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Zhou SB, Zhao ZY, Guan P, Qu B. New geographical records and molecular investigation of the ciliate Spirostomum. Protist 2024; 175:126047. [PMID: 38964211 DOI: 10.1016/j.protis.2024.126047] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/14/2024] [Revised: 05/24/2024] [Accepted: 05/28/2024] [Indexed: 07/06/2024]
Abstract
Spirostomum is a genus of large ciliates, and its species are distributed worldwide. However, there has been limited research conducted on their geographical distribution and genomics. We obtained nine samples of ciliates from eight regions in Liaoning Province, China, and conducted a study on their geographical distribution and characteristics. Morphological and second-generation high-throughput sequencing methods were applied to identify the species, and a phylogenetic tree was established to gain a deeper understanding of the geographical distribution and evolutionary relationships of Spirostomum in Northeast China. The results identified Spirostomum yagiui and Spirostomum subtilis as a newly recorded species in Northeast China region. There are now five species of Spirostomum that have been recorded in China, and new details on the genomic characteristics of Spirostomum yagiui were provided. In addition, this study also identified the main branches of Spirostomum teres and Spirostomum minus in northern China, and provided a theoretical basis for the existence of hidden species. Spirostomum yagiui is the first species in the family Spirostomidae to have undergone mitochondrial genome sequencing.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sheng-Bo Zhou
- Key Laboratory of Global Changes and Biological Invasions, Bioscience and Technology College, Shenyang Agricultural University, Shenyang 110866, China
| | - Zhi-Yu Zhao
- Key Laboratory of Global Changes and Biological Invasions, Bioscience and Technology College, Shenyang Agricultural University, Shenyang 110866, China
| | - Ping Guan
- Key Laboratory of Global Changes and Biological Invasions, Bioscience and Technology College, Shenyang Agricultural University, Shenyang 110866, China.
| | - Bo Qu
- Key Laboratory of Global Changes and Biological Invasions, Bioscience and Technology College, Shenyang Agricultural University, Shenyang 110866, China.
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2
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Chi Y, Wei F, Tang D, Mu C, Ma H, Wang Z, Al-Rasheid KAS, Hines HN, Chen X. Exploring the biogeography, morphology, and phylogeny of the condylostomatid ciliates (Alveolata, Ciliophora, Heterotrichea), with establishment of four new Condylostoma species and a revision including redescriptions of five species found in China. MARINE LIFE SCIENCE & TECHNOLOGY 2024; 6:365-404. [PMID: 39219685 PMCID: PMC11358585 DOI: 10.1007/s42995-024-00223-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/17/2023] [Accepted: 03/12/2024] [Indexed: 09/04/2024]
Abstract
Species of the ciliate class Heterotrichea Stein, 1859 are a cosmopolitan group of unicellular eukaryotic microorganisms, many of which have been widely used as models in various fields of research such as regenerative biology, functional ecology, environmental toxicology, and symbiotic behavior. However, species identification in the heterotrich family Condylostomatidae, especially the most species-rich and type genus Condylostoma Bory de Saint-Vincent, 1824, remains challenging due to incomplete original descriptions, few reliable distinguishing characters, and overlapping features between different species. This study presents an updated revision of Condylostoma and its related genus Condylostomides da Silva Neto, 1994 based on descriptions of five species, including nine populations collected from China, using both morphological and molecular methods. The main findings are as follows: (1) 43 nominal species and about 130 populations are reviewed, resulting in the recognition of 30 valid species of Condylostoma and eight valid species of Condylostomides; (2) keys, synonyms, biogeographic distributions and amended/improved diagnoses of all valid species are provided; (3) based on the available data, four new Condylostoma species (C. marinum sp. nov., C. petzi sp. nov., C. villeneuvei sp. nov., and C. microstomum sp. nov.), one new combination (Condylostomides minimus (Dragesco, 1954) comb. nov. & nom. corr.), and two corrected names (Condylostoma ancestrale Villeneuve-Brachon, 1940 nom. corr. and Condylostomides nigrus (Dragesco, 1960) nom. corr.) are suggested; (4) cryptic species are detected and proposed for the first time to form the Condylostoma curvum species complex; (5) three highly confusing Condylostoma species, C. kris, C. spatiosum, and C. minutum, are redefined for the first time based on modern taxonomic methods; (6) a 'flagship' species, Condylostomides coeruleus, is recorded for the first time from the continent of Asia, substantially expanding its biogeography; (7) ciliature adjacent to the distal end of the paroral membrane within the family Condylostomatidae is uniformly defined as frontal membranelles and is classified into three patterns according to the arrangement of kinetosomes, which serve as important key features. Supplementary Information The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1007/s42995-024-00223-3.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yong Chi
- School of Marine Sciences, Ningbo University, Ningbo, 315211 China
- Institute of Evolution & Marine Biodiversity, and Key Laboratory of Evolution & Marine Biodiversity (Education Ministry), Ocean University of China, Qingdao, 266003 China
| | - Fan Wei
- Institute of Evolution & Marine Biodiversity, and Key Laboratory of Evolution & Marine Biodiversity (Education Ministry), Ocean University of China, Qingdao, 266003 China
| | - Danxu Tang
- Marine College, Shandong University, Weihai, 264209 China
| | - Changjun Mu
- Weishan Special Aquaculture Base, Jining, 277600 China
| | - Honggang Ma
- Institute of Evolution & Marine Biodiversity, and Key Laboratory of Evolution & Marine Biodiversity (Education Ministry), Ocean University of China, Qingdao, 266003 China
| | - Zhe Wang
- Institute of Evolution & Marine Biodiversity, and Key Laboratory of Evolution & Marine Biodiversity (Education Ministry), Ocean University of China, Qingdao, 266003 China
| | | | - Hunter N. Hines
- Harbor Branch Oceanographic Institute, Florida Atlantic University, Florida, 34946 USA
| | - Xiangrui Chen
- School of Marine Sciences, Ningbo University, Ningbo, 315211 China
