1
|
Faulstich NG, Deloach AR, Ksor YB, Mesa GH, Sharma DS, Sisk SL, Mitchell GC. Evidence for phosphate-dependent control of symbiont cell division in the model anemone Exaiptasia diaphana. mBio 2024:e0105924. [PMID: 39105583 DOI: 10.1128/mbio.01059-24] [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: 04/09/2024] [Accepted: 07/09/2024] [Indexed: 08/07/2024] Open
Abstract
Reef-building corals depend on symbiosis with photosynthetic algae that reside within their cells. As important as this relationship is for maintaining healthy reefs, it is strikingly delicate. When ocean temperatures briefly exceed the average summer maximum, corals can bleach, losing their endosymbionts. Although the mechanisms governing bleaching are unknown, studies implicate uncoupling of coral and algal cell divisions at high temperatures. Still, little is known regarding the coordination of host and algal cell divisions. Control of nutrient exchange is one likely mechanism. Both nitrogen and phosphate are necessary for dividing cells, and although nitrogen enrichment is known to increase symbiont density in the host, the consequences of phosphate enrichment are poorly understood. Here, we examined the effects of phosphate depletion on symbiont growth in culture and compared the physiology of phosphate-starved symbionts in culture to symbionts that were freshly isolated from a host. We found that available phosphate is as low in freshly isolated symbionts as it is in phosphate-starved cultures. Furthermore, RNAseq revealed that phosphate-limited and freshly isolated symbionts have similar patterns of gene expression for phosphate-dependent genes, most notably upregulation of phosphatases, which is consistent with phosphate recycling. Similarly, lipid profiling revealed a substantial decrease in phospholipid abundance in both phosphate-starved cultures and freshly isolated symbionts. These findings are important because they suggest that limited access to phosphate controls algal cell divisions within a host. IMPORTANCE The corals responsible for building tropical reefs are disappearing at an alarming rate as elevated sea temperatures cause them to bleach and lose the algal symbionts they rely on. Without these symbionts, corals are unable to harvest energy from sunlight and, therefore, struggle to thrive or even survive in the nutrient-poor waters of the tropics. To devise solutions to address the threat to coral reefs, it is necessary to understand the cellular events underpinning the bleaching process. One model for bleaching proposes that heat stress impairs algal photosynthesis and transfer of sugar to the host. Consequently, the host's demands for nitrogen decrease, increasing nitrogen availability to the symbionts, which leads to an increase in algal proliferation that overwhelms the host. Our work suggests that phosphate may play a similar role to nitrogen in this feedback loop.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Ykok B Ksor
- Wofford College, Spartanburg, South Carolina, USA
| | | | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
2
|
Davies SW, Gamache MH, Howe-Kerr LI, Kriefall NG, Baker AC, Banaszak AT, Bay LK, Bellantuono AJ, Bhattacharya D, Chan CX, Claar DC, Coffroth MA, Cunning R, Davy SK, del Campo J, Díaz-Almeyda EM, Frommlet JC, Fuess LE, González-Pech RA, Goulet TL, Hoadley KD, Howells EJ, Hume BCC, Kemp DW, Kenkel CD, Kitchen SA, LaJeunesse TC, Lin S, McIlroy SE, McMinds R, Nitschke MR, Oakley CA, Peixoto RS, Prada C, Putnam HM, Quigley K, Reich HG, Reimer JD, Rodriguez-Lanetty M, Rosales SM, Saad OS, Sampayo EM, Santos SR, Shoguchi E, Smith EG, Stat M, Stephens TG, Strader ME, Suggett DJ, Swain TD, Tran C, Traylor-Knowles N, Voolstra CR, Warner ME, Weis VM, Wright RM, Xiang T, Yamashita H, Ziegler M, Correa AMS, Parkinson JE. Building consensus around the assessment and interpretation of Symbiodiniaceae diversity. PeerJ 2023; 11:e15023. [PMID: 37151292 PMCID: PMC10162043 DOI: 10.7717/peerj.15023] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 16.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/09/2022] [Accepted: 02/17/2023] [Indexed: 05/09/2023] Open
Abstract
Within microeukaryotes, genetic variation and functional variation sometimes accumulate more quickly than morphological differences. To understand the evolutionary history and ecology of such lineages, it is key to examine diversity at multiple levels of organization. In the dinoflagellate family Symbiodiniaceae, which can form endosymbioses with cnidarians (e.g., corals, octocorals, sea anemones, jellyfish), other marine invertebrates (e.g., sponges, molluscs, flatworms), and protists (e.g., foraminifera), molecular data have been used extensively over the past three decades to describe phenotypes and to make evolutionary and ecological inferences. Despite advances in Symbiodiniaceae genomics, a lack of consensus among researchers with respect to interpreting genetic data has slowed progress in the field and acted as a barrier to reconciling observations. Here, we identify key challenges regarding the assessment and interpretation of Symbiodiniaceae genetic diversity across three levels: species, populations, and communities. We summarize areas of agreement and highlight techniques and approaches that are broadly accepted. In areas where debate remains, we identify unresolved issues and discuss technologies and approaches that can help to fill knowledge gaps related to genetic and phenotypic diversity. We also discuss ways to stimulate progress, in particular by fostering a more inclusive and collaborative research community. We hope that this perspective will inspire and accelerate coral reef science by serving as a resource to those designing experiments, publishing research, and applying for funding related to Symbiodiniaceae and their symbiotic partnerships.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Sarah W. Davies
- Department of Biology, Boston University, Boston, MA, United States
| | - Matthew H. Gamache
- Department of Integrative Biology, University of South Florida, Tampa, FL, United States
| | | | | | - Andrew C. Baker
- Rosenstiel School of Marine, Atmospheric, and Earth Science, University of Miami, Miami, FL, United States
| | - Anastazia T. Banaszak
- Unidad Académica de Sistemas Arrecifales, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México, Puerto Morelos, Mexico
| | - Line Kolind Bay
- Australian Institute of Marine Science, Townsville, Australia
| | - Anthony J. Bellantuono
- Department of Biological Sciences, Florida International University, Miami, FL, United States
| | - Debashish Bhattacharya
- Department of Biochemistry and Microbiology, Rutgers University, New Brunswick, NJ, United States
| | - Cheong Xin Chan
- Australian Centre for Ecogenomics, School of Chemistry and Molecular Biosciences, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, QLD, Australia
| | - Danielle C. Claar
- Nearshore Habitat Program, Washington State Department of Natural Resources, Olympia, WA, USA
| | | | - Ross Cunning
- Daniel P. Haerther Center for Conservation and Research, John G. Shedd Aquarium, Chicago, IL, United States
| | - Simon K. Davy
- School of Biological Sciences, Victoria University of Wellington, Wellington, New Zealand
| | - Javier del Campo
- Institut de Biologia Evolutiva (CSIC - Universitat Pompeu Fabra), Barcelona, Catalonia, Spain
| | | | - Jörg C. Frommlet
- Centre for Environmental and Marine Studies, Department of Biology, University of Aveiro, Campus Universitário de Santiago, Aveiro, Portugal
| | - Lauren E. Fuess
- Department of Biology, Texas State University, San Marcos, TX, United States
| | - Raúl A. González-Pech
- Department of Integrative Biology, University of South Florida, Tampa, FL, United States
- Department of Biology, Pennsylvania State University, State College, PA, United States
| | - Tamar L. Goulet
- Department of Biology, University of Mississippi, University, MS, United States
| | - Kenneth D. Hoadley
- Department of Biological Sciences, University of Alabama—Tuscaloosa, Tuscaloosa, AL, United States
| | - Emily J. Howells
- National Marine Science Centre, Faculty of Science and Engineering, Southern Cross University, Coffs Harbour, NSW, Australia
| | | | - Dustin W. Kemp
- Department of Biology, University of Alabama—Birmingham, Birmingham, Al, United States
| | - Carly D. Kenkel
- Department of Biological Sciences, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, CA, United States
| | - Sheila A. Kitchen
- Division of Biology and Biological Engineering, California Institute of Technology, Pasadena, CA, United States
| | - Todd C. LaJeunesse
- Department of Biology, Pennsylvania State University, University Park, PA, United States
| | - Senjie Lin
- Department of Marine Sciences, University of Connecticut, Mansfield, CT, United States
| | - Shelby E. McIlroy
- Swire Institute of Marine Science, School of Biological Sciences, The University of Hong Kong, Pok Fu Lam, Hong Kong
| | - Ryan McMinds
- Center for Global Health and Infectious Disease Research, University of South Florida, Tampa, FL, United States
| | | | - Clinton A. Oakley
- School of Biological Sciences, Victoria University of Wellington, Wellington, New Zealand
| | - Raquel S. Peixoto
- Red Sea Research Center (RSRC), Division of Biological and Environmental Science and Engineering (BESE), King Abdullah University of Science and Technology, Thuwal, Saudi Arabia
| | - Carlos Prada
- Department of Biological Sciences, University of Rhode Island, Kingston, RI, United States
| | - Hollie M. Putnam
- Department of Biological Sciences, University of Rhode Island, Kingston, RI, United States
| | | | - Hannah G. Reich
- Department of Biological Sciences, University of Rhode Island, Kingston, RI, United States
| | - James Davis Reimer
- Department of Biology, Chemistry and Marine Sciences, Faculty of Science, University of the Ryukyus, Nishihara, Okinawa, Japan
| | | | - Stephanie M. Rosales
- The Cooperative Institute For Marine and Atmospheric Studies, Miami, FL, United States
| | - Osama S. Saad
- Department of Biological Oceanography, Red Sea University, Port-Sudan, Sudan
| | - Eugenia M. Sampayo
- School of Biological Sciences, The University of Queensland, St. Lucia, QLD, Australia
| | - Scott R. Santos
- Department of Biological Sciences, University at Buffalo, Buffalo, NY, United States
| | - Eiichi Shoguchi
- Marine Genomics Unit, Okinawa Institute of Science and Technology Graduate University, Okinawa, Japan
| | - Edward G. Smith
- School of Life Sciences, University of Warwick, Coventry, UK
| | - Michael Stat
- School of Environmental and Life Sciences, University of Newcastle, Callaghan, NSW, Australia
| | - Timothy G. Stephens
