1
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Nef C, Pierella Karlusich JJ, Bowler C. From nets to networks: tools for deciphering phytoplankton metabolic interactions within communities and their global significance. Philos Trans R Soc Lond B Biol Sci 2024; 379:20230172. [PMID: 39034691 DOI: 10.1098/rstb.2023.0172] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/11/2023] [Revised: 01/26/2024] [Accepted: 03/21/2024] [Indexed: 07/23/2024] Open
Abstract
Our oceans are populated with a wide diversity of planktonic organisms that form complex dynamic communities at the base of marine trophic networks. Within such communities are phytoplankton, unicellular photosynthetic taxa that provide an estimated half of global primary production and support biogeochemical cycles, along with other essential ecosystem services. One of the major challenges for microbial ecologists has been to try to make sense of this complexity. While phytoplankton distributions can be well explained by abiotic factors such as temperature and nutrient availability, there is increasing evidence that their ecological roles are tightly linked to their metabolic interactions with other plankton members through complex mechanisms (e.g. competition and symbiosis). Therefore, unravelling phytoplankton metabolic interactions is the key for inferring their dependency on, or antagonism with, other taxa and better integrating them into the context of carbon and nutrient fluxes in marine trophic networks. In this review, we attempt to summarize the current knowledge brought by ecophysiology, organismal imaging, in silico predictions and co-occurrence networks using 'omics data, highlighting successful combinations of approaches that may be helpful for future investigations of phytoplankton metabolic interactions within their complex communities.This article is part of the theme issue 'Connected interactions: enriching food web research by spatial and social interactions'.
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Affiliation(s)
- Charlotte Nef
- Institut de Biologie de l'École Normale Supérieure (IBENS), École Normale Supérieure, CNRS, INSERM, PSL Université Paris, Paris 75005, France
- Research Federation for the study of Global Ocean Systems Ecology and Evolution, FR2022/Tara Oceans, Paris 75016, France
| | | | - Chris Bowler
- Institut de Biologie de l'École Normale Supérieure (IBENS), École Normale Supérieure, CNRS, INSERM, PSL Université Paris, Paris 75005, France
- Research Federation for the study of Global Ocean Systems Ecology and Evolution, FR2022/Tara Oceans, Paris 75016, France
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2
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Bellardini D, Russo L, Di Tuccio V, De Luca D, Del Gaizo G, Zampicinini G, Kokoszka F, Botte V, Colloca F, Conversano F, De Luca P, Iudicone D, Margiotta F, Saviano S, Vassallo P, Cianelli D, D'Alelio D. Spatiotemporal changes of pelagic food webs investigated by environmental DNA metabarcoding and connectivity analysis. Philos Trans R Soc Lond B Biol Sci 2024; 379:20230178. [PMID: 39005032 DOI: 10.1098/rstb.2023.0178] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/13/2023] [Accepted: 03/26/2024] [Indexed: 07/16/2024] Open
Abstract
Environmental DNA metabarcoding (eDNA metaB) is fundamental for monitoring marine biodiversity and its spread in coastal ecosystems. We applied eDNA metaB to seawater samples to investigate the spatiotemporal variability of plankton and small pelagic fish, comparing sites with different environmental conditions across a coast-to-offshore gradient at river mouths along the Campania coast (Italy) over 2 years (2020-2021). We found a marked seasonality in the planktonic community at the regional scale, likely owing to the hydrodynamic connection among sampling sites, which was derived from numerical simulations. Nonetheless, spatial variability among plankton communities was detected during summer. Overall, slight changes in plankton and fish composition resulted in the potential reorganization of the pelagic food web at the local scale. This work supports the utility of eDNA metaB in combination with hydrodynamic modelling to study marine biodiversity in the water column of coastal systems. This article is part of the theme issue 'Connected interactions: enriching food web research by spatial and social interactions'.
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Affiliation(s)
- Daniele Bellardini
- Department of Integrative Marine Ecology, Stazione Zoologica Anton Dohrn, Villa Comunale , Naples 80121, Italy
- DiSTAV, Department of Earth, Environment and Life Sciences, University of Genoa, Corso Europa 26 , Genoa 16132, Italy
| | - Luca Russo
- Department of Integrative Marine Ecology, Stazione Zoologica Anton Dohrn, Villa Comunale , Naples 80121, Italy
- PhD Programme in Evolutionary Biology and Ecology, Department of Biology, University of Rome "Tor Vergata" , Rome 00133, Italy
| | - Viviana Di Tuccio
- Department of Research Infrastructures for Marine Biological Resources, Stazione Zoologica Anton Dohrn, Villa Comunale , Naples 80121, Italy
| | - Daniele De Luca
- Department of Research Infrastructures for Marine Biological Resources, Stazione Zoologica Anton Dohrn, Villa Comunale , Naples 80121, Italy
| | - Gabriele Del Gaizo
- Department of Integrative Marine Ecology, Stazione Zoologica Anton Dohrn, Villa Comunale , Naples 80121, Italy
- Information and Environmental Reporting Area, Agenzia Regionale per la Protezione Ambientale del Lazio, Via Boncompagni 101 , Rome 00187, Italy
| | - Gianpaolo Zampicinini
- Department of Integrative Marine Ecology, Stazione Zoologica Anton Dohrn, Villa Comunale , Naples 80121, Italy
- Sezione di Oceanografia, Istituto Nazionale di Oceanografia e di Geofisica Sperimentale-OGS, via Auguste Piccard n. 54 , Trieste 34151, Italy
| | - Florian Kokoszka
- Department of Research Infrastructures for Marine Biological Resources, Stazione Zoologica Anton Dohrn, Villa Comunale , Naples 80121, Italy
- Consiglio Nazionale delle Ricerche, Istituto di Scienze Marine (CNR-ISMAR) , Naples 80133, Italy
| | - Vincenzo Botte
- Department of Integrative Marine Ecology, Stazione Zoologica Anton Dohrn, Villa Comunale , Naples 80121, Italy
| | - Francesco Colloca
- Department of Integrative Marine Ecology, Stazione Zoologica Anton Dohrn, Villa Comunale , Naples 80121, Italy
| | - Fabio Conversano
- Department of Research Infrastructures for Marine Biological Resources, Stazione Zoologica Anton Dohrn, Villa Comunale , Naples 80121, Italy
| | - Pasquale De Luca
- Department of Research Infrastructures for Marine Biological Resources, Stazione Zoologica Anton Dohrn, Villa Comunale , Naples 80121, Italy
| | - Daniele Iudicone
- Department of Integrative Marine Ecology, Stazione Zoologica Anton Dohrn, Villa Comunale , Naples 80121, Italy
| | - Francesca Margiotta
- Department of Research Infrastructures for Marine Biological Resources, Stazione Zoologica Anton Dohrn, Villa Comunale , Naples 80121, Italy
| | - Simona Saviano
- Department of Research Infrastructures for Marine Biological Resources, Stazione Zoologica Anton Dohrn, Villa Comunale , Naples 80121, Italy
| | - Paolo Vassallo
- DiSTAV, Department of Earth, Environment and Life Sciences, University of Genoa, Corso Europa 26 , Genoa 16132, Italy
- NBFC, National Biodiversity Future Center, Piazza Marina 61 , Palermo 90133, Italy
| | - Daniela Cianelli
- Department of Research Infrastructures for Marine Biological Resources, Stazione Zoologica Anton Dohrn, Villa Comunale , Naples 80121, Italy
| | - Domenico D'Alelio
- Department of Integrative Marine Ecology, Stazione Zoologica Anton Dohrn, Villa Comunale , Naples 80121, Italy
- NBFC, National Biodiversity Future Center, Piazza Marina 61 , Palermo 90133, Italy
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3
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Skouroliakou D, Breton E, Christaki U. Phaeocystis globosa and diatom blooms promote distinct bacterial communities and associations in a coastal ecosystem. ENVIRONMENTAL MICROBIOLOGY REPORTS 2024; 16:e13313. [PMID: 38988030 PMCID: PMC11236930 DOI: 10.1111/1758-2229.13313] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/24/2024] [Accepted: 06/26/2024] [Indexed: 07/12/2024]
Abstract
Phytoplankton and bacteria form the foundation of marine food webs. While most studies on phytoplankton bloom influence on bacteria dynamics focus on diatom-dominated blooms due to their global ecological significance, it is unclear if similar patterns extend to other species that compete with diatoms like Phaeocystis spp. This study aimed to contribute to the understanding of associations between phytoplankton and bacteria in a temperate ecosystem. For this, we studied the dynamics of phytoplankton and bacteria, combining 16S metabarcoding, microscopy, and flow cytometry over 4 years (282 samples). Phytoplankton and bacterial communities were studied throughout the year, particularly during contrasting phytoplankton blooms dominated by the Haptophyte Phaeocystis globosa or diatoms. We applied extended local similarity analysis (eLSA) to construct networks during blooming and non-blooming periods. Overall, the importance of seasonal and species-specific interactions between phytoplankton and bacteria is highlighted. In winter, mixed diatom communities were interconnected with bacteria, indicating a synergistic degradation of diverse phytoplankton-derived substrates. In spring, despite the intensity variations of P. globosa blooms, the composition of bacterial communities remained consistent over several years, suggesting establishing a stable-state environment for bacterial communities. Specific associations between monospecific diatom blooms and bacteria were evidenced in summer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dimitra‐Ioli Skouroliakou
- UMR CNRS 8187 LOG, Université Littoral Côte d’Opale, Université de LilleWimereuxFrance
- Present address:
Laboratory of Protistology and Aquatic Ecology, Department of BiologyGhent UniversityGhentBelgium
| | - Elsa Breton
- UMR CNRS 8187 LOG, Université Littoral Côte d’Opale, Université de LilleWimereuxFrance
| | - Urania Christaki
- UMR CNRS 8187 LOG, Université Littoral Côte d’Opale, Université de LilleWimereuxFrance
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4
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Wang Q, Yu J, Li X, Zhang Y, Zhang J, Wang J, Mu J, Yu X, Hui R. Seasonal and anthropogenic influences on bacterioplankton communities: ecological impacts in the coastal waters of Qinhuangdao, Northern China. Front Microbiol 2024; 15:1431548. [PMID: 38962120 PMCID: PMC11220261 DOI: 10.3389/fmicb.2024.1431548] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/12/2024] [Accepted: 06/06/2024] [Indexed: 07/05/2024] Open
Abstract
Marine bacterioplankton play a crucial role in the cycling of carbon, nitrogen, and phosphorus in coastal waters. And the impact of environmental factors on bacterial community structure and ecological functions is a dynamic ongoing process. To systematically assess the relationship between environmental changes and bacterioplankton communities, this study delved into the spatiotemporal distribution and predicted metabolic characteristics of bacterioplankton communities at two estuarine beaches in Northern China. Coastal water samples were collected regularly in spring, summer, and autumn, and were analyzed in combination with environmental parameters and bacterioplankton community. Results indicated significant seasonal variations in bacterioplankton communities as Bacteroidetes and Actinobacteria were enriched in spring, Cyanobacteria proliferated in summer. While Pseudomonadota and microorganisms associated with organic matter decomposition prevailed in autumn, closely linked to seasonal variation of temperature, light and nutrients such as nitrogen and phosphorus. Particularly in summer, increased tourism activities and riverine inputs significantly raised nutrient levels, promoting the proliferation of specific photosynthetic microorganisms, potentially linked to the occurrence of phytoplankton blooms. Spearman correlation analysis further revealed significant correlations between bacterioplankton communities and environmental factors such as salinity, chlorophyll a, and total dissolved phosphorus (TDP). Additionally, the metabolic features of the spring bacterioplankton community were primarily characterized by enhanced activities in the prokaryotic carbon fixation pathways, reflecting rapid adaptation to increased light and temperature, as well as significant contributions to primary productivity. In summer, the bacterial communities were involved in enhanced glycolysis and biosynthetic pathways, reflecting high energy metabolism and responses to increased light and biomass. In autumn, microorganisms adapted to the accelerated decomposition of organic matter and the seasonal changes in environmental conditions through enhanced amino acid metabolism and material cycling pathways. These findings demonstrate that seasonal changes and human activities significantly influence the structure and function of bacterioplankton communities by altering nutrient dynamics and physical environmental conditions. This study provides important scientific insights into the marine biological responses under global change.
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Affiliation(s)
- Qiuzhen Wang
- Ocean College, Hebei Agricultural University, Qinhuangdao, China
- Hebei Key Laboratory of Nutrition Regulation and Disease Control for Aquaculture, Qinhuangdao, China
| | - Jia Yu
- Ocean College, Hebei Agricultural University, Qinhuangdao, China
| | - Xiaofang Li
- Ocean College, Hebei Agricultural University, Qinhuangdao, China
| | - Yong Zhang
- Department of Ocean Survey, Qinhuangdao Marine Center of the Ministry of Natural Resources, Qinhuangdao, China
| | - Jianle Zhang
- Department of Ocean Survey, Qinhuangdao Marine Center of the Ministry of Natural Resources, Qinhuangdao, China
| | - Jianyan Wang
- Department of Life Sciences, National Natural History Museum of China, Beijing, China
| | - Jiandong Mu
- Ecological Environment Research Department, Hebei Ocean and Fisheries Science Research Institute, Qinhuangdao, China
| | - Xinping Yu
- Ocean College, Hebei Agricultural University, Qinhuangdao, China
| | - Ruixue Hui
- Ocean College, Hebei Agricultural University, Qinhuangdao, China
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5
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Hinthong W, Srisook T, Tanyong W, Kongngoen T, Mahikul W, Santajit S, Sookrung N, Indrawattana N. Investigation of the marine bacterial community along the coastline of the Gulf of Thailand. Heliyon 2024; 10:e31896. [PMID: 38868067 PMCID: PMC11167348 DOI: 10.1016/j.heliyon.2024.e31896] [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: 04/18/2023] [Revised: 05/20/2024] [Accepted: 05/23/2024] [Indexed: 06/14/2024] Open
Abstract
The Gulf of Thailand provides many services to the Thai population, and human activities may influence the diversity of microorganisms in the seawater. Information of the microorganisms' profile which inhabit the coastline can be used to monitor the water quality. This study aimed to investigate the bacterial community in the waters along the coastline provinces, including Rayong, Chonburi, Prachuap Kiri Khan, and Nakhon Sri Thammarat. Seawater samples were collected at each site, and the conductivity, pH, salinity, temperature, and turbidity were measured. The samples were subjected to whole DNA extraction, 16S rRNA amplification, next-generation sequencing, and statistical analysis to identify the bacterial diversity and analyse the effects of water parameters on the bacterial community. The dominant bacterial phyla found were Proteobacteria, Bacteroidota, and Cyanobacteria. Spearman rank correlation analysis revealed a high correlation of Pseudoalteromonas, the NS5 marine group, Lachnospiraceae, Marinobacterium, Mariviven, and Vibrio with the seawater parameters. The predatory bacteria Peredibacter and Halobacteriovorax were reported among these bacterial communities for the first time in the Gulf of Thailand. Interestingly, Akkermansia, a novel candidate for next-generation probiotics to improve human health, was also found in the sample from Nakhon Sri Thammarat Province. Although the rich-ness and diversity of the bacterial communities differed among sampling sites, it is a possible source of many valuable bacteria for future use.