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Ahmed Shazib SU, Cote-L’Heureux A, Ahsan R, Muñoz-Gómez SA, Lee J, Katz LA, Shin MK. Phylogeny and species delimitation of ciliates in the genus Spirostomum (Class, Heterotrichea) using single-cell transcriptomes. BIORXIV : THE PREPRINT SERVER FOR BIOLOGY 2024:2024.05.29.596006. [PMID: 38854132 PMCID: PMC11160781 DOI: 10.1101/2024.05.29.596006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/11/2024]
Abstract
Ciliates are single-celled microbial eukaryotes that diverged from other eukaryotic lineages over a billion years ago. The extensive evolutionary timespan of ciliate has led to enormous genetic and phenotypic changes, contributing significantly to their high level of diversity. Recent analyses based on molecular data have revealed numerous cases of cryptic species complexes in different ciliate lineages, demonstrating the need for a robust approach to delimit species boundaries and elucidate phylogenetic relationships. Heterotrich ciliate species of the genus Spirostomum are abundant in freshwater and brackish environments and are commonly used as biological indicators for assessing water quality. However, some Spirostomum species are difficult to identify due to a lack of distinguishable morphological characteristics, and the existence of cryptic species in this genus remains largely unexplored. Previous phylogenetic studies have focused on only a few loci, namely the ribosomal RNA genes, alpha-tubulin, and mitochondrial CO1. In this study, we obtained single-cell transcriptome of 25 Spirostomum species populations (representing six morphospecies) sampled from South Korea and the USA, and used concatenation- and coalescent-based methods for species tree inference and delimitation. Phylogenomic analysis of 37 Spirostomum populations and 265 protein-coding genes provided a robustious insight into the evolutionary relationships among Spirostomum species and confirmed that species with moniliform and compact macronucleus each form a distinct monophyletic lineage. Furthermore, the multispecies coalescent (MSC) model suggests that there are at least nine cryptic species in the Spirostomum genus, three in S. minus, two in S. ambiguum, S. subtilis, and S. teres each. Overall, our fine sampling of closely related Spirostomum populations and wide scRNA-seq allowed us to demonstrate the hidden crypticity of species within the genus Spirostomum, and to resolve and provide much stronger support than hitherto to the phylogeny of this important ciliate genus.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shahed Uddin Ahmed Shazib
- Department of Biological Sciences, University of Ulsan, Ulsan 44610, South Korea
- Department of Biological Sciences, Smith College, Northampton, Massachusetts 01063, USA
- Department of Biological Sciences, Purdue University, West Lafayette, Indiana 47907, USA
| | - Auden Cote-L’Heureux
- Department of Biological Sciences, Smith College, Northampton, Massachusetts 01063, USA
| | - Ragib Ahsan
- Department of Biological Sciences, University of Ulsan, Ulsan 44610, South Korea
- Department of Biological Sciences, Smith College, Northampton, Massachusetts 01063, USA
- University of Massachusetts Amherst, Program in Organismic and Evolutionary Biology, Amherst, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Sergio A. Muñoz-Gómez
- Department of Biological Sciences, Purdue University, West Lafayette, Indiana 47907, USA
| | - JunMo Lee
- Department of Oceanography, Kyungpook National University, Daegu 41566, South Korea
- Kyungpook Institute of Oceanography, Kyungpook National University, Daegu 41566, South Korea
| | - Laura A. Katz
- Department of Biological Sciences, Smith College, Northampton, Massachusetts 01063, USA
- University of Massachusetts Amherst, Program in Organismic and Evolutionary Biology, Amherst, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Mann Kyoon Shin
- Department of Biological Sciences, University of Ulsan, Ulsan 44610, South Korea
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4
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Li R, Zhuang W, Feng X, Zhu X, Hu X. Morphology and molecular phylogeny of three Parasonderia species including a new species (Ciliophora, Plagiopylea). Eur J Protistol 2024; 94:126087. [PMID: 38761673 DOI: 10.1016/j.ejop.2024.126087] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/13/2024] [Revised: 04/28/2024] [Accepted: 04/30/2024] [Indexed: 05/20/2024]
Abstract
Ciliates of the class Plagiopylea play a vital role in various anaerobic environments as consumers of prokaryotes. Yet, the diversity and phylogeny of this group of ciliates, especially marine representatives, remain poorly known. In this study, three Parasonderia species, viz., Parasonderia elongata spec. nov., and the already known P. cyclostoma and P. vestita, discovered in anaerobic sediments from various intertidal zones in China, were investigated based on their living morphology, infraciliature, and small subunit ribosomal rRNA gene sequences. Parasonderia elongata can be recognized by its larger body size, elongated body shape, oval oral opening, number of oral kineties, and significantly shortened leftmost postbuccal polykineties on the cell surface. Improved diagnosis and redescription of P. cyclostoma is provided for the first time, including data on infraciliature and molecular sequence. Phylogenetic analyses revealed that the three species cluster together and with the sequence of a Chinese population of P. vestita already present in the GenBank database, forming a robust clade.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ran Li
- College of Fisheries, & Key Laboratory of Evolution and Marine Biodiversity (Ministry of Education), Ocean University of China, Qingdao 266003, China; Institute of Evolution and Marine Biodiversity, Ocean University of China, Qingdao 266003, China
| | - Wenbao Zhuang
- College of Fisheries, & Key Laboratory of Evolution and Marine Biodiversity (Ministry of Education), Ocean University of China, Qingdao 266003, China; Institute of Evolution and Marine Biodiversity, Ocean University of China, Qingdao 266003, China
| | - Xiaochen Feng
- College of Fisheries, & Key Laboratory of Evolution and Marine Biodiversity (Ministry of Education), Ocean University of China, Qingdao 266003, China; Institute of Evolution and Marine Biodiversity, Ocean University of China, Qingdao 266003, China
| | - Xiaoxuan Zhu
- Institute of Evolution and Marine Biodiversity, Ocean University of China, Qingdao 266003, China; College of Marine Life Sciences, Ocean University of China, Qingdao 266003, China
| | - Xiaozhong Hu
- College of Fisheries, & Key Laboratory of Evolution and Marine Biodiversity (Ministry of Education), Ocean University of China, Qingdao 266003, China; Institute of Evolution and Marine Biodiversity, Ocean University of China, Qingdao 266003, China.
