1
|
Yang Z, Zhang L, Zhang W, Tian X, Lai W, Lin D, Feng Y, Jiang W, Zhang Z, Zhang Z. Identification of the principal neuropeptide MIP and its action pathway in larval settlement of the echiuran worm Urechis unicinctus. BMC Genomics 2024; 25:337. [PMID: 38641568 PMCID: PMC11027379 DOI: 10.1186/s12864-024-10228-y] [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: 12/30/2023] [Accepted: 03/15/2024] [Indexed: 04/21/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Larval settlement and metamorphosis represent critical events in the life history of marine benthic animals. Myoinhibitory peptide (MIP) plays a pivotal role in larval settlement of marine invertebrates. However, the molecular mechanisms of MIP involved in this process are not well understood. RESULTS In this study, we evaluated the effects of thirteen MIP mature peptides on triggering the larval settlement of Urechis unicinctus (Xenopneusta, Urechidae), and determined that MIP2 was the principal neuropeptide. Transcriptomic analysis was employed to identify differentially expressed genes (DEGs) between the MIP2-treated larvae and normal early-segmentation larvae. Both cAMP and calcium signaling pathways were enriched in the DEGs of the MIP2-treated larvae, and two neuropeptide receptor genes (Spr, Fmrfar) were up-regulated in the MIP2-treated larvae. The activation of the SPR-cAMP pathway by MIP2 was experimentally validated in HEK293T cells. Furthermore, fourteen cilia-related genes, including Tctex1d2, Cfap45, Ift43, Ift74, Ift22, Cav1 and Mns1, etc. exhibited down-regulated expression in the MIP2-treated larvae. Whole-mount in situ hybridization identified two selected ciliary genes, Tctex1d2 and Cfap45, were specially expressed in circumoral ciliary cells of the early-segmentation larvae. Knocking down Tctex1d2 mRNA levels by in vivo RNA interference significantly increased the larval settlement rate. CONCLUSION Our findings suggest that MIP2 inhibits the function of the cilia-related genes, such as Tctex1d2, through the SPR-cAMP-PKA pathway, thereby inducing larval settlement in U. unicinctus. The study contributes important data to the understanding of neuropeptide regulation in larval settlement.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Zhi Yang
- Key Laboratory of Tropical Aquatic Germplasm of Hainan Province, Sanya Ocean Institute, Ocean University of China, Sanya, China
| | - Long Zhang
- Key Laboratory of Tropical Aquatic Germplasm of Hainan Province, Sanya Ocean Institute, Ocean University of China, Sanya, China
| | - Wenqing Zhang
- Key Laboratory of Tropical Aquatic Germplasm of Hainan Province, Sanya Ocean Institute, Ocean University of China, Sanya, China
| | - Xinhua Tian
- Key Laboratory of Tropical Aquatic Germplasm of Hainan Province, Sanya Ocean Institute, Ocean University of China, Sanya, China
| | - Wenyuan Lai
- Ministry of Education Key Laboratory of Marine Genetics and Breeding, College of Marine Life Sciences, Ocean University of China, Qingdao, China
| | - Dawei Lin
- Key Laboratory of Tropical Aquatic Germplasm of Hainan Province, Sanya Ocean Institute, Ocean University of China, Sanya, China
| | - Yuxin Feng
- Key Laboratory of Tropical Aquatic Germplasm of Hainan Province, Sanya Ocean Institute, Ocean University of China, Sanya, China
| | - Wenwen Jiang
- Key Laboratory of Tropical Aquatic Germplasm of Hainan Province, Sanya Ocean Institute, Ocean University of China, Sanya, China
| | - Zhengrui Zhang
- Ministry of Education Key Laboratory of Marine Genetics and Breeding, College of Marine Life Sciences, Ocean University of China, Qingdao, China.
| | - Zhifeng Zhang
- Key Laboratory of Tropical Aquatic Germplasm of Hainan Province, Sanya Ocean Institute, Ocean University of China, Sanya, China.