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Affiliation(s)
- Woranich Hinthong
- Princess Srisavangavadhana College of Medicine, Chulabhorn Royal Academy, Bangkok, 10210, Thailand
| | - Thassanee Srisook
- Princess Srisavangavadhana College of Medicine, Chulabhorn Royal Academy, Bangkok, 10210, Thailand
| | - Witawat Tanyong
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Faculty of Tropical Medicine, Mahidol University, Bangkok, 10400, Thailand
| | - Thida Kongngoen
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Faculty of Tropical Medicine, Mahidol University, Bangkok, 10400, Thailand
| | - Wiriya Mahikul
- Princess Srisavangavadhana College of Medicine, Chulabhorn Royal Academy, Bangkok, 10210, Thailand
| | - Sirijan Santajit
- Department of Medical Technology, School of Allied Health Sciences, Walailak University, Nakhon Si Thammarat, 80160, Thailand
| | - Nitat Sookrung
- Siriraj Center of Research Excellence in Allergy and Immunology, Faculty of Medicine Siriraj Hospital, Mahidol University, Bangkok, 10700, Thailand
| | - Nitaya Indrawattana
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Faculty of Tropical Medicine, Mahidol University, Bangkok, 10400, Thailand
- Siriraj Center of Research Excellence in Allergy and Immunology, Faculty of Medicine Siriraj Hospital, Mahidol University, Bangkok, 10700, Thailand
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6
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Yang Z, Shen X, Jin J, Jiang X, Pan W, Wu C, Yu D, Li P, Feng W, Chen Y. Sonosynthetic Cyanobacteria Oxygenation for Self-Enhanced Tumor-Specific Treatment. ADVANCED SCIENCE (WEINHEIM, BADEN-WURTTEMBERG, GERMANY) 2024:e2400251. [PMID: 38867396 DOI: 10.1002/advs.202400251] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/08/2024] [Revised: 03/27/2024] [Indexed: 06/14/2024]
Abstract
Photosynthesis, essential for life on earth, sustains diverse processes by providing nutrition in plants and microorganisms. Especially, photosynthesis is increasingly applied in disease treatments, but its efficacy is substantially limited by the well-known low penetration depth of external light. Here, ultrasound-mediated photosynthesis is reported for enhanced sonodynamic tumor therapy using organic sonoafterglow (ultrasound-induced afterglow) nanoparticles combined with cyanobacteria, demonstrating the proof-of-concept sonosynthesis (sonoafterglow-induced photosynthesis) in cancer therapy. Chlorin e6, a typical small-molecule chlorine, is formulated into nanoparticles to stimulate cyanobacteria for sonosynthesis, which serves three roles, i.e., overcoming the tissue-penetration limitations of external light sources, reducing hypoxia, and acting as a sonosensitizer for in vivo tumor suppression. Furthermore, sonosynthetic oxygenation suppresses the expression of hypoxia-inducible factor 1α, leading to reduced stability of downstream SLC7A11 mRNA, which results in glutathione depletion and inactivation of glutathione peroxidase 4, thereby inducing ferroptosis of cancer cells. This study not only broadens the scope of microbial nanomedicine but also offers a distinct direction for sonosynthesis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zhenyu Yang
- Materdicine Lab, School of Life Sciences, Shanghai University, Shanghai, 200444, P. R. China
| | - Xiu Shen
- Materdicine Lab, School of Life Sciences, Shanghai University, Shanghai, 200444, P. R. China
| | - Junyi Jin
- Materdicine Lab, School of Life Sciences, Shanghai University, Shanghai, 200444, P. R. China
| | - Xiaoyan Jiang
- Materdicine Lab, School of Life Sciences, Shanghai University, Shanghai, 200444, P. R. China
- School of Environmental and Chemical Engineering, Shanghai University, Shanghai, 200444, P. R. China
- School of Medicine, Shanghai University, Shanghai, 200444, P. R. China
| | - Wenqi Pan
- Department of Ultrasound, Shanghai General Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, 200080, P. R. China
| | - Chenyao Wu
- Materdicine Lab, School of Life Sciences, Shanghai University, Shanghai, 200444, P. R. China
| | - Dehong Yu
- Materdicine Lab, School of Life Sciences, Shanghai University, Shanghai, 200444, P. R. China
| | - Ping Li
- Materdicine Lab, School of Life Sciences, Shanghai University, Shanghai, 200444, P. R. China
| | - Wei Feng
- Materdicine Lab, School of Life Sciences, Shanghai University, Shanghai, 200444, P. R. China
- School of Environmental and Chemical Engineering, Shanghai University, Shanghai, 200444, P. R. China
- Oujiang Laboratory (Zhejiang Lab for Regenerative Medicine, Vision, and Brain Health) Wenzhou Institute of Shanghai University, Wenzhou, Zhejiang, 325088, P. R. China
| | - Yu Chen
- Materdicine Lab, School of Life Sciences, Shanghai University, Shanghai, 200444, P. R. China
- School of Environmental and Chemical Engineering, Shanghai University, Shanghai, 200444, P. R. China
- Oujiang Laboratory (Zhejiang Lab for Regenerative Medicine, Vision, and Brain Health) Wenzhou Institute of Shanghai University, Wenzhou, Zhejiang, 325088, P. R. China
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7
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Wang C, Gu J, Li W, Wang J, Wang Z, Lin Q. Metabarcoding reveals a high diversity and complex eukaryotic microalgal community in coastal waters of the northern Beibu Gulf, China. Front Microbiol 2024; 15:1403964. [PMID: 38903786 PMCID: PMC11188352 DOI: 10.3389/fmicb.2024.1403964] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/20/2024] [Accepted: 05/24/2024] [Indexed: 06/22/2024] Open
Abstract
Beibu Gulf is an important semi-enclosed bay located in the northwestern South China Sea, and is famous for its high bio-productivity and rich bio-diversity. The fast development along the Beibu Gulf Economical Rim has brought pressure to the environment, and algal blooms occurred frequently in the gulf. In this study, surface water samples and micro-plankton samples (20-200 μm) were collected in the northern Beibu Gulf coast. Diversity and distribution of eukaryotic planktonic microalgae were analyzed by both metabarcoding and microscopic analyses. Metabarcoding revealed much higher diversity and species richness of microalgae than morphological observation, especially for dinoflagellates. Metabarcoding detected 144 microalgal genera in 8 phyla, while microscopy only detected 40 genera in 2 phyla. The two methods revealed different microalgal community structures. Dinoflagellates dominated in microalgal community based on metabarcoding due to their high copies of 18 s rRNA gene, and diatoms dominated under microscopy. Altogether 48 algal bloom and/or toxic species were detected in this study, 34 species by metabarcoding and 19 species by microscopy. Our result suggested a high potential risk of HABs in the Beibu Gulf. Microalgal community in the surface water samples demonstrated significantly higher OTU/species richness, alpha diversity, and abundance than those in the micro-plankton samples, although more HAB taxa were detected by microscopic observations in the micro-plankton samples. Furthermore, nano-sized taxa, such as those in chlorophytes, haptophytes, and chrysophyceans, occurred more abundantly in the surface water samples. This study provided a comprehensive morphological and molecular description of microalgal community in the northern Beibu Gulf.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | | | - Zhaohui Wang
- College of Life Science and Technology, Jinan University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Qiuqi Lin
- College of Life Science and Technology, Jinan University, Guangzhou, China
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8
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Keeling PJ. Horizontal gene transfer in eukaryotes: aligning theory with data. Nat Rev Genet 2024; 25:416-430. [PMID: 38263430 DOI: 10.1038/s41576-023-00688-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 12/06/2023] [Indexed: 01/25/2024]
Abstract
Horizontal gene transfer (HGT), or lateral gene transfer, is the non-sexual movement of genetic information between genomes. It has played a pronounced part in bacterial and archaeal evolution, but its role in eukaryotes is less clear. Behaviours unique to eukaryotic cells - phagocytosis and endosymbiosis - have been proposed to increase the frequency of HGT, but nuclear genomes encode fewer HGTs than bacteria and archaea. Here, I review the existing theory in the context of the growing body of data on HGT in eukaryotes, which suggests that any increased chance of acquiring new genes through phagocytosis and endosymbiosis is offset by a reduced need for these genes in eukaryotes, because selection in most eukaryotes operates on variation not readily generated by HGT.
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Affiliation(s)
- Patrick J Keeling
- Department of Botany, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC, Canada.
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9
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Mukherjee I, Grujčić V, Salcher MM, Znachor P, Seďa J, Devetter M, Rychtecký P, Šimek K, Shabarova T. Integrating depth-dependent protist dynamics and microbial interactions in spring succession of a freshwater reservoir. ENVIRONMENTAL MICROBIOME 2024; 19:31. [PMID: 38720385 PMCID: PMC11080224 DOI: 10.1186/s40793-024-00574-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/22/2023] [Accepted: 04/30/2024] [Indexed: 05/12/2024]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Protists are essential contributors to eukaryotic diversity and exert profound influence on carbon fluxes and energy transfer in freshwaters. Despite their significance, there is a notable gap in research on protistan dynamics, particularly in the deeper strata of temperate lakes. This study aimed to address this gap by integrating protists into the well-described spring dynamics of Římov reservoir, Czech Republic. Over a 2-month period covering transition from mixing to established stratification, we collected water samples from three reservoir depths (0.5, 10 and 30 m) with a frequency of up to three times per week. Microbial eukaryotic and prokaryotic communities were analysed using SSU rRNA gene amplicon sequencing and dominant protistan groups were enumerated by Catalysed Reporter Deposition-Fluorescence in situ Hybridization (CARD-FISH). Additionally, we collected samples for water chemistry, phyto- and zooplankton composition analyses. RESULTS Following the rapid changes in environmental and biotic parameters during spring, protistan and bacterial communities displayed swift transitions from a homogeneous community to distinct strata-specific communities. A prevalence of auto- and mixotrophic protists dominated by cryptophytes was associated with spring algal bloom-specialized bacteria in the epilimnion. In contrast, the meta- and hypolimnion showcased a development of a protist community dominated by putative parasitic Perkinsozoa, detritus or particle-associated ciliates, cercozoans, telonemids and excavate protists (Kinetoplastida), co-occurring with bacteria associated with lake snow. CONCLUSIONS Our high-resolution sampling matching the typical doubling time of microbes along with the combined microscopic and molecular approach and inclusion of all main components of the microbial food web allowed us to unveil depth-specific populations' successions and interactions in a deep lentic ecosystem.
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Affiliation(s)
- Indranil Mukherjee
- Biology Centre of the Czech Academy of Sciences, Institute of Hydrobiology, Na Sádkách 7, 37005, Ceske Budejovice, Czech Republic.
| | - Vesna Grujčić
- Department of Ecology, Environment and Plant Sciences, Stockholm University, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Michaela M Salcher
- Biology Centre of the Czech Academy of Sciences, Institute of Hydrobiology, Na Sádkách 7, 37005, Ceske Budejovice, Czech Republic
| | - Petr Znachor
- Biology Centre of the Czech Academy of Sciences, Institute of Hydrobiology, Na Sádkách 7, 37005, Ceske Budejovice, Czech Republic
- Faculty of Science, University of South Bohemia, 37005, Ceske Budejovice, Czech Republic
| | - Jaromír Seďa
- Biology Centre of the Czech Academy of Sciences, Institute of Hydrobiology, Na Sádkách 7, 37005, Ceske Budejovice, Czech Republic
| | - Miloslav Devetter
- Biology Centre of the Czech Academy of Sciences, Institute of Hydrobiology, Na Sádkách 7, 37005, Ceske Budejovice, Czech Republic
- Biology Centre of the Czech Academy of Sciences, Institute of Soil Biology and Biogeochemistry, Na Sádkách 7, 37005, Ceske Budejovice, Czech Republic
| | - Pavel Rychtecký
- Biology Centre of the Czech Academy of Sciences, Institute of Hydrobiology, Na Sádkách 7, 37005, Ceske Budejovice, Czech Republic
| | - Karel Šimek
- Biology Centre of the Czech Academy of Sciences, Institute of Hydrobiology, Na Sádkách 7, 37005, Ceske Budejovice, Czech Republic
- Faculty of Science, University of South Bohemia, 37005, Ceske Budejovice, Czech Republic
| | - Tanja Shabarova
- Biology Centre of the Czech Academy of Sciences, Institute of Hydrobiology, Na Sádkách 7, 37005, Ceske Budejovice, Czech Republic.
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10
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Freilich MA, Poirier C, Dever M, Alou-Font E, Allen J, Cabornero A, Sudek L, Choi CJ, Ruiz S, Pascual A, Farrar JT, Johnston TMS, D’Asaro EA, Worden AZ, Mahadevan A. 3D intrusions transport active surface microbial assemblages to the dark ocean. Proc Natl Acad Sci U S A 2024; 121:e2319937121. [PMID: 38696469 PMCID: PMC11087786 DOI: 10.1073/pnas.2319937121] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/14/2023] [Accepted: 03/18/2024] [Indexed: 05/04/2024] Open
Abstract
Subtropical oceans contribute significantly to global primary production, but the fate of the picophytoplankton that dominate in these low-nutrient regions is poorly understood. Working in the subtropical Mediterranean, we demonstrate that subduction of water at ocean fronts generates 3D intrusions with uncharacteristically high carbon, chlorophyll, and oxygen that extend below the sunlit photic zone into the dark ocean. These contain fresh picophytoplankton assemblages that resemble the photic-zone regions where the water originated. Intrusions propagate depth-dependent seasonal variations in microbial assemblages into the ocean interior. Strikingly, the intrusions included dominant biomass contributions from nonphotosynthetic bacteria and enrichment of enigmatic heterotrophic bacterial lineages. Thus, the intrusions not only deliver material that differs in composition and nutritional character from sinking detrital particles, but also drive shifts in bacterial community composition, organic matter processing, and interactions between surface and deep communities. Modeling efforts paired with global observations demonstrate that subduction can flux similar magnitudes of particulate organic carbon as sinking export, but is not accounted for in current export estimates and carbon cycle models. Intrusions formed by subduction are a particularly important mechanism for enhancing connectivity between surface and upper mesopelagic ecosystems in stratified subtropical ocean environments that are expanding due to the warming climate.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mara A. Freilich
- Massachusetts Institute of Technology-Wood Hole Oceanographic Institution Joint Program in Oceanography, Woods Hole, MA02543
- Scripps Institution of Oceanography, University of California San Diego, La Jolla, CA92093
- Department of Earth, Environmental, and Planetary Sciences, Brown University, Providence, RI02912
- Division of Applied Mathematics, Brown University, Providence, RI02912
| | - Camille Poirier
- GEOMAR—Helmholtz Centre for Ocean Research, Kiel24105, Germany
| | - Mathieu Dever
- Department of Physical Oceanography, Woods Hole Oceanographic Institution, Woods Hole, MA02543
| | - Eva Alou-Font
- Sistema de Observación y Predicción Costero de las Illes Balears (SOCIB), Palma de Mallorca 07121, Spain
| | - John Allen
- Sistema de Observación y Predicción Costero de las Illes Balears (SOCIB), Palma de Mallorca 07121, Spain
| | - Andrea Cabornero
- Sistema de Observación y Predicción Costero de las Illes Balears (SOCIB), Palma de Mallorca 07121, Spain
| | - Lisa Sudek
- Physical & Biological Sciences Division, University of California, Santa Cruz, CA95064
| | - Chang Jae Choi
- GEOMAR—Helmholtz Centre for Ocean Research, Kiel24105, Germany
| | - Simón Ruiz
- Instituto Mediterraneo de Estudios Avanzados (IMEDEA), Esporles07190, Spain
| | - Ananda Pascual
- Instituto Mediterraneo de Estudios Avanzados (IMEDEA), Esporles07190, Spain
| | - J. Thomas Farrar
- Department of Physical Oceanography, Woods Hole Oceanographic Institution, Woods Hole, MA02543
| | - T. M. Shaun Johnston
- Scripps Institution of Oceanography, University of California San Diego, La Jolla, CA92093
| | - Eric A. D’Asaro
- Applied Physics Lab, University of Washington, Seattle, WA98105
| | - Alexandra Z. Worden
- GEOMAR—Helmholtz Centre for Ocean Research, Kiel24105, Germany
- Physical & Biological Sciences Division, University of California, Santa Cruz, CA95064
- Marine Biological Laboratory, Woods Hole, MA02543
| | - Amala Mahadevan
- Department of Physical Oceanography, Woods Hole Oceanographic Institution, Woods Hole, MA02543
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11
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Wang H, Liu F, Wang M, Bettarel Y, Eissler Y, Chen F, Kan J. Planktonic eukaryotes in the Chesapeake Bay: contrasting responses of abundant and rare taxa to estuarine gradients. Microbiol Spectr 2024; 12:e0404823. [PMID: 38606959 PMCID: PMC11064499 DOI: 10.1128/spectrum.04048-23] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/07/2023] [Accepted: 03/15/2024] [Indexed: 04/13/2024] Open
Abstract
Phytoplankton are important drivers of aquatic ecosystem function and environmental health. Their community compositions and distributions are directly impacted by environmental processes and human activities, including in the largest estuary in North America, the Chesapeake Bay. It is crucial to uncover how planktonic eukaryotes play fundamental roles as primary producers and trophic links and sustain estuarine ecosystems. In this study, we investigated the detailed community structure and spatiotemporal variations of planktonic eukaryotes in the Chesapeake Bay across space and time for three consecutive years. A clear seasonal and spatial shift of total, abundant, and rare planktonic eukaryotes was evident, and the pattern recurred interannually. Multiple harmful algal species have been identified in the Bay with varied distribution patterns, such as Karlodinium, Heterosigma akashiwo, Protoperidinium sp., etc. Compared to abundant taxa, rare subcommunities were more sensitive to environmental disturbance in terms of richness, diversity, and distribution. The combined effects of temporal variation (13.3%), nutrient availability (10.0%), and spatial gradients (8.8%) structured the distribution of eukaryotic microbial communities in the Bay. Similar spatiotemporal patterns between planktonic prokaryotes and eukaryotes suggest common mechanisms of adjustment, replacement, and species interaction for planktonic microbiomes under strong estuarine gradients. To our best knowledge, this work represents the first systematic study on planktonic eukaryotes in the Bay. A comprehensive view of the distribution of planktonic microbiomes and their interactions with environmental processes is critical in understanding the underlying microbial mechanisms involved in maintaining the stability, function, and environmental health of estuarine ecosystems. IMPORTANCE Deep sequencing analysis of planktonic eukaryotes in the Chesapeake Bay reveals high community diversity with many newly recognized phytoplankton taxa. The Chesapeake Bay planktonic eukaryotes show distinct seasonal and spatial variability, with recurring annual patterns of total, abundant, and rare groups. Rare taxa mainly contribute to eukaryotic diversity compared to abundant groups, and they are more sensitive to spatiotemporal variations and environmental filtering. Temporal variations, nutrient availability, and spatial gradients significantly affect the distribution of eukaryotic microbial communities. Similar spatiotemporal patterns in prokaryotes and eukaryotes suggest common mechanisms of adjustment, substitution, and species interactions in planktonic microbiomes under strong estuarine gradients. Interannually recurring patterns demonstrate that diverse eukaryotic taxa have well adapted to the estuarine environment with a long residence time. Further investigations of how human activities impact estuarine planktonic eukaryotes are critical in understanding their essential ecosystem roles and in maintaining environmental safety and public health.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hualong Wang
- College of Marine Life Sciences, Frontiers Science Center for Deep Ocean Multispheres and Earth System, and Key Lab of Polar Oceanography and Global Ocean Change, Ocean University of China, Qingdao, China
| | - Feilong Liu
- College of Marine Life Sciences, Frontiers Science Center for Deep Ocean Multispheres and Earth System, and Key Lab of Polar Oceanography and Global Ocean Change, Ocean University of China, Qingdao, China
| | - Min Wang
- College of Marine Life Sciences, Frontiers Science Center for Deep Ocean Multispheres and Earth System, and Key Lab of Polar Oceanography and Global Ocean Change, Ocean University of China, Qingdao, China
| | - Yvan Bettarel
- ECOSYM (Ecologie des systèmes marins côtiers)- UMR 5119, Universite de Montpellier, Montpellier, France
| | - Yoanna Eissler
- Laboratorio de Virología, Centro de Neurobiología y Fisiopatología Integrativa, Instituto de Química y Bioquímica, Facultad de Ciencias, Universidad de Valparaíso, Valparaíso, Chile
| | - Feng Chen
- Institute of Marine and Environmental Technology, University of Maryland Center for Environmental Science, Baltimore, Maryland, USA
| | - Jinjun Kan
- Microbiology Division, Stroud Water Research Center, Avondale, Arizona, USA
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12
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Ye J, Wang Y, Li Q, Hussain S, Chen S, Zhou X, Hou S, Feng Y. Phagocytosis in Marine Coccolithophore Gephyrocapsa huxleyi: Comparison between Calcified and Non-Calcified Strains. BIOLOGY 2024; 13:310. [PMID: 38785792 PMCID: PMC11117637 DOI: 10.3390/biology13050310] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/02/2024] [Revised: 04/19/2024] [Accepted: 04/25/2024] [Indexed: 05/25/2024]
Abstract
Coccolithophores play a significant role in marine calcium carbonate production and carbon cycles, attributing to their unique feature of producing calcareous plates, coccoliths. Coccolithophores also possess a haplo-diplontic life cycle, presenting distinct morphology types and calcification states. However, differences in nutrient acquisition strategies and mixotrophic behaviors of the two life phases remain unclear. In this study, we conducted a series of phagocytosis experiments of calcified diploid and non-calcified haploid strains of coccolithophore Gephyrocapsa huxleyi under light and dark conditions. The phagocytosis capability of each strain was examined based on characteristic fluorescent signals from ingested beads using flow cytometry and fluorescence microscopy. The results show a significantly higher phagocytosis percentage on fluorescent beads in the bacterial prey surrogates of the non-calcified haploid Gephyrocapsa huxleyi strain, than the calcified diploid strain with or without light. In addition, the non-calcified diploid cells seemingly to presented a much higher phagocytosis percentage in darkness than under light. The differential phagocytosis capacities between the calcified diploid and non-calcified haploid Gephyrocapsa huxleyi strains indicate potential distinct nutritional strategies at different coccolithophore life and calcifying stages, which may further shed light on the potential strategies that coccolithophore possesses in unfavorable environments such as twilight zones and the expanding coccolithophore niches in the natural marine environment under the climate change scenario.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jiayang Ye
- School of Oceanography, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai 200030, China; (J.Y.); (Q.L.)
