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Freckelton ML, Nedved BT, Hadfield MG. Bacterial envelope polysaccharide cues settlement and metamorphosis in the biofouling tubeworm Hydroides elegans. Commun Biol 2024; 7:883. [PMID: 39030323 PMCID: PMC11271524 DOI: 10.1038/s42003-024-06585-9] [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: 08/24/2023] [Accepted: 07/15/2024] [Indexed: 07/21/2024] Open
Abstract
Metamorphosis for many marine invertebrates is triggered by external cues, commonly produced by bacteria. For larvae of Hydroides elegans, lipopolysaccharide (LPS) from the biofilm-dwelling bacterium Cellulophaga lytica induces metamorphosis. To determine whether bacterial LPS is a common metamorphosis-inducing factor for this species, we compare larval responses to LPS from 3 additional inductive Gram-negative marine biofilm bacteria with commercially available LPS from 3 bacteria not known to induce metamorphosis. LPS from all the inductive bacteria trigger metamorphosis, while LPS from non-inductive isolated marine bacteria do not. We then ask, which part of the LPS is the inductive element, the lipid (Lipid-A) or the polysaccharide (O-antigen), and find it is the latter for all four inductive bacteria. Finally, we examine the LPS subunits from two strains of the same bacterial species, one inductive and the other not, and find the LPS and O-antigen to be inductive from only the inductive bacterial strain.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Brian T Nedved
- Kewalo Marine Laboratory, University of Hawai'i, Honolulu, HI, 96813, USA
| | - Michael G Hadfield
- Kewalo Marine Laboratory, University of Hawai'i, Honolulu, HI, 96813, USA.
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2
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Wang XY, Miao T, Wang Y, Guo Z, Yang JL, Liang X. Complete genome sequence of Psychrobacter cibarius AOSW16051, a trimeric autotransporter adhesin synthesizing bacterium isolated from the Baltic Sea. Mar Genomics 2024; 74:101082. [PMID: 38485290 DOI: 10.1016/j.margen.2023.101082] [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: 10/12/2023] [Revised: 11/10/2023] [Accepted: 12/08/2023] [Indexed: 03/19/2024]
Abstract
Bacteria of the genus Psychrobacter are widely distributed in the global low-temperature marine environment and have been studied for their effects on the settlement and metamorphosis of marine invertebrates. Psychrobacter cibarius AOSW16051 was isolated from the surface water samples of the Baltic Sea on the edge of the Arctic Ocean. Here, we present the complete genome of strain AOSW16051, which consists of a circular chromosome composed of 3,425,040 nucleotides with 42.98% G + C content and a circular plasmid composed of 5846 nucleotides with 38.66% G + C content. The genes predicted in this strain showed its strong outer membrane system, type VI secretion system and adhesion system. Trimeric autotransporter adhesins (TAAs) has been identified in the genome of P. cibarius AOSW16051, which has a variety of biological functions in interacting with host cells. However, there are no reports on TAAs in marine bacteria and aquatic pathogenic bacteria. By analyzing the genomic data, we can gain valuable insights to enhance our understanding of the physiological characteristics of P. cibarius, as well as the biological functions of TAAs and their role in triggering metamorphosis of invertebrate larvae.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiao-Yu Wang
- International Research Center for Marine Biosciences, Ministry of Science and Technology, Shanghai Ocean University, Shanghai, China; China-Portugal Belt and Road Joint Laboratory on Space & Sea Technology Advanced Research, Shanghai, China; Shanghai Collaborative Innovation Center for Cultivating Elite Breeds and Green-culture of Aquaculture animals, Shanghai, China
| | - Tianyin Miao
- International Research Center for Marine Biosciences, Ministry of Science and Technology, Shanghai Ocean University, Shanghai, China; China-Portugal Belt and Road Joint Laboratory on Space & Sea Technology Advanced Research, Shanghai, China
| | - Yuyi Wang
- International Research Center for Marine Biosciences, Ministry of Science and Technology, Shanghai Ocean University, Shanghai, China; China-Portugal Belt and Road Joint Laboratory on Space & Sea Technology Advanced Research, Shanghai, China; Shanghai Collaborative Innovation Center for Cultivating Elite Breeds and Green-culture of Aquaculture animals, Shanghai, China
| | - Zhangwei Guo
- College of Ocean Science and Engineering, Shanghai Maritime University, Shanghai 201306, China.
