B Wall
- Hawai'i Institute of Marine Biology, School of Ocean and Earth Science and Technology, University of Hawai'i at Mānoa, PO Box 1346, Kāne'ohe, HI 96744, USA.,Pacific Biosciences Research Center, University of Hawai'i at Mānoa, Honolulu, HI 96822, USA
| | - Ross Cunning
- Hawai'i Institute of Marine Biology, School of Ocean and Earth Science and Technology, University of Hawai'i at Mānoa, PO Box 1346, Kāne'ohe, HI 96744, USA.,Daniel P. Haerther Center for Conservation and Research, John G. Shedd Aquarium, Chicago, IL 60605, USA
| | - Sophie Dove
- ARC Centre of Excellence for Coral Reef Studies, and Centre for Marine Science, School of Biological Sciences, University of Queensland, St Lucia, QLD 4072, Australia
| | - Ruth D Gates
- Hawai'i Institute of Marine Biology, School of Ocean and Earth Science and Technology, University of Hawai'i at Mānoa, PO Box 1346, Kāne'ohe, HI 96744, USA
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Hill LJ, Paradas WC, Willemes MJ, Pereira MG, Salomon PS, Mariath R, Moura RL, Atella GC, Farina M, Amado-Filho GM, Salgado LT. Acidification-induced cellular changes in Symbiodinium isolated from Mussismilia braziliensis. PLoS One 2019; 14:e0220130. [PMID: 31381568 PMCID: PMC6681953 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0220130] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/08/2019] [Accepted: 07/09/2019] [Indexed: 01/27/2023] Open
Abstract
Dinoflagellates from the Symbiodiniaceae family and corals have an ecologically important endosymbiotic relationship. Scleractinian corals cannot survive for long periods without their symbionts. These algae, also known as zooxanthellae, on the other hand, thrives outside the coral cells. The free-living populations of zooxanthellae are essential for the resilience of the coral to environmental stressors such as temperature anomalies and ocean acidification. Yet, little is known about how ocean acidification may affect the free-living zooxanthellae. In this study we aimed to test morphological, physiological and biochemical responses of zooxanthellae from the Symbiodinium genus isolated from the coral Mussismilia braziliensis, endemic to the Brazilian coast, to acidification led by increased atmospheric CO2. We tested whether photosynthetic yield, cell ultrastructure, cell density and lipid profile would change after up to 16 days of exposure to pH 7.5 in an atmospheric pCO2 of 1633 μatm. Photosynthetic yield and cell density were negatively affected and chloroplasts showed vesiculated thylakoids, indicating morphological damage. Moreover, Symbiodinium fatty acid profile drastically changed in acidified condition, showing lower polyunsaturated fatty acids and higher saturated fatty acids contents, when compared to the control, non-acidified condition. These results show that seawater acidification as an only stressor causes significant changes in the physiology, biochemistry and ultrastructure of free-living Symbiodinium.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lilian J Hill
- Diretoria de Pesquisas, Instituto de Pesquisas Jardim Botânico do Rio de Janeiro, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
| | - Wladimir C Paradas
- Diretoria de Pesquisas, Instituto de Pesquisas Jardim Botânico do Rio de Janeiro, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
| | - Maria Julia Willemes
- Diretoria de Pesquisas, Instituto de Pesquisas Jardim Botânico do Rio de Janeiro, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
| | - Miria G Pereira
- Instituto de Biofísica Carlos Chagas Filho, Universidade Federal do Rio de Janeiro (UFRJ), Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
| | - Paulo S Salomon
- Instituto de Biologia, Universidade Federal do Rio de Janeiro (UFRJ), Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
| | - Rodrigo Mariath
- Diretoria de Pesquisas, Instituto de Pesquisas Jardim Botânico do Rio de Janeiro, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
| | - Rodrigo L Moura
- Instituto de Biologia, Universidade Federal do Rio de Janeiro (UFRJ), Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
| | - Georgia C Atella
- Instituto de Bioquímica Médica, Universidade Federal do Rio de Janeiro (UFRJ), Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
| | - Marcos Farina
- Instituto de Ciências Biomédicas, Universidade Federal do Rio de Janeiro (UFRJ), Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
| | - Gilberto M Amado-Filho
- Diretoria de Pesquisas, Instituto de Pesquisas Jardim Botânico do Rio de Janeiro, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
| | - Leonardo T Salgado
- Diretoria de Pesquisas, Instituto de Pesquisas Jardim Botânico do Rio de Janeiro, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
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Jiang J, Lu Y. Metabolite profiling of Breviolum minutum in response to acidification. AQUATIC TOXICOLOGY (AMSTERDAM, NETHERLANDS) 2019; 213:105215. [PMID: 31200330 DOI: 10.1016/j.aquatox.2019.05.017] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/06/2019] [Revised: 05/28/2019] [Accepted: 05/28/2019] [Indexed: 06/09/2023]
Abstract
Coral reefs are in significant decline globally due to climate change and environmental pollution. The ocean is becoming more acidic due to rising atmospheric pCO2, and ocean acidification is considered a major threat to coral reefs. However, little is known about the exact mechanism by which acidification impacts coral symbiosis. As an important component of the symbiotic association, to explore the responses of symbionts could greatly enhance our understanding of this issue. The present work aimed to identify metabolomic changes of Breviolum minutum in acidification (low pH) condition, and investigate the underlying mechanisms responsible. Liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry (LC-MS/MS) was applied to determine metabolite profiles after exposure to ambient and acidic conditions. We analysed the resulting metabolite data, and acidification appeared to have little effect on photosynthetic parameters, but it inhibited growth. Marked alterations in metabolite pools were observed in response to acidification that may be important in acclimation to climate change. Acidification may affect the biosynthesis of amino acids and proteins, and thereby inhibit the growth of B. minutum. Metabolites identified using this approach provide targets for future analyses aimed at understanding the responses of Symbiodiniaceae to environmental disturbance.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jiaoyun Jiang
- State Key Laboratory of Marine Resource Utilization in South China Sea, College of Oceanology, Hainan University, Haikou 570228, Hainan, China; College of Life Sciences, Guangxi Normal University, Guilin 541004, Guangxi, China.
| | - Yandu Lu
- State Key Laboratory of Marine Resource Utilization in South China Sea, College of Oceanology, Hainan University, Haikou 570228, Hainan, China.
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