- Shanghai Key Laboratory of Polar Life and Environment Sciences, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai 200030, China;
- Key Laboratory of Polar Ecosystem and Climate Change, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Ministry of Education, Shanghai 200030, China
| | - Ying Wang
- School of Oceanography, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai 200030, China; (J.Y.); (Q.L.)
| | - Qian Li
- School of Oceanography, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai 200030, China; (J.Y.); (Q.L.)
| | - Sarfraz Hussain
- Department of Ocean Science & Engineering, Southern University of Science and Technology, Shenzhen 518055, China
| | - Songze Chen
- Shenzhen Ecological and Environmental Monitoring Center of Guangdong Province, Shenzhen 518049, China
| | - Xunying Zhou
- Department of Ocean Science & Engineering, Southern University of Science and Technology, Shenzhen 518055, China
| | - Shengwei Hou
- Shanghai Key Laboratory of Polar Life and Environment Sciences, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai 200030, China;
- Key Laboratory of Polar Ecosystem and Climate Change, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Ministry of Education, Shanghai 200030, China
- Department of Ocean Science & Engineering, Southern University of Science and Technology, Shenzhen 518055, China
| | - Yuanyuan Feng
- School of Oceanography, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai 200030, China; (J.Y.); (Q.L.)
- Shanghai Key Laboratory of Polar Life and Environment Sciences, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai 200030, China;
- Key Laboratory of Polar Ecosystem and Climate Change, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Ministry of Education, Shanghai 200030, China
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13
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Trznadel M, Holt CC, Livingston SJ, Kwong WK, Keeling PJ. Coral-infecting parasites in cold marine ecosystems. Curr Biol 2024; 34:1810-1816.e4. [PMID: 38608678 DOI: 10.1016/j.cub.2024.03.026] [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: 12/06/2023] [Revised: 02/17/2024] [Accepted: 03/14/2024] [Indexed: 04/14/2024]
Abstract
Coral reefs are a biodiversity hotspot,1,2 and the association between coral and intracellular dinoflagellates is a model for endosymbiosis.3,4 Recently, corals and related anthozoans have also been found to harbor another kind of endosymbiont, apicomplexans called corallicolids.5 Apicomplexans are a diverse lineage of obligate intracellular parasites6 that include human pathogens such as the malaria parasite, Plasmodium.7 Global environmental sequencing shows corallicolids are tightly associated with tropical and subtropical reef environments,5,8,9 where they infect diverse corals across a range of depths in many reef systems, and correlate with host mortality during bleaching events.10 All of this points to corallicolids being ecologically significant to coral reefs, but it is also possible they are even more widely distributed because most environmental sampling is biased against parasites that maintain a tight association with their hosts throughout their life cycle. We tested the global distribution of corallicolids using a more direct approach, by specifically targeting potential anthozoan host animals from cold/temperate marine waters outside the coral reef context. We found that corallicolids are in fact common in such hosts, in some cases at high frequency, and that they infect the same tissue as parasites from topical coral reefs. Parasite phylogeny suggests corallicolids move between hosts and habitats relatively frequently, but that biogeography is more conserved. Overall, these results greatly expand the range of corallicolids beyond coral reefs, suggesting they are globally distributed parasites of marine anthozoans, which also illustrates significant blind spots that result from strategies commonly used to sample microbial biodiversity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Morelia Trznadel
- Botany Department, University of British Columbia, 6270 University Boulevard, Vancouver, BC V6T 1Z4, Canada
| | - Corey C Holt
- Botany Department, University of British Columbia, 6270 University Boulevard, Vancouver, BC V6T 1Z4, Canada
| | - Samuel J Livingston
- Botany Department, University of British Columbia, 6270 University Boulevard, Vancouver, BC V6T 1Z4, Canada
| | - Waldan K Kwong
- Botany Department, University of British Columbia, 6270 University Boulevard, Vancouver, BC V6T 1Z4, Canada
| | - Patrick J Keeling
- Botany Department, University of British Columbia, 6270 University Boulevard, Vancouver, BC V6T 1Z4, Canada.
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14
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Diver P, Ward BA, Cunliffe M. Physiological and morphological plasticity in response to nitrogen availability of a yeast widely distributed in the open ocean. FEMS Microbiol Ecol 2024; 100:fiae053. [PMID: 38599628 PMCID: PMC11062419 DOI: 10.1093/femsec/fiae053] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/09/2023] [Revised: 04/02/2024] [Accepted: 04/09/2024] [Indexed: 04/12/2024] Open
Abstract
Yeasts are prevalent in the open ocean, yet we have limited understanding of their ecophysiological adaptations, including their response to nitrogen availability, which can have a major role in determining the ecological potential of other planktonic microbes. In this study, we characterized the nitrogen uptake capabilities and growth responses of marine-occurring yeasts. Yeast isolates from the North Atlantic Ocean were screened for growth on diverse nitrogen substrates, and across a concentration gradient of three environmentally relevant nitrogen substrates: nitrate, ammonium, and urea. Three strains grew with enriched nitrate while two did not, demonstrating that nitrate utilization is present but not universal in marine yeasts, consistent with existing knowledge of nonmarine yeast strains. Naganishia diffluens MBA_F0213 modified the key functional trait of cell size in response to nitrogen concentration, suggesting yeast cell morphology changes along chemical gradients in the marine environment. Meta-analysis of the reference DNA barcode in public databases revealed that the genus Naganishia has a global ocean distribution, strengthening the environmental applicability of the culture-based observations. This study provides novel quantitative understanding of the ecophysiological and morphological responses of marine-derived yeasts to variable nitrogen availability in vitro, providing insight into the functional ecology of yeasts within pelagic open ocean environments.
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Affiliation(s)
- Poppy Diver
- Marine Biological Association, The Laboratory, Citadel Hill, Plymouth, PL1 2PB, United Kingdom
- School of Ocean and Earth Science, University of Southampton, Waterfront Campus, European Way, Southampton, SO14 3ZH, United Kingdom
| | - Ben A Ward
- School of Ocean and Earth Science, University of Southampton, Waterfront Campus, European Way, Southampton, SO14 3ZH, United Kingdom
| | - Michael Cunliffe
- Marine Biological Association, The Laboratory, Citadel Hill, Plymouth, PL1 2PB, United Kingdom
- School of Biological and Marine Sciences, University of Plymouth, Drake Circus, Plymouth, PL4 8AA, United Kingdom
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15
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Fu Y, Qu Z, Wang Y, Sun P, Jiao N, Xu D. Biogeographical and biodiversity patterns of planktonic microeukaryotes along the tropical western to eastern Pacific Ocean transect revealed by metabarcoding. Microbiol Spectr 2024; 12:e0242423. [PMID: 38488393 PMCID: PMC10986530 DOI: 10.1128/spectrum.02424-23] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/12/2023] [Accepted: 03/02/2024] [Indexed: 04/06/2024] Open
Abstract
Microeukaryotic plankton (0.2-200 µm), which are morphologically and genetically highly diverse, play a crucial role in ocean productivity and carbon consumption. The Pacific Ocean (PO), one of the world's largest oligotrophic regions, remains largely unexplored in terms of the biogeography and biodiversity of microeukaryotes based on large-scale sampling. We investigated the horizontal distribution of microeukaryotes along a 16,000 km transect from the west to the east of the PO. The alpha diversity indices showed a distinct decreasing trend from west to east, which was highly correlated with water temperature. The microeukaryotic community, which was clustered into the western, central, and eastern PO groups, displayed a significant distance-decay relationship. Syndiniales, a lineage of parasitic dinoflagellates, was ubiquitously distributed along the transect and dominated the community in terms of both sequence and zero-radius operational taxonomic unit (ZOTU) proportions. The prevailing dominance of Syndiniales-affiliated ZOTUs and their close associations with dinoflagellates, diatoms, and radiolarians, as revealed by SparCC correlation analysis, suggested that parasitism may be an important trophic strategy in the surface waters of the PO. Geographical distance and temperature were the most important environmental factors that significantly correlated with community structure. Overall, our study sheds more light on the distribution pattern of both alpha and beta diversities of microeukaryotic communities and highlighted the importance of parasitisms by Syndiniales across the tropical PO.IMPORTANCEUnderstanding the biogeographical and biodiversity patterns of microeukaryotic communities is essential to comprehending their roles in biogeochemical cycling. In this study, planktonic microeukaryotes were collected along a west-to-east Pacific Ocean transect (ca. 16,000 km). Our study revealed that the alpha diversity indices were highly correlated with water temperature, and the microeukaryotic communities displayed a distinct geographical distance-driven pattern. The predominance of the parasitic dinoflagellate lineage Syndiniales and their close relationship with other microeukaryotic groups suggest that parasitism may be a crucial survival strategy for microeukaryotes in the surface waters of the Pacific Ocean. Our findings expand our understanding of the biodiversity and biogeographical pattern of microeukaryotes and highlight the significance of parasitic Syndiniales in the surface ocean.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yingjun Fu
- State Key Laboratory of Marine Environmental Science, College of Ocean and Earth Sciences, Institute of Marine Microbes and Ecospheres, Xiamen University, Xiamen, China
- Fujian Key Laboratory of Marine Carbon Sequestration, Xiamen University, Xiamen, China
| | - Zhishuai Qu
- Institute of Marine Science and Technology, Shandong University, Qingdao 266237, China
| | - Ying Wang
- Key Laboratory of Ministry of Education for Coastal and Wetland Ecosystems, Fujian Provincial Key Laboratory of Coastal Ecology and Environmental Studies, College of the Environment and Ecology, Xiamen University, Xiamen, China
| | - Ping Sun
- Key Laboratory of Ministry of Education for Coastal and Wetland Ecosystems, Fujian Provincial Key Laboratory of Coastal Ecology and Environmental Studies, College of the Environment and Ecology, Xiamen University, Xiamen, China
| | - Nianzhi Jiao
- State Key Laboratory of Marine Environmental Science, College of Ocean and Earth Sciences, Institute of Marine Microbes and Ecospheres, Xiamen University, Xiamen, China
- Fujian Key Laboratory of Marine Carbon Sequestration, Xiamen University, Xiamen, China
| | - Dapeng Xu
- State Key Laboratory of Marine Environmental Science, College of Ocean and Earth Sciences, Institute of Marine Microbes and Ecospheres, Xiamen University, Xiamen, China
- Fujian Key Laboratory of Marine Carbon Sequestration, Xiamen University, Xiamen, China
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16
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Logares R. Decoding populations in the ocean microbiome. MICROBIOME 2024; 12:67. [PMID: 38561814 PMCID: PMC10983722 DOI: 10.1186/s40168-024-01778-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/27/2023] [Accepted: 02/12/2024] [Indexed: 04/04/2024]
Abstract
Understanding the characteristics and structure of populations is fundamental to comprehending ecosystem processes and evolutionary adaptations. While the study of animal and plant populations has spanned a few centuries, microbial populations have been under scientific scrutiny for a considerably shorter period. In the ocean, analyzing the genetic composition of microbial populations and their adaptations to multiple niches can yield important insights into ecosystem function and the microbiome's response to global change. However, microbial populations have remained elusive to the scientific community due to the challenges associated with isolating microorganisms in the laboratory. Today, advancements in large-scale metagenomics and metatranscriptomics facilitate the investigation of populations from many uncultured microbial species directly from their habitats. The knowledge acquired thus far reveals substantial genetic diversity among various microbial species, showcasing distinct patterns of population differentiation and adaptations, and highlighting the significant role of selection in structuring populations. In the coming years, population genomics is expected to significantly increase our understanding of the architecture and functioning of the ocean microbiome, providing insights into its vulnerability or resilience in the face of ongoing global change. Video Abstract.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ramiro Logares
- Institute of Marine Sciences (ICM), CSIC, Barcelona, Catalonia, 08003, Spain.
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17
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Gross M, Dunthorn M, Mauvisseau Q, Stoeck T. Using digital PCR to predict ciliate abundance from ribosomal RNA gene copy numbers. Environ Microbiol 2024; 26:e16619. [PMID: 38649189 DOI: 10.1111/1462-2920.16619] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/27/2023] [Accepted: 03/16/2024] [Indexed: 04/25/2024]
Abstract
Ciliates play a key role in most ecosystems. Their abundance in natural samples is crucial for answering many ecological questions. Traditional methods of quantifying individual species, which rely on microscopy, are often labour-intensive, time-consuming and can be highly biassed. As a result, we investigated the potential of digital polymerase chain reaction (dPCR) for quantifying ciliates. A significant challenge in this process is the high variation in the copy number of the taxonomic marker gene (ribosomal RNA [rRNA]). We first quantified the rRNA gene copy numbers (GCN) of the model ciliate, Paramecium tetraurelia, during different stages of the cell cycle and growth phases. The per-cell rRNA GCN varied between approximately 11,000 and 130,000, averaging around 50,000 copies per cell. Despite these variations in per-cell rRNA GCN, we found a highly significant correlation between GCN and cell numbers. This is likely due to the coexistence of different cellular stages in an uncontrolled (environmental) ciliate population. Thanks to the high sensitivity of dPCR, we were able to detect the target gene in a sample that contained only a single cell. The dPCR approach presented here is a valuable addition to the molecular toolbox in protistan ecology. It may guide future studies in quantifying and monitoring the abundance of targeted (even rare) ciliates in natural samples.
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Affiliation(s)
- Megan Gross
- Ecology Group, Rheinland-Pfälzische Technische Universität Kaiserslautern-Landau, Kaiserslautern, Germany
| | - Micah Dunthorn
- Natural History Museum, University of Oslo, Oslo, Norway
| | | | - Thorsten Stoeck
- Ecology Group, Rheinland-Pfälzische Technische Universität Kaiserslautern-Landau, Kaiserslautern, Germany
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18
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Seo HJ, Kim YH, Yang HJ, Park MG, Lee MJ, Kim DJ, Jang SH. Spring protistan communities in response to warming in the northeastern East China Sea. MARINE ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH 2024; 196:106376. [PMID: 38316569 DOI: 10.1016/j.marenvres.2024.106376] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/29/2023] [Revised: 01/05/2024] [Accepted: 01/19/2024] [Indexed: 02/07/2024]
Abstract
The northeastern East China Sea is a highly dynamic marine ecosystem influenced by seasonally varying water mass properties. However, despite being among the world's fastest-warming ocean, there has been limited investigation into the impacts of warming on protistan communities. We collected seawater from two stations (E42 and E46) with different natural protist communities and environmental attributes to investigate the acclimation of the two communities to artificially elevated temperatures (ambient T, +2, and +4 °C). Nutrient and Chl-a conditions reflected oceanographic differences, providing insights into protistan community dynamics. Notably, small-sized autotrophic protists prevailed in the phosphate-deficient E42 community, with mid-incubation heterotrophic conversions. Higher temperatures exacerbated the effects of the P deficiency on the E42 community. While the proportions of Bacillariophyta increased only in the nutrient-balanced E46 communities, those of mixotrophic dinoflagellates increased with elevated temperature, regardless of P deficiency, suggesting that mixotrophy likely aids adaptation in changing marine environments. In summary, the findings of this microcosm study illuminate the potential modulation of spring protistan communities in the northeastern East China Sea under anticipated future warming.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hye Jin Seo
- Department of Oceanography, Chonnam National University, Gwangju 61186, South Korea
| | - Yun Hee Kim
- Department of Oceanography, Chonnam National University, Gwangju 61186, South Korea
| | - Hyun Jun Yang
- Department of Oceanography, Chonnam National University, Gwangju 61186, South Korea
| | - Myung Gil Park
- Department of Oceanography, Chonnam National University, Gwangju 61186, South Korea
| | - Moo Joon Lee
- Department of Marine Biotechnology, Anyang University, Incheon 23038, South Korea
| | - Dae Jin Kim
- Training Ship Administrative Center, Chonnam National University, Yeosu 59626, South Korea
| | - Se Hyeon Jang
- Department of Oceanography, Chonnam National University, Gwangju 61186, South Korea.
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19
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Toda N, Inoue-Kashino N, Fujita H, Yoshida R, Nimura-Matsune K, Watanabe S, Kuroda A, Kashino Y, Hirota R. Cell morphology engineering enhances grazing resistance of Synechococcus elongatus PCC 7942 for non-sterile large-scale cultivation. J Biosci Bioeng 2024; 137:245-253. [PMID: 38336581 DOI: 10.1016/j.jbiosc.2024.01.001] [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: 11/20/2023] [Revised: 01/04/2024] [Accepted: 01/04/2024] [Indexed: 02/12/2024]
Abstract
In the practical scale of cyanobacterial cultivation, the golden algae Poterioochromonas malhamensis is a well-known predator that causes devastating damage to the culture, referred to as pond crash. The establishment and maintenance of monoculture conditions are ideal for large-scale cultures. However, this is a difficult challenge because microbial contamination is unavoidable in practical-scale culture facilities. In the present study, we unexpectedly observed the pond crash phenomenon during the pilot-scale cultivation of Synechococcus elongatus PCC 7942 using a 100-L photobioreactor. This was due to the contamination with P. malhamensis, which probably originated from residual fouling. Interestingly, we found that S.elongatus PCC 7942 can alter its morphological structure when subjected to continuous grazing pressure from predators, resulting in cells that were more than 100 times longer than those of the wild-type strain. These hyper-elongated S.elongatus PCC 7942 cells had mutations in the genes encoding FtsZ or Ftn2 which are involved in bacterial cell division. Importantly, the elongated phenotype remained stable during cultivation, enabling S.elongatus PCC 7942 to thrive and resist grazing. The cultivation of the elongated S.elongatus PCC 7942 mutant strain in a 100-L pilot-scale photobioreactor under non-sterile conditions resulted in increased cyanobacterial biomass without encountering pond crash. This study demonstrates an efficient strategy for cyanobacterial cell culture in practical-scale bioreactors without the need for extensive decontamination or sterilization of the growth medium and culture facility, which can contribute to economically viable cultivation and bioprocessing of microalgae.