| | - Jin-Long Yang
- International Research Center for Marine Biosciences, Ministry of Science and Technology, Shanghai Ocean University, Shanghai, China; China-Portugal Belt and Road Joint Laboratory on Space & Sea Technology Advanced Research, Shanghai, China; Shanghai Collaborative Innovation Center for Cultivating Elite Breeds and Green-culture of Aquaculture animals, Shanghai, China
| | - Xiao Liang
- International Research Center for Marine Biosciences, Ministry of Science and Technology, Shanghai Ocean University, Shanghai, China; China-Portugal Belt and Road Joint Laboratory on Space & Sea Technology Advanced Research, Shanghai, China; Shanghai Collaborative Innovation Center for Cultivating Elite Breeds and Green-culture of Aquaculture animals, Shanghai, China.
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3
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Zhang B, Jia C, Li M, Wang K, Chen J, Zhao J. Multiomics integration for the function of bacterial outer membrane vesicles in the larval settlement of marine sponges. Front Microbiol 2024; 15:1268813. [PMID: 38468855 PMCID: PMC10925772 DOI: 10.3389/fmicb.2024.1268813] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/28/2023] [Accepted: 01/26/2024] [Indexed: 03/13/2024] Open
Abstract
Bacterial outer membrane vesicles (OMVs) contain a variety of chemical compounds and play significant roles in maintaining symbiotic relationships in a changing ocean, but little is known about their function, particularly in sponge larval development. During the growth of sponge Tedania sp., OMVs from Bacteroidetes species significantly promoted larval settlement, and Tenacibaculum mesophilum SP-7-OMVs were selected as a representative strain for further investigation. According to OMVs metabolomics, larval settlement might be connected to organic acids and derivatives. The multiomics analysis of the T. mesophilum genome, SP-7-OMVs metabolome, and larval transcriptome revealed 47 shared KEGG pathways. Among the number of candidate metabolites, arginine was chosen for its greater ability to increase the settlement rate and its role as the principal substrate for nitric oxide (NO) synthesis of sponge larvae. In summary, these results demonstrated that sponge-associated bacteria might utilize OMVs and their cargo to support host development and make up for host metabolic pathway deficiencies. This study enhances our fundamental knowledge of OMVs in interactions between metazoan hosts and microorganisms that are crucial in the coevolution of marine ecosystems and the complex marine environment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Beibei Zhang
- College of Ocean and Earth Sciences, Xiamen University, Xaimen, Fujian, China
| | - Chenzheng Jia
- College of Ocean and Earth Sciences, Xiamen University, Xaimen, Fujian, China
| | - Mingyu Li
- College of Ocean and Earth Sciences, Xiamen University, Xaimen, Fujian, China
| | - Kai Wang
- College of Ocean and Earth Sciences, Xiamen University, Xaimen, Fujian, China
| | - Jun Chen
- College of Ocean and Earth Sciences, Xiamen University, Xaimen, Fujian, China
| | - Jing Zhao
- College of Ocean and Earth Sciences, Xiamen University, Xaimen, Fujian, China
- Xiamen City Key Laboratory of Urban Sea Ecological Conservation and Restoration (USER), Xiamen University, Xiamen, Fujian, China
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4
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Almeda R, Rist S, Christensen AM, Antoniou E, Parinos C, Olsson M, Young CM. Crude Oil and Its Burnt Residues Induce Metamorphosis in Marine Invertebrates. ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE & TECHNOLOGY 2023; 57:19304-19315. [PMID: 37963269 DOI: 10.1021/acs.est.3c05194] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/16/2023]
Abstract