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5
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Zhang G, Sheng Y, Liu Y, Cao X, Al-Farraj SA, Vďačný P, Pan H. Integrative studies on three new freshwater Amphileptus species (Ciliophora, Pleurostomatida) discovered in northern China. MARINE LIFE SCIENCE & TECHNOLOGY 2022; 4:452-470. [PMID: 37078086 PMCID: PMC10077290 DOI: 10.1007/s42995-022-00143-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/17/2022] [Accepted: 08/23/2022] [Indexed: 05/03/2023]
Abstract
The morphology and molecular phylogeny of freshwater pleurostomatid ciliates are insufficiently explored. In the present study, we investigated three new Amphileptus species discovered in Lake Weishan and its vicinity, northern China, using standard alpha-taxonomic methods. Amphileptus paracarchesii sp. nov. is characterized by a lateral fossa (groove) in the posterior body portion, four macronuclear nodules, contractile vacuoles distributed along the dorsal margin, and 4-6 left and 44-50 right somatic kineties. Amphileptus pilosus sp. nov. differs from congeners by having 4-14 macronuclear nodules, numerous contractile vacuoles scattered throughout the cytoplasm, and 22-31 left and 35-42 right somatic kineties. Amphileptus orientalis sp. nov. is characterized by two ellipsoidal macronuclear nodules, three ventral contractile vacuoles, and about four left and 31-35 right somatic kineties. Phylogenetic analyses of nuclear small subunit ribosomal DNA (SSU rDNA) sequences indicate that the family Amphileptidae might be monophyletic while the genus Amphileptus is paraphyletic, as Pseudoamphileptus macrostoma robustly groups with Amphileptus sp. Although deep phylogenetic relationships of amphileptids are poorly resolved, multiple well-delimited species groups are recognizable within the genus Amphileptus. Supplementary Information The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1007/s42995-022-00143-0.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gongaote Zhang
- Engineering Research Center of Environmental DNA and Ecological Water Health Assessment, Shanghai Ocean University, Shanghai, 201306 China
- Institute of Evolution and Marine Biodiversity, Ocean University of China, Qingdao, 266003 China
| | - Yalan Sheng
- Guangzhou Key Laboratory of Subtropical Biodiversity and Biomonitoring, School of Life Science, South China Normal University, Guangzhou, 510631 China
| | - Yujie Liu
- Institute of Evolution and Marine Biodiversity, Ocean University of China, Qingdao, 266003 China
| | - Xiao Cao
- Weishan Fishery Development Service Center, Jining, 277600 China
| | - Saleh A. Al-Farraj
- Zoology Department, College of Science, King Saud University, Riyadh, 11451 Saudi Arabia
| | - Peter Vďačný
- Department of Zoology, Comenius University in Bratislava, Bratislava, 84215 Slovakia
| | - Hongbo Pan
- Engineering Research Center of Environmental DNA and Ecological Water Health Assessment, Shanghai Ocean University, Shanghai, 201306 China
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6
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Ye T, Jiang Y, Chen S, Xu Y, Li L, Shin MK, Chen X. The widely reported but poorly studied ciliate family Folliculinidae (Protozoa, Ciliophora, Heterotrichea): a revision with notes on its taxonomy, morphology and phylogenetic relationships. MARINE LIFE SCIENCE & TECHNOLOGY 2022; 4:471-492. [PMID: 37078084 PMCID: PMC10077228 DOI: 10.1007/s42995-022-00152-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/20/2022] [Accepted: 10/17/2022] [Indexed: 05/03/2023]
Abstract
Ciliates of the heterotrich family Folliculinidae are widespread in various habitats and are distinguished by their transparent loricae of various shapes, conspicuous peristomial lobes, and dimorphic life cycles. They usually attach firmly to the surface of substrates, feed on bacteria and microalgae, and play a significant role in energy flow and material cycling in the microbial food web. However, little is known regarding their biodiversity and systematics. In this work, we establish the terminology of the family Folliculinidae and select six crucial features for genus recognition. Based on previous studies, we revise the classification of Folliculinidae, supply improved diagnoses for each of the 33 folliculinid genera, and provide a key to their identification. Moreover, phylogenetic analyses based on small subunit ribosomal DNA (SSU rDNA) sequences revealed that the family is monophyletic and comprises two subclades (subclades I II) which can be identified by the flexibility of their peristomial lobes and the sculpturing of their necks. Furthermore, we investigate the evolutionary relationships of folliculinids using the six chosen generic features. Supplementary Information The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1007/s42995-022-00152-z.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tingting Ye
- School of Marine Sciences, Ningbo University, Ningbo, 315800 China
- Laboratory of Marine Protozoan Biodiversity and Evolution, Marine College, Shandong University, Weihai, 264209 China
| | - Yaohan Jiang
- Institute of Evolution and Marine Biodiversity, and College of Fisheries, Ocean University of China, Qingdao, 266003 China
| | - Shuchang Chen
- School of Marine Sciences, Ningbo University, Ningbo, 315800 China
| | - Yixiang Xu
- School of Marine Sciences, Ningbo University, Ningbo, 315800 China
| | - Lifang Li
- Laboratory of Marine Protozoan Biodiversity and Evolution, Marine College, Shandong University, Weihai, 264209 China
| | - Mann Kyoon Shin
- Department of Biological Sciences, University of Ulsan, Ulsan, 44610 South Korea
| | - Xiangrui Chen
- School of Marine Sciences, Ningbo University, Ningbo, 315800 China
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7
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Wang Z, Wu T, Mu C, Wang Y, Lu B, Warren A, Wang C. The taxonomy and molecular phylogeny of two epibiotic colonial peritrich ciliates (Ciliophora, Peritrichia). Eur J Protistol 2022; 86:125921. [PMID: 36126378 DOI: 10.1016/j.ejop.2022.125921] [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: 11/11/2021] [Revised: 08/24/2022] [Accepted: 08/30/2022] [Indexed: 11/03/2022]