- Department of Biochemistry and Microbiology, Rutgers University, New Brunswick, NJ, United States
| | - Marie E. Strader
- Department of Biology, Texas A&M University, College Station, TX, United States
| | - David J. Suggett
- Red Sea Research Center (RSRC), Division of Biological and Environmental Science and Engineering (BESE), King Abdullah University of Science and Technology, Thuwal, Saudi Arabia
- Climate Change Cluster, University of Technology Sydney, Ultimo, NSW, Australia
| | - Timothy D. Swain
- Department of Marine and Environmental Science, Nova Southeastern University, Dania Beach, FL, United States
| | - Cawa Tran
- Department of Biology, University of San Diego, San Diego, CA, United States
| | - Nikki Traylor-Knowles
- Rosenstiel School of Marine, Atmospheric, and Earth Science, University of Miami, Miami, FL, United States
| | | | - Mark E. Warner
- School of Marine Science and Policy, University of Delaware, Lewes, DE, United States
| | - Virginia M. Weis
- Department of Integrative Biology, Oregon State University, Corvallis, OR, United States
| | - Rachel M. Wright
- Department of Biological Sciences, Southern Methodist University, Dallas, TX, United States
| | - Tingting Xiang
- School of Life Sciences, University of Warwick, Coventry, UK
| | - Hiroshi Yamashita
- Fisheries Technology Institute, Japan Fisheries Research and Education Agency, Ishigaki, Okinawa, Japan
| | - Maren Ziegler
- Department of Animal Ecology & Systematics, Justus Liebig University Giessen (Germany), Giessen, Germany
| | | | - John Everett Parkinson
- Department of Integrative Biology, University of South Florida, Tampa, FL, United States
| |
Collapse
|
3
|
Nitschke MR, Rosset SL, Oakley CA, Gardner SG, Camp EF, Suggett DJ, Davy SK. The diversity and ecology of Symbiodiniaceae: A traits-based review. ADVANCES IN MARINE BIOLOGY 2022; 92:55-127. [PMID: 36208879 DOI: 10.1016/bs.amb.2022.07.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/16/2023]
Abstract
Among the most successful microeukaryotes to form mutualisms with animals are dinoflagellates in the family Symbiodiniaceae. These photosynthetic symbioses drive significant primary production and are responsible for the formation of coral reef ecosystems but are particularly sensitive when environmental conditions become extreme. Annual episodes of widespread coral bleaching (disassociation of the mutualistic partnership) and mortality are forecasted from the year 2060 under current trends of ocean warming. However, host cnidarians and dinoflagellate symbionts display exceptional genetic and functional diversity, and meaningful predictions of the future that embrace this biological complexity are difficult to make. A recent move to trait-based biology (and an understanding of how traits are shaped by the environment) has been adopted to move past this problem. The aim of this review is to: (1) provide an overview of the major cnidarian lineages that are symbiotic with Symbiodiniaceae; (2) summarise the symbiodiniacean genera associated with cnidarians with reference to recent changes in taxonomy and systematics; (3) examine the knowledge gaps in Symbiodiniaceae life history from a trait-based perspective; (4) review Symbiodiniaceae trait variation along three abiotic gradients (light, nutrients, and temperature); and (5) provide recommendations for future research of Symbiodiniaceae traits. We anticipate that a detailed understanding of traits will further reveal basic knowledge of the evolution and functional diversity of these mutualisms, as well as enhance future efforts to model stability and change in ecosystems dependent on cnidarian-dinoflagellate organisms.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Matthew R Nitschke
- School of Biological Sciences, Victoria University of Wellington, Wellington, New Zealand; Climate Change Cluster, University of Technology Sydney, Broadway, NSW, Australia.
| | - Sabrina L Rosset
- School of Biological Sciences, Victoria University of Wellington, Wellington, New Zealand
| | - Clinton A Oakley
- School of Biological Sciences, Victoria University of Wellington, Wellington, New Zealand
| | - Stephanie G Gardner
- Center for Marine Science and Innovation, University of New South Wales Sydney, Kensington, NSW, Australia
| | - Emma F Camp
- Climate Change Cluster, University of Technology Sydney, Broadway, NSW, Australia
| | - David J Suggett
- Climate Change Cluster, University of Technology Sydney, Broadway, NSW, Australia
| | - Simon K Davy
- School of Biological Sciences, Victoria University of Wellington, Wellington, New Zealand
| |
Collapse
|
4
|
Ott BM, Litaker RW, Holland WC, Delwiche CF. Using RDNA sequences to define dinoflagellate species. PLoS One 2022; 17:e0264143. [PMID: 35213572 PMCID: PMC8880924 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0264143] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/14/2022] [Accepted: 02/03/2022] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Dinoflagellate species are traditionally defined using morphological characters, but molecular evidence accumulated over the past several decades indicates many morphologically-based descriptions are inaccurate. This recognition led to an increasing reliance on DNA sequence data, particularly rDNA gene segments, in defining species. The validity of this approach assumes the divergence in rDNA or other selected genes parallels speciation events. Another concern is whether single gene rDNA phylogenies by themselves are adequate for delineating species or if multigene phylogenies are required instead. Currently, few studies have directly assessed the relative utility of multigene versus rDNA-based phylogenies for distinguishing species. To address this, the current study examined D1-D3 and ITS/5.8S rDNA gene regions, a multi-gene phylogeny, and morphological characters in Gambierdiscus and other related dinoflagellate genera to determine if they produce congruent phylogenies and identify the same species. Data for the analyses were obtained from previous sequencing efforts and publicly available dinoflagellate transcriptomic libraries as well from the additional nine well-characterized Gambierdiscus species transcriptomic libraries generated in this study. The D1-D3 and ITS/5.8S phylogenies successfully identified the described Gambierdiscus and Alexandrium species. Additionally, the data showed that the D1-D3 and multigene phylogenies were equally capable of identifying the same species. The multigene phylogenies, however, showed different relationships among species and are likely to prove more accurate at determining phylogenetic relationships above the species level. These data indicated that D1-D3 and ITS/5.8S rDNA region phylogenies are generally successful for identifying species of Gambierdiscus, and likely those of other dinoflagellates. To assess how broadly general this finding is likely to be, rDNA molecular phylogenies from over 473 manuscripts representing 232 genera and 863 described species of dinoflagellates were reviewed. Results showed the D1-D3 rDNA and ITS phylogenies in combination are capable of identifying 97% of dinoflagellate species including all the species belonging to the genera Alexandrium, Ostreopsis and Gambierdiscus, although it should be noted that multi-gene phylogenies are preferred for inferring relationships among these species. A protocol is presented for determining when D1-D3, confirmed by ITS/5.8S rDNA sequence data, would take precedence over morphological features when describing new dinoflagellate species. This protocol addresses situations such as: a) when a new species is both morphologically and molecularly distinct from other known species; b) when a new species and closely related species are morphologically indistinguishable, but genetically distinct; and c) how to handle potentially cryptic species and cases where morphotypes are clearly distinct but have the same rDNA sequence. The protocol also addresses other molecular, morphological, and genetic approaches required to resolve species boundaries in the small minority of species where the D1-D3/ITS region phylogenies fail.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Brittany M. Ott
- Joint Institute for Food Safety and Applied Nutrition (JIFSAN), University of Maryland—College Park, College Park, MD, United States of America
- Cell Biology and Molecular Genetics, University of Maryland—College Park, College Park, MD, United States of America
- * E-mail: (BMO); (RWL)
| | - R. Wayne Litaker
- CSS, Inc. Under Contract to National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), National Ocean Service, National Centers for Coastal Ocean Science, Beaufort Laboratory, Beaufort, North Carolina, United States of America
- * E-mail: (BMO); (RWL)
| | - William C. Holland
- National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, National Ocean Service, National Centers for Coastal Ocean Science, Beaufort Laboratory, Beaufort, North Carolina, United States of America
| | - Charles F. Delwiche
- Cell Biology and Molecular Genetics, University of Maryland—College Park, College Park, MD, United States of America
| |
Collapse
|
5
|
Fujiwara Y, Kawamura I, Reimer JD, Parkinson JE. Zoantharian Endosymbiont Community Dynamics During a Stress Event. Front Microbiol 2021; 12:674026. [PMID: 34122387 PMCID: PMC8193574 DOI: 10.3389/fmicb.2021.674026] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/28/2021] [Accepted: 04/28/2021] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Coral reefs are complex ecosystems composed of many interacting species. One ecologically important group consists of zoantharians, which are closely related to reef-building corals. Like corals, zoantharians form mutualistic symbioses with dinoflagellate micro-algae (family Symbiodiniaceae), but their associations remain underexplored. To examine the degree to which zoantharians exhibit altered symbiont dynamics under changing environmental conditions, we reciprocally transplanted colonies of Zoanthus sansibaricus between intertidal (2 m) and subtidal (26 m) depths within a reef in Okinawa, Japan. At this location, Z. sansibaricus can associate with three Symbiodiniaceae species from two genera distributed along a light and depth gradient. We developed species-specific molecular assays and sampled colonies pre- and post-transplantation to analyze symbiont community diversity. Despite large environmental differences across depths, we detected few symbiont compositional changes resulting from transplantation stress. Colonies sourced from the intertidal zone associated with mixtures of a "shallow" Symbiodinium sp. and a "shallow" Cladocopium sp. independent of whether they were transplanted to shallow or deep waters. Colonies sourced from the subtidal zone were dominated by a "deep" Cladocopium sp. regardless of transplant depth. Subtidal colonies brought to shallow depths did not transition to the presumably high-light adapted shallow symbionts present in the new environment, but rather bleached and died. These patterns mirror observations of highly stable coral-algal associations subjected to depth transplantation. Our results indicate that Zoanthus-Symbiodiniaceae symbioses remain stable despite stress, suggesting these important reef community members have relatively low capacity to shuffle to more stress-tolerant micro-algae in response to ongoing climate change.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Yu Fujiwara