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Affiliation(s)
- Narumi Toda
- Unit of Biotechnology, Division of Biological and Life Sciences, Graduate School of Integrated Sciences for Life, Hiroshima University, 1-3-1 Kagamiyama, Higashi-Hiroshima, Hiroshima 739-8530, Japan
| | - Natsuko Inoue-Kashino
- Graduate School of Science, University of Hyogo, 3-2-1 Koto, Kamigori, Ako-gun, Hyogo, 678-1297, Japan
| | - Hazaya Fujita
- Graduate School of Science, University of Hyogo, 3-2-1 Koto, Kamigori, Ako-gun, Hyogo, 678-1297, Japan
| | - Ryosuke Yoshida
- Unit of Biotechnology, Division of Biological and Life Sciences, Graduate School of Integrated Sciences for Life, Hiroshima University, 1-3-1 Kagamiyama, Higashi-Hiroshima, Hiroshima 739-8530, Japan
| | - Kaori Nimura-Matsune
- Department of Bioscience, Tokyo University of Agriculture, 1-1-1 Sakuragaoka, Setagaya-ku, Tokyo, 156-8502, Japan
| | - Satoru Watanabe
- Department of Bioscience, Tokyo University of Agriculture, 1-1-1 Sakuragaoka, Setagaya-ku, Tokyo, 156-8502, Japan
| | - Akio Kuroda
- Unit of Biotechnology, Division of Biological and Life Sciences, Graduate School of Integrated Sciences for Life, Hiroshima University, 1-3-1 Kagamiyama, Higashi-Hiroshima, Hiroshima 739-8530, Japan; Seto Inland Sea Carbon-neutral Research Center, Hiroshima University, 2445 Mukaishima-cho, Onomichi, Hiroshima 722-0073, Japan
| | - Yasuhiro Kashino
- Graduate School of Science, University of Hyogo, 3-2-1 Koto, Kamigori, Ako-gun, Hyogo, 678-1297, Japan
| | - Ryuichi Hirota
- Unit of Biotechnology, Division of Biological and Life Sciences, Graduate School of Integrated Sciences for Life, Hiroshima University, 1-3-1 Kagamiyama, Higashi-Hiroshima, Hiroshima 739-8530, Japan; Seto Inland Sea Carbon-neutral Research Center, Hiroshima University, 2445 Mukaishima-cho, Onomichi, Hiroshima 722-0073, Japan.
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20
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Muñoz-Marín MDC, López-Lozano A, Moreno-Cabezuelo JÁ, Díez J, García-Fernández JM. Mixotrophy in cyanobacteria. Curr Opin Microbiol 2024; 78:102432. [PMID: 38325247 DOI: 10.1016/j.mib.2024.102432] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/01/2023] [Revised: 12/22/2023] [Accepted: 01/10/2024] [Indexed: 02/09/2024]
Abstract
Cyanobacteria evolved the oxygenic photosynthesis to generate organic matter from CO2 and sunlight, and they were responsible for the production of oxygen in the Earth's atmosphere. This made them a model for photosynthetic organisms, since they are easier to study than higher plants. Early studies suggested that only a minority among cyanobacteria might assimilate organic compounds, being considered mostly autotrophic for decades. However, compelling evidence from marine and freshwater cyanobacteria, including toxic strains, in the laboratory and in the field, has been obtained in the last decades: by using physiological and omics approaches, mixotrophy has been found to be a more widespread feature than initially believed. Furthermore, dominant clades of marine cyanobacteria can take up organic compounds, and mixotrophy is critical for their survival in deep waters with very low light. Hence, mixotrophy seems to be an essential trait in the metabolism of most cyanobacteria, which can be exploited for biotechnological purposes.
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Affiliation(s)
- María Del Carmen Muñoz-Marín
- Departamento de Bioquímica y Biología Molecular, Campus de Excelencia Universitario ceiA3, Universidad de Córdoba, Edificio Severo Ochoa, planta 1, ala Este, Campus de Rabanales, 14071 Córdoba, Spain
| | - Antonio López-Lozano
- Departamento de Bioquímica y Biología Molecular, Campus de Excelencia Universitario ceiA3, Universidad de Córdoba, Edificio Severo Ochoa, planta 1, ala Este, Campus de Rabanales, 14071 Córdoba, Spain
| | - José Ángel Moreno-Cabezuelo
- Departamento de Bioquímica y Biología Molecular, Campus de Excelencia Universitario ceiA3, Universidad de Córdoba, Edificio Severo Ochoa, planta 1, ala Este, Campus de Rabanales, 14071 Córdoba, Spain
| | - Jesús Díez
- Departamento de Bioquímica y Biología Molecular, Campus de Excelencia Universitario ceiA3, Universidad de Córdoba, Edificio Severo Ochoa, planta 1, ala Este, Campus de Rabanales, 14071 Córdoba, Spain.
| | - José Manuel García-Fernández
- Departamento de Bioquímica y Biología Molecular, Campus de Excelencia Universitario ceiA3, Universidad de Córdoba, Edificio Severo Ochoa, planta 1, ala Este, Campus de Rabanales, 14071 Córdoba, Spain.
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21
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Xin Y, Wu S, Miao C, Xu T, Lu Y. Towards Lipid from Microalgae: Products, Biosynthesis, and Genetic Engineering. Life (Basel) 2024; 14:447. [PMID: 38672718 PMCID: PMC11051065 DOI: 10.3390/life14040447] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/13/2024] [Revised: 03/27/2024] [Accepted: 03/27/2024] [Indexed: 04/28/2024] Open
Abstract
Microalgae can convert carbon dioxide into organic matter through photosynthesis. Thus, they are considered as an environment-friendly and efficient cell chassis for biologically active metabolites. Microalgal lipids are a class of organic compounds that can be used as raw materials for food, feed, cosmetics, healthcare products, bioenergy, etc., with tremendous potential for commercialization. In this review, we summarized the commercial lipid products from eukaryotic microalgae, and updated the mechanisms of lipid synthesis in microalgae. Moreover, we reviewed the enhancement of lipids, triglycerides, polyunsaturated fatty acids, pigments, and terpenes in microalgae via environmental induction and/or metabolic engineering in the past five years. Collectively, we provided a comprehensive overview of the products, biosynthesis, induced strategies and genetic engineering in microalgal lipids. Meanwhile, the outlook has been presented for the development of microalgal lipids industries, emphasizing the significance of the accurate analysis of lipid bioactivity, as well as the high-throughput screening of microalgae with specific lipids.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yi Xin
- State Key Laboratory of Marine Resource Utilization in South China Sea, School of Marine Life and Aquaculture, Hainan University, Haikou 570228, China; (S.W.); (C.M.); (T.X.)
- Haikou Technology Innovation Center for Research and Utilization of Algal Bioresources, Hainan University, Haikou 570228, China
| | - Shan Wu
- State Key Laboratory of Marine Resource Utilization in South China Sea, School of Marine Life and Aquaculture, Hainan University, Haikou 570228, China; (S.W.); (C.M.); (T.X.)
| | - Congcong Miao
- State Key Laboratory of Marine Resource Utilization in South China Sea, School of Marine Life and Aquaculture, Hainan University, Haikou 570228, China; (S.W.); (C.M.); (T.X.)
| | - Tao Xu
- State Key Laboratory of Marine Resource Utilization in South China Sea, School of Marine Life and Aquaculture, Hainan University, Haikou 570228, China; (S.W.); (C.M.); (T.X.)
| | - Yandu Lu
- State Key Laboratory of Marine Resource Utilization in South China Sea, School of Marine Life and Aquaculture, Hainan University, Haikou 570228, China; (S.W.); (C.M.); (T.X.)
- Haikou Technology Innovation Center for Research and Utilization of Algal Bioresources, Hainan University, Haikou 570228, China
- Hainan Provincial Key Laboratory of Tropical Hydrobiotechnology, Hainan University, Haikou 570228, China
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22
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Kajan K, Fuchs BM, Orlić S. Insight into planktonic protistan and fungal communities across the nutrient-depleted environment of the South Pacific Subtropical Gyre. Microbiol Spectr 2024; 12:e0301623. [PMID: 38334383 PMCID: PMC10913754 DOI: 10.1128/spectrum.03016-23] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/04/2023] [Accepted: 01/18/2024] [Indexed: 02/10/2024] Open
Abstract
Ocean microorganisms constitute ~70% of the marine biomass, contribute to ~50% of the Earth's primary production, and play a vital role in global biogeochemical cycles. The marine heterotrophic and mixotrophic protistan and fungal communities have often been overlooked mainly due to limitations in morphological species identification. Despite the accumulation of studies on biogeographic patterns observed in microbial communities, our understanding of the abundance and distribution patterns within the microbial community of the largest subtropical gyre, the South Pacific Gyre (SPG), remains incomplete. Here, we investigated the diversity and vertical composition of protistan and fungal communities in the water column of the ultra-oligotrophic SPG. Our results showed apparent differences in protistan community diversity in the photic and aphotic regions. The entire protistan community diversity was significantly affected by temperature, salinity, oxygen, and nutrient concentrations, while the parasitic community diversity was also affected by chlorophyll a concentration. The parasitic protists were assigned to the class Syndiniales accounting for over 98% of the total parasitic protists, exhibiting higher relative sequence abundance along the water depth and displaying consistent patterns among different sampling stations. In contrast to the protistan community, the fungal community along the SPG primarily clustered based on the sampling station and pelagic zones. In particular, our study reveals a significant presence of parasitic protists and functionally diverse fungi in SPG and their potential impact on carbon cycling in the gyre.IMPORTANCEOur findings carry important implications for understanding the distribution patterns of the previously unrecognized occurrence of parasitic protists and functionally diverse fungi in the nutrient-limited South Pacific Gyre. In particular, our study reveals a significant presence of parasitic Syndiniales, predominantly abundant in the upper 300 m of the aphotic zone in the gyre, and a distinct presence of fungal communities in the aphotic zone at the central part of the gyre. These findings strongly suggest that these communities play a substantial role in yet insufficiently described microbial food web. Moreover, our research enhances our understanding of their contribution to the dynamics of the food webs in oligotrophic gyres and is valuable for projecting the ecological consequences of future climate warming.
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Affiliation(s)
- Katarina Kajan
- Division of Materials Chemistry, Ruđer Bošković Institute, Zagreb, Croatia
- Center of Excellence for Science and Technology-Integration of Mediterranean Region (STIM), Zagreb, Croatia
| | - Bernhard M. Fuchs
- Department of Molecular Ecology, Max Planck Institute for Marine Microbiology, Bremen, Germany
| | - Sandi Orlić
- Division of Materials Chemistry, Ruđer Bošković Institute, Zagreb, Croatia
- Center of Excellence for Science and Technology-Integration of Mediterranean Region (STIM), Zagreb, Croatia
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23
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Suzuki-Tellier S, Kiørboe T, Simpson AGB. The function of the feeding groove of 'typical excavate' flagellates. J Eukaryot Microbiol 2024; 71:e13016. [PMID: 38108228 DOI: 10.1111/jeu.13016] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/09/2023] [Revised: 11/30/2023] [Accepted: 11/30/2023] [Indexed: 12/19/2023]
Abstract
Phagotrophic flagellates are the main consumers of bacteria and picophytoplankton. Despite their ecological significance in the 'microbial loop', many of their predation mechanisms remain unclear. 'Typical excavates' bear a ventral groove, where prey is captured for ingestion. The consequences of feeding through a 'semi-rigid' furrow on the prey size range have not been explored. An unidentified moving element called 'the wave' that sweeps along the bottom of the groove toward the site of phagocytosis has been observed in a few species; its function is unclear. We investigated the presence, behavior, and function of the wave in four species from the three excavate clades (Discoba, Metamonada, and Malawimonadida) and found it present in all studied cases, suggesting the potential homology of this feature across all three groups. The wave displayed a species-specific behavior and was crucial for phagocytosis. The morphology of the feeding groove had an upper-prey size limit for successful prey captures, but smaller particles were not constrained. Additionally, the ingestion efficiencies were species dependent. By jointly studying these feeding traits, we speculate on adaptations to differences in food availability to better understand their ecological functions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sei Suzuki-Tellier
- Centre for Ocean Life, DTU Aqua, Technical University of Denmark, Kgs Lyngby, Denmark
| | - Thomas Kiørboe
- Centre for Ocean Life, DTU Aqua, Technical University of Denmark, Kgs Lyngby, Denmark
| | - Alastair G B Simpson
- Department of Biology, and Centre for Comparative Genomics and Evolutionary Bioinformatics, Dalhousie University, Halifax, Nova Scotia, Canada
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24
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Cadena LR, Edgcomb V, Lukeš J. Gazing into the abyss: A glimpse into the diversity, distribution, and behaviour of heterotrophic protists from the deep-sea floor. Environ Microbiol 2024; 26:e16598. [PMID: 38444221 DOI: 10.1111/1462-2920.16598] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/20/2023] [Accepted: 02/08/2024] [Indexed: 03/07/2024]
Abstract
The benthic biome of the deep-sea floor, one of the largest biomes on Earth, is dominated by diverse and highly productive heterotrophic protists, second only to prokaryotes in terms of biomass. Recent evidence suggests that these protists play a significant role in ocean biogeochemistry, representing an untapped source of knowledge. DNA metabarcoding and environmental sample sequencing have revealed that deep-sea abyssal protists exhibit high levels of specificity and diversity across local regions. This review aims to provide a comprehensive summary of the known heterotrophic protists from the deep-sea floor, their geographic distribution, and their interactions in terms of parasitism and predation. We offer an overview of the most abundant groups and discuss their potential ecological roles. We argue that the exploration of the biodiversity and species-specific features of these protists should be integrated into broader deep-sea research and assessments of how benthic biomes may respond to future environmental changes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lawrence Rudy Cadena
- Institute of Parasitology, Biology Centre, Czech Academy of Sciences, České Budějovice, Czech Republic
| | - Virginia Edgcomb
- Woods Hole Oceanographic Institution, Woods Hole, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Julius Lukeš
- Institute of Parasitology, Biology Centre, Czech Academy of Sciences, České Budějovice, Czech Republic
- Faculty of Sciences, University of South Bohemia, České Budějovice, Czech Republic
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25
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Kuhlisch C, Shemi A, Barak-Gavish N, Schatz D, Vardi A. Algal blooms in the ocean: hot spots for chemically mediated microbial interactions. Nat Rev Microbiol 2024; 22:138-154. [PMID: 37833328 DOI: 10.1038/s41579-023-00975-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 09/14/2023] [Indexed: 10/15/2023]
Abstract
The cycling of major nutrients in the ocean is affected by large-scale phytoplankton blooms, which are hot spots of microbial life. Diverse microbial interactions regulate bloom dynamics. At the single-cell level, interactions between microorganisms are mediated by small molecules in the chemical crosstalk that determines the type of interaction, ranging from mutualism to pathogenicity. Algae interact with viruses, bacteria, parasites, grazers and other algae to modulate algal cell fate, and these interactions are dependent on the environmental context. Recent advances in mass spectrometry and single-cell technologies have led to the discovery of a growing number of infochemicals - metabolites that convey information - revealing the ability of algal cells to govern biotic interactions in the ocean. The diversity of infochemicals seems to account for the specificity in cellular response during microbial communication. Given the immense impact of algal blooms on biogeochemical cycles and climate regulation, a major challenge is to elucidate how microscale interactions control the fate of carbon and the recycling of major elements in the ocean. In this Review, we discuss microbial interactions and the role of infochemicals in algal blooms. We further explore factors that can impact microbial interactions and the available tools to decipher them in the natural environment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Constanze Kuhlisch
- Department of Plant and Environmental Sciences, Weizmann Institute of Science, Rehovot, Israel
| | - Adva Shemi
- Department of Plant and Environmental Sciences, Weizmann Institute of Science, Rehovot, Israel
| | - Noa Barak-Gavish
- Department of Plant and Environmental Sciences, Weizmann Institute of Science, Rehovot, Israel
- Institute of Microbiology, ETH Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Daniella Schatz
- Department of Plant and Environmental Sciences, Weizmann Institute of Science, Rehovot, Israel
| | - Assaf Vardi
- Department of Plant and Environmental Sciences, Weizmann Institute of Science, Rehovot, Israel.
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26
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Deng H, He C, Worden AZ, Gong J. Employing a triple metabarcoding approach to differentiate active, dormant and dead microeukaryotes in sediments. Environ Microbiol 2024; 26:e16615. [PMID: 38501240 DOI: 10.1111/1462-2920.16615] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/12/2024] [Accepted: 03/08/2024] [Indexed: 03/20/2024]
Abstract
Microbial communities are commonly characterised through the metabarcoding of environmental DNA. This DNA originates from both viable (including dormant and active) and dead organisms, leading to recent efforts to distinguish between these states. In this study, we further these approaches by distinguishing not only between viable and dead cells but also between dormant and actively growing cells. This is achieved by sequencing both rRNA and rDNA, in conjunction with propidium monoazide cross-linked rDNA, to partition the active, dormant and relic fractions in environmental samples. We apply this method to characterise the diversity and assemblage structure of these fractions of microeukaryotes in intertidal sediments during a wet-dry-rewet incubation cycle. Our findings indicate that a significant proportion of microeukaryotic phylotypes detected in the total rDNA pools originate from dormant and relic microeukaryotes in the sediments, both in terms of richness (dormant, 13 ± 2%; relic, 47 ± 5%) and read abundance (dormant, 20 ± 7%; relic, 14 ± 5%). The richness and sequence proportion of dormant microeukaryotes notably increase during the transition from wet to dry conditions. Statistical analyses suggest that the dynamics of diversity and assemblage structure across different activity fractions are influenced by various environmental drivers. Our strategy offers a versatile approach that can be adapted to characterise other microbes in a wide range of environments.
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Affiliation(s)
- Huiwen Deng
- School of Marine Sciences, Sun Yat-sen University, and Southern Marine Science and Engineering Guangdong Laboratory (Zhuhai), Zhuhai, China
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Marine Resources and Coastal Engineering, Guangzhou, China
| | - Cui He
- School of Marine Sciences, Sun Yat-sen University, and Southern Marine Science and Engineering Guangdong Laboratory (Zhuhai), Zhuhai, China
| | - Alexandra Z Worden
- Marine Biological Laboratory, Woods Hole, Massachusetts, USA
- Department of Geophysical Sciences, University of Chicago, Chicago, Illinois, USA
| | - Jun Gong
- School of Marine Sciences, Sun Yat-sen University, and Southern Marine Science and Engineering Guangdong Laboratory (Zhuhai), Zhuhai, China
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Marine Resources and Coastal Engineering, Guangzhou, China
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27
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Han B, Shi R, Zhang S, Lian A, Kuang Z, Wu F, Huang L, Huang H. Responses of microeukaryotic community structure to a Phaeocystis globosa bloom in a semi-enclosed subtropical bay. MARINE ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH 2024; 195:106374. [PMID: 38277816 DOI: 10.1016/j.marenvres.2024.106374] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/13/2023] [Revised: 01/10/2024] [Accepted: 01/19/2024] [Indexed: 01/28/2024]
Abstract
The occurrence of Phaeocystis globosa, a harmful algal bloom species in Chinese coastal waters, has significant impacts on marine organisms and poses a threat to the safety of coastal nuclear power plants. Although previous studies have established a close association between P. globosa blooms and the bacterial community, the relationship between the microeukaryotic community and P. globosa blooms remains poorly understood. In this study, the variations in the microeukaryotic community resulting from a P. globosa bloom were analyzed using 18S rRNA gene amplicon sequencing. The results indicated that the diversity of the microeukaryotic community during the bloom phase was significantly higher than that during the dissipation phase. The microeukaryotic community compositions varied significantly between the two phases of the P. globosa bloom. During the bloom phase, the dominant microeukaryotic was Viridiplantae, which was then replaced by Dinoflagellata during the dissipation phase. Co-occurrence network analysis showed that the relationship among the microeukaryotic community during the bloom phase was more complex than that during the dissipation phase, and the keystone taxa varied as the bloom progressed. Additionally, microeukaryotic community assembly was primarily driven by stochastic processes during the bloom phase based on the β-nearest taxon distance, whereas it was driven by both deterministic processes and stochastic processes during the dissipation phase. Overall, our findings provide novel insight into the mechanisms and interactions involved in microeukaryotic community dynamics in environments disturbed by P. globosa blooms.
