Ca2+ influx and phosphoinositide signalling are essential for the establishment and maintenance of cell polarity in monospores from the red alga Porphyra yezoensis

Life cycle and reproduction dynamics of Bangiales in response to environmental stresses

Red algae of the order Bangiales are notable for exhibiting flexible promotion of sexual and asexual reproductive processes by environmental stresses. This flexibility indicates that a trade-off between vegetative growth and reproduction occurs in response to environmental stresses that influence the timing of phase transition within the life cycle. Despite their high phylogenetic divergence, both filamentous and foliose red alga in the order Bangiales exhibit a haploid-diploid life cycle, with a haploid leafy or filamentous gametophyte (thallus) and a diploid filamentous sporophyte (conchocelis). Unlike haploid-diploid life cycles in other orders, the gametophyte in Bangiales is generated independently of meiosis; the regulation of this generation transition is not fully understood. Based on transcriptome and gene expression analyses, the originally proposed biphasic model for alternation of generations in Bangiales was recently updated to include a third stage. Along with the haploid gametophyte and diploid sporophyte, the triphasic framework recognizes a diploid conchosporophyte-a conchosporangium generated on the conchocelis-phase and previously considered to be part of the sporophyte. In addition to this sexual life cycle, some Bangiales species have an asexual life cycle in which vegetative cells of the thallus develop into haploid asexual spores, which are then released from the thallus to produce clonal thalli. Here, we summarize the current knowledge of the triphasic life cycle and life cycle trade-off in Neopyropia yezoensis and 'Bangia' sp. as model organisms for the Bangiales.

Phospholipase D activation is required for 1-aminocyclopropane 1-carboxylic acid signaling during sexual reproduction in the marine red alga Neopyropia yezoensis (Rhodophyta)

BACKGROUND

1-aminocyclopropane 1-carboxylic acid (ACC) is the immediate precursor of the plant hormone ethylene. However, recent studies have suggested that ACC also acts as a signaling molecule to regulate development and growth independently from ethylene biosynthesis. In red algae, ACC stimulates the switch from a vegetative to a sexual reproductive phase. However, despite evidence that ACC signaling in plants and algae is widespread, the mechanistic basis of the ACC signaling pathway remains unknown.

RESULTS

We demonstrate that exogenous ACC increased the activity of phospholipase D (PLD) and induced the accumulation of PLD transcripts in the marine red alga Neopyropia yezoensis. The product of PLD, the lipid second messenger phosphatidic acid (PA), also increased in response to ACC. Furthermore, the pharmacological inhibition of PLD by 1-butanol blocked ACC-induced spermatangia and carpospore production, but the inactive isomer t-butanol did not. In addition, 1-butanol prevented ACC-induced growth inhibition and inhibited transcript accumulation of genes upregulated by ACC, including extracellular matrix (ECM)-related genes, and alleviated the transcriptional decrease of genes downregulated by ACC, including photosynthesis-related genes.

CONCLUSIONS

These results indicate that PLD is a positive regulator of sexual cell differentiation and a negative regulator of growth. This study demonstrates that PLD and its product, PA, are components of ACC signaling during sexual reproduction in N. yezoensis.

Comparative Gene Expression and Physiological Analyses Reveal Molecular Mechanisms in Wound-Induced Spore Formation in the Edible Seaweed Nori

Genetic reprogramming of differentiated cells is studied broadly in multicellular Viridiplantae as an adaptation to herbivory or damage; however, mechanisms underlying cell development and redifferentiation are largely unknown in red algae, their nearest multicellular relatives. Here we investgate cell reprogramming in the widely cultivated, edible seaweed Neopyropia yezoesis ("nori"), where vegetative cells in wounded blades differentiate and release as large numbers of asexual spores. Based upon physiological changes and transcriptomic dynamics after wound stress in N. yezoensis and its congener Neoporphyra haitanensis, another cultivar that does not differentiate spores after wounding, we propose a three-phase model of wound-induced spore development in N. yezoensis. In Phase I, propagation of ROS by RBOH and SOD elicites systematic transduction of the wound signal, while Ca²⁺ dependent signaling induces cell reprogramming. In Phase II, a TOR signaling pathway and regulation of cyclin and CDK genes result in cell divisions that spread inward from the wound edge. Once sporangia form, Phase III involves expression of proteins required for spore maturation and cell wall softening. Our analyses not only provide the first model for core molecular processes controlling cellular reprogramming in rhodophytes, but also have practical implications for achieving greater control over seeding in commercial nori farming.

Cytoskeletal diversification across 1 billion years: What red algae can teach us about the cytoskeleton, and vice versa

The cytoskeleton has a central role in eukaryotic biology, enabling cells to organize internally, polarize, and translocate. Studying cytoskeletal machinery across the tree of life can identify common elements, illuminate fundamental mechanisms, and provide insight into processes specific to less-characterized organisms. Red algae represent an ancient lineage that is diverse, ecologically significant, and biomedically relevant. Recent genomic analysis shows that red algae have a surprising paucity of cytoskeletal elements, particularly molecular motors. Here, we review the genomic and cell biological evidence and propose testable models of how red algal cells might perform processes including cell motility, cytokinesis, intracellular transport, and secretion, given their reduced cytoskeletons. In addition to enhancing understanding of red algae and lineages that evolved from red algal endosymbioses (e.g., apicomplexan parasites), these ideas may also provide insight into cytoskeletal processes in animal cells.