- Molecular Invertebrate Systematics and Ecology Laboratory, Department of Chemistry, Biology, and Marine Science, Faculty of Science, University of the Ryukyus, Nishihara, Japan.,Nakajima Suisan Co. Ltd., Tokyo, Japan
| | - Iori Kawamura
- Molecular Invertebrate Systematics and Ecology Laboratory, Department of Chemistry, Biology, and Marine Science, Faculty of Science, University of the Ryukyus, Nishihara, Japan
| | - James Davis Reimer
- Molecular Invertebrate Systematics and Ecology Laboratory, Department of Chemistry, Biology, and Marine Science, Faculty of Science, University of the Ryukyus, Nishihara, Japan.,Tropical Biosphere Research Center, University of the Ryukyus, Nishihara, Japan
| | - John Everett Parkinson
- Molecular Invertebrate Systematics and Ecology Laboratory, Department of Chemistry, Biology, and Marine Science, Faculty of Science, University of the Ryukyus, Nishihara, Japan.,Department of Integrative Biology, University of South Florida, Tampa, FL, United States
| |
Collapse
|
6
|
Maruyama S, Weis VM. Limitations of Using Cultured Algae to Study Cnidarian-Algal Symbioses and Suggestions for Future Studies. JOURNAL OF PHYCOLOGY 2021; 57:30-38. [PMID: 33191496 DOI: 10.1111/jpy.13102] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/17/2020] [Accepted: 10/23/2020] [Indexed: 06/11/2023]
Abstract
Much of our understanding of the cellular mechanisms underlying cnidarian-algal symbiosis comes from studying the biological differences between the partners when they are engaged in symbiosis and when they are isolated from one another. When comparing the in hospite and ex hospite states in Symbiodiniaceae, the in hospite state is represented by algae sampled from hosts, and the ex hospite state is commonly represented by cultured algae. The use of cultured algae in this comparison may introduce nutrition as a confounding variable because, while hosts are kept in nutrient-depleted conditions, culture media is nutrient rich and designed to facilitate algal growth. In this perspective, we reexamine how nutrition may be a confounding variable in studies that compare the biology of Symbiodiniaceae in hospite and in culture. We also suggest several innovations in experimental design to strengthen the comparison of the two lifestyles, including the adoption of nutritional controls, alternatives to culture for the representation of Symbiodiniaceae ex hospite, and the adoption of several proteomic approaches to find novel Symbiodiniaceae genes important for symbiosis.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Shumpei Maruyama
- Department of Integrative Biology, Oregon State University, 3029 Cordley Hall, Corvallis, Oregon, 97331, USA
| | - Virginia M Weis
- Department of Integrative Biology, Oregon State University, 3029 Cordley Hall, Corvallis, Oregon, 97331, USA
| |
Collapse
|
7
|
Gómez‐Corrales M, Prada C. Cryptic lineages respond differently to coral bleaching. Mol Ecol 2020; 29:4265-4273. [DOI: 10.1111/mec.15631] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/18/2020] [Revised: 08/04/2020] [Accepted: 08/20/2020] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Matías Gómez‐Corrales
- College of the Environment and Life Sciences University of Rhode Island Kingston RI USA
| | - Carlos Prada
- College of the Environment and Life Sciences University of Rhode Island Kingston RI USA
| |
Collapse
|
8
|
Nitschke MR, Fidalgo C, Simões J, Brandão C, Alves A, Serôdio J, Frommlet JC. Symbiolite formation: a powerful in vitro model to untangle the role of bacterial communities in the photosynthesis-induced formation of microbialites. THE ISME JOURNAL 2020; 14:1533-1546. [PMID: 32203119 PMCID: PMC7242451 DOI: 10.1038/s41396-020-0629-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/09/2019] [Revised: 02/21/2020] [Accepted: 02/28/2020] [Indexed: 11/09/2022]
Abstract
Microbially induced calcification is an ancient, community-driven mineralisation process that produces different types of microbialites. Symbiolites are photosynthesis-induced microbialites, formed by calcifying co-cultures of dinoflagellates from the family Symbiodiniaceae and bacteria. Symbiolites encase the calcifying community as endolithic cells, pointing at an autoendolithic niche of symbiotic dinoflagellates, and provide a rare opportunity to study the role of bacteria in bacterial-algal calcification, as symbiodiniacean cultures display either distinct symbiolite-producing (SP) or non-symbiolite-producing (NP) phenotypes. Using Illumina sequencing, we found that the bacterial communities of SP and NP cultures differed significantly in the relative abundance of 23 genera, 14 families, and 2 phyla. SP cultures were rich in biofilm digesters from the phylum Planctomycetes and their predicted metagenomes were enriched in orthologs related to biofilm formation. In contrast, NP cultures were dominated by biofilm digesters from the Bacteroidetes, and were inferred as enriched in proteases and nucleases. Functional assays confirmed the potential of co-cultures and bacterial isolates to produce biofilms and point at acidic polysaccharides as key stimulators for mineral precipitation. Hence, bacteria appear to influence symbiolite formation primarily through their biofilm-producing and modifying activity and we anticipate that symbiolite formation, as a low-complexity in vitro model, will significantly advance our understanding of photosynthesis-induced microbial calcification processes.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Matthew R Nitschke
- Centre for Environmental and Marine Studies (CESAM), Department of Biology, University of Aveiro, 3810-193, Aveiro, Portugal
- Climate Change Cluster, University of Technology Sydney, Broadway, NSW, 2007, Australia
| | - Cátia Fidalgo
- Centre for Environmental and Marine Studies (CESAM), Department of Biology, University of Aveiro, 3810-193, Aveiro, Portugal
| | - João Simões
- Centre for Environmental and Marine Studies (CESAM), Department of Biology, University of Aveiro, 3810-193, Aveiro, Portugal
| | - Cláudio Brandão
- Centre for Environmental and Marine Studies (CESAM), Department of Biology, University of Aveiro, 3810-193, Aveiro, Portugal
| | - Artur Alves
- Centre for Environmental and Marine Studies (CESAM), Department of Biology, University of Aveiro, 3810-193, Aveiro, Portugal
| | - João Serôdio
- Centre for Environmental and Marine Studies (CESAM), Department of Biology, University of Aveiro, 3810-193, Aveiro, Portugal
| | - Jörg C Frommlet
- Centre for Environmental and Marine Studies (CESAM), Department of Biology, University of Aveiro, 3810-193, Aveiro, Portugal.
| |
Collapse
|
9
|
Swain TD, Lax S, Backman V, Marcelino LA. Uncovering the role of Symbiodiniaceae assemblage composition and abundance in coral bleaching response by minimizing sampling and evolutionary biases. BMC Microbiol 2020; 20:124. [PMID: 32429833 PMCID: PMC7236918 DOI: 10.1186/s12866-020-01765-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/15/2019] [Accepted: 03/26/2020] [Indexed: 12/23/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Biodiversity and productivity of coral-reef ecosystems depend upon reef-building corals and their associations with endosymbiotic Symbiodiniaceae, which offer diverse functional capabilities to their hosts. The number of unique symbiotic partners (richness) and relative abundances (evenness) have been hypothesized to affect host response to climate change induced thermal stress. Symbiodiniaceae assemblages with many unique phylotypes may provide greater physiological flexibility or form less stable symbioses; assemblages with low abundance phylotypes may allow corals to retain thermotolerant symbionts or represent associations with less-suitable symbionts. RESULTS Here we demonstrate that true richness of Symbiodiniaceae phylotype assemblages is generally not discoverable from direct enumeration of unique phylotypes in association records and that cross host-species comparisons are biased by sampling and evolutionary patterns among species. These biases can be minimized through rarefaction of richness (rarefied-richness) and evenness (Probability of Interspecific Encounter, PIE), and analyses that account for phylogenetic patterns. These standardized metrics were calculated for individual Symbiodiniaceae assemblages composed of 377 unique ITS2 phylotypes associated with 123 coral species. Rarefied-richness minimized correlations with sampling effort, while maintaining important underlying characteristics across host bathymetry and geography. Phylogenetic comparative methods reveal significant increases in coral bleaching and mortality associated with increasing Symbiodiniaceae assemblage richness and evenness at the level of host species. CONCLUSIONS These results indicate that the potential flexibility afforded by assemblages characterized by many phylotypes present at similar relative abundances does not result in decreased bleaching risk and point to the need to characterize the overall functional and genetic diversity of Symbiodiniaceae assemblages to quantify their effect on host fitness under climate change.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Timothy D Swain
- Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering, Northwestern University, Evanston, IL, 60208, USA
- Integrative Research Center, Field Museum of Natural History, Chicago, IL, 60605, USA
- Department of Marine and Environmental Science, Nova Southeastern University, Dania Beach, FL, 33004, USA
| | - Simon Lax
- Department of Ecology and Evolution, University of Chicago, Chicago, IL, 60637, USA
- Physics of Living Systems, Department of Physics, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, MA, 02139, USA
| | - Vadim Backman
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Northwestern University, Evanston, IL, 60208, USA
| | - Luisa A Marcelino
- Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering, Northwestern University, Evanston, IL, 60208, USA.