Metamorphosis is a critical process in the life cycle of most marine benthic invertebrates, determining their transition from plankton to benthos. It affects dispersal and settlement and therefore decisively influences the dynamics of marine invertebrate populations. An extended period of metamorphic competence is an adaptive feature of numerous invertebrate species that increases the likelihood of finding a habitat suitable for settlement and survival. We found that crude oil and residues of burnt oil rapidly induce metamorphosis in two different marine invertebrate larvae, a previously unknown sublethal effect of oil pollution. When exposed to environmentally realistic oil concentrations, up to 84% of tested echinoderm larvae responded by undergoing metamorphosis. Similarly, up to 87% of gastropod larvae metamorphosed in response to burnt oil residues. This study demonstrates that crude oil and its burned residues can act as metamorphic inducers in marine planktonic larvae, short-circuiting adaptive metamorphic delay. Future studies on molecular pathways and oil-bacteria-metamorphosis interactions are needed to fully understand the direct or indirect mechanisms of oil-induced metamorphosis in marine invertebrates. With 90% of chronic oiling occurring in coastal areas, this previously undescribed impact of crude oil on planktonic larvae may have global implications for marine invertebrate populations and biodiversity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rodrigo Almeda
- EOMAR-ECOAQUA, University of Las Palmas de Gran Canaria, 35017 Tafira Baja, Las Palmas, Spain
- National Institute of Aquatic Resources, Technical University of Denmark, 2800 Kongens Lyngby ,Denmark
| | - Sinja Rist
- National Institute of Aquatic Resources, Technical University of Denmark, 2800 Kongens Lyngby ,Denmark
- Oregon Institute of Marine Biology, University of Oregon, Charleston, Oregon 97420,United States
| | - Anette M Christensen
- National Institute of Aquatic Resources, Technical University of Denmark, 2800 Kongens Lyngby ,Denmark
| | - Eleftheria Antoniou
- School of Chemical and Environmental Engineering, Technical University of Crete, 73100 Chania, Greece
- School of Mineral Resources Engineering, Technical University of Crete, 73100 Chania, Greece
| | - Constantine Parinos
- Hellenic Centre for Marine Research (HCMR), Institute of Oceanography, 19013 Anavyssos, Attiki, Greece
| | - Mikael Olsson
- DTU Sustain, Technical University of Denmark, 2800 Kongens Lyngby, Denmark
| | - Craig M Young
- Oregon Institute of Marine Biology, University of Oregon, Charleston, Oregon 97420,United States
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Jensen N, Weiland-Bräuer N, Joel S, Chibani CM, Schmitz RA. The Life Cycle of Aurelia aurita Depends on the Presence of a Microbiome in Polyps Prior to Onset of Strobilation. Microbiol Spectr 2023; 11:e0026223. [PMID: 37378516 PMCID: PMC10433978 DOI: 10.1128/spectrum.00262-23] [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: 01/16/2023] [Accepted: 06/06/2023] [Indexed: 06/29/2023] Open
Abstract
Aurelia aurita's intricate life cycle alternates between benthic polyp and pelagic medusa stages. The strobilation process, a critical asexual reproduction mechanism in this jellyfish, is severely compromised in the absence of the natural polyp microbiome, with limited production and release of ephyrae. Yet, the recolonization of sterile polyps with a native polyp microbiome can correct this defect. Here, we investigated the precise timing necessary for recolonization as well as the host-associated molecular processes involved. We deciphered that a natural microbiota had to be present in polyps prior to the onset of strobilation to ensure normal asexual reproduction and a successful polyp-to-medusa transition. Providing the native microbiota to sterile polyps after the onset of strobilation failed to restore the normal strobilation process. The absence of a microbiome was associated with decreased transcription of developmental and strobilation genes as monitored by reverse transcription-quantitative PCR. Transcription of these genes was exclusively observed for native polyps and sterile polyps that were recolonized before the initiation of strobilation. We further propose that direct cell contact between the host and its associated bacteria is required for the normal production of offspring. Overall, our