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Affiliation(s)
- Beibei Han
- Key Laboratory of the Ministry of Education for Coastal and Wetland Ecosystems, College of the Environment and Ecology, Xiamen University, Xiamen, 361102, China; Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Fishery Ecology and Environment, South China Sea Fisheries Research Institute, Chinese Academy of Fishery Sciences, Guangzhou, 510300, China
| | - Rongjun Shi
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Fishery Ecology and Environment, South China Sea Fisheries Research Institute, Chinese Academy of Fishery Sciences, Guangzhou, 510300, China
| | - Shufei Zhang
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Fishery Ecology and Environment, South China Sea Fisheries Research Institute, Chinese Academy of Fishery Sciences, Guangzhou, 510300, China
| | - Anji Lian
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Fishery Ecology and Environment, South China Sea Fisheries Research Institute, Chinese Academy of Fishery Sciences, Guangzhou, 510300, China
| | - Zexing Kuang
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Fishery Ecology and Environment, South China Sea Fisheries Research Institute, Chinese Academy of Fishery Sciences, Guangzhou, 510300, China
| | - Fengxia Wu
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Fishery Ecology and Environment, South China Sea Fisheries Research Institute, Chinese Academy of Fishery Sciences, Guangzhou, 510300, China
| | - Lingfeng Huang
- Key Laboratory of the Ministry of Education for Coastal and Wetland Ecosystems, College of the Environment and Ecology, Xiamen University, Xiamen, 361102, China.
| | - Honghui Huang
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Fishery Ecology and Environment, South China Sea Fisheries Research Institute, Chinese Academy of Fishery Sciences, Guangzhou, 510300, China.
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28
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Yang L, He X, Ru S, Zhang Y. Herbicide leakage into seawater impacts primary productivity and zooplankton globally. Nat Commun 2024; 15:1783. [PMID: 38413588 PMCID: PMC10899588 DOI: 10.1038/s41467-024-46059-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/23/2023] [Accepted: 02/13/2024] [Indexed: 02/29/2024] Open
Abstract
Predicting the magnitude of herbicide impacts on marine primary productivity remains challenging because the extent of worldwide herbicide pollution in coastal waters and the concentration-response relationships of phytoplankton communities to multiple herbicides are unclear. By analyzing the spatiotemporal distribution of herbicides at 661 bay and gulf stations worldwide from 1990 to 2022, we determined median, third quartile and maximum concentrations of 12 triazine herbicides of 0.18 nmol L-1, 1.27 nmol L-1 and 29.50 nmol L-1 (95%Confidence Interval: CI 1.06, 1.47), respectively. Under current herbicide stress, phytoplankton primary productivity was inhibited by more than 5% at 25% of the sites and by more than 10% at 10% of the sites (95%CI 3.67, 4.34), due to the inhibition of highly abundant sensitive species, community structure/particle size succession (from Bacillariophyta to Dinophyceae and from nano-phytoplankton to micro-phytoplankton), and resulting growth rate reduction. Concurrently, due to food chain cascade effects, the dominant micro-zooplankton population shifted from larger copepod larvae to smaller unicellular ciliates, which might prolong the transmission process in marine food chain and reduce the primary productivity transmission efficiency. As herbicide application rates on farmlands worldwide are correlated with residues in their adjacent seas, a continued future increase in herbicide input may seriously affect the stability of coastal waters.
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Affiliation(s)
- Liqiang Yang
- College of Marine Life Sciences, Ocean University of China, Qingdao, China
- Qingdao Institute of Bioenergy and Bioprocess Technology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, No. 189 Songling Road, Qingdao, Shandong, 266101, China
| | - Xiaotong He
- College of Marine Life Sciences, Ocean University of China, Qingdao, China
| | - Shaoguo Ru
- College of Marine Life Sciences, Ocean University of China, Qingdao, China.
| | - Yongyu Zhang
- Qingdao Institute of Bioenergy and Bioprocess Technology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, No. 189 Songling Road, Qingdao, Shandong, 266101, China.
- Shandong Energy Institute, No. 189 Songling Road, Qingdao, Shandong, 266101, China.
- Qingdao New Energy Shandong Laboratory, Qingdao, Shandong, 266101, China.
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29
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Wang FQ, Bartosik D, Sidhu C, Siebers R, Lu DC, Trautwein-Schult A, Becher D, Huettel B, Rick J, Kirstein IV, Wiltshire KH, Schweder T, Fuchs BM, Bengtsson MM, Teeling H, Amann RI. Particle-attached bacteria act as gatekeepers in the decomposition of complex phytoplankton polysaccharides. MICROBIOME 2024; 12:32. [PMID: 38374154 PMCID: PMC10877868 DOI: 10.1186/s40168-024-01757-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/07/2023] [Accepted: 01/04/2024] [Indexed: 02/21/2024]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Marine microalgae (phytoplankton) mediate almost half of the worldwide photosynthetic carbon dioxide fixation and therefore play a pivotal role in global carbon cycling, most prominently during massive phytoplankton blooms. Phytoplankton biomass consists of considerable proportions of polysaccharides, substantial parts of which are rapidly remineralized by heterotrophic bacteria. We analyzed the diversity, activity, and functional potential of such polysaccharide-degrading bacteria in different size fractions during a diverse spring phytoplankton bloom at Helgoland Roads (southern North Sea) at high temporal resolution using microscopic, physicochemical, biodiversity, metagenome, and metaproteome analyses. RESULTS Prominent active 0.2-3 µm free-living clades comprised Aurantivirga, "Formosa", Cd. Prosiliicoccus, NS4, NS5, Amylibacter, Planktomarina, SAR11 Ia, SAR92, and SAR86, whereas BD1-7, Stappiaceae, Nitrincolaceae, Methylophagaceae, Sulfitobacter, NS9, Polaribacter, Lentimonas, CL500-3, Algibacter, and Glaciecola dominated 3-10 µm and > 10 µm particles. Particle-attached bacteria were more diverse and exhibited more dynamic adaptive shifts over time in terms of taxonomic composition and repertoires of encoded polysaccharide-targeting enzymes. In total, 305 species-level metagenome-assembled genomes were obtained, including 152 particle-attached bacteria, 100 of which were novel for the sampling site with 76 representing new species. Compared to free-living bacteria, they featured on average larger metagenome-assembled genomes with higher proportions of polysaccharide utilization loci. The latter were predicted to target a broader spectrum of polysaccharide substrates, ranging from readily soluble, simple structured storage polysaccharides (e.g., laminarin, α-glucans) to less soluble, complex structural, or secreted polysaccharides (e.g., xylans, cellulose, pectins). In particular, the potential to target poorly soluble or complex polysaccharides was more widespread among abundant and active particle-attached bacteria. CONCLUSIONS Particle-attached bacteria represented only 1% of all bloom-associated bacteria, yet our data suggest that many abundant active clades played a pivotal gatekeeping role in the solubilization and subsequent degradation of numerous important classes of algal glycans. The high diversity of polysaccharide niches among the most active particle-attached clades therefore is a determining factor for the proportion of algal polysaccharides that can be rapidly remineralized during generally short-lived phytoplankton bloom events. Video Abstract.
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Grants
- AM 73/9-3 Deutsche Forschungsgemeinschaft,Germany
- SCHW 595/10-3 Deutsche Forschungsgemeinschaft,Germany
- TE 813/2-3 Deutsche Forschungsgemeinschaft,Germany
- RI 969/9-2 Deutsche Forschungsgemeinschaft,Germany
- BE 3869/4-3 Deutsche Forschungsgemeinschaft,Germany
- SCHW 595/11-3 Deutsche Forschungsgemeinschaft,Germany
- FU 627/2-3 Deutsche Forschungsgemeinschaft,Germany
- RI 969/9-2 Deutsche Forschungsgemeinschaft,Germany
- TE 813/2-3 Deutsche Forschungsgemeinschaft,Germany
- AM 73/9-3 Deutsche Forschungsgemeinschaft,Germany
- AWI_BAH_o 1 Biological Station Helgoland, Alfred Wegener Institute, Helmholtz Center for Polar and Marine Research
- AWI_BAH_o 1 Biological Station Helgoland, Alfred Wegener Institute, Helmholtz Center for Polar and Marine Research
- Max Planck Institute for Marine Microbiology (2)
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Affiliation(s)
- Feng-Qing Wang
- Max Planck Institute for Marine Microbiology, Celsiusstraße 1, 28359, Bremen, Germany
| | - Daniel Bartosik
- Institute of Pharmacy, University of Greifswald, Felix-Hausdorff-Straße 3, 17489, Greifswald, Germany
- Institute of Marine Biotechnology, Walther-Rathenau-Straße 49a, 17489, Greifswald, Germany
| | - Chandni Sidhu
- Max Planck Institute for Marine Microbiology, Celsiusstraße 1, 28359, Bremen, Germany
| | - Robin Siebers
- Institute of Microbiology, University of Greifswald, Felix-Hausdorff-Straße 8, 17489, Greifswald, Germany
| | - De-Chen Lu
- Max Planck Institute for Marine Microbiology, Celsiusstraße 1, 28359, Bremen, Germany
- Marine College, Shandong University, Weihai, 264209, China
| | - Anke Trautwein-Schult
- Institute of Microbiology, University of Greifswald, Felix-Hausdorff-Straße 8, 17489, Greifswald, Germany
| | - Dörte Becher
- Institute of Microbiology, University of Greifswald, Felix-Hausdorff-Straße 8, 17489, Greifswald, Germany
| | - Bruno Huettel
- Max Planck Genome Centre Cologne, Carl von Linné-Weg 10, 50829, Cologne, Germany
| | - Johannes Rick
- Alfred Wegener Institute for Polar and Marine Research, Biologische Anstalt Helgoland, Helgoland, 27483, Germany
| | - Inga V Kirstein
- Alfred Wegener Institute for Polar and Marine Research, Biologische Anstalt Helgoland, Helgoland, 27483, Germany
| | - Karen H Wiltshire
- Alfred Wegener Institute for Polar and Marine Research, Biologische Anstalt Helgoland, Helgoland, 27483, Germany
| | - Thomas Schweder
- Institute of Pharmacy, University of Greifswald, Felix-Hausdorff-Straße 3, 17489, Greifswald, Germany
- Institute of Marine Biotechnology, Walther-Rathenau-Straße 49a, 17489, Greifswald, Germany
| | - Bernhard M Fuchs
- Max Planck Institute for Marine Microbiology, Celsiusstraße 1, 28359, Bremen, Germany
| | - Mia M Bengtsson
- Institute of Microbiology, University of Greifswald, Felix-Hausdorff-Straße 8, 17489, Greifswald, Germany.
| | - Hanno Teeling
- Max Planck Institute for Marine Microbiology, Celsiusstraße 1, 28359, Bremen, Germany.
| | - Rudolf I Amann
- Max Planck Institute for Marine Microbiology, Celsiusstraße 1, 28359, Bremen, Germany.
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Kim KE, Joo HM, Kim YJ, Kang D, Lee TK, Jung SW, Ha SY. Ecological Interaction between Bacteriophages and Bacteria in Sub-Arctic Kongsfjorden Bay, Svalbard, Norway. Microorganisms 2024; 12:276. [PMID: 38399681 PMCID: PMC10893223 DOI: 10.3390/microorganisms12020276] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/30/2023] [Revised: 01/25/2024] [Accepted: 01/26/2024] [Indexed: 02/25/2024] Open
Abstract
Marine virus diversity and their relationships with their hosts in the marine environment remain unclear. This study investigated the co-occurrence of marine DNA bacteriophages (phages) and bacteria in the sub-Arctic area of Kongsfjorden Bay in Svalbard (Norway) in April and June 2018 using metagenomics tools. Of the marine viruses identified, 48-81% were bacteriophages of the families Myoviridae, Siphoviridae, and Podoviridae. Puniceispirillum phage HMO-2011 was dominant (7.61%) in April, and Puniceispirillum phage HMO-2011 (3.32%) and Pelagibacter phage HTVC008M (3.28%) were dominant in June. Gammaproteobacteria (58%), including Eionea flava (14.3%) and Pseudomonas sabulinigri (12.2%), were dominant in April, whereas Alphaproteobacteria (87%), including Sulfitobacter profundi (51.5%) and Loktanella acticola (32.4%), were dominant in June. The alpha diversity of the bacteriophages and bacterial communities exhibited opposite patterns. The diversity of the bacterial community was higher in April and lower in June. Changes in water temperature and light can influence the relationship between bacteria and bacteriophages.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kang Eun Kim
- Library of Marine Samples, Korea Institute of Ocean Science & Technology, Geoje 53201, Republic of Korea; (K.E.K.); (Y.J.K.)
- Department of Ocean Science, University of Science & Technology, Daejeon 34113, Republic of Korea;
| | - Hyoung Min Joo
- Unit of Next Generation IBRV Building Program, Korea Polar Research Institute, Incheon 21990, Republic of Korea;
| | - Yu Jin Kim
- Library of Marine Samples, Korea Institute of Ocean Science & Technology, Geoje 53201, Republic of Korea; (K.E.K.); (Y.J.K.)
- Department of Ocean Science, University of Science & Technology, Daejeon 34113, Republic of Korea;
| | - Donhyug Kang
- Marine Domain & Security Research Department, Korea Institute of Ocean Science & Technology, Busan 49111, Republic of Korea;
| | - Taek-Kyun Lee
- Department of Ocean Science, University of Science & Technology, Daejeon 34113, Republic of Korea;
- Risk Assessment Research Center, Korea Institute of Ocean Science & Technology, Geoje 53201, Republic of Korea
| | - Seung Won Jung
- Library of Marine Samples, Korea Institute of Ocean Science & Technology, Geoje 53201, Republic of Korea; (K.E.K.); (Y.J.K.)
- Department of Ocean Science, University of Science & Technology, Daejeon 34113, Republic of Korea;
| | - Sun-Yong Ha
- Division of Polar Ocean Science Research, Korea Polar Research Institute, Incheon 21990, Republic of Korea
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31
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Goldman AL, Fulk EM, Momper LM, Heider C, Mulligan J, Osburn M, Masiello CA, Silberg JJ. Microbial sensor variation across biogeochemical conditions in the terrestrial deep subsurface. mSystems 2024; 9:e0096623. [PMID: 38059636 PMCID: PMC10805038 DOI: 10.1128/msystems.00966-23] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/15/2023] [Accepted: 11/08/2023] [Indexed: 12/08/2023] Open
Abstract
Microbes can be found in abundance many kilometers underground. While microbial metabolic capabilities have been examined across different geochemical settings, it remains unclear how changes in subsurface niches affect microbial needs to sense and respond to their environment. To address this question, we examined how microbial extracellular sensor systems vary with environmental conditions across metagenomes at different Deep Mine Microbial Observatory (DeMMO) subsurface sites. Because two-component systems (TCSs) directly sense extracellular conditions and convert this information into intracellular biochemical responses, we expected that this sensor family would vary across isolated oligotrophic subterranean environments that differ in abiotic and biotic conditions. TCSs were found at all six subsurface sites, the service water control, and the surface site, with an average of 0.88 sensor histidine kinases (HKs) per 100 genes across all sites. Abundance was greater in subsurface fracture fluids compared with surface-derived fluids, and candidate phyla radiation (CPR) bacteria presented the lowest HK frequencies. Measures of microbial diversity, such as the Shannon diversity index, revealed that HK abundance is inversely correlated with microbial diversity (r2 = 0.81). Among the geochemical parameters measured, HK frequency correlated most strongly with variance in dissolved organic carbon (r2 = 0.82). Taken together, these results implicate the abiotic and biotic properties of an ecological niche as drivers of sensor needs, and they suggest that microbes in environments with large fluctuations in organic nutrients (e.g., lacustrine, terrestrial, and coastal ecosystems) may require greater TCS diversity than ecosystems with low nutrients (e.g., open ocean).IMPORTANCEThe ability to detect extracellular environmental conditions is a fundamental property of all life forms. Because microbial two-component sensor systems convert information about extracellular conditions into biochemical information that controls their behaviors, we evaluated how two-component sensor systems evolved within the deep Earth across multiple sites where abiotic and biotic properties vary. We show that these sensor systems remain abundant in microbial consortia at all subterranean sampling sites and observe correlations between sensor system abundances and abiotic (dissolved organic carbon variation) and biotic (consortia diversity) properties. These results suggest that multiple environmental properties may drive sensor protein evolution and highlight the need for further studies of metagenomic and geochemical data in parallel to understand the drivers of microbial sensor evolution.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Emily M. Fulk
- Systems, Synthetic, and Physical Biology Graduate Program, Rice University, Houston, Texas, USA
| | - Lily M. Momper
- Department of Earth and Planetary Sciences, Northwestern University, Evanston, Illinois, USA
| | - Clinton Heider
- Rice University, Center for Research Computing, Houston, Texas, USA
| | - John Mulligan
- Rice University, Center for Research Computing, Houston, Texas, USA
| | - Magdalena Osburn
- Department of Earth and Planetary Sciences, Northwestern University, Evanston, Illinois, USA
| | - Caroline A. Masiello
- Department of Biosciences, Rice University, Houston, Texas, USA
- Department of Earth, Environmental and Planetary Sciences, Rice University, Houston, Texas, USA
- Department of Chemistry, Rice University, Houston, Texas, USA
| | - Jonathan J. Silberg
- Department of Biosciences, Rice University, Houston, Texas, USA
- Department of Bioengineering, Rice University, Houston, Texas, USA
- Department of Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering, Rice University, Houston, Texas, USA
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32
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Grujčić V, Saarenpää S, Sundh J, Sennblad B, Norgren B, Latz M, Giacomello S, Foster RA, Andersson AF. Towards high-throughput parallel imaging and single-cell transcriptomics of microbial eukaryotic plankton. PLoS One 2024; 19:e0296672. [PMID: 38241213 PMCID: PMC10798536 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0296672] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/06/2023] [Accepted: 12/13/2023] [Indexed: 01/21/2024] Open
Abstract
Single-cell transcriptomics has the potential to provide novel insights into poorly studied microbial eukaryotes. Although several such technologies are available and benchmarked on mammalian cells, few have been tested on protists. Here, we applied a microarray single-cell sequencing (MASC-seq) technology, that generates microscope images of cells in parallel with capturing their transcriptomes, on three species representing important plankton groups with different cell structures; the ciliate Tetrahymena thermophila, the diatom Phaeodactylum tricornutum, and the dinoflagellate Heterocapsa sp. Both the cell fixation and permeabilization steps were adjusted. For the ciliate and dinoflagellate, the number of transcripts of microarray spots with single cells were significantly higher than for background spots, and the overall expression patterns were correlated with that of bulk RNA, while for the much smaller diatom cells, it was not possible to separate single-cell transcripts from background. The MASC-seq method holds promise for investigating "microbial dark matter", although further optimizations are necessary to increase the signal-to-noise ratio.