Abstract
Two colonial sessilid peritrichs, Epistylis qingdaoensis n. sp. and Carchesium cyclopidarum Nenninger, 1948, were isolated from a marine crustacean and a freshwater mayfly, respectively. Morphological characters for each species were revealed by in vivo observations and silver staining methods. Epistylis qingdaoensis n. sp. is characterized by the apperance of the colony which is up to 250 μm high and usually contains fewer than eight zooids, the single-layered peristomial lip, the conspicuously conical peristomial disc, and the structure of infundibular polykinety 3 which comprises three isometric ciliary rows. Carchesium cyclopidarum is recognized by the colony height of about 600 μm, the small zooid size of 35-50 × 20-30 μm, and the low number of silverlines. Phylogenetic analyses based on small subunit ribosomal DNA sequences were performed to reveal their evolutionary relationships. Surprisingly, neither species clustered with its congeners. Epistylis qingdaoensis n. sp. nested within a clade of Zoothamnium species that was sister to a clade comprising core Epistylis species and several Zoothamnium species. Carchesium cyclopidarum nested within a clade comprising solitary peritrichs and was distantly related to the type species of Carchesium, C. polypinum. These findings imply for the first time that Carchesium is non-monophyletic.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zhe Wang
- Marine College, Shandong University, Weihai 264209, China
| | - Tong Wu
- Institute of Evolution & Marine Biodiversity, Key Laboratory of Mariculture, Ministry of Education, Ocean University of China, Qingdao 266003, China
| | - Changjun Mu
- Weishan Special Aquaculture Base, Jining 277600, China
| | - Ya Wang
- Weishan Fishery Development Service Center, Jining 277600, China
| | - Borong Lu
- Institute of Evolution & Marine Biodiversity, Key Laboratory of Mariculture, Ministry of Education, Ocean University of China, Qingdao 266003, China
| | - Alan Warren
- Department of Life Sciences, Natural History Museum, London SW7 5BD, UK
| | - Chundi Wang
- Marine College, Shandong University, Weihai 264209, China.
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Hao T, Li B, Song Y, Warren A, Pan X. Taxonomy and molecular phylogeny of two new Blepharisma species (Ciliophora, Heterotrichea) from northeastern china. Eur J Protistol 2022; 85:125908. [DOI: 10.1016/j.ejop.2022.125908] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/12/2022] [Revised: 06/28/2022] [Accepted: 06/29/2022] [Indexed: 11/03/2022]
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Li Y, Wang Y, Zhang S, Maurer-Alcalá XX, Yan Y. How Ciliated Protists Survive by Cysts: Some Key Points During Encystment and Excystment. Front Microbiol 2022; 13:785502. [PMID: 35250922 PMCID: PMC8891572 DOI: 10.3389/fmicb.2022.785502] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/29/2021] [Accepted: 01/11/2022] [Indexed: 11/30/2022] Open
Abstract
Forming cysts is a common and important bionomic strategy for microorganisms to persist in harsh environments. In ciliated protists, many species have been reported to form cysts when facing unfavorable conditions. Despite traditional studies on the morphological features of cysts and the chemical composition of cyst wall, recent research has focused more on the molecular mechanisms of encystment. The present work reviews studies on developmental features and molecular information of resting cysts in ciliates, and pays more attention to the following questions: what are the inducing factors of encystment and excystment? How does the cell change morphologically during these dynamic processes? And what molecular mechanisms underlie those changes? We also present and summarize the characteristics of cysts from diverse ciliate lineages in a phylogenetic framework, aiming to provide new perspectives for studies on adaptive evolution of unicellular eukaryotes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yuqing Li
- Institute of Evolution and Marine Biodiversity, Ocean University of China, Qingdao, China
| | - Yurui Wang
- Institute of Evolution and Marine Biodiversity, Ocean University of China, Qingdao, China
- Laboratory of Protozoological Biodiversity and Evolution in Wetland, College of Life Sciences, Shaanxi Normal University, Xi’an, China
| | - Shijing Zhang
- Institute of Evolution and Marine Biodiversity, Ocean University of China, Qingdao, China
| | - Xyrus X. Maurer-Alcalá
- Division of Invertebrate Zoology, American Museum of Natural History, New York, NY, United States
- Sackler Institute for Comparative Genomics, American Museum of Natural History, New York, NY, United States
| | - Ying Yan
- Institute of Evolution and Marine Biodiversity, Ocean University of China, Qingdao, China
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10
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OUP accepted manuscript. Zool J Linn Soc 2022. [DOI: 10.1093/zoolinnean/zlac028] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/14/2022]
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11