Mammalian phospholipase D: Function, and therapeutics

Despite being discovered over 60 years ago, the precise role of phospholipase D (PLD) is still being elucidated. PLD enzymes catalyze the hydrolysis of the phosphodiester bond of glycerophospholipids producing phosphatidic acid and the free headgroup. PLD family members are found in organisms ranging from viruses, and bacteria to plants, and mammals. They display a range of substrate specificities, are regulated by a diverse range of molecules, and have been implicated in a broad range of cellular processes including receptor signaling, cytoskeletal regulation and membrane trafficking. Recent technological advances including: the development of PLD knockout mice, isoform-specific antibodies, and specific inhibitors are finally permitting a thorough analysis of the in vivo role of mammalian PLDs. These studies are facilitating increased recognition of PLD's role in disease states including cancers and Alzheimer's disease, offering potential as a target for therapeutic intervention.

Participation of actin filaments, myosin and phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase in the formation and polarisation of tetraspore germ tube of Gelidium floridanum (Rhodophyta, Florideophyceae)

This study aimed to examine the evidence of direct interaction among actin, myosin and phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase (PI3K) in the polarisation and formation of the tetraspore germ tube of Gelidium floridanum. After release, tetraspores were exposed to cytochalasin B, latrunculin B, LY294002 and BDM for a period of 6 h. In control samples, formation of the germ tube occurred after the experimental period, with cellulose formation and elongated chloroplasts moving through the tube region in the presence of F-actin. In the presence of cytochalasin B, an inhibitor of F-actin, latrunculin B, an inhibitor of G-actin, and BDM, a myosin inhibitor, tetraspores showed no formation of the germ tube or cellulose. Spherical-shaped chloroplasts were observed in the central region with a few F-actin filaments in the periphery of the cytoplasm. Tetraspores treated with LY294002, a PI3K inhibitor, showed no formation of the tube at the highest concentrations. Polarisation of cytoplasmic contents did not occur, only cellulose formation. It was concluded that F-actin directs the cell wall components and contributes to the maintenance of chloroplast shape and elongation during germ tube formation. PI3K plays a fundamental role in signalling for the asymmetric polarisation of F-actin. Thus, F-actin regulates the polarisation and germination processes of tetraspores of G. floridanum.

A Simple Procedure to Observe Phototropic Responses in the Red Seaweed Pyropia yezoensis

The marine red seaweed Pyropia yezoensis exhibits phototropic responses in gametophyte and conchosporangia phases, but not in sporophytes. These responses are easily monitored with a simple culturing box that has one side open to allow for unilateral light irradiation within an incubator. Confirmation of phototropic responses is achieved by changing the direction of unilateral light irradiation via rotation of the culture dishes clockwise 90°.

Comparative genomic analyses of transport proteins encoded within the red algae Chondrus crispus, Galdieria sulphuraria, and Cyanidioschyzon merolae11

Galdieria sulphuraria and Cyanidioschyzon merolae are thermo-acidophilic unicellular red algal cousins capable of living in volcanic environments, although the former can additionally thrive in the presence of toxic heavy metals. Bioinformatic analyses of transport systems were carried out on their genomes, as well as that of the mesophilic multicellular red alga Chondrus crispus (Irish moss). We identified transport proteins related to the metabolic capabilities, physiological properties, and environmental adaptations of these organisms. Of note is the vast array of transporters encoded in G. sulphuraria capable of importing a variety of carbon sources, particularly sugars and amino acids, while C. merolae and C. crispus have relatively few such proteins. Chondrus crispus may prefer short chain acids to sugars and amino acids. In addition, the number of encoded proteins pertaining to heavy metal ion transport is highest in G. sulphuraria and lowest in C. crispus. All three organisms preferentially utilize secondary carriers over primary active transporters, suggesting that their primary source of energy derives from electron flow rather than substrate-level phosphorylation. Surprisingly, the percentage of inorganic ion transporters encoded in C. merolae more closely resembles that of C. crispus than G. sulphuraria, but only C. crispus appears to signal via voltage-gated cation channels and possess a Na⁺ /K⁺ -ATPase and a Na⁺ exporting pyrophosphatase. The results presented in this report further our understanding of the metabolic potential and toxic compound resistances of these three organisms.

Analysis of Porphyra membrane transporters demonstrates gene transfer among photosynthetic eukaryotes and numerous sodium-coupled transport systems

Membrane transporters play a central role in many cellular processes that rely on the movement of ions and organic molecules between the environment and the cell, and between cellular compartments. Transporters have been well characterized in plants and green algae, but little is known about transporters or their evolutionary histories in the red algae. Here we examined 482 expressed sequence tag contigs that encode putative membrane transporters in the economically important red seaweed Porphyra (Bangiophyceae, Rhodophyta). These contigs are part of a comprehensive transcriptome dataset from Porphyra umbilicalis and Porphyra purpurea. Using phylogenomics, we identified 30 trees that support the expected monophyly of red and green algae/plants (i.e. the Plantae hypothesis) and 19 expressed sequence tag contigs that show evidence of endosymbiotic/horizontal gene transfer involving stramenopiles. The majority (77%) of analyzed contigs encode transporters with unresolved phylogenies, demonstrating the difficulty in resolving the evolutionary history of genes. We observed molecular features of many sodium-coupled transport systems in marine algae, and the potential for coregulation of Porphyra transporter genes that are associated with fatty acid biosynthesis and intracellular lipid trafficking. Although both the tissue-specific and subcellular locations of the encoded proteins require further investigation, our study provides red algal gene candidates associated with transport functions and novel insights into the biology and evolution of these transporters.