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Affiliation(s)
- Vesna Grujčić
- Science for Life Laboratory, Department of Gene Technology, KTH Royal Institute of Technology, Stockholm, Sweden
- Department of Ecology, Environment and Plant Sciences, Stockholm University, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Sami Saarenpää
- Science for Life Laboratory, Department of Gene Technology, KTH Royal Institute of Technology, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - John Sundh
- Science for Life Laboratory, Department of Biochemistry and Biophysics, National Bioinformatics Infrastructure Sweden, Stockholm University, Solna, Sweden
| | - Bengt Sennblad
- Science for Life Laboratory, Dept of Cell and Molecular Biology, National Bioinformatics Infrastructure Sweden, Uppsala University, Uppsala, Sweden
| | - Benjamin Norgren
- Department of Ecology, Environment and Plant Sciences, Stockholm University, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Meike Latz
- Science for Life Laboratory, Department of Gene Technology, KTH Royal Institute of Technology, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Stefania Giacomello
- Science for Life Laboratory, Department of Gene Technology, KTH Royal Institute of Technology, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Rachel A. Foster
- Department of Ecology, Environment and Plant Sciences, Stockholm University, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Anders F. Andersson
- Science for Life Laboratory, Department of Gene Technology, KTH Royal Institute of Technology, Stockholm, Sweden
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Howard-Varona C, Lindback MM, Fudyma JD, Krongauz A, Solonenko NE, Zayed AA, Andreopoulos WB, Olson HM, Kim YM, Kyle JE, Glavina del Rio T, Adkins JN, Tfaily MM, Paul S, Sullivan MB, Duhaime MB. Environment-specific virocell metabolic reprogramming. THE ISME JOURNAL 2024; 18:wrae055. [PMID: 38552150 PMCID: PMC11170926 DOI: 10.1093/ismejo/wrae055] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/20/2023] [Revised: 12/23/2023] [Accepted: 03/28/2024] [Indexed: 06/14/2024]
Abstract
Viruses impact microbial systems through killing hosts, horizontal gene transfer, and altering cellular metabolism, consequently impacting nutrient cycles. A virus-infected cell, a "virocell," is distinct from its uninfected sister cell as the virus commandeers cellular machinery to produce viruses rather than replicate cells. Problematically, virocell responses to the nutrient-limited conditions that abound in nature are poorly understood. Here we used a systems biology approach to investigate virocell metabolic reprogramming under nutrient limitation. Using transcriptomics, proteomics, lipidomics, and endo- and exo-metabolomics, we assessed how low phosphate (low-P) conditions impacted virocells of a marine Pseudoalteromonas host when independently infected by two unrelated phages (HP1 and HS2). With the combined stresses of infection and nutrient limitation, a set of nested responses were observed. First, low-P imposed common cellular responses on all cells (virocells and uninfected cells), including activating the canonical P-stress response, and decreasing transcription, translation, and extracellular organic matter consumption. Second, low-P imposed infection-specific responses (for both virocells), including enhancing nitrogen assimilation and fatty acid degradation, and decreasing extracellular lipid relative abundance. Third, low-P suggested virocell-specific strategies. Specifically, HS2-virocells regulated gene expression by increasing transcription and ribosomal protein production, whereas HP1-virocells accumulated host proteins, decreased extracellular peptide relative abundance, and invested in broader energy and resource acquisition. These results suggest that although environmental conditions shape metabolism in common ways regardless of infection, virocell-specific strategies exist to support viral replication during nutrient limitation, and a framework now exists for identifying metabolic strategies of nutrient-limited virocells in nature.
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Affiliation(s)
- Cristina Howard-Varona
- Department of Microbiology, The Ohio State University, 484 W 12th Ave, Columbus, OH 43210, United States
| | - Morgan M Lindback
- Department of Ecology and Evolutionary Biology, University of Michigan, 1105 North University Ave, Ann Arbor, MI 48109, United States
| | - Jane D Fudyma
- Department of Environmental Science, University of Arizona, 1177 E 4th St, Tucson, AZ 85719, United States
- Present address: Department of Plant Pathology, University of California, Davis, One Shields Avenue, Davis, CA 95616, United States
| | - Azriel Krongauz
- Department of Statistics, The Ohio State University, 1958 Neil Ave, Columbus, OH 43210, United States
| | - Natalie E Solonenko
- Department of Microbiology, The Ohio State University, 484 W 12th Ave, Columbus, OH 43210, United States
| | - Ahmed A Zayed
- Department of Microbiology, The Ohio State University, 484 W 12th Ave, Columbus, OH 43210, United States
| | - William B Andreopoulos
- US Department of Energy Joint Genome Institute, 1 Cyclotron Road, Berkeley, CA 94720, United States
- Present address: Department of Computer Science, San Jose State University, One Washington Square, San Jose CA 95192, United States
| | - Heather M Olson
- Biological Sciences Division, Pacific Northwest National Laboratory, 902 Battelle Blvd, Richland, WA 99354, United States
| | - Young-Mo Kim
- Biological Sciences Division, Pacific Northwest National Laboratory, 902 Battelle Blvd, Richland, WA 99354, United States
| | - Jennifer E Kyle
- Biological Sciences Division, Pacific Northwest National Laboratory, 902 Battelle Blvd, Richland, WA 99354, United States
| | - Tijana Glavina del Rio
- US Department of Energy Joint Genome Institute, 1 Cyclotron Road, Berkeley, CA 94720, United States
| | - Joshua N Adkins
- Biological Sciences Division, Pacific Northwest National Laboratory, 902 Battelle Blvd, Richland, WA 99354, United States
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Oregon Health and Science University, Portland, OR 97239, United States
| | - Malak M Tfaily
- Department of Environmental Science, University of Arizona, 1177 E 4th St, Tucson, AZ 85719, United States
| | - Subhadeep Paul
- Department of Statistics, The Ohio State University, 1958 Neil Ave, Columbus, OH 43210, United States
| | - Matthew B Sullivan
- Department of Microbiology, The Ohio State University, 484 W 12th Ave, Columbus, OH 43210, United States
- Department of Civil, Environmental and Geodetic Engineering, The Ohio State University, 2070 Neil Ave, Columbus, OH 43210, United States
- Center for RNA Biology and Center of Microbiome Science, The Ohio State University, 484 W. 12th Ave, Columbus, OH 43210, United States
| | - Melissa B Duhaime
- Department of Ecology and Evolutionary Biology, University of Michigan, 1105 North University Ave, Ann Arbor, MI 48109, United States
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Zhang Y, Qu Z, Zhang K, Li J, Lin X. Different Microeukaryotic Trophic Groups Show Different Latitudinal Spatial Scale Dependences in Assembly Processes across the Continental Shelves of China. Microorganisms 2024; 12:124. [PMID: 38257952 PMCID: PMC10821338 DOI: 10.3390/microorganisms12010124] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/29/2023] [Revised: 01/02/2024] [Accepted: 01/04/2024] [Indexed: 01/24/2024] Open
Abstract
The relative role of stochasticity versus determinism is critically dependent on the spatial scale over which communities are studied. However, only a few studies have attempted to reveal how spatial scales influence the balance of different assembly processes. In this study, we investigated the latitudinal spatial scale dependences in assembly processes of microeukaryotic communities in surface water and sediment along the continental shelves of China. It was hypothesized that different microeukaryotic trophic groups (i.e., autotroph, heterotroph, mixotroph, and parasite) showed different latitudinal scale dependences in their assembly processes. Our results disclosed that the relative importance of different assembly processes depended on a latitudinal space scale for planktonic microeukaryotes. In surface water, as latitudinal difference increased, the relative contributions of homogenous selection and homogenizing dispersal decreased for the entire community, while those of heterogeneous selection and drift increased. The planktonic autotrophic and heterotrophic groups shifted from stochasticity-dominated processes to heterogeneous selection as latitudinal differences surpassed thresholds of 8° and 16°, respectively. For mixotrophic and parasitic groups, however, the assembly processes were always dominated by drift across different spatial scales. The balance of different assembly processes for the autotrophic group was mainly driven by temperature, whereas that of the heterotrophic group was driven by salinity and geographical distance. In sediment, neither the entire microeukaryotic community nor the four trophic groups showed remarkable spatial scale dependences in assembly processes; they were always overwhelmingly dominated by the drift. This work provides a deeper understanding of the distribution mechanisms of microeukaryotes along the continental shelves of China from the perspective of trophic groups.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yong Zhang
- Key Laboratory of Ministry of Education for Coastal and Wetland Ecosystems, Fujian Province Key Laboratory for Coastal Ecology and Environmental Studies, College of the Environment and Ecology, Xiamen University, Xiamen 361102, China; (Y.Z.); (Z.Q.); (K.Z.); (J.L.)
- School of Health and Life Sciences, University of Health and Rehabilitation Sciences, Qingdao 266071, China
| | - Zhishuai Qu
- Key Laboratory of Ministry of Education for Coastal and Wetland Ecosystems, Fujian Province Key Laboratory for Coastal Ecology and Environmental Studies, College of the Environment and Ecology, Xiamen University, Xiamen 361102, China; (Y.Z.); (Z.Q.); (K.Z.); (J.L.)
| | - Kexin Zhang
- Key Laboratory of Ministry of Education for Coastal and Wetland Ecosystems, Fujian Province Key Laboratory for Coastal Ecology and Environmental Studies, College of the Environment and Ecology, Xiamen University, Xiamen 361102, China; (Y.Z.); (Z.Q.); (K.Z.); (J.L.)
| | - Jiqiu Li
- Key Laboratory of Ministry of Education for Coastal and Wetland Ecosystems, Fujian Province Key Laboratory for Coastal Ecology and Environmental Studies, College of the Environment and Ecology, Xiamen University, Xiamen 361102, China; (Y.Z.); (Z.Q.); (K.Z.); (J.L.)
| | - Xiaofeng Lin
- Key Laboratory of Ministry of Education for Coastal and Wetland Ecosystems, Fujian Province Key Laboratory for Coastal Ecology and Environmental Studies, College of the Environment and Ecology, Xiamen University, Xiamen 361102, China; (Y.Z.); (Z.Q.); (K.Z.); (J.L.)
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Cerk K, Ugalde‐Salas P, Nedjad CG, Lecomte M, Muller C, Sherman DJ, Hildebrand F, Labarthe S, Frioux C. Community-scale models of microbiomes: Articulating metabolic modelling and metagenome sequencing. Microb Biotechnol 2024; 17:e14396. [PMID: 38243750 PMCID: PMC10832553 DOI: 10.1111/1751-7915.14396] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/09/2023] [Revised: 11/27/2023] [Accepted: 12/20/2023] [Indexed: 01/21/2024] Open
Abstract
Building models is essential for understanding the functions and dynamics of microbial communities. Metabolic models built on genome-scale metabolic network reconstructions (GENREs) are especially relevant as a means to decipher the complex interactions occurring among species. Model reconstruction increasingly relies on metagenomics, which permits direct characterisation of naturally occurring communities that may contain organisms that cannot be isolated or cultured. In this review, we provide an overview of the field of metabolic modelling and its increasing reliance on and synergy with metagenomics and bioinformatics. We survey the means of assigning functions and reconstructing metabolic networks from (meta-)genomes, and present the variety and mathematical fundamentals of metabolic models that foster the understanding of microbial dynamics. We emphasise the characterisation of interactions and the scaling of model construction to large communities, two important bottlenecks in the applicability of these models. We give an overview of the current state of the art in metagenome sequencing and bioinformatics analysis, focusing on the reconstruction of genomes in microbial communities. Metagenomics benefits tremendously from third-generation sequencing, and we discuss the opportunities of long-read sequencing, strain-level characterisation and eukaryotic metagenomics. We aim at providing algorithmic and mathematical support, together with tool and application resources, that permit bridging the gap between metagenomics and metabolic modelling.
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Affiliation(s)
- Klara Cerk
- Quadram Institute BioscienceNorwichUK
- Earlham InstituteNorwichUK
| | | | - Chabname Ghassemi Nedjad
- Inria, University of Bordeaux, INRAETalenceFrance
- University of Bordeaux, CNRS, Bordeaux INP, LaBRI, UMR 5800TalenceFrance
| | - Maxime Lecomte
- Inria, University of Bordeaux, INRAETalenceFrance
- INRAE STLO¸University of RennesRennesFrance
| | | | | | - Falk Hildebrand
- Quadram Institute BioscienceNorwichUK
- Earlham InstituteNorwichUK
| | - Simon Labarthe
- Inria, University of Bordeaux, INRAETalenceFrance
- INRAE, University of Bordeaux, BIOGECO, UMR 1202CestasFrance
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36
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Gleich SJ, Hu SK, Krinos AI, Caron DA. Protistan community composition and metabolism in the North Pacific Subtropical Gyre: Influences of mesoscale eddies and depth. Environ Microbiol 2024; 26:e16556. [PMID: 38081167 DOI: 10.1111/1462-2920.16556] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/11/2023] [Accepted: 11/27/2023] [Indexed: 01/30/2024]
Abstract
Marine protists and their metabolic activities are intricately tied to the cycling of nutrients and the flow of energy through microbial food webs. Physiochemical changes in the environment, such as those that result from mesoscale eddies, may impact protistan communities, but the effects that such changes have on protists are poorly known. A metatranscriptomic study was conducted to investigate how eddies affected protists at adjacent cyclonic and anticyclonic eddy sites in the oligotrophic ocean at four depths from 25 to 250 m. Eddy polarity impacted protists at all depths sampled, although the effects of eddy polarity were secondary to the impact of depth across the depth range. Eddy-induced vertical shifts in the water column yielded differences in the cyclonic and anticyclonic eddy protistan communities, and these differences were the most pronounced at and just below the deep chlorophyll maximum. An analysis of transcripts associated with protistan nutritional physiology at 150 m revealed that cyclonic eddies may support a more heterotrophic community, while anticyclonic eddies promote a more phototrophic community. The results of this study indicate that eddies alter the metabolism of protists particularly in the lower euphotic zone and may therefore impact carbon export from the euphotic zone.
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Affiliation(s)
- Samantha J Gleich
- Department of Biological Sciences, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, California, USA
| | - Sarah K Hu
- Department of Oceanography, Texas A&M University, College Station, Texas, USA
| | - Arianna I Krinos
- MIT-WHOI Joint Program in Oceanography and Applied Ocean Science and Engineering, Cambridge and Woods Hole, Cambridge, Massachusetts, USA
- Department of Biology, Woods Hole Oceanographic Institution, Woods Hole, Massachusetts, USA
- Department of Earth, Atmospheric, and Planetary Science, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, Massachusetts, USA
| | - David A Caron
- Department of Biological Sciences, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, California, USA
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Anderson SR, Blanco-Bercial L, Carlson CA, Harvey EL. Role of Syndiniales parasites in depth-specific networks and carbon flux in the oligotrophic ocean. ISME COMMUNICATIONS 2024; 4:ycae014. [PMID: 38419659 PMCID: PMC10900894 DOI: 10.1093/ismeco/ycae014] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/08/2024] [Revised: 01/18/2024] [Accepted: 01/18/2024] [Indexed: 03/02/2024]
Abstract
Microbial associations that result in phytoplankton mortality are important for carbon transport in the ocean. This includes parasitism, which in microbial food webs is dominated by the marine alveolate group, Syndiniales. Parasites are expected to contribute to carbon recycling via host lysis; however, knowledge on host dynamics and correlation to carbon export remain unclear and limit the inclusion of parasitism in biogeochemical models. We analyzed a 4-year 18S rRNA gene metabarcoding dataset (2016-19), performing network analysis for 12 discrete depths (1-1000 m) to determine Syndiniales-host associations in the seasonally oligotrophic Sargasso Sea. Analogous water column and sediment trap data were included to define environmental drivers of Syndiniales and their correlation with particulate carbon flux (150 m). Syndiniales accounted for 48-74% of network edges, most often associated with Dinophyceae and Arthropoda (mainly copepods) at the surface and Rhizaria (Polycystinea, Acantharea, and RAD-B) in the aphotic zone. Syndiniales were the only eukaryote group to be significantly (and negatively) correlated with particulate carbon flux, indicating their contribution to flux attenuation via remineralization. Examination of Syndiniales amplicons revealed a range of depth patterns, including specific ecological niches and vertical connection among a subset (19%) of the community, the latter implying sinking of parasites (infected hosts or spores) on particles. Our findings elevate the critical role of Syndiniales in marine microbial systems and reveal their potential use as biomarkers for carbon export.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sean R Anderson
- Department of Biological Sciences, University of New Hampshire, Durham, NH 03824, United States
- Marine Chemistry and Geochemistry Department, Woods Hole Oceanographic Institution, Falmouth, MA 02543, United States
| | | | - Craig A Carlson
- Department of Ecology, Evolution and Marine Biology and the Marine Science Institute, University of California, Santa Barbara, CA 93106, United States
| | - Elizabeth L Harvey
- Department of Biological Sciences, University of New Hampshire, Durham, NH 03824, United States
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38
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Mena C, Deulofeu-Capo O, Forn I, Dordal-Soriano J, Mantilla-Arias YA, Samos IP, Sebastián M, Cardelús C, Massana R, Romera-Castillo C, Mallenco-Fornies R, Gasol JM, Ruiz-González C. High amino acid osmotrophic incorporation by marine eukaryotic phytoplankton revealed by click chemistry. ISME COMMUNICATIONS 2024; 4:ycae004. [PMID: 38425478 PMCID: PMC10902890 DOI: 10.1093/ismeco/ycae004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/21/2023] [Revised: 01/12/2024] [Accepted: 01/12/2024] [Indexed: 03/02/2024]
Abstract
The osmotrophic uptake of dissolved organic compounds in the ocean is considered to be dominated by heterotrophic prokaryotes, whereas the role of planktonic eukaryotes is still unclear. We explored the capacity of natural eukaryotic plankton communities to incorporate the synthetic amino acid L-homopropargylglycine (HPG, analogue of methionine) using biorthogonal noncanonical amino acid tagging (BONCAT), and we compared it with prokaryotic HPG use throughout a 9-day survey in the NW Mediterranean. BONCAT allows to fluorescently identify translationally active cells, but it has never been applied to natural eukaryotic communities. We found a large diversity of photosynthetic and heterotrophic eukaryotes incorporating HPG into proteins, with dinoflagellates and diatoms showing the highest percentages of BONCAT-labelled cells (49 ± 25% and 52 ± 15%, respectively). Among them, pennate diatoms exhibited higher HPG incorporation in the afternoon than in the morning, whereas small (≤5 μm) photosynthetic eukaryotes and heterotrophic nanoeukaryotes showed the opposite pattern. Centric diatoms (e.g. Chaetoceros, Thalassiosira, and Lauderia spp.) dominated the eukaryotic HPG incorporation due to their high abundances and large sizes, accounting for up to 86% of the eukaryotic BONCAT signal and strongly correlating with bulk 3H-leucine uptake rates. When including prokaryotes, eukaryotes were estimated to account for 19-31% of the bulk BONCAT signal. Our results evidence a large complexity in the osmotrophic uptake of HPG, which varies over time within and across eukaryotic groups and highlights the potential of BONCAT to quantify osmotrophy and protein synthesis in complex eukaryotic communities.