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Ma M, Li Y, Yuan Q, Zhao X, Al-Rasheid KAS, Huang J, Ma H, Chen X. New Data Define the Molecular Phylogeny and Taxonomy of Four Freshwater Suctorian Ciliates With Redefinition of Two Families Heliophryidae and Cyclophryidae (Ciliophora, Phyllopharyngea, Suctoria). Front Microbiol 2021; 12:768724. [PMID: 34925276 PMCID: PMC8679860 DOI: 10.3389/fmicb.2021.768724] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/01/2021] [Accepted: 10/29/2021] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Four suctorian ciliates, Cyclophrya magna Gönnert, 1935, Peridiscophrya florea (Kormos & Kormos, 1958) Dovgal, 2002, Heliophrya rotunda (Hentschel, 1916) Matthes, 1954 and Dendrosoma radians Ehrenberg, 1838, were collected from a freshwater lake in Ningbo, China. The morphological redescription and molecular phylogenetic analyses of these ciliates were investigated. Phylogenetic analyses inferred from SSU rDNA sequences show that all three suctorian orders, Endogenida, Evaginogenida, and Exogenida, are monophyletic and that the latter two clusters as sister clades. The newly sequenced P. florea forms sister branches with C. magna, while sequences of D. radians group with those from H. rotunda within Endogenida. The family Heliophryidae, which is comprised of only two genera, Heliophrya and Cyclophrya, was previously assigned to Evaginogenida. There is now sufficient evidence, however, that the type genus Heliophrya reproduces by endogenous budding, which corresponds to the definitive feature of Endogenida. In line with this and with the support of molecular phylogenetic analyses, we therefore transfer the family Heliophryidae with the type genus Heliophrya to Endogenida. The other genus, Cyclophrya, still remains in Evaginogenida because of its evaginative budding. Therefore, combined with morphological and phylogenetic analysis, Cyclophyidae are reactivated, and it belongs to Evaginogenida.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mingzhen Ma
- School of Marine Sciences, Ningbo University, Ningbo, China.,Institute of Evolution and Marine Biodiversity, Ocean University of China, Qingdao, China
| | - Yuqing Li
- Institute of Evolution and Marine Biodiversity, Ocean University of China, Qingdao, China
| | - Qingxiang Yuan
- Institute of Evolution and Marine Biodiversity, Ocean University of China, Qingdao, China
| | - Xuetong Zhao
- School of Marine Sciences, Ningbo University, Ningbo, China
| | | | - Jie Huang
- Key Laboratory of Aquatic Biodiversity and Conservation of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Institute of Hydrobiology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Wuhan, China
| | - Honggang Ma
- Institute of Evolution and Marine Biodiversity, Ocean University of China, Qingdao, China
| | - Xiangrui Chen
- School of Marine Sciences, Ningbo University, Ningbo, China
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Morphology, Life Cycle, and SSU rDNA-based Phylogeny of Two Folliculinid Ciliates (Ciliophora, Heterotrichea, Folliculinidae) Collected from Subtropical Coastal Wetlands of China. Protist 2021; 172:125844. [PMID: 34916151 DOI: 10.1016/j.protis.2021.125844] [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: 07/10/2021] [Revised: 11/05/2021] [Accepted: 11/05/2021] [Indexed: 11/22/2022]
Abstract
Most ciliates of the heterotrich family Folliculinidae are flagship periphytic species. They are characterized by their transparent lorica, conspicuous peristomial lobes, and dimorphic life cycle. However, the understanding of their biodiversity and systematics is relatively poor. In the present study, we investigate the morphology and phylogenetic affinities of Ampullofolliculina lageniformis Hadži, 1951 and Metafolliculina producta (Wright, 1859) Dons, 1934, collected from subtropical coastal wetlands in China. An integrative approach combining investigations of their morphology, life cycle and ecology was used. Phylogenetic analyses based on small subunit ribosomal DNA (SSU rDNA) sequences showed that: all folliculinid genera form a monophyletic clade; the two genera with flexible peristomial lobes, Metafolliculina and Eufolliculina, are closely related; the other three genera with inflexible peristomial lobes, Ampullofolliculina, Diafolliculina and Folliculina, group together.
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Zhang G, Chi Y, Wang Z, Wang Y, Liu R, Warren A, Zhao Y, Pan H. Taxonomic and phylogenetic studies on two new freshwater Amphileptus species (Ciliophora, Pleurostomatida), from Lake Weishan, northern China. Eur J Protistol 2021; 82:125854. [PMID: 34922136 DOI: 10.1016/j.ejop.2021.125854] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/03/2021] [Revised: 11/16/2021] [Accepted: 11/29/2021] [Indexed: 11/03/2022]
Abstract
The morphology and phylogeny of two new species of pleurostomatid ciliates, Amphilepus weishanensis sp. nov. and A. parapleurosigma sp. nov., collected from Lake Weishan in northern China, were studied using live observation, protargol staining and phylogenetic analyses based on small subunit ribosomal DNA (SSU rDNA) sequence data. In both species, extrusomes form an apical group and contractile vacuoles are distributed along both the dorsal and the ventral margin. Amphileptus weishanensis sp. nov. is characterized by its body size (560-780 × 60-100 μm in vivo) and the possession of five left and 56-61 right somatic kineties, filiform extrusomes and 3-9 macronuclear nodules. Amphileptus parapleurosigma sp. nov. is characterized by possessing 4-6 left and 19-24 right somatic kineties and clavate extrusomes. The SSU rDNA sequences differ among ten similar species by 3-60 bp. Phylogenetic analyses based on the SSU rDNA sequences indicate that the family Amphileptidae is monophyletic while Amphileptus is paraphyletic with Pseudoamphileptus nesting within this genus.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gongaote Zhang
- Institute of Evolution and Marine Biodiversity, Ocean University of China, Qingdao 266003, China; Shanghai Universities Key Laboratory of Marine Animal Taxonomy and Evolution, Shanghai Ocean University, Shanghai 201306, China
| | - Yong Chi
- Institute of Evolution and Marine Biodiversity, Ocean University of China, Qingdao 266003, China
| | - Zhe Wang
- Institute of Evolution and Marine Biodiversity, Ocean University of China, Qingdao 266003, China
| | - Ya Wang
- Weishan Fishery Development Service Center, Jining 277600, China
| | - Ran Liu
- Weishan Fishery Development Service Center, Jining 277600, China
| | - Alan Warren
- Department of Life Sciences, Natural History Museum, London, UK
| | - Yan Zhao
- College of Life Sciences, Capital Normal University, Beijing 100048, China.
| | - Hongbo Pan
- Shanghai Universities Key Laboratory of Marine Animal Taxonomy and Evolution, Shanghai Ocean University, Shanghai 201306, China.