findings indicate that the presence of a native microbiome at the polyp stage prior to the onset of strobilation is essential to ensure a normal polyp-to-medusa transition. IMPORTANCE All multicellular organisms are associated with microorganisms that play fundamental roles in the health and fitness of the host. Notably, the native microbiome of the Cnidarian Aurelia aurita is crucial for the asexual reproduction by strobilation. Sterile polyps display malformed strobilae and a halt of ephyrae release, which is restored by recolonizing sterile polyps with a native microbiota. Despite that, little is known about the microbial impact on the strobilation process's timing and molecular consequences. The present study shows that A. aurita's life cycle depends on the presence of the native microbiome at the polyp stage prior to the onset of strobilation to ensure the polyp-to-medusa transition. Moreover, sterile individuals correlate with reduced transcription levels of developmental and strobilation genes, evidencing the microbiome's impact on strobilation on the molecular level. Transcription of strobilation genes was exclusively detected in native polyps and those recolonized before initiating strobilation, suggesting microbiota-dependent gene regulation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nadin Jensen
- Institute of General Microbiology, Christian-Albrechts University Kiel, Kiel, Germany
| | - Nancy Weiland-Bräuer
- Institute of General Microbiology, Christian-Albrechts University Kiel, Kiel, Germany
| | - Shindhuja Joel
- Institute of General Microbiology, Christian-Albrechts University Kiel, Kiel, Germany
| | - Cynthia Maria Chibani
- Institute of General Microbiology, Christian-Albrechts University Kiel, Kiel, Germany
| | - Ruth Anne Schmitz
- Institute of General Microbiology, Christian-Albrechts University Kiel, Kiel, Germany
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6
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Petersen LE, Kellermann MY, Fiegel LJ, Nietzer S, Bickmeyer U, Abele D, Schupp PJ. Photodegradation of a bacterial pigment and resulting hydrogen peroxide release enable coral settlement. Sci Rep 2023; 13:3562. [PMID: 36864107 PMCID: PMC9981606 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-023-30470-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/25/2022] [Accepted: 02/23/2023] [Indexed: 03/04/2023] Open
Abstract
The global degradation of coral reefs is steadily increasing with ongoing climate change. Yet coral larvae settlement, a key mechanism of coral population rejuvenation and recovery, is largely understudied. Here, we show how the lipophilic, settlement-inducing bacterial pigment cycloprodigiosin (CYPRO) is actively harvested and subsequently enriched along the ectoderm of larvae of the scleractinian coral Leptastrea purpura. A light-dependent reaction transforms the CYPRO molecules through photolytic decomposition and provides a constant supply of hydrogen peroxide (H2O2), leading to attachment on the substrate and metamorphosis into a coral recruit. Micromolar concentrations of H2O2 in seawater also resulted in rapid metamorphosis, but without prior larval attachment. We propose that the morphogen CYPRO is responsible for initiating attachment while simultaneously acting as a molecular generator for the comprehensive metamorphosis of pelagic larvae. Ultimately, our approach opens a novel mechanistic dimension to the study of chemical signaling in coral settlement and provides unprecedented insights into the role of infochemicals in cross-kingdom interactions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lars-Erik Petersen
- Institute for Chemistry and Biology of the Marine Environment (ICBM), Carl-von-Ossietzky University Oldenburg, Schleusenstrasse 1, 26382, Wilhelmshaven, Germany
- Department of Plant and Environmental Sciences, Weizmann Institute of Science, 7610001, Rehovot, Israel
| | - Matthias Y Kellermann
- Institute for Chemistry and Biology of the Marine Environment (ICBM), Carl-von-Ossietzky University Oldenburg, Schleusenstrasse 1, 26382, Wilhelmshaven, Germany.