- Integrative Research Center, Field Museum of Natural History, Chicago, IL, 60605, USA.
| |
Collapse
|
10
|
Baums IB, Baker AC, Davies SW, Grottoli AG, Kenkel CD, Kitchen SA, Kuffner IB, LaJeunesse TC, Matz MV, Miller MW, Parkinson JE, Shantz AA. Considerations for maximizing the adaptive potential of restored coral populations in the western Atlantic. ECOLOGICAL APPLICATIONS : A PUBLICATION OF THE ECOLOGICAL SOCIETY OF AMERICA 2019; 29:e01978. [PMID: 31332879 PMCID: PMC6916196 DOI: 10.1002/eap.1978] [Citation(s) in RCA: 65] [Impact Index Per Article: 13.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/25/2019] [Revised: 06/13/2019] [Accepted: 06/21/2019] [Indexed: 05/06/2023]
Abstract
Active coral restoration typically involves two interventions: crossing gametes to facilitate sexual larval propagation; and fragmenting, growing, and outplanting adult colonies to enhance asexual propagation. From an evolutionary perspective, the goal of these efforts is to establish self-sustaining, sexually reproducing coral populations that have sufficient genetic and phenotypic variation to adapt to changing environments. Here, we provide concrete guidelines to help restoration practitioners meet this goal for most Caribbean species of interest. To enable the persistence of coral populations exposed to severe selection pressure from many stressors, a mixed provenance strategy is suggested: genetically unique colonies (genets) should be sourced both locally as well as from more distant, environmentally distinct sites. Sourcing three to four genets per reef along environmental gradients should be sufficient to capture a majority of intraspecies genetic diversity. It is best for practitioners to propagate genets with one or more phenotypic traits that are predicted to be valuable in the future, such as low partial mortality, high wound healing rate, high skeletal growth rate, bleaching resilience, infectious disease resilience, and high sexual reproductive output. Some effort should also be reserved for underperforming genets because colonies that grow poorly in nurseries sometimes thrive once returned to the reef and may harbor genetic variants with as yet unrecognized value. Outplants should be clustered in groups of four to six genets to enable successful fertilization upon maturation. Current evidence indicates that translocating genets among distant reefs is unlikely to be problematic from a population genetic perspective but will likely provide substantial adaptive benefits. Similarly, inbreeding depression is not a concern given that current practices only raise first-generation offspring. Thus, proceeding with the proposed management strategies even in the absence of a detailed population genetic analysis of the focal species at sites targeted for restoration is the best course of action. These basic guidelines should help maximize the adaptive potential of reef-building corals facing a rapidly changing environment.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Iliana B. Baums
- Department of BiologyPennsylvania State UniversityUniversity ParkPennsylvania16803USA
| | - Andrew C. Baker
- Department of Marine Biology and EcologyRosenstiel School of Marine and Atmospheric ScienceUniversity of MiamiMiamiFlorida33149USA
| | - Sarah W. Davies
- Department of BiologyBoston UniversityBostonMassachusetts02215USA
| | | | - Carly D. Kenkel
- Department of Biological SciencesUniversity of Southern CaliforniaLos AngelesCalifornia90007USA
| | - Sheila A. Kitchen
- Department of BiologyPennsylvania State UniversityUniversity ParkPennsylvania16803USA
| | - Ilsa B. Kuffner
- U.S. Geological Survey600 4th Street S.St. PetersburgFlorida33701USA
| | - Todd C. LaJeunesse
- Department of BiologyPennsylvania State UniversityUniversity ParkPennsylvania16803USA
| | - Mikhail V. Matz
- Department of Integrative BiologyThe University of Texas at AustinAustinTexas78712USA
| | | | - John E. Parkinson
- SECORE InternationalMiamiFlorida33145USA
- Department of Integrative BiologyUniversity of South FloridaTampaFlorida33620USA
| | - Andrew A. Shantz
- Department of BiologyPennsylvania State UniversityUniversity ParkPennsylvania16803USA
| |
Collapse
|
11
|
Bayliss SLJ, Scott ZR, Coffroth MA, terHorst CP. Genetic variation in Breviolum antillogorgium, a coral reef symbiont, in response to temperature and nutrients. Ecol Evol 2019; 9:2803-2813. [PMID: 30891218 PMCID: PMC6406013 DOI: 10.1002/ece3.4959] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/26/2018] [Revised: 12/30/2018] [Accepted: 01/04/2019] [Indexed: 01/01/2023] Open
Abstract
Symbionts within the family Symbiodiniaceae are important on coral reefs because they provide significant amounts of carbon to many different reef species. The breakdown of this mutualism that occurs as a result of increasingly warmer ocean temperatures is a major threat to coral reef ecosystems globally. Recombination during sexual reproduction and high rates of somatic mutation can lead to increased genetic variation within symbiont species, which may provide the fuel for natural selection and adaptation. However, few studies have asked whether such variation in functional traits exists within these symbionts. We used several genotypes of two closely related species, Breviolum antillogorgium and B. minutum, to examine variation of traits related to symbiosis in response to increases in temperature or nitrogen availability in laboratory cultures. We found significant genetic variation within and among symbiont species in chlorophyll content, photosynthetic efficiency, and growth rate. Two genotypes showed decreases in traits in response to increased temperatures predicted by climate change, but one genotype responded positively. Similarly, some genotypes within a species responded positively to high-nitrogen environments, such as those expected within hosts or eutrophication associated with global change, while other genotypes in the same species responded negatively, suggesting context-dependency in the strength of mutualism. Such variation in traits implies that there is potential for natural selection on symbionts in response to temperature and nutrients, which could confer an adaptive advantage to the holobiont.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Shannon L. J. Bayliss
- Biology DepartmentCalifornia State UniversityNorthridgeCalifornia
- Department of Ecology and Evolutionary BiologyUniversity of TennesseeKnoxvilleTennessee
| | - Zoë R. Scott
- Biology DepartmentCalifornia State UniversityNorthridgeCalifornia
| | - Mary Alice Coffroth
- Department of Geology and Graduate Program in Evolution, Ecology and BehaviorUniversity at BuffaloBuffaloNew York
| | | |
Collapse
|
12
|
Revisiting “Genetic Diversity of Symbiotic Dinoflagellates in the Genus Symbiodinium”. Protist 2018; 169:784-787. [DOI: 10.1016/j.protis.2018.06.008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/25/2018] [Accepted: 06/28/2018] [Indexed: 11/23/2022]
|
13
|
Lewis AM, Chan AN, LaJeunesse TC. New Species of Closely Related Endosymbiotic Dinoflagellates in the Greater Caribbean have Niches Corresponding to Host Coral Phylogeny. J Eukaryot Microbiol 2018; 66:469-482. [DOI: 10.1111/jeu.12692] [Citation(s) in RCA: 28] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/15/2018] [Revised: 09/25/2018] [Accepted: 09/26/2018] [Indexed: 12/23/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Allison M. Lewis
- Department of Biology Pennsylvania State University University Park Pennsylvania 16802
| | - Andrea N. Chan
- Department of Biology Pennsylvania State University University Park Pennsylvania 16802
| | - Todd C. LaJeunesse
- Department of Biology Pennsylvania State University University Park Pennsylvania 16802
| |
Collapse
|
14
|
LaJeunesse TC, Parkinson JE, Gabrielson PW, Jeong HJ, Reimer JD, Voolstra CR, Santos SR. Systematic Revision of Symbiodiniaceae Highlights the Antiquity and Diversity of Coral Endosymbionts. Curr Biol 2018; 28:2570-2580.e6. [PMID: 30100341 DOI: 10.1016/j.cub.2018.07.008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 653] [Impact Index Per Article: 108.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/15/2018] [Revised: 06/08/2018] [Accepted: 07/03/2018] [Indexed: 11/18/2022]
Abstract
The advent of molecular data has transformed the science of organizing and studying life on Earth. Genetics-based evidence provides fundamental insights into the diversity, ecology, and origins of many biological systems, including the mutualisms between metazoan hosts and their micro-algal partners. A well-known example is the dinoflagellate endosymbionts ("zooxanthellae") that power the growth of stony corals and coral reef ecosystems. Once assumed to encompass a single panmictic species, genetic evidence has revealed a divergent and rich diversity within the zooxanthella genus Symbiodinium. Despite decades of reporting on the significance of this diversity, the formal systematics of these eukaryotic microbes have not kept pace, and a major revision is long overdue. With the consideration of molecular, morphological, physiological, and ecological data, we propose that evolutionarily divergent Symbiodinium "clades" are equivalent to genera in the family Symbiodiniaceae, and we provide formal descriptions for seven of them. Additionally, we recalibrate the molecular clock for the group and amend the date for the earliest diversification of this family to the middle of the Mesozoic Era (∼160 mya). This timing corresponds with the adaptive radiation of analogs to modern shallow-water stony corals during the Jurassic Period and connects the rise of these symbiotic dinoflagellates with the emergence and evolutionary success of reef-building corals. This improved framework acknowledges the Symbiodiniaceae's long evolutionary history while filling a pronounced taxonomic gap. Its adoption will facilitate scientific dialog and future research on the physiology, ecology, and evolution of these important micro-algae.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Todd C LaJeunesse
- Department of Biology, The Pennsylvania State University, 208 Mueller Laboratory, University Park, PA 16802, USA.