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14
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Li T, Pan X, Lu B, Miao M, Liu M. Taxonomy and molecular phylogeny of a new freshwater ciliate Frontonia apoacuminata sp. nov. (Protista, Ciliophora, Oligohymenophorea) from Qingdao, PR China. Int J Syst Evol Microbiol 2021; 71. [PMID: 34694984 DOI: 10.1099/ijsem.0.005071] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
The morphology and ciliature of a new freshwater ciliate, Frontonia apoacuminata sp. nov., isolated from an artificial pond in Qingdao, PR China, were investigated using live observation and silver staining methods. The main features separating F. apoacuminata sp. nov. from its congeners are as follows: a broad elliptical body that is slightly pointed at the posterior end, four ophryokineties, one or two spherical micronuclei of a 'compact' type, a dorsally positioned contractile vacuole, and peniculi 1-3 each with five kinetosome rows though the left-most two rows in peniculus 3 are extremely shortened (with only two or three kinetosomes each). Additionally, an improved diagnosis of F. acuminata is provided. Phylogenetic analyses based on the small subunit ribosomal RNA (SSU rRNA) gene show that F. apoacuminata sp. nov. clusters with F. atra, F. minuta, F. acuminata and F. terricola. These five species group with Disematostoma, Marituja and Stokesia rather than with other Frontonia species, causing polyphyly of the genus Frontonia.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tao Li
- Institute of Evolution & Marine Biodiversity, Ocean University of China, Qingdao 266003, PR China.,College of Fisheries and Key Laboratory of Mariculture of the Education Ministry of China, Ocean University of China, Qingdao, PR China
| | - Xuming Pan
- College of Life Science and Technology, Harbin Normal University, Harbin 150025, PR China
| | - Borong Lu
- Institute of Evolution & Marine Biodiversity, Ocean University of China, Qingdao 266003, PR China.,College of Fisheries and Key Laboratory of Mariculture of the Education Ministry of China, Ocean University of China, Qingdao, PR China
| | - Miao Miao
- Savaid Medical School, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100049, PR China
| | - Mingjian Liu
- Institute of Evolution & Marine Biodiversity, Ocean University of China, Qingdao 266003, PR China.,College of Fisheries and Key Laboratory of Mariculture of the Education Ministry of China, Ocean University of China, Qingdao, PR China
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15
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Wang Z, Liu M, Ma H, Lu B, Shen Z, Mu C, Alfarraj SA, El-Serehy HA, Warren A. Redescription and molecular characterization of two Trichodina species (Ciliophora, Peritrichia, Mobilida) from freshwater fish in China. Parasitol Int 2021; 86:102470. [PMID: 34560288 DOI: 10.1016/j.parint.2021.102470] [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: 09/17/2020] [Revised: 09/17/2021] [Accepted: 09/17/2021] [Indexed: 10/20/2022]
Abstract
During an investigation of parasitic ciliates in northern China, two Trichodina species, T. acuta Lom, 1970 and T. nigra Lom, 1960, were isolated from the freshwater fish Cyprinus carpio Linnaeus, 1758. The morphology of each species was investigated based on dry silver nitrate-stained specimens. In addition, the molecular phylogeny of each was analyzed based on small subunit ribosomal DNA (SSU rDNA) sequence data. Trichodina acuta can be distinguished from its congeners by the undefined periphery of the central circle, the distinct gap between the rays and the central circle, and the distinctly sickle-shaped blades. Trichodina nigra is a cosmopolitan ciliate and is characterized by its densely linked denticles, broad, rounded spatula-shaped blades, robust central parts, and well developed rays. Phylogenetic analyses revealed that T. acuta and T. nigra nest within different clades, supporting the assertion that the GC content of SSU rDNA sequences could reflect evolutionary relationships among Trichodina species.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zhe Wang
- Institute of Evolution & Marine Biodiversity, Key Laboratory of Mariculture, Ministry of Education, Ocean University of China, Qingdao 266003, China
| | - Mingjian Liu
- Institute of Evolution & Marine Biodiversity, Key Laboratory of Mariculture, Ministry of Education, Ocean University of China, Qingdao 266003, China
| | - Hongang Ma
- Institute of Evolution & Marine Biodiversity, Key Laboratory of Mariculture, Ministry of Education, Ocean University of China, Qingdao 266003, China
| | - Borong Lu
- Institute of Evolution & Marine Biodiversity, Key Laboratory of Mariculture, Ministry of Education, Ocean University of China, Qingdao 266003, China.
| | - Zhuo Shen
- Institute of Microbial Ecology and Matter Cycle, School of Marine Sciences, Sun Yat-sen University, Zhuhai 519082, China; Southern Marine Science and Engineering Guangdong Laboratory (Zhuhai), Zhuhai 519000, China.
| | - Changjun Mu
- Weishan Special Aquaculture Base, Jining 277600, China
| | - Saleh A Alfarraj
- Zoology Department, College of Science, King Saud University, Riyadh 11451, Saudi Arabia
| | - Hamed A El-Serehy
- Zoology Department, College of Science, King Saud University, Riyadh 11451, Saudi Arabia
| | - Alan Warren
- Department of Life Sciences, Natural History Museum, London SW7 5BD, UK
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16
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Campello-Nunes PH, Fernández LD, Paiva TS, Soares CAG, Silva-Neto ID, Fernandes NM. Macronuclear Plasticity in Two South American Populations of Spirostomum (Ciliophora, Heterotrichea) Warns About its Use for Species Classification: Revision and New Insights. Protist 2021; 172:125803. [PMID: 33940500 DOI: 10.1016/j.protis.2021.125803] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/28/2020] [Revised: 03/04/2021] [Accepted: 03/04/2021] [Indexed: 11/15/2022]
Abstract
Spirostomum is a widely distributed heterotrichean genus composed of well-known species with described ecology and phylogenetic affinities. The morphological classification of Spirostomum species is mostly based on the body size/shape, number of cortical granule rows and macronuclear characteristics. These features along with molecular phylogenies based on ribosomal genes divide the genus into two phylogroups, one including species with a compact macronucleus, and another including species with a moniliform macronucleus. Here, we present our observations on atypical Spirostomum specimens with unusually two distinct macronuclei and shortened adoral zone of membranelles. These atypical forms appeared in the cultures of S. minus and S. yagiui, sampled at different sites in South America (Chile and Brazil) and associated with unrelated substrate types. Morphological observations of living and stained cells, 18S rRNA gene analyses, and a thorough investigation of the literature suggest that the atypical phenotype may be a result of uncommon pathways during the conjugative process. Thus, we demonstrate that studies of ciliate natural populations and their morphological variations, especially from undersampled biogeographical regions, can reveal the boundaries of widely used morphological characters for Spirostomum taxonomy and species identification.