| | - Laura J Fiegel
- Institute for Chemistry and Biology of the Marine Environment (ICBM), Carl-von-Ossietzky University Oldenburg, Schleusenstrasse 1, 26382, Wilhelmshaven, Germany
| | - Samuel Nietzer
- Institute for Chemistry and Biology of the Marine Environment (ICBM), Carl-von-Ossietzky University Oldenburg, Schleusenstrasse 1, 26382, Wilhelmshaven, Germany
| | - Ulf Bickmeyer
- Alfred Wegener Institute Helmholtz Center for Polar and Marine Research (AWI), Am Handelshafen 12, 27570, Bremerhaven, Germany
| | - Doris Abele
- Alfred Wegener Institute Helmholtz Center for Polar and Marine Research (AWI), Am Handelshafen 12, 27570, Bremerhaven, Germany
| | - Peter J Schupp
- Institute for Chemistry and Biology of the Marine Environment (ICBM), Carl-von-Ossietzky University Oldenburg, Schleusenstrasse 1, 26382, Wilhelmshaven, Germany.
- Helmholtz Institute for Functional Marine Biodiversity (HIFMB) at the University of Oldenburg, Ammerländer Heerstrasse 231, 26129, Oldenburg, Germany.
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7
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Cao X, van Putten JPM, Wösten MMSM. Biological functions of bacterial lysophospholipids. Adv Microb Physiol 2023; 82:129-154. [PMID: 36948653 DOI: 10.1016/bs.ampbs.2022.10.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/13/2022]
Abstract
Lysophospholipids (LPLs) are lipid-derived metabolic intermediates in the cell membrane. The biological functions of LPLs are distinct from their corresponding phospholipids. In eukaryotic cells LPLs are important bioactive signaling molecules that regulate many important biological processes, but in bacteria the function of LPLs is still not fully defined. Bacterial LPLs are usually present in cells in very small amounts, but can strongly increase under certain environmental conditions. In addition to their basic function as precursors in membrane lipid metabolism, the formation of distinct LPLs contributes to the proliferation of bacteria under harsh circumstances or may act as signaling molecules in bacterial pathogenesis. This review provides an overview of the current knowledge of the biological functions of bacterial LPLs including lysoPE, lysoPA, lysoPC, lysoPG, lysoPS and lysoPI in bacterial adaptation, survival, and host-microbe interactions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xuefeng Cao
- Department Biomolecular Health Sciences, Utrecht University, Utrecht, The Netherlands
| | - Jos P M van Putten
- Department Biomolecular Health Sciences, Utrecht University, Utrecht, The Netherlands
| | - Marc M S M Wösten
- Department Biomolecular Health Sciences, Utrecht University, Utrecht, The Netherlands.
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Rischer M, Guo H, Beemelmanns C. Signalling molecules inducing metamorphosis in marine organisms. Nat Prod Rep 2022; 39:1833-1855. [PMID: 35822257 DOI: 10.1039/d1np00073j] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/21/2022]
Abstract
Covering: findings from early 1980s until early 2022Microbial-derived cues of marine biofilms induce settlement and metamorphosis of marine organisms, a process responsible for the emergence of diverse flora and fauna in marine habitats. Although this phenomenon is known for more than 80 years, the research field has only recently gained much momentum. Here, we summarize the currently existing biochemical and microbial knowledge about microbial signalling molecules, con-specific signals, and synthetic compounds that induce or prevent recruitment, settlement, and metamorphosis in invertebrate larvae. We discuss the possible modes of action and conclude with perspectives for future research directions in the field of marine chemical ecology.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maja Rischer
- Chemical Biology of Microbe-Host Interactions, Leibniz Institute for Natural Product Research and Infection Biology - Hans Knöll Institute (HKI), Beutenbergstraße 11a, Jena, 07745, Germany.