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Affiliation(s)
- Catalina Mena
- Department of Marine Biology and Oceanography, Institut de Ciències del Mar (ICM-CSIC), Barcelona 08003, Spain
| | - Ona Deulofeu-Capo
- Department of Marine Biology and Oceanography, Institut de Ciències del Mar (ICM-CSIC), Barcelona 08003, Spain
| | - Irene Forn
- Department of Marine Biology and Oceanography, Institut de Ciències del Mar (ICM-CSIC), Barcelona 08003, Spain
| | - Júlia Dordal-Soriano
- Department of Marine Biology and Oceanography, Institut de Ciències del Mar (ICM-CSIC), Barcelona 08003, Spain
| | - Yulieth A Mantilla-Arias
- Department of Marine Biology and Oceanography, Institut de Ciències del Mar (ICM-CSIC), Barcelona 08003, Spain
| | - Iván P Samos
- Department of Marine Biology and Oceanography, Institut de Ciències del Mar (ICM-CSIC), Barcelona 08003, Spain
| | - Marta Sebastián
- Department of Marine Biology and Oceanography, Institut de Ciències del Mar (ICM-CSIC), Barcelona 08003, Spain
| | - Clara Cardelús
- Department of Marine Biology and Oceanography, Institut de Ciències del Mar (ICM-CSIC), Barcelona 08003, Spain
| | - Ramon Massana
- Department of Marine Biology and Oceanography, Institut de Ciències del Mar (ICM-CSIC), Barcelona 08003, Spain
| | - Cristina Romera-Castillo
- Department of Marine Biology and Oceanography, Institut de Ciències del Mar (ICM-CSIC), Barcelona 08003, Spain
| | - Rebeca Mallenco-Fornies
- Department of Marine Biology and Oceanography, Institut de Ciències del Mar (ICM-CSIC), Barcelona 08003, Spain
| | - Josep M Gasol
- Department of Marine Biology and Oceanography, Institut de Ciències del Mar (ICM-CSIC), Barcelona 08003, Spain
| | - Clara Ruiz-González
- Department of Marine Biology and Oceanography, Institut de Ciències del Mar (ICM-CSIC), Barcelona 08003, Spain
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Charvet S, Bock NA, Kim E, Duhamel S. Transcriptomics reveal a unique phago-mixotrophic response to low nutrient concentrations in the prasinophyte Pterosperma cristatum. ISME COMMUNICATIONS 2024; 4:ycae083. [PMID: 38957873 PMCID: PMC11217555 DOI: 10.1093/ismeco/ycae083] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/15/2023] [Revised: 05/23/2024] [Accepted: 06/13/2024] [Indexed: 07/04/2024]
Abstract
Constitutive mixoplankton-plastid-bearing microbial eukaryotes capable of both phototrophy and phagotrophy-are ubiquitous in marine ecosystems and facilitate carbon transfer to higher trophic levels within aquatic food webs, which supports enhanced sinking carbon flux. However, the regulation of the relative contribution of photosynthesis and prey consumption remains poorly characterized. We investigated the transcriptional dynamics behind this phenotypic plasticity in the prasinophyte green alga Pterosperma cristatum. Based on what is known of other mixoplankton species that cannot grow without photosynthesis (obligate phototrophs), we hypothesized that P. cristatum uses phagotrophy to circumvent the restrictions imposed on photosynthesis by nutrient depletion, to obtain nutrients from ingested prey, and to maintain photosynthetic carbon fixation. We observed an increase in feeding as a response to nutrient depletion, coinciding with an upregulation of expression for genes involved in essential steps of phagocytosis including prey recognition, adhesion and engulfment, transport and maturation of food vacuoles, and digestion. Unexpectedly, genes involved in the photosynthetic electron transfer chain, pigment biosynthesis, and carbon fixation were downregulated as feeding increased, implying an abatement of photosynthesis. Contrary to our original hypothesis, our results therefore suggest that depletion of inorganic nutrients triggered an alteration of trophic behavior from photosynthesis to phagotrophy in P. cristatum. While this behavior distinguishes P. cristatum from other groups of constitutive mixoplankton, its physiological response aligns with recent discoveries from natural microbial communities. These findings indicate that mixoplankton communities in nutrient-limited oceans can regulate photosynthesis against bacterivory based on nutrient availability.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sophie Charvet
- Lamont-Doherty Earth Observatory, Columbia University, Palisades, NY 10964, United States
- Division of Invertebrate Zoology, American Museum of Natural History, New York City, NY 10024, United States
- Department of Biology, School of Natural and Social Sciences, Susquehanna University, Selinsgrove, PA 17870, United States
| | - Nicholas A Bock
- Lamont-Doherty Earth Observatory, Columbia University, Palisades, NY 10964, United States
- Laboratoire d’Océanographie de Villefranche, CNRS and Sorbonne Université, 06230 Villefranche-sur-Mer, France
| | - Eunsoo Kim
- Division of Invertebrate Zoology, American Museum of Natural History, New York City, NY 10024, United States
- Division of EcoScience, Ewha Womans University, Seoul 03760, South Korea
| | - Solange Duhamel
- Lamont-Doherty Earth Observatory, Columbia University, Palisades, NY 10964, United States
- Division of Invertebrate Zoology, American Museum of Natural History, New York City, NY 10024, United States
- Department of Molecular and Cellular Biology, University of Arizona, Tucson, AZ 85721, United States
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40
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Bondoc-Naumovitz KG, Laeverenz-Schlogelhofer H, Poon RN, Boggon AK, Bentley SA, Cortese D, Wan KY. Methods and Measures for Investigating Microscale Motility. Integr Comp Biol 2023; 63:1485-1508. [PMID: 37336589 PMCID: PMC10755196 DOI: 10.1093/icb/icad075] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/28/2023] [Revised: 05/31/2023] [Accepted: 06/06/2023] [Indexed: 06/21/2023] Open
Abstract
Motility is an essential factor for an organism's survival and diversification. With the advent of novel single-cell technologies, analytical frameworks, and theoretical methods, we can begin to probe the complex lives of microscopic motile organisms and answer the intertwining biological and physical questions of how these diverse lifeforms navigate their surroundings. Herein, we summarize the main mechanisms of microscale motility and give an overview of different experimental, analytical, and mathematical methods used to study them across different scales encompassing the molecular-, individual-, to population-level. We identify transferable techniques, pressing challenges, and future directions in the field. This review can serve as a starting point for researchers who are interested in exploring and quantifying the movements of organisms in the microscale world.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Rebecca N Poon
- Living Systems Institute, University of Exeter, Stocker Road, EX4 4QD, Exeter, UK
| | - Alexander K Boggon
- Living Systems Institute, University of Exeter, Stocker Road, EX4 4QD, Exeter, UK
| | - Samuel A Bentley
- Living Systems Institute, University of Exeter, Stocker Road, EX4 4QD, Exeter, UK
| | - Dario Cortese
- Living Systems Institute, University of Exeter, Stocker Road, EX4 4QD, Exeter, UK
| | - Kirsty Y Wan
- Living Systems Institute, University of Exeter, Stocker Road, EX4 4QD, Exeter, UK
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Zhang Y, Liu H, Huang N, Peng X, Jing H. Geographical distribution and driving force of micro-eukaryotes in the seamount sediments along the island arc of the Yap and Mariana trenches. Microbiol Spectr 2023; 11:e0206923. [PMID: 37943079 PMCID: PMC10714776 DOI: 10.1128/spectrum.02069-23] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/16/2023] [Accepted: 09/26/2023] [Indexed: 11/10/2023] Open
Abstract
IMPORTANCE A distinct distribution pattern was shaped by a deterministic process. Enhanced vertical connectivity expanded the previous understanding of seamount effects. Parasitism and predation were prevalent in the seamounts.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yue Zhang
- CAS Key Lab for Experimental Study under Deep-sea Extreme Conditions, Institute of Deep-sea Science and Engineering, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Sanya, China
| | - Hongbin Liu
- Department of Ocean Science, The Hong Kong University of Science and Technology, Clear Water Bay, Kowloon, Hong Kong, China
- Southern Marine Science and Engineering Guangdong Laboratory, Zhuhai, China
- HKUST-CAS Sanya Joint Laboratory of Marine Science Research, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Sanya, China
| | - Ning Huang
- CAS Key Lab for Experimental Study under Deep-sea Extreme Conditions, Institute of Deep-sea Science and Engineering, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Sanya, China
| | - Xiaotong Peng
- CAS Key Lab for Experimental Study under Deep-sea Extreme Conditions, Institute of Deep-sea Science and Engineering, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Sanya, China
| | - Hongmei Jing
- CAS Key Lab for Experimental Study under Deep-sea Extreme Conditions, Institute of Deep-sea Science and Engineering, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Sanya, China
- Southern Marine Science and Engineering Guangdong Laboratory, Zhuhai, China
- HKUST-CAS Sanya Joint Laboratory of Marine Science Research, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Sanya, China
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Tu W, Xu J, Thompson IP, Huang WE. Engineering artificial photosynthesis based on rhodopsin for CO 2 fixation. Nat Commun 2023; 14:8012. [PMID: 38049399 PMCID: PMC10696030 DOI: 10.1038/s41467-023-43524-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/02/2023] [Accepted: 11/11/2023] [Indexed: 12/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Microbial rhodopsin, a significant contributor to sustaining life through light harvesting, holds untapped potential for carbon fixation. Here, we construct an artificial photosynthesis system which combines the proton-pumping ability of rhodopsin with an extracellular electron uptake mechanism, establishing a pathway to drive photoelectrosynthetic CO2 fixation by Ralstonia eutropha (also known as Cupriavidus necator) H16, a facultatively chemolithoautotrophic soil bacterium. R. eutropha is engineered to heterologously express an extracellular electron transfer pathway of Shewanella oneidensis MR-1 and Gloeobacter rhodopsin (GR). Employing GR and the outer-membrane conduit MtrCAB from S. oneidensis, extracellular electrons and GR-driven proton motive force are integrated into R. eutropha's native electron transport chain (ETC). Inspired by natural photosynthesis, the photoelectrochemical system splits water to supply electrons to R. eutropha via the Mtr outer-membrane route. The light-activated proton pump - GR, supported by canthaxanthin as an antenna, powers ATP synthesis and reverses the ETC to regenerate NADH/NADPH, facilitating R. eutropha's biomass synthesis from CO2. Overexpression of a carbonic anhydrase further enhances CO2 fixation. This artificial photosynthesis system has the potential to advance the development of efficient photosynthesis, redefining our understanding of the ecological role of microbial rhodopsins in nature.
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Affiliation(s)
- Weiming Tu
- Department of Engineering Science, University of Oxford, Oxford, OX1 3PJ, UK
| | - Jiabao Xu
- Department of Engineering Science, University of Oxford, Oxford, OX1 3PJ, UK
| | - Ian P Thompson
- Department of Engineering Science, University of Oxford, Oxford, OX1 3PJ, UK
| | - Wei E Huang
- Department of Engineering Science, University of Oxford, Oxford, OX1 3PJ, UK.
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Cha QQ, Liu SS, Dang YR, Ren XB, Xu F, Li PY, Chen XL, Wang P, Zhang XY, Zhang YZ, Qin QL. Ecological function and interaction of different bacterial groups during alginate processing in coastal seawater community. ENVIRONMENT INTERNATIONAL 2023; 182:108325. [PMID: 37995388 DOI: 10.1016/j.envint.2023.108325] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/10/2023] [Revised: 11/10/2023] [Accepted: 11/11/2023] [Indexed: 11/25/2023]
Abstract
The degradation of high molecular weight organic matter (HMWOM) is a core process of oceanic carbon cycle, which is determined by the activity of microbial communities harboring hundreds of different species. Illustrating the active microbes and their interactions during HMWOM processing can provide key information for revealing the relationship between community composition and its ecological functions. In this study, the genomic and transcriptional responses of microbial communities to the availability of alginate, an abundant HMWOM in coastal ecosystem, were elucidated. The main degraders transcribing alginate lyase (Aly) genes came from genera Alteromonas, Psychrosphaera and Colwellia. Meanwhile, some strains, mainly from the Rhodobacteraceae family, did not transcribe Aly gene but could utilize monosaccharides to grow. The co-culture experiment showed that the activity of Aly-producing strain could promote the growth of Aly-non-producing strain when alginate was the sole carbon source. Interestingly, this interaction did not reduce the alginate degradation rate, possibly due to the easily degradable nature of alginate. This study can improve our understanding of the relationship between microbial community activity and alginate metabolism function as well as further manipulation of microbial community structure for alginate processing.
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Affiliation(s)
- Qian-Qian Cha
- State Key Laboratory of Microbial Technology, Shandong Provincial Hospital, Shandong University, Qingdao, China
| | - Sha-Sha Liu
- State Key Laboratory of Microbial Technology, Shandong Provincial Hospital, Shandong University, Qingdao, China
| | - Yan-Ru Dang
- State Key Laboratory of Microbial Technology, Shandong Provincial Hospital, Shandong University, Qingdao, China
| | - Xue-Bing Ren
- State Key Laboratory of Microbial Technology, Shandong Provincial Hospital, Shandong University, Qingdao, China
| | - Fei Xu
- State Key Laboratory of Microbial Technology, Shandong Provincial Hospital, Shandong University, Qingdao, China
| | - Ping-Yi Li
- State Key Laboratory of Microbial Technology, Shandong Provincial Hospital, Shandong University, Qingdao, China
| | - Xiu-Lan Chen
- State Key Laboratory of Microbial Technology, Shandong Provincial Hospital, Shandong University, Qingdao, China; Laboratory for Marine Biology and Biotechnology, National Laboratory for Marine Science and Technology, Qingdao, China
| | - Peng Wang
- MOE Key Laboratory of Evolution and Marine Biodiversity, Frontiers Science Center for Deep Ocean Multispheres and Earth System & College of Marine Life Sciences, Ocean University of China, Qingdao, China
| | - Xi-Ying Zhang
- State Key Laboratory of Microbial Technology, Shandong Provincial Hospital, Shandong University, Qingdao, China; Laboratory for Marine Biology and Biotechnology, National Laboratory for Marine Science and Technology, Qingdao, China
| | - Yu-Zhong Zhang
- State Key Laboratory of Microbial Technology, Shandong Provincial Hospital, Shandong University, Qingdao, China; Laboratory for Marine Biology and Biotechnology, National Laboratory for Marine Science and Technology, Qingdao, China; MOE Key Laboratory of Evolution and Marine Biodiversity, Frontiers Science Center for Deep Ocean Multispheres and Earth System & College of Marine Life Sciences, Ocean University of China, Qingdao, China
| | - Qi-Long Qin
- State Key Laboratory of Microbial Technology, Shandong Provincial Hospital, Shandong University, Qingdao, China; Laboratory for Marine Biology and Biotechnology, National Laboratory for Marine Science and Technology, Qingdao, China.