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Affiliation(s)
- Pedro H Campello-Nunes
- Laboratório de Protistologia, Instituto de Biologia, CCS, Universidade Federal do Rio de Janeiro (UFRJ), Ilha do Fundão, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
| | - Leonardo D Fernández
- Centro de Investigación en Recursos Naturales y Sustentabilidad (CIRENYS), Universidad Bernardo O'Higgins, Santiago, Chile
| | - Thiago S Paiva
- Laboratório de Protistologia, Instituto de Biologia, CCS, Universidade Federal do Rio de Janeiro (UFRJ), Ilha do Fundão, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
| | - Carlos A G Soares
- Laboratório de Genética Molecular de Eucariontes e Simbiontes, Instituto de Biologia, CCS, Universidade Federal do Rio de Janeiro (UFRJ), Ilha do Fundão, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
| | - Inácio D Silva-Neto
- Laboratório de Protistologia, Instituto de Biologia, CCS, Universidade Federal do Rio de Janeiro (UFRJ), Ilha do Fundão, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
| | - Noemi M Fernandes
- Laboratório de Protistologia, Instituto de Biologia, CCS, Universidade Federal do Rio de Janeiro (UFRJ), Ilha do Fundão, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil.
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17
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Mukhtar I, Wu S, Wei S, Chen R, Cheng Y, Liang C, Chen J. Transcriptome Profiling Revealed Multiple rquA Genes in the Species of Spirostomum (Protozoa: Ciliophora: Heterotrichea). Front Microbiol 2021; 11:574285. [PMID: 33469448 PMCID: PMC7813818 DOI: 10.3389/fmicb.2020.574285] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/19/2020] [Accepted: 12/07/2020] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Adaptation to life at different oxygen tensions plays a role in protozoan ecology and controls the distribution of different species in anoxic habitats. The ciliate genus Spirostomum inhabiting fresh or low salinity water globally where these species are considered as bioindicators. Under anaerobic or low oxygen conditions, the rhodoquinol-dependent pathway has been reported in the species from the class Heterotrichea. With the help of RNA sequencing (RNAseq) data, Spirostomum spp., are suitable for deep molecular investigations on rquA for rhodoquinone (RQ) biosynthesis. In this study, Spirostomum ambiguum, Spirostomum subtilis, and Spirostomum teres collected from densely vegetated freshwater habitat in Fuzhou, China, explored the evidence of rquA. Based on transcriptome analysis, two to three RquA proteins were identified in S. ambiguum, S. teres, and S. subtilis, respectively. The presence of a key Motif-I of RquA and mitochondrial targeting signals (MTS), also confirmed the identity of these as RquA. Furthermore, Spirostomum RquA proteins could be sorted into two groups based on their conserved amino acid (CAA) residues. Phylogenetic analysis also exhibited RquA division into two subclades contained RquA1 and RquA2/RquA3 and supports two to three paralogs of rquA genes in the genomes Spirostomum spp. Additional transcriptomes and genomes analysis of Blepharisma spp., and Stentor spp., respectively, also revealed at least two paralogs of rquA in members of the class Heterotrichea. The present study provides evidence for the presence of RquA and rhodoquinol dependent fumarate reduction pathway in Spirostomum species potentially use to respire in the oxygen-depleted habitats and two to three diverse rquA genes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Irum Mukhtar
- Institute of Oceanography, Minjiang University, Fuzhou, China
| | - Siyi Wu
- Institute of Oceanography, Minjiang University, Fuzhou, China
| | - Shurong Wei
- Institute of Oceanography, Minjiang University, Fuzhou, China
| | - Ruanni Chen
- Institute of Oceanography, Minjiang University, Fuzhou, China
| | - Yunying Cheng
- Institute of Oceanography, Minjiang University, Fuzhou, China
| | - Chen Liang
- Institute of Oceanography, Minjiang University, Fuzhou, China
| | - Jianming Chen
- Institute of Oceanography, Minjiang University, Fuzhou, China
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18
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New contributions to the phylogeny of the ciliate class Heterotrichea (Protista, Ciliophora): analyses at family-genus level and new evolutionary hypotheses. SCIENCE CHINA-LIFE SCIENCES 2020; 64:606-620. [PMID: 33068287 DOI: 10.1007/s11427-020-1817-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/16/2020] [Accepted: 09/06/2020] [Indexed: 01/15/2023]
Abstract
Heterotrichous ciliates play an important role in aquatic ecosystem energy flow processes and many are model organisms for research in cytology, regenerative biology, and toxicology. In the present study, we combine both morphological and molecular data to infer phylogenetic relationships at family-genus level and propose new evolutionary hypotheses for the class Heterotrichea. The main results include: (1) 96 new ribosomal DNA sequences from 36 populations, representing eight families and 13 genera, including three poorly annotated genera, Folliculinopsis, Ampullofolliculina and Linostomella; (2) the earliest-branching families are Spirostomidae in single-gene trees and Peritromidae in the concatenated tree, but the family Peritromidae probably represents the basal lineage based on its possession of many "primitive" morphological characters; (3) some findings in molecular trees are not supported by morphological evidence, such as the family Blepharismidae is one of the most recent branches and the relationship between Fabreidae and Folliculinidae is very close; (4) the systematic positions of Condylostomatidae, Climacostomidae, and Gruberiidae remain uncertain based either on morphological or molecular data; and (5) the monophyly of each genus included in the present study is supported by the molecular phylogenetic trees, except for Blepharisma in the SSU rDNA tree and Folliculina in the ITS1-5.8S-ITS2 tree.