| | - Huijuan Guo
- Chemical Biology of Microbe-Host Interactions, Leibniz Institute for Natural Product Research and Infection Biology - Hans Knöll Institute (HKI), Beutenbergstraße 11a, Jena, 07745, Germany.
| | - Christine Beemelmanns
- Chemical Biology of Microbe-Host Interactions, Leibniz Institute for Natural Product Research and Infection Biology - Hans Knöll Institute (HKI), Beutenbergstraße 11a, Jena, 07745, Germany. .,Biochemistry of Microbial Metabolism, Institute of Biochemistry, Leipzig University, Johannisallee 21-23, Leipzig 04103, Germany
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9
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Houliston E, Leclère L, Munro C, Copley RR, Momose T. Past, present and future of Clytia hemisphaerica as a laboratory jellyfish. Curr Top Dev Biol 2022; 147:121-151. [PMID: 35337447 DOI: 10.1016/bs.ctdb.2021.12.014] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/19/2022]
Abstract
The hydrozoan species Clytia hemisphaerica was selected in the mid-2000s to address the cellular and molecular basis of body axis specification in a cnidarian, providing a reliable daily source of gametes and building on a rich foundation of experimental embryology. The many practical advantages of this species include genetic uniformity of laboratory jellyfish, derived clonally from easily-propagated polyp colonies. Phylogenetic distance from other laboratory models adds value in providing an evolutionary perspective on many biological questions. Here we outline the current state of the art regarding available experimental approaches and in silico resources, and illustrate the contributions of Clytia to understanding embryo patterning mechanisms, oogenesis and regeneration. Looking forward, the recent establishment of transgenesis methods is now allowing gene function and imaging studies at adult stages, making Clytia particularly attractive for whole organism biology studies across fields and extending its scientific impact far beyond the original question of interest.
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Affiliation(s)
- Evelyn Houliston
- Sorbonne Université, CNRS, Laboratoire de Biologie du Développement de Villefranche-sur-mer (LBDV), France.
| | - Lucas Leclère
- Sorbonne Université, CNRS, Laboratoire de Biologie du Développement de Villefranche-sur-mer (LBDV), France
| | - Catriona Munro
- Sorbonne Université, CNRS, Laboratoire de Biologie du Développement de Villefranche-sur-mer (LBDV), France; Center for Interdisciplinary Research in Biology, Collège de France, PSL Research University, Paris, France
| | - Richard R Copley
- Sorbonne Université, CNRS, Laboratoire de Biologie du Développement de Villefranche-sur-mer (LBDV), France
| | - Tsuyoshi Momose
- Sorbonne Université, CNRS, Laboratoire de Biologie du Développement de Villefranche-sur-mer (LBDV), France
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Shikuma NJ. Bacteria-Stimulated Metamorphosis: an Ocean of Insights from Investigating a Transient Host-Microbe Interaction. mSystems 2021; 6:e0075421. [PMID: 34463566 DOI: 10.1128/msystems.00754-21] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Recent research on host-microbe interactions has focused on intimate symbioses. Yet transient interactions, such as the stimulation of animal metamorphosis by bacteria, can have significant impacts on each partner. During these short-lived interactions, swimming animal larvae identify a desirable location on the seafloor and undergo metamorphosis into a juvenile based on the presence of specific bottom-dwelling bacteria. While this phenomenon is critical for seeding new animals to establish or maintain benthic ecosystems, there is an ocean of fundamental questions that remain unanswered. Here, I propose an updated model of how bacteria stimulate animal metamorphosis based on evidence that bacteria inject a stimulatory protein that prompts tubeworm metamorphosis. I consider what we hope to learn about stimulatory bacterial products, how animals recognize these products, and the consequences for both partners. Finally, I provide examples of how studying an enigmatic host-microbe interaction can serve as an engine for scientific discovery.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nicholas J Shikuma
- Department of Biology and Viral Information Institute, San Diego State University, San Diego, California, USA
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