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Zhou J, Qin W, Lu X, Yang Y, Stahl D, Jiao N, Zhou J, Liu J, Tu Q. The diversity and ecological significance of microbial traits potentially involved in B 12 biosynthesis in the global ocean. MLIFE 2023; 2:416-427. [PMID: 38818271 PMCID: PMC10989127 DOI: 10.1002/mlf2.12095] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/09/2023] [Revised: 08/21/2023] [Accepted: 10/04/2023] [Indexed: 06/01/2024]
Abstract
Cobalamin (B12), an essential nutrient and growth cofactor for many living organisms on Earth, can be fully synthesized only by selected prokaryotes in nature. Therefore, microbial communities related to B12 biosynthesis could serve as an example subsystem to disentangle the underlying ecological mechanisms balancing the function and taxonomic make-up of complex functional assemblages. By anchoring microbial traits potentially involved in B12 biosynthesis, we depict the biogeographic patterns of B12 biosynthesis genes and the taxa harboring them in the global ocean, despite the limitations of detecting de novo B12 synthesizers via metagenomes alone. Both the taxonomic and functional composition of B12 biosynthesis genes were strongly shaped by depth, differentiating the epipelagic zones from the mesopelagic layers. Functional genes related to B12 biosynthesis were relatively stably distributed across different oceans, but the taxa harboring them varied considerably, showing clear functional redundancy among microbial systems. Microbial taxa carrying B12 biosynthesis genes in the surface water were influenced by environmental factors such as temperature, oxygen, and nitrate. However, the composition of functional genes was only weakly associated with these environmental factors. Null model analyses demonstrated that determinism governed the variations in B12 biosynthesis genes, whereas a higher degree of stochasticity was associated with taxonomic variations. Significant associations were observed between the chlorophyll a concentration and B12 biosynthesis, confirming its importance in primary production in the global ocean. The results of this study reveal an essential ecological mechanism governing the assembly of microbes in nature: the environment selects for function rather than taxonomy; functional redundancy underlies stochastic community assembly.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jiayin Zhou
- Institute of Marine Science and TechnologyShandong UniversityQingdaoChina
- Joint Lab for Ocean Research and Education at Dalhousie UniversityShandong University and Xiamen UniversityQingdaoChina
| | - Wei Qin
- School of Biological SciencesUniversity of OklahomaNormanOklahomaUSA
| | - Xinda Lu
- Department of Civil and Environmental EngineeringMassachusetts Institute of TechnologyCambridgeMassachusettsUSA
- Present address:
DermBiont Inc.BostonMassachusettsUSA
| | - Yunfeng Yang
- State Key Joint Laboratory of Environment Simulation and Pollution Control, School of EnvironmentTsinghua UniversityBeijingChina
| | - David Stahl
- Department of Civil and Environmental EngineeringUniversity of WashingtonSeattleWashingtonUSA
| | - Nianzhi Jiao
- Institute of Marine Science and TechnologyShandong UniversityQingdaoChina
- Institute of Marine Microbes and EcospheresXiamen UniversityXiamenChina
| | - Jizhong Zhou
- School of Biological SciencesUniversity of OklahomaNormanOklahomaUSA
- Earth and Environmental Sciences, Lawrence Berkeley National LaboratoryBerkeleyCaliforniaUSA
- Institute for Environmental Genomics, University of OklahomaNormanOklahomaUSA
- School of Civil Engineering and Environmental Sciences, University of OklahomaNormanOklahomaUSA
- School of Computer Sciences, University of OklahomaNormanOklahomaUSA
| | - Jihua Liu
- Institute of Marine Science and TechnologyShandong UniversityQingdaoChina
- Joint Lab for Ocean Research and Education at Dalhousie UniversityShandong University and Xiamen UniversityQingdaoChina
| | - Qichao Tu
- Institute of Marine Science and TechnologyShandong UniversityQingdaoChina
- Joint Lab for Ocean Research and Education at Dalhousie UniversityShandong University and Xiamen UniversityQingdaoChina
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45
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Mahmoudi N, Wilhelm RC. Can we manage microbial systems to enhance carbon storage? Environ Microbiol 2023; 25:3011-3018. [PMID: 37431673 DOI: 10.1111/1462-2920.16462] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/07/2023] [Accepted: 06/26/2023] [Indexed: 07/12/2023]
Abstract
Climate change is an urgent environmental issue with wide-ranging impacts on ecosystems and society. Microbes are instrumental in maintaining the balance between carbon (C) accumulation and loss in the biosphere, actively regulating greenhouse gas fluxes from vast reservoirs of organic C stored in soils, sediments and oceans. Heterotrophic microbes exhibit varying capacities to access, degrade and metabolise organic C-leading to variations in remineralisation and turnover rates. The present challenge lies in effectively translating this accumulated knowledge into strategies that effectively steer the fate of organic C towards prolonged sequestration. In this article, we discuss three ecological scenarios that offer potential avenues for shaping C turnover rates in the environment. Specifically, we explore the promotion of slow-cycling microbial byproducts, the facilitation of higher carbon use efficiency, and the influence of biotic interactions. The ability to harness and control these processes relies on the integration of ecological principles and management practices, combined with advances in economically viable technologies to effectively manage microbial systems in the environment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nagissa Mahmoudi
- Department of Earth and Planetary Sciences, McGill University, Montréal, Quebec, Canada
| | - Roland C Wilhelm
- Department of Agronomy, Lilly Hall of Life Sciences, Purdue University, West Lafayette, Indiana, USA
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46
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Monjot A, Bronner G, Courtine D, Cruaud C, Da Silva C, Aury JM, Gavory F, Moné A, Vellet A, Wawrzyniak I, Colombet J, Billard H, Debroas D, Lepère C. Functional diversity of microbial eukaryotes in a meromictic lake: Coupling between metatranscriptomic and a trait-based approach. Environ Microbiol 2023; 25:3406-3422. [PMID: 37916456 DOI: 10.1111/1462-2920.16531] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/23/2023] [Accepted: 10/19/2023] [Indexed: 11/03/2023]
Abstract
The advent of high-throughput sequencing has led to the discovery of a considerable diversity of microbial eukaryotes in aquatic ecosystems, nevertheless, their function and contribution to the trophic food web functioning remain poorly characterized especially in freshwater ecosystems. Based on metabarcoding data obtained from a meromictic lake ecosystem (Pavin, France), we performed a morpho-physio-phenological traits-based approach to infer functional groups of microbial eukaryotes. Metatranscriptomic data were also analysed to assess the metabolic potential of these groups across the diel cycle, size fraction, sampling depth, and periods. Our analysis highlights a huge microbial eukaryotic diversity in the monimolimnion characterized by numerous saprotrophs expressing transcripts related to sulfur and nitrate metabolism as well as dissolved and particulate organic matter degradation. We also describe strong seasonal variations of microbial eukaryotes in the mixolimnion, especially for parasites and mixoplankton. It appears that the water mixing (occurring during spring and autumn) which benefits photosynthetic host communities also promotes parasitic fungi dissemination and over-expression of genes involved in the zoospore phototaxis and stage transition in the parasitic cycle. Mixoplanktonic haptophytes over-expressing photosynthesis-, endocytosis- and phagosome-linked genes under nutrient limitation also suggest that phagotrophy may provide them an advantage over non-phagotrophic phytoplankton.
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Affiliation(s)
- Arthur Monjot
- CNRS, Laboratoire Microorganismes: Génome et Environnement, Université Clermont Auvergne, Clermont-Ferrand, France
| | - Gisèle Bronner
- CNRS, Laboratoire Microorganismes: Génome et Environnement, Université Clermont Auvergne, Clermont-Ferrand, France
| | - Damien Courtine
- CNRS, Laboratoire Microorganismes: Génome et Environnement, Université Clermont Auvergne, Clermont-Ferrand, France
| | - Corinne Cruaud
- Genoscope, Institut de Biologie François Jacob, Commissariat à l'Energie Atomique (CEA), Université Paris-Saclay, Evry, France
| | - Corinne Da Silva
- Génomique Métabolique, Genoscope, Institut François Jacob, CEA, CNRS, Univ Evry, Université Paris-Saclay, Evry, France
| | - Jean-Marc Aury
- Génomique Métabolique, Genoscope, Institut François Jacob, CEA, CNRS, Univ Evry, Université Paris-Saclay, Evry, France
| | - Frederick Gavory
- Génomique Métabolique, Genoscope, Institut François Jacob, CEA, CNRS, Univ Evry, Université Paris-Saclay, Evry, France
| | - Anne Moné
- CNRS, Laboratoire Microorganismes: Génome et Environnement, Université Clermont Auvergne, Clermont-Ferrand, France
| | - Agnès Vellet
- CNRS, Laboratoire Microorganismes: Génome et Environnement, Université Clermont Auvergne, Clermont-Ferrand, France
| | - Ivan Wawrzyniak
- CNRS, Laboratoire Microorganismes: Génome et Environnement, Université Clermont Auvergne, Clermont-Ferrand, France
| | - Jonathan Colombet
- CNRS, Laboratoire Microorganismes: Génome et Environnement, Université Clermont Auvergne, Clermont-Ferrand, France
| | - Hermine Billard
- CNRS, Laboratoire Microorganismes: Génome et Environnement, Université Clermont Auvergne, Clermont-Ferrand, France
| | - Didier Debroas
- CNRS, Laboratoire Microorganismes: Génome et Environnement, Université Clermont Auvergne, Clermont-Ferrand, France
| | - Cécile Lepère
- CNRS, Laboratoire Microorganismes: Génome et Environnement, Université Clermont Auvergne, Clermont-Ferrand, France
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Chen C, Li P, Yin M, Wang J, Sun Y, Ju W, Liu L, Li ZH. Deciphering characterization of seasonal variations in microbial communities of marine ranching: Diversity, co-occurrence network patterns, and assembly processes. MARINE POLLUTION BULLETIN 2023; 197:115739. [PMID: 37925991 DOI: 10.1016/j.marpolbul.2023.115739] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/12/2023] [Revised: 09/25/2023] [Accepted: 10/30/2023] [Indexed: 11/07/2023]
Abstract
Offshore coastal marine ranching ecosystems are one of the most productive ecosystems. The results showed that the composition and structure of the microbial communities varied considerably with the season. Co-occurrence network analysis demonstrated that the microbial network was more complex in summer and positively correlated links (cooperative or symbiotic) were dominated in autumn and winter. Null model indicated that the ecological processes of the bacterial communities were mainly governed by deterministic processes (mainly homogeneous selection) in summer. For microeukaryotic communities, assembly processes were more regulated by stochastic processes in all seasons. For rare taxa, assembly processes were regulated by stochastic processes and were not affected by seasonality. Changes in water temperature due to seasonal variations were the main, but not the only, environmental factor driving changes in microbial communities. This study will improve the understanding of offshore coastal ecosystems through the perspective of microbial ecology.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chengzhuang Chen
- Marine College, Shandong University, Weihai, Shandong 264209, China
| | - Ping Li
- Marine College, Shandong University, Weihai, Shandong 264209, China
| | - Minghao Yin
- Marine College, Shandong University, Weihai, Shandong 264209, China
| | - Jinxin Wang
- Marine College, Shandong University, Weihai, Shandong 264209, China
| | - Yongjun Sun
- Homey Group Co. Ltd, Rongcheng, Shandong 264306, China
| | - Wenming Ju
- Homey Group Co. Ltd, Rongcheng, Shandong 264306, China
| | - Ling Liu
- Marine College, Shandong University, Weihai, Shandong 264209, China
| | - Zhi-Hua Li
- Marine College, Shandong University, Weihai, Shandong 264209, China.
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Alexander H, Hu SK, Krinos AI, Pachiadaki M, Tully BJ, Neely CJ, Reiter T. Eukaryotic genomes from a global metagenomic data set illuminate trophic modes and biogeography of ocean plankton. mBio 2023; 14:e0167623. [PMID: 37947402 PMCID: PMC10746220 DOI: 10.1128/mbio.01676-23] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/30/2023] [Accepted: 09/27/2023] [Indexed: 11/12/2023] Open
Abstract
Metagenomics is a powerful method for interpreting the ecological roles and physiological capabilities of mixed microbial communities. Yet, many tools for processing metagenomic data are neither designed to consider eukaryotes nor are they built for an increasing amount of sequence data. EukHeist is an automated pipeline to retrieve eukaryotic and prokaryotic metagenome-assembled genomes (MAGs) from large-scale metagenomic sequence data sets. We developed the EukHeist workflow to specifically process large amounts of both metagenomic and/or metatranscriptomic sequence data in an automated and reproducible fashion. Here, we applied EukHeist to the large-size fraction data (0.8-2,000 µm) from Tara Oceans to recover both eukaryotic and prokaryotic MAGs, which we refer to as TOPAZ (Tara Oceans Particle-Associated MAGs). The TOPAZ MAGs consisted of >900 environmentally relevant eukaryotic MAGs and >4,000 bacterial and archaeal MAGs. The bacterial and archaeal TOPAZ MAGs expand upon the phylogenetic diversity of likely particle- and host-associated taxa. We use these MAGs to demonstrate an approach to infer the putative trophic mode of the recovered eukaryotic MAGs. We also identify ecological cohorts of co-occurring MAGs, which are driven by specific environmental factors and putative host-microbe associations. These data together add to a number of growing resources of environmentally relevant eukaryotic genomic information. Complementary and expanded databases of MAGs, such as those provided through scalable pipelines like EukHeist, stand to advance our understanding of eukaryotic diversity through increased coverage of genomic representatives across the tree of life.IMPORTANCESingle-celled eukaryotes play ecologically significant roles in the marine environment, yet fundamental questions about their biodiversity, ecological function, and interactions remain. Environmental sequencing enables researchers to document naturally occurring protistan communities, without culturing bias, yet metagenomic and metatranscriptomic sequencing approaches cannot separate individual species from communities. To more completely capture the genomic content of mixed protistan populations, we can create bins of sequences that represent the same organism (metagenome-assembled genomes [MAGs]). We developed the EukHeist pipeline, which automates the binning of population-level eukaryotic and prokaryotic genomes from metagenomic reads. We show exciting insight into what protistan communities are present and their trophic roles in the ocean. Scalable computational tools, like EukHeist, may accelerate the identification of meaningful genetic signatures from large data sets and complement researchers' efforts to leverage MAG databases for addressing ecological questions, resolving evolutionary relationships, and discovering potentially novel biodiversity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Harriet Alexander
- Biology Department, Woods Hole Oceanographic Institution, Woods Hole, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Sarah K. Hu
- Marine Chemistry and Geochemistry, Woods Hole Oceanographic Institution, Woods Hole, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Arianna I. Krinos
- Biology Department, Woods Hole Oceanographic Institution, Woods Hole, Massachusetts, USA
- MIT-WHOI Joint Program in Oceanography/Applied Ocean Science and Engineering, Cambridge and Woods Hole, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Maria Pachiadaki
- Biology Department, Woods Hole Oceanographic Institution, Woods Hole, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Benjamin J. Tully
- Department of Biological Sciences, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, California, USA
| | - Christopher J. Neely
- Department of Quantitative and Computational Biology, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, California, USA
| | - Taylor Reiter
- Population Health and Reproduction, University of California, Davis, Davis, California, USA
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Zhang X, Cui L, Liu S, Li J, Wu Y, Ren Y, Huang X. Seasonal dynamics of bacterial community and co-occurrence with eukaryotic phytoplankton in the Pearl River Estuary. MARINE ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH 2023; 192:106193. [PMID: 37832281 DOI: 10.1016/j.marenvres.2023.106193] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/21/2023] [Revised: 08/23/2023] [Accepted: 09/20/2023] [Indexed: 10/15/2023]
Abstract
In this study, we investigated the taxonomic composition of the bacteria and phytoplankton communities in the Pearl River Estuary (PRE) through Illumina sequencing of the V3-V4 region of the 16 S rRNA gene. Furthermore, their relationships as well as recorded environmental variables were explored by co-occurrence networks. Bacterial community composition was different in two size fractions, as well as along the salinity gradient across two seasons. Free-living (FL) communities were dominated by pico-sized Cyanobacteria (Synechococcus CC9902) while Exiguobacterium, Halomonas and Pseudomonas were predominantly associated with particle-associated (PA) lifestyle, and Cyanobium PCC-6307 exhibited seasonal shifts in lifestyles in different seasons. In wet season, bacterial community composition was characterized by abundance of Cyanobacteria, Actinobacteria, and Bacteroidetes, which were tightly linked with high riverine inflow. While in dry season, Proteobacteria increased in prevalence, especially for Psychrobacter, NOR5/OM60 clade and Pseudomonas, which were thrived in lower water temperature and higher salinity. Moreover, we discovered that differences between PA and FL composition were more significant in the wet season than in the dry season, which may be due to better nutritional conditions of particles (indicated by POC%) in the wet season and then attract more diverse PA populations. Based on the analysis of plastidial 16 S rRNA genes, abundant small-sized mixotrophic phytoplankton (Dinophyceae, Euglenida and Haptophyta) were identified in the PRE. The complexity of co-occurrence network increased from FL to PA fractions in both seasons, which suggested that suspended particles can provide ecological niches for particle-associated colonizers contributing to the maintenance of a more stable community structure. In addition, the majority of phytoplankton species exhibited positive co-occurrences with both other phytoplankton species and bacterial counterparts, indicating the mutual cooperation between phytoplankton assemblages and specific bacterial populations e likely benefited from phytoplankton-derived organic compounds. This study enhances our understanding of the seasonal and spatial dynamics of bacterial communities and their potential relationship with phytoplankton assembly in estuarine waters.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xia Zhang
- Key Laboratory of Tropical Marine Bio-resources and Ecology, South China Sea Institute of Oceanology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Guangzhou, 510301, China; Southern Marine Science and Engineering Guangdong Laboratory, Guangzhou, 511458, China; Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Applied Marine Biology, Guangzhou, 510301, China
| | - Lijun Cui
- Key Laboratory of Tropical Marine Bio-resources and Ecology, South China Sea Institute of Oceanology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Guangzhou, 510301, China; Southern Marine Science and Engineering Guangdong Laboratory, Guangzhou, 511458, China; Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Applied Marine Biology, Guangzhou, 510301, China
| | - Songlin Liu
- Key Laboratory of Tropical Marine Bio-resources and Ecology, South China Sea Institute of Oceanology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Guangzhou, 510301, China; Southern Marine Science and Engineering Guangdong Laboratory, Guangzhou, 511458, China; Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Applied Marine Biology, Guangzhou, 510301, China
| | - Jinlong Li
- Key Laboratory of Tropical Marine Bio-resources and Ecology, South China Sea Institute of Oceanology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Guangzhou, 510301, China; Southern Marine Science and Engineering Guangdong Laboratory, Guangzhou, 511458, China; Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Applied Marine Biology, Guangzhou, 510301, China; University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, 100049, China
| | - Yunchao Wu
- Key Laboratory of Tropical Marine Bio-resources and Ecology, South China Sea Institute of Oceanology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Guangzhou, 510301, China; Southern Marine Science and Engineering Guangdong Laboratory, Guangzhou, 511458, China; Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Applied Marine Biology, Guangzhou, 510301, China
| | - Yuzheng Ren
- Key Laboratory of Tropical Marine Bio-resources and Ecology, South China Sea Institute of Oceanology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Guangzhou, 510301, China; Southern Marine Science and Engineering Guangdong Laboratory, Guangzhou, 511458, China; Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Applied Marine Biology, Guangzhou, 510301, China; University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, 100049, China
| | - Xiaoping Huang
- Key Laboratory of Tropical Marine Bio-resources and Ecology, South China Sea Institute of Oceanology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Guangzhou, 510301, China; Southern Marine Science and Engineering Guangdong Laboratory, Guangzhou, 511458, China; Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Applied Marine Biology, Guangzhou, 510301, China; University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, 100049, China.
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Keeling PJ, Eglit Y. Openly available illustrations as tools to describe eukaryotic microbial diversity. PLoS Biol 2023; 21:e3002395. [PMID: 37988341 PMCID: PMC10662721 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pbio.3002395] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/23/2023] Open
Abstract
Microbial life maintains nearly all the support systems that keep the Earth habitable, yet the diversity of this vast microbial world is greatly understudied, misrepresented, and misunderstood. Even what we do know is difficult to communicate broadly because an intuitive grasp of what these tiny organisms are like is abstract, and we lack tools that would help to describe them. In this Essay, we present a series of openly available technical diagrams that illustrate the diverse range of complex body plans of microbial eukaryotes (or "protists"), as well as an illustrated tree to show the vast diversity they encompass and how they are related to the more familiar macroscopic animals, fungi, and plants. These sorts of tools are desperately needed for teaching and communication about the microbial world, which is a pressingly important problem where much improvement is needed.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Yana Eglit
- Botany Department, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, Canada
- Department of Biology and Institute for Comparative Genomics, Dalhousie University, Halifax, Canada
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