| | - John Everett Parkinson
- Department of Integrative Biology, Oregon State University, 3029 Cordley Hall, Corvallis, OR 97331, USA.
| | - Paul W Gabrielson
- Herbarium and Biology Department, University of North Carolina-Chapel Hill, Coker Hall, CB 3280, Chapel Hill, NC 27599, USA
| | - Hae Jin Jeong
- School of Earth and Environmental Sciences, College of Natural Sciences, Seoul National University, Seoul 151-747, Republic of Korea; Advanced Institutes of Convergence Technology, Suwon, Gyeonggi-do 16229, Republic of Korea
| | - James Davis Reimer
- Molecular Invertebrate Systematics and Ecology Laboratory, University of the Ryukyus, 1 Senbaru, Nishihara, Okinawa 903-0213, Japan
| | - Christian R Voolstra
- Red Sea Research Center, Division of Biological and Environmental Science and Engineering (BESE), King Abdullah University of Science and Technology (KAUST), Thuwal 23955-6900, Saudi Arabia
| | - Scott R Santos
- Department of Biological Sciences and Molette Laboratory for Climate Change and Environmental Studies, Auburn University, 101 Rouse Life Sciences Building, Auburn, AL 36849, USA
| |
Collapse
|
15
|
|
16
|
Kennedy EV, Tonk L, Foster NL, Chollett I, Ortiz JC, Dove S, Hoegh-Guldberg O, Mumby PJ, Stevens JR. Symbiodinium biogeography tracks environmental patterns rather than host genetics in a key Caribbean reef-builder, Orbicella annularis. Proc Biol Sci 2017; 283:rspb.2016.1938. [PMID: 27807263 PMCID: PMC5124097 DOI: 10.1098/rspb.2016.1938] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/01/2016] [Accepted: 10/07/2016] [Indexed: 11/23/2022] Open
Abstract
The physiological performance of a reef-building coral is a combined outcome of both the coral host and its algal endosymbionts, Symbiodinium. While Orbicella annularis—a dominant reef-building coral in the Wider Caribbean—is known to be a flexible host in terms of the diversity of Symbiodinium types it can associate with, it is uncertain how this diversity varies across the Caribbean, and whether spatial variability in the symbiont community is related to either O. annularis genotype or environment. Here, we target the Symbiodinium-ITS2 gene to characterize and map dominant Symbiodinium hosted by O. annularis at an unprecedented spatial scale. We reveal northwest–southeast partitioning across the Caribbean, both in terms of the dominant symbiont taxa hosted and in assemblage diversity. Multivariate regression analyses incorporating a suite of environmental and genetic factors reveal that observed spatial patterns are predominantly explained by chronic thermal stress (summer temperatures) and are unrelated to host genotype. Furthermore, we were able to associate the presence of specific Symbiodinium types with local environmental drivers (for example, Symbiodinium C7 with areas experiencing cooler summers, B1j with nutrient loading and B17 with turbidity), associations that have not previously been described.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Emma V Kennedy
- College of Life and Environmental Sciences, University of Exeter, Stocker Road, Exeter EX4 4QD, UK .,Australian Rivers Institute, Griffith University, Nathan, 4111 Queensland, Australia
| | - Linda Tonk
- Coral Reef Ecosystems Lab, School of Biological Sciences, University of Queensland, St Lucia, 4072 Queensland, Australia
| | - Nicola L Foster
- College of Life and Environmental Sciences, University of Exeter, Stocker Road, Exeter EX4 4QD, UK.,School of Marine Science and Engineering, Plymouth University, Drake Circus, Plymouth PL4 8AA, UK
| | - Iliana Chollett
- Smithsonian Marine Station, Smithsonian Institution, Fort Pierce, FL 34949, USA
| | - Juan-Carlos Ortiz
- Marine Spatial Ecology Lab, School of Biological Sciences, University of Queensland, St Lucia, 4072 Queensland, Australia
| | - Sophie Dove
- Coral Reef Ecosystems Lab, School of Biological Sciences, University of Queensland, St Lucia, 4072 Queensland, Australia
| | - Ove Hoegh-Guldberg
- Coral Reef Ecosystems Lab, School of Biological Sciences, University of Queensland, St Lucia, 4072 Queensland, Australia
| | - Peter J Mumby
- College of Life and Environmental Sciences, University of Exeter, Stocker Road, Exeter EX4 4QD, UK.,Marine Spatial Ecology Lab, School of Biological Sciences, University of Queensland, St Lucia, 4072 Queensland, Australia
| | - Jamie R Stevens
- College of Life and Environmental Sciences, University of Exeter, Stocker Road, Exeter EX4 4QD, UK
| |
Collapse
|
17
|
Díaz-Almeyda EM, Prada C, Ohdera AH, Moran H, Civitello DJ, Iglesias-Prieto R, Carlo TA, LaJeunesse TC, Medina M. Intraspecific and interspecific variation in thermotolerance and photoacclimation in Symbiodinium dinoflagellates. Proc Biol Sci 2017; 284:20171767. [PMID: 29212723 PMCID: PMC5740277 DOI: 10.1098/rspb.2017.1767] [Citation(s) in RCA: 47] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/07/2017] [Accepted: 11/06/2017] [Indexed: 12/31/2022] Open
Abstract
Light and temperature are major drivers in the ecology and biogeography of symbiotic dinoflagellates living in corals and other cnidarians. We examined variations in physiology among 11 strains comprising five species of clade A Symbiodinium We grew cultures at 26°C (control) and 32°C (high temperature) over a duration of 18 days while measuring growth and photochemical efficiency (Fv /Fm ). Responses to thermal stress ranged from susceptible to tolerant across species and strains. Most strains exhibited a decrease in cell densities and Fv /Fm when grown at 32°C. Tolerance to high temperature (T32) was calculated for all strains, ranging from 0 (unable to survive at high temperature) to 1 (able survive at high temperature). There was substantial variation in thermotolerance across species and among strains. One strain had a T32 close to 1, indicating that growth was not reduced at 32°C for only this one strain. To evaluate the combined effect of temperature and light on physiological stress, we selected three strains with different levels of thermotolerance (tolerant, intermediate and susceptible) and grew them under five different light intensities (65, 80, 100, 240 and 443 µmol quanta m-2 s-1) at 26 and 32°C. High irradiance exacerbated the effect of high temperature, particularly in strains from thermally sensitive species. This work further supports the recognition that broad physiological differences exist not only among species within Symbiodinium clades, but also among strains within species demonstrating that thermotolerance varies widely between species and among strains within species.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Erika M Díaz-Almeyda
- Department of Biology, The Pennsylvania State University, State College, PA 16801, USA
- Department of Biology, Emory University, Atlanta, GA 30307, USA
| | - C Prada
- Department of Biological Sciences, University of Rhode Island, Kingston, RI 02881, USA
| | - A H Ohdera
- Department of Biology, The Pennsylvania State University, State College, PA 16801, USA
| | - H Moran
- Department of Biology, The Pennsylvania State University, State College, PA 16801, USA
| | - D J Civitello
- Department of Biology, Emory University, Atlanta, GA 30307, USA
| | - R Iglesias-Prieto
- Department of Biology, The Pennsylvania State University, State College, PA 16801, USA
| | - T A Carlo
- Department of Biology, The Pennsylvania State University, State College, PA 16801, USA
| | - T C LaJeunesse
- Department of Biology, The Pennsylvania State University, State College, PA 16801, USA
| | - M Medina
- Department of Biology, The Pennsylvania State University, State College, PA 16801, USA
| |
Collapse
|
18
|
Comparative growth rates of cultured marine dinoflagellates in the genus Symbiodinium and the effects of temperature and light. PLoS One 2017; 12:e0187707. [PMID: 29186143 PMCID: PMC5706665 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0187707] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/16/2017] [Accepted: 10/24/2017] [Indexed: 02/04/2023] Open
Abstract
Many dinoflagellate microalgae of the genus Symbiodinium form successful symbioses with a large group of metazoans and selected protists. Yet knowledge of growth kinetics of these endosymbionts and their ecological and evolutionary implications is limited. We used a Bayesian biphasic generalized logistic model to estimate key parameters of the growth of five strains of cultured Symbiodinium, S. microadriaticum (cp-type A194; strain 04–503), S. microadriaticum (cp-type A194; strain CassKB8), S. minutum (cp-type B184; strain Mf 1.05b.01.SCI.01), S. psygmophilum (cp-type B224; strain Mf 11.05b.01) and S. trenchii (cp-type D206; strain Mf 2.2b), grown in four different combinations of temperature and light. Growth kinetics varied among Symbiodinium strains and across treatments. Biphasic growth was especially evident for S. minutum and S. psygmophilum across all treatments. Monophasic growth was more common when final asymptotic densities were relatively low (~ 200 million cells ml-1). All species tended to grow faster and / or reached a higher asymptote at 26°C than at 18°C. The fastest growth was exhibited by S. minutum, with an approximate four-fold increase in estimated cell density after 60 days. The strongest effect of light was seen in S. trenchii, in which increasing light levels resulted in a decrease in initial growth rate, and an increase in asymptotic density, time when growth rate was at its maximum, final growth rate, and maximum growth rate. Results suggest that Symbiodinium species have different photokinetic and thermal optima, which may affect their growth-related nutritional physiology and allow them to modify their response to environmental changes.