- Ministry of Education Key Laboratory of Marine Genetics and Breeding, College of Marine Life Sciences, Ocean University of China, Qingdao, China.
| |
Collapse
|
2
|
Quinlan ZA, Bennett MJ, Arts MGI, Levenstein M, Flores D, Tholen HM, Tichy L, Juarez G, Haas AF, Chamberland VF, Latijnhouwers KRW, Vermeij MJA, Johnson AW, Marhaver KL, Kelly LW. Coral larval settlement induction using tissue-associated and exuded coralline algae metabolites and the identification of putative chemical cues. Proc Biol Sci 2023; 290:20231476. [PMID: 37848062 PMCID: PMC10581770 DOI: 10.1098/rspb.2023.1476] [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: 06/29/2023] [Accepted: 09/13/2023] [Indexed: 10/19/2023] Open
Abstract
Reef-building crustose coralline algae (CCA) are known to facilitate the settlement and metamorphosis of scleractinian coral larvae. In recent decades, CCA coverage has fallen globally and degrading environmental conditions continue to reduce coral survivorship, spurring new restoration interventions to rebuild coral reef health. In this study, naturally produced chemical compounds (metabolites) were collected from two pantropical CCA genera to isolate and classify those that induce coral settlement. In experiments using four ecologically important Caribbean coral species, we demonstrate the applicability of extracted, CCA-derived metabolites to improve larval settlement success in coral breeding and restoration efforts. Tissue-associated CCA metabolites induced settlement of one coral species, Orbicella faveolata, while metabolites exuded by CCA (exometabolites) induced settlement of three species: Acropora palmata, Colpophyllia natans and Orbicella faveolata. In a follow-up experiment, CCA exometabolites fractionated and preserved using two different extraction resins induced the same level of larval settlement as the unfractionated positive control exometabolites. The fractionated CCA exometabolite pools were characterized using liquid chromatography tandem mass spectrometry, yielding 145 distinct molecular subnetworks that were statistically defined as CCA-derived and could be classified into 10 broad chemical classes. Identifying these compounds can reveal their natural prevalence in coral reef habitats and facilitate the development of new applications to enhance larval settlement and the survival of coral juveniles.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Zachary A. Quinlan
- Marine Biology Research Division, Scripps Institution of Oceanography, University of California San Diego, La Jolla, CA 92093, USA
| | | | - Milou G. I. Arts
- Department of Marine Microbiology and Biogeochemistry, Royal Netherlands Institute of Sea Research (NIOZ), Den Burg, 1797 SZ, Texel, The Netherlands
| | - Mark Levenstein
- Department of Mechanical Science and Engineering, University of Illinois Urbana–Champaign, Urbana, IL 61801, USA
- Institute for Genomic Biology, University of Illinois Urbana–Champaign, Urbana, IL 61801, USA
| | - Daisy Flores
- CARMABI Foundation, Piscaderabaai z/n, Willemstad, Curaçao
- Department of Integrative Biology, University of Texas at Austin, Austin, TX 78712, USA
| | - Haley M. Tholen
- Department of Mechanical Science and Engineering, University of Illinois Urbana–Champaign, Urbana, IL 61801, USA
| | - Lucas Tichy
- CARMABI Foundation, Piscaderabaai z/n, Willemstad, Curaçao
- Department of Microbiology, Radboud University, Nijmegen, 6525 XZ, The Netherlands
| | - Gabriel Juarez
- Department of Mechanical Science and Engineering, University of Illinois Urbana–Champaign, Urbana, IL 61801, USA
| | - Andreas F. Haas
- Department of Marine Microbiology and Biogeochemistry, Royal Netherlands Institute of Sea Research (NIOZ), Den Burg, 1797 SZ, Texel, The Netherlands
- Department of Biology, San Diego State University, San Diego, CA 92182, USA
| | - Valérie F. Chamberland
- CARMABI Foundation, Piscaderabaai z/n, Willemstad, Curaçao
- SECORE International, Hilliard, OH 43026, USA
- Department of Freshwater and Marine Ecology, Institute for Biodiversity and Ecosystem Dynamics, University of Amsterdam, Amsterdam, 