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19
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Chi Y, Li Y, Zhang Q, Ma M, Warren A, Chen X, Song W. New contributions to two ciliate genera (Ciliophora, Heterotrichea) based on morphological and molecular analyses, with description of a new Gruberia species. BMC Microbiol 2020; 20:297. [PMID: 33008292 PMCID: PMC7531149 DOI: 10.1186/s12866-020-01879-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/28/2020] [Accepted: 06/25/2020] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Heterotrichous ciliates are common members of microeukaryote communities which play important roles in both the transfer of material and the flow of energy in aquatic food webs. This group has been known for over two centuries due to their large body size and cosmopolitan distribution. Nevertheless, species identification and phylogenetic relationships of heterotrichs remain challenging due to the lack of accurate morphological information and insufficient molecular data. RESULTS The morphology and phylogeny of two heterotrichous ciliates, namely Gruberia foissneri spec. nov. and Linostomella vorticella (Ehrenberg, 1833) Aescht in Foissner et al., 1999, were studied using rigorous methods (living morphology, stained preparations, and small subunit rDNA sequence data). Gruberia foissneri spec. nov. is morphologically very similar to G. uninucleata Kahl, 1932, however, it can be distinguished from the latter by having more ciliary rows (about 32 vs. about 20) and macronuclear shape (sausage-shaped vs. ellipsoid). Based on a combination of previous and present studies, an improved diagnosis of L. vorticella is supplied and several taxonomic anomalies are clarified. In addition, phylogenetic analyses based on SSU rDNA sequence data support the generic assignment of these two species. CONCLUSIONS Modern ciliate taxonomy should be performed by means of detailed living observation, stained preparations and molecular information. For those species that have been reported in previous studies, it is necessary to provide as much useful information as possible using state-of-the-art methods in order to resolve taxonomic anomalies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yong Chi
- Institute of Evolution and Marine Biodiversity, and College of Fisheries, Ocean University of China, Qingdao, 266003, China
| | - Yuqing Li
- Institute of Evolution and Marine Biodiversity, and College of Fisheries, Ocean University of China, Qingdao, 266003, China
| | - Qianqian Zhang
- Yantai Institute of Coastal Zone Research, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Yantai, 264003, China.,Center for Ocean Mega-Science, Chinese Academy of Sciences, 7 Nanhai Road, Qingdao, 266071, China
| | - Mingzhen Ma
- Institute of Evolution and Marine Biodiversity, and College of Fisheries, Ocean University of China, Qingdao, 266003, China
| | - Alan Warren
- Department of Life Sciences, Natural History Museum, London, SW7 5BD, UK
| | - Xiangrui Chen
- School of Marine Sciences, Ningbo University, Ningbo, 315211, China.
| | - Weibo Song
- Institute of Evolution and Marine Biodiversity, and College of Fisheries, Ocean University of China, Qingdao, 266003, China.
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20
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Zhu C, Bass D, Wang Y, Shen Z, Song W, Yi Z. Environmental Parameters and Substrate Type Drive Microeukaryotic Community Structure During Short-Term Experimental Colonization in Subtropical Eutrophic Freshwaters. Front Microbiol 2020; 11:555795. [PMID: 33072015 PMCID: PMC7541896 DOI: 10.3389/fmicb.2020.555795] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/26/2020] [Accepted: 08/24/2020] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Microeukaryotes are key components of aquatic ecosystems and play crucial roles in aquatic food webs. However, influencing factors and potential assembly mechanisms for microeukaryotic community on biofilms are rarely studied. Here, those of microeukaryotic biofilms in subtropical eutrophic freshwaters were investigated for the first time based on 2,585 operational taxonomic units (OTUs) from 41 samples, across different environmental conditions and substrate types. Following conclusions were drawn: (1) Environmental parameters were more important than substrate types in structuring microeukaryotic community of biofilms in subtropical eutrophic freshwaters. (2) In the fluctuating river, there was a higher diversity of OTUs and less predictability of community composition than in the stable lake. Sessile species were more likely to be enriched on smooth surfaces of glass slides, while both free-swimming and attached organisms occurred within holes inside PFUs (polyurethane foam units). (3) Both species sorting and neutral process were mechanisms for assembly of microeukaryotic biofilms, but their importance varied depending on different habitats and substrates. (4) The effect of species sorting was slightly higher than the neutral process in river biofilms due to stronger environmental filtering. Species sorting was a stronger force structuring communities on glass slides than PFUs with more niche availability. Our study sheds light on assembly mechanisms for microeukaryotic community on different habitat and substrate types, showing that the resulting communities are determined by both sets of variables, in this case primarily habitat type. The balance of neutral process and species sorting differed between habitats, but the high alpha diversity of microeukaryotes in both led to similar sets of lifecycle traits being selected for in each case.
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Affiliation(s)
- Changyu Zhu
- Institute of Evolution and Marine Biodiversity, College of Fisheries, Ocean University of China, Qingdao, China.,Pilot National Laboratory for Marine Science and Technology, Qingdao, China.,Guangzhou Key Laboratory of Subtropical Biodiversity and Biomonitoring, School of Life Sciences, South China Normal University, Guangzhou, China
| | - David Bass
- Department of Life Sciences, Natural History Museum, London, United Kingdom
| | - Yutao Wang
- Guangzhou Key Laboratory of Subtropical Biodiversity and Biomonitoring, School of Life Sciences, South China Normal University, Guangzhou, China.,Dongli Planting and Farming Industrial Co., Ltd., Lianzhou, China
| | - Zhuo Shen
- Institute of Microbial Ecology and Matter Cycle, School of Marine Sciences, Sun Yat-sen University, Zhuhai, China.,Southern Marine Science and Engineering Guangdong Laboratory (Zhuhai), Zhuhai, China
| | - Weibo Song
- Institute of Evolution and Marine Biodiversity, College of Fisheries, Ocean University of China, Qingdao, China.,Pilot National Laboratory for Marine Science and Technology, Qingdao, China
| | - Zhenzhen Yi
- Pilot National Laboratory for Marine Science and Technology, Qingdao, China.,Guangzhou Key Laboratory of Subtropical Biodiversity and Biomonitoring, School of Life Sciences, South China Normal University, Guangzhou, China
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