Collapse
|
19
|
Suggett DJ, Warner ME, Leggat W. Symbiotic Dinoflagellate Functional Diversity Mediates Coral Survival under Ecological Crisis. Trends Ecol Evol 2017; 32:735-745. [DOI: 10.1016/j.tree.2017.07.013] [Citation(s) in RCA: 101] [Impact Index Per Article: 14.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/30/2017] [Revised: 07/30/2017] [Accepted: 07/31/2017] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
|
20
|
Ramsby BD, Hill MS, Thornhill DJ, Steenhuizen SF, Achlatis M, Lewis AM, LaJeunesse TC. Sibling species of mutualistic Symbiodinium clade G from bioeroding sponges in the western Pacific and western Atlantic oceans. JOURNAL OF PHYCOLOGY 2017; 53:951-960. [PMID: 28796903 DOI: 10.1111/jpy.12576] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/06/2017] [Accepted: 07/21/2017] [Indexed: 06/07/2023]
Abstract
Dinoflagellates in the genus Symbiodinium associate with a broad array of metazoan and protistian hosts. Symbiodinium-based symbioses involving bioeroding sponge hosts have received less attention than those involving popular scleractinian hosts. Certain species of common Cliona harbor high densities of an ecologically restricted group of Symbiodinium, referred to as Clade G. Clade G Symbiodinium are also known to form stable and functionally important associations with Foraminifera and black corals (Antipatharia) Analyses of genetic evidence indicate that Clade G likely comprises several distinct species. Here, we use nucleotide sequence data in combination with ecological and geographic attributes to formally describe Symbiodinium endoclionum sp. nov. obtained from the Pacific boring sponge Cliona orientalis and Symbiodinium spongiolum sp. nov. from the congeneric western Atlantic sponge Cliona varians. These species appear to be part of an adaptive radiation comprising lineages of Clade G specialized to the metazoan phyla Porifera and Cnidaria, which began prior to the separation of the Pacific and Atlantic Oceans.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Blake D Ramsby
- Australian Institute of Marine Science, Townsville, Queensland, Australia
- College of Science and Engineering, James Cook University, Townsville, Queensland, Australia
- AIMS@JCU, Australian Institute of Marine Science and James Cook University, Townsville, Queensland, Australia
| | - Malcolm S Hill
- Department of Biology, University of Richmond, Richmond, Virginia, 23173, USA
| | - Daniel J Thornhill
- Department of Biological Sciences, Auburn University, Auburn, Alabama, 36849, USA
| | - Sieuwkje F Steenhuizen
- Molecular Invertebrate Systematics and Ecology Laboratory, University of the Ryukyus, 1 Senbaru, Nishihara, Okinawa, 903-0213, Japan
- Marine Palynology and Paleoceanography, Laboratory of Paleobotany and Palynology, Department of Earth Sciences, Faculty of Geosciences, Utrecht University, P.O. Box 80.115, 3508TC, Utrecht, The Netherlands
| | - Michelle Achlatis
- Coral Reef Ecosystems Laboratory, School of Biological Sciences, University of Queensland, St. Lucia, Queensland, 4072, Australia
| | - Allison M Lewis
- Department of Biology, The Pennsylvania State University, University Park, Pennsylvania, 16802, USA
| | - Todd C LaJeunesse
- Department of Biology, The Pennsylvania State University, University Park, Pennsylvania, 16802, USA
| |
Collapse
|
21
|
LaJeunesse TC. Validation and description of Symbiodinium microadriaticum, the type species of Symbiodinium (Dinophyta). JOURNAL OF PHYCOLOGY 2017; 53:1109-1114. [PMID: 28746748 DOI: 10.1111/jpy.12570] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/19/2017] [Accepted: 06/12/2017] [Indexed: 06/07/2023]
Abstract
It has been 55 years since Hugo Freudenthal described Symbiodinium microadriaticum (Dinophyceae), the type species of this large and important dinoflagellate genus found commonly in mutualistic symbiosis with cnidarians, other invertebrates, and certain protists. However, no type specimen was designated by Freudenthal, thus S. microadriaticum was invalid, as was Symbiodinium and every species subsequently assigned to the genus. The original culture was lost, but since 1979, a different culture, CCMP2464/rt-061, had been considered to represent S. microadriaticum. From this culture, a preserved specimen is herein designated the holotype of S. microadriaticum, validating the binomial and Symbiodinium. All binary designations previously considered to belong in Symbiodinium also are validated herein.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Todd C LaJeunesse
- Department of Biology, The Pennsylvania State University, University Park, Pennsylvania, 16802, USA
| |
Collapse
|
22
|
Núñez-Pons L, Bertocci I, Baghdasarian G. Symbiont dynamics during thermal acclimation using cnidarian-dinoflagellate model holobionts. MARINE ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH 2017; 130:303-314. [PMID: 28867132 DOI: 10.1016/j.marenvres.2017.08.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/12/2017] [Revised: 08/11/2017] [Accepted: 08/14/2017] [Indexed: 06/07/2023]
Abstract
Warming oceans menace reef ecosystems by disrupting symbiosis between cnidarians and Symbiodinium zooxanthellae, thus triggering bleach episodes. Temperature fluctuations promote adjustments in physiological variables and symbiont composition, which can cause stress responses, but can also yield adaptation if fitter host-symbiont homeostasis are achieved. To understand such processes manipulative studies are required, but many reef-building cnidarians pose limitations to experimental prospects. We exposed Exaiptasia anemones to Gradual Thermal Stress (GTS) and Heat Shock (HS) exposures and monitored chlorophyll and symbiont dynamics to test the phenotypic plasticity of these photosynthetic holobionts. GTS enhanced chlorophyll concentrations and decreased Symbiodinium proliferation. A recovery period after GTS returned chlorophyll to lower concentrations and symbiont divisions to higher rates. HS triggered a stress response characterized by intense symbiont declines through degradation and expulsion, algal compensatory proliferation, and chlorophyll accumulation. Anemones pre-exposed to GTS displayed more acute signs of symbiont paucity after HS, demonstrating that recurrent stress does not always induce bleaching-resistance. Our study is the first documenting Symbiodinium C and D, along with the predominant Clade B1 in Exaiptasia anemones. C subclades found in outdoor specimens faded under laboratory exposures. Clade D emerged after HS treatments, and especially after GTS pre-exposure. This highlights the thermotolerance of D subclades found in E. pallida and shows that bleaching-recovery can involve shifts of background symbiont phylotypes. This study enlightens the capability of Exaiptasia anemones to acclimate to gradually increased temperatures, and explores into how thermal history influences in subsequent stress tolerance in symbiotic cnidarians.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Laura Núñez-Pons
- Dept. of Biology and Evolution of Marine Organisms (BEOM), Stazione Zoologica 'Anton Dohrn' (SZN), Villa Comunale 80121, Naples, Italy; Smithsonian Tropical Research Institute, Bocas del Toro, Panama; Hawai'i Institute of Marine Biology, University of Hawai'i at Mänoa, 46-007 Lilipuna rd, Kane'ohe, HI 96744, USA.
| | - Iacopo Bertocci
- Dept. of Biology and Evolution of Marine Organisms (BEOM), Stazione Zoologica 'Anton Dohrn' (SZN), Villa Comunale 80121, Naples, Italy
| | | |
Collapse
|
23
|
Heritability of the Symbiodinium community in vertically- and horizontally-transmitting broadcast spawning corals. Sci Rep 2017; 7:8219. [PMID: 28811517 PMCID: PMC5557748 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-017-08179-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 43] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/19/2017] [Accepted: 07/10/2017] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
The dinoflagellate-coral partnership influences the coral holobiont’s tolerance to thermal stress and bleaching. However, the comparative roles of host genetic versus environmental factors in determining the composition of this symbiosis are largely unknown. Here we quantify the heritability of the initial Symbiodinium communities for two broadcast-spawning corals with different symbiont transmission modes: Acropora tenuis has environmental acquisition, whereas Montipora digitata has maternal transmission. Using high throughput sequencing of the ITS-2 region to characterize communities in parents, juveniles and eggs, we describe previously undocumented Symbiodinium diversity and dynamics in both corals. After one month of uptake in the field, Symbiodinium communities associated with A. tenuis juveniles were dominated by A3, C1, D1, A-type CCMP828, and D1a in proportional abundances conserved between experiments in two years. M. digitata eggs were predominantly characterized by C15, D1, and A3. In contrast to current paradigms, host genetic influences accounted for a surprising 29% of phenotypic variation in Symbiodinium communities in the horizontally-transmitting A. tenuis, but only 62% in the vertically-transmitting M. digitata. Our results reveal hitherto unknown flexibility in the acquisition of Symbiodinium communities and substantial heritability in both species, providing material for selection to produce partnerships that are locally adapted to changing environmental conditions.
Collapse
|
24
|
Cunning R, Gates RD, Edmunds PJ. Using high-throughput sequencing of ITS2 to describe Symbiodinium metacommunities in St. John, US Virgin Islands. PeerJ 2017. [PMID: 28649474 PMCID: PMC5482262 DOI: 10.7717/peerj.3472] [Citation(s) in RCA: 46] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/30/2022] Open
Abstract
Symbiotic microalgae (Symbiodinium spp.) strongly influence the performance and stress-tolerance of their coral hosts, making the analysis of Symbiodinium communities in corals (and metacommunities on reefs) advantageous for many aspects of coral reef research. High-throughput sequencing of ITS2 nrDNA offers unprecedented scale in describing these communities, yet high intragenomic variability at this locus complicates the resolution of biologically meaningful diversity. Here, we demonstrate that generating operational taxonomic units by clustering ITS2 sequences at 97% similarity within, but not across, samples collapses sequence diversity that is more likely to be intragenomic, while preserving diversity that is more likely interspecific. We utilize this ‘within-sample clustering’ to analyze Symbiodinium from ten host taxa on shallow reefs on the north and south shores of St. John, US Virgin Islands. While Symbiodinium communities did not differ between shores, metacommunity network analysis of host-symbiont associations revealed Symbiodinium lineages occupying ‘dominant’ and ‘background’ niches, and coral hosts that are more ‘flexible’ or ‘specific’ in their associations with Symbiodinium. These methods shed new light on important questions in coral symbiosis ecology, and demonstrate how application-specific bioinformatic pipelines can improve the analysis of metabarcoding data in microbial metacommunity studies.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Ross Cunning
- Hawai'i Institute of Marine Biology, University of Hawai'i at Mānoa, Kāne'ohe, HI, United States of America
| | - Ruth D Gates
- Hawai'i Institute of Marine Biology, University of Hawai'i at Mānoa, Kāne'ohe, HI, United States of America
| | - Peter J Edmunds
- Department of Biology, California State University, Northridge, CA, United States of America
| |
Collapse
|
25
|
Tonk L, Sampayo EM, Chai A, Schrameyer V, Hoegh-Guldberg O. Symbiodinium (Dinophyceae) community patterns in invertebrate hosts from inshore marginal reefs of the southern Great Barrier Reef, Australia. JOURNAL OF PHYCOLOGY 2017; 53:589-600. [PMID: 28196275 DOI: 10.1111/jpy.12523] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/09/2016] [Accepted: 01/03/2017] [Indexed: 06/06/2023]
Abstract
The broad range in physiological variation displayed by Symbiodinium spp. has proven imperative during periods of environmental change and contribute to the survival of their coral host. Characterizing how host and Symbiodinium community assemblages differ across environmentally distinct habitats provides useful information to predict how corals will respond to major environmental change. Despite the extensive characterizations of Symbiodinium diversity found amongst reef cnidarians on the Great Barrier Reef (GBR) substantial biogeographic gaps exist, especially across inshore habitats. Here, we investigate Symbiodinium community patterns in invertebrates from inshore and mid-shelf reefs on the southern GBR, Australia. Dominant Symbiodinium types were characterized using denaturing gradient gel electrophoresis fingerprinting and sequencing of the ITS2 region of the ribosomal DNA. Twenty one genetically distinct Symbiodinium types including four novel types were identified from 321 reef-invertebrate samples comprising three sub-generic clades (A, C, and D). A range of host genera harbored C22a, which is normally rare or absent from inshore or low latitude reefs in the GBR. Multivariate analysis showed that host identity and sea surface temperature best explained the variation in symbiont communities across sites. Patterns of changes in Symbiodinium community assemblage over small geographic distances (100s of kilometers or less) indicate the likelihood that shifts in Symbiodinium distributions and associated host populations, may occur in response to future climate change impacting the GBR.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Linda Tonk
- ARC Centre of Excellence for Coral Reef Studies and School of Biological Sciences, The University of Queensland, St. Lucia, Queensland, 4072, Australia
| | - Eugenia M Sampayo
- ARC Centre of Excellence for Coral Reef Studies and School of Biological Sciences, The University of Queensland, St. Lucia, Queensland, 4072, Australia
| | - Aaron Chai
- ARC Centre of Excellence for Coral Reef Studies and School of Biological Sciences, The University of Queensland, St. Lucia, Queensland, 4072, Australia
| | - Verena Schrameyer
- Plant Functional Biology & Climate Change Cluster, University of Technology Sydney, Broadway, New South Wales, 2007, Australia
| | - Ove Hoegh-Guldberg
- ARC Centre of Excellence for Coral Reef Studies and School of Biological Sciences, The University of Queensland, St. Lucia, Queensland, 4072, Australia
- Global Change Institute, The University of Queensland, St. Lucia, Queensland, 4072, Australia
| |
Collapse
|
26
|
Thornhill DJ, Howells EJ, Wham DC, Steury TD, Santos SR. Population genetics of reef coral endosymbionts (Symbiodinium
, Dinophyceae). Mol Ecol 2017; 26:2640-2659. [DOI: 10.1111/mec.14055] [Citation(s) in RCA: 84] [Impact Index Per Article: 12.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/26/2016] [Revised: 01/20/2017] [Accepted: 01/23/2017] [Indexed: 01/02/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- D. J. Thornhill
- Department of Biological Sciences and Molette Biology Laboratory for Environmental and Climate Change Studies; Auburn University; 101 Rouse Life Sciences Building Auburn AL 36849 USA
| | - E. J. Howells
- Center for Genomics and Systems Biology; New York University Abu Dhabi; PO Box 129188 Abu Dhabi United Arab Emirates
| | - D. C. Wham
- Department of Biology; Pennsylvania State University; 208 Mueller Laboratory University Park PA 16802 USA
| | - T. D. Steury
- School of Forestry and Wildlife Sciences; Auburn University; 3301 Forestry and Wildlife Building Auburn AL 36849 USA
| | - S. R. Santos
- Department of Biological Sciences and Molette Biology Laboratory for Environmental and Climate Change Studies; Auburn University; 101 Rouse Life Sciences Building Auburn AL 36849 USA
| |
Collapse
|
27
|
The effects of elevated seawater temperatures on Caribbean gorgonian corals and their algal symbionts, Symbiodinium spp. PLoS One 2017; 12:e0171032. [PMID: 28152002 PMCID: PMC5289496 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0171032] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/10/2016] [Accepted: 01/14/2017] [Indexed: 11/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Global climate change not only leads to elevated seawater temperatures but also to episodic anomalously high or low temperatures lasting for several hours to days. Scleractinian corals are detrimentally affected by thermal fluctuations, which often lead to an uncoupling of their mutualism with Symbiodinium spp. (coral bleaching) and potentially coral death. Consequently, on many Caribbean reefs scleractinian coral cover has plummeted. Conversely, gorgonian corals persist, with their abundance even increasing. How gorgonians react to thermal anomalies has been investigated utilizing limited parameters of either the gorgonian, Symbiodinium or the combined symbiosis (holobiont). We employed a holistic approach to examine the effect of an experimental five-day elevated temperature episode on parameters of the host, symbiont, and the holobiont in Eunicea tourneforti, E. flexuosa and Pseudoplexaura porosa. These gorgonian corals reacted and coped with 32°C seawater temperatures. Neither Symbiodinium genotypes nor densities differed between the ambient 29.5°C and 32°C. Chlorophyll a and c2 per Symbiodinium cell, however, were lower at 32°C leading to a reduction in chlorophyll content in the branches and an associated reduction in estimated absorbance and increase in the chlorophyll a specific absorption coefficient. The adjustments in the photochemical parameters led to changes in photochemical efficiencies, although these too showed that the gorgonians were coping. For example, the maximum excitation pressure, Qm, was significantly lower at 32°C than at 29.5°C. In addition, although per dry weight the amount of protein and lipids were lower at 32°C, the overall energy content in the tissues did not differ between the temperatures. Antioxidant activity either remained the same or increased following exposure to 32°C further reiterating a response that dealt with the stressor. Taken together, the capability of Caribbean gorgonian corals to modify symbiont, host and consequently holobiont parameters may partially explain their persistence on reefs faced with climate change.
Collapse
|
28
|
Leliaert F, De Clerck O. Refining species boundaries in algae. JOURNAL OF PHYCOLOGY 2017; 53:12-16. [PMID: 28295349 DOI: 10.1111/jpy.12477] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/06/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- Frederik Leliaert
- Botanic Garden Meise, Nieuwelaan 38, 1860, Meise, Belgium
- Phycology Research Group, Biology Department, Ghent University, 9000, Ghent, Belgium
| | - Olivier De Clerck
- Phycology Research Group, Biology Department, Ghent University, 9000, Ghent, Belgium
| |
Collapse
|
29
|
Rouzé H, Lecellier GJ, Saulnier D, Planes S, Gueguen Y, Wirshing HH, Berteaux-Lecellier V. An updated assessment of Symbiodinium spp. that associate with common scleractinian corals from Moorea (French Polynesia) reveals high diversity among background symbionts and a novel finding of clade B. PeerJ 2017; 5:e2856. [PMID: 28168100 PMCID: PMC5289445 DOI: 10.7717/peerj.2856] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/20/2016] [Accepted: 12/02/2016] [Indexed: 12/27/2022] Open
Abstract
The adaptative bleaching hypothesis (ABH) states that, depending on the symbiotic flexibility of coral hosts (i.e., the ability of corals to “switch” or “shuffle” their algal symbionts), coral bleaching can lead to a change in the composition of their associated Symbiodinium community and, thus, contribute to the coral’s overall survival. In order to determine the flexibility of corals, molecular tools are required to provide accurate species delineations and to detect low levels of coral-associated Symbiodinium. Here, we used highly sensitive quantitative (real-time) PCR (qPCR) technology to analyse five common coral species from Moorea (French Polynesia), previously screened using only traditional molecular methods, to assess the presence of low-abundance (background) Symbiodinium spp. Similar to other studies, each coral species exhibited a strong specificity to a particular clade, irrespective of the environment. In addition, however, each of the five species harboured at least one additional Symbiodinium clade, among clades A–D, at background levels. Unexpectedly, and for the first time in French Polynesia, clade B was detected as a coral symbiont. These results increase the number of known coral-Symbiodinium associations from corals found in French Polynesia, and likely indicate an underestimation of the ability of the corals in this region to associate with and/or “shuffle” different Symbiodinium clades. Altogether our data suggest that corals from French Polynesia may favor a trade-off between optimizing symbioses with a specific Symbiodinium clade(s), maintaining associations with particular background clades that may play a role in the ability of corals to respond to environmental change.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Héloïse Rouzé
- PSL CRIOBE USR3278 CNRS-EPHE-UPVD, Labex CORAIL , Papetoai , Moorea , French Polynesia
| | - Gaël J Lecellier
- PSL CRIOBE USR3278 CNRS-EPHE-UPVD, Labex CORAIL, Papetoai, Moorea, French Polynesia; Université de Paris Saclay, Departement de Biologie, Versailles-Saint Quentin, Paris, Versailles Cedex, France; Current affiliation: UMR250/9220 ENTROPIE IRD-CNRS-UR, Labex CORAIL, Promenade Roger-Laroque, Noumea cedex, New Caledonia, France
| | - Denis Saulnier
- UMR241 EIO Ifremer-ILM-IRD-UPF, Labex CORAIL , Taravao , French Polynesia
| | - Serge Planes
- PSL CRIOBE USR3278 CNRS-EPHE-UPVD, Labex CORAIL , Papetoai , Moorea , French Polynesia
| | - Yannick Gueguen
- UMR5244 IHPE, CNRS-Ifremer-UM-UPVD, Université de Montpellier , Montpellier , France
| | - Herman H Wirshing
- Department of Invertebrate Zoology, Smithsonian National Museum of Natural History , Washington, D.C. , USA
| | - Véronique Berteaux-Lecellier
- PSL CRIOBE USR3278 CNRS-EPHE-UPVD, Labex CORAIL, Papetoai, Moorea, French Polynesia; Current affiliation: UMR250/9220 ENTROPIE IRD-CNRS-UR, Labex CORAIL, Promenade Roger-Laroque, Noumea cedex, New Caledonia, France
| |
Collapse
|
30
|
Wirshing HH, Baker AC. On the difficulty of recognizing distinct
Symbiodinium
species in mixed communities of algal symbionts. Mol Ecol 2016; 25:2724-6. [DOI: 10.1111/mec.13676] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/09/2015] [Revised: 04/15/2016] [Accepted: 04/21/2016] [Indexed: 11/27/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Herman H. Wirshing
- Department of Invertebrate Zoology Smithsonian National Museum of Natural History P.O. Box 37012 NHB MRC‐163 Washington DC 20013‐7012 USA
| | - Andrew C. Baker
- Department of Marine Biology and Ecology Rosenstiel School of Marine and Atmospheric Science University of Miami 4600 Rickenbacker Cswy. Miami FL 33149 USA
| |
Collapse
|
31
|
Howells EJ, Willis BL, Bay LK, van Oppen MJH. Microsatellite allele sizes alone are insufficient to delineate species boundaries inSymbiodinium. Mol Ecol 2016; 25:2719-23. [DOI: 10.1111/mec.13631] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/08/2015] [Revised: 02/10/2016] [Accepted: 03/29/2016] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- E. J. Howells
- Center for Genomics and Systems Biology; New York University Abu Dhabi; Saadiyat Island Abu Dhabi United Arab Emirates
| | - B. L. Willis
- ARC Centre of Excellence for Coral Reef Studies and College of Marine and Environmental Sciences; James Cook University; Townsville Qld 4811 Australia
| | - L. K. Bay
- Australian Institute of Marine Science; PMB 3 MC Townsville Qld 4810 Australia
| | - M. J. H. van Oppen
- Australian Institute of Marine Science; PMB 3 MC Townsville Qld 4810 Australia
- School of Biosciences; The University of Melbourne; Parkville Vic. 3052 Australia
| |
Collapse
|
32
|
Lee MJ, Jeong HJ, Jang SH, Lee SY, Kang NS, Lee KH, Kim HS, Wham DC, LaJeunesse TC. Most Low-Abundance "Background" Symbiodinium spp. Are Transitory and Have Minimal Functional Significance for Symbiotic Corals. MICROBIAL ECOLOGY 2016; 71:771-783. [PMID: 26781946 DOI: 10.1007/s00248-015-0724-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 50] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/18/2015] [Accepted: 12/27/2015] [Indexed: 06/05/2023]
Abstract
Speculation surrounds the importance of ecologically cryptic Symbiodinium spp. (dinoflagellates) that occur at low abundances in reef-building corals and in the surrounding environment. Evidence acquired from extensive sampling, long-term monitoring, and experimental manipulation can allow us to deduce the ecology and functional significance of these populations and whether they might contribute to the response of coral-dinoflagellate mutualisms to climate change. Quantitative PCR was used here to diagnose the prevalence, seasonal variation, and abundances of Symbiodinium spp. within and between colonies of the coral, Alveopora japonica. Consistent with broader geographic sampling, only one species comprised 99.9 %, or greater, the population of symbionts in every sample. However, other Symbiodinium including the non-mutualistic species, Symbiodinium voratum, were often detected, but at estimated cell densities thousands-fold less than the dominant symbiont. The temporal variation in prevalence and abundances of these "background" Symbiodinium could not be definitively related to any particular environmental factor including seasonality and water chemistry. The prevalence (proportion detected among host samples), but not abundance, of S. voratum may weakly correspond to increases in environmental inorganic silica (SiO2) and possibly nitrogen (NO3). When multiple background Symbiodinium occurred within an individual polyp, the average cell densities were positively correlated, suggesting non-specific processes of cell sorting and retention by the animal. While these findings substantiate the existence of a broader, yet uncharacterized, diversity of Symbiodinium, we conclude that only those species which can occur in high abundance and are temporally stable are ultimately important to coral-dinoflagellate mutualisms. Many transient Symbiodinium spp., which occur only at trace abundances in the coral's microbiome, belong to different functional guilds and likely have little, if any, importance to a coral's physiology. The successful integration between host and symbiont into a stable functional unit should therefore be considered when defining host-symbiont specificity.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Moo Joon Lee
- School of Earth and Environmental Sciences, College of Natural Sciences, Seoul National University, Seoul, 151-747, Republic of Korea
| | - Hae Jin Jeong
- School of Earth and Environmental Sciences, College of Natural Sciences, Seoul National University, Seoul, 151-747, Republic of Korea.
| | - Se Hyeon Jang
- School of Earth and Environmental Sciences, College of Natural Sciences, Seoul National University, Seoul, 151-747, Republic of Korea
| | - Sung Yeon Lee
- School of Earth and Environmental Sciences, College of Natural Sciences, Seoul National University, Seoul, 151-747, Republic of Korea
| | - Nam Seon Kang
- School of Earth and Environmental Sciences, College of Natural Sciences, Seoul National University, Seoul, 151-747, Republic of Korea
| | - Kyung Ha Lee
- School of Earth and Environmental Sciences, College of Natural Sciences, Seoul National University, Seoul, 151-747, Republic of Korea
| | - Hyung Seop Kim
- Department of Oceanography, Kunsan National University, Kunsan, 573-701, Republic of Korea
| | - Drew C Wham
- Department of Biology, 208 Mueller Laboratory, Pennsylvania State University, University Park, PA, 16802, USA
| | - Todd C LaJeunesse
- Department of Biology, 208 Mueller Laboratory, Pennsylvania State University, University Park, PA, 16802, USA.
| |
Collapse
|
33
|
Parkinson JE, Baumgarten S, Michell CT, Baums IB, LaJeunesse TC, Voolstra CR. Gene Expression Variation Resolves Species and Individual Strains among Coral-Associated Dinoflagellates within the Genus Symbiodinium. Genome Biol Evol 2016; 8:665-80. [PMID: 26868597 PMCID: PMC4824173 DOI: 10.1093/gbe/evw019] [Citation(s) in RCA: 77] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/27/2022] Open
Abstract
Reef-building corals depend on symbiotic mutualisms with photosynthetic dinoflagellates in the genus Symbiodinium. This large microalgal group comprises many highly divergent lineages (“Clades A–I”) and hundreds of undescribed species. Given their ecological importance, efforts have turned to genomic approaches to characterize the functional ecology of Symbiodinium. To date, investigators have only compared gene expression between representatives from separate clades—the equivalent of contrasting genera or families in other dinoflagellate groups—making it impossible to distinguish between clade-level and species-level functional differences. Here, we examined the transcriptomes of four species within one Symbiodinium clade (Clade B) at ∼20,000 orthologous genes, as well as multiple isoclonal cell lines within species (i.e., cultured strains). These species span two major adaptive radiations within Clade B, each encompassing both host-specialized and ecologically cryptic taxa. Species-specific expression differences were consistently enriched for photosynthesis-related genes, likely reflecting selection pressures driving niche diversification. Transcriptional variation among strains involved fatty acid metabolism and biosynthesis pathways. Such differences among individuals are potentially a major source of physiological variation, contributing to the functional diversity of coral holobionts composed of unique host–symbiont genotype pairings. Our findings expand the genomic resources available for this important symbiont group and emphasize the power of comparative transcriptomics as a method for studying speciation processes and interindividual variation in nonmodel organisms.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
| | - Sebastian Baumgarten
- Red Sea Research Center, Division of Biological and Environmental Science and Engineering, King Abdullah University of Science and Technology (KAUST), Thuwal, Saudi Arabia
| | - Craig T Michell
- Red Sea Research Center, Division of Biological and Environmental Science and Engineering, King Abdullah University of Science and Technology (KAUST), Thuwal, Saudi Arabia
| | | | | | - Christian R Voolstra
- Red Sea Research Center, Division of Biological and Environmental Science and Engineering, King Abdullah University of Science and Technology (KAUST), Thuwal, Saudi Arabia
| |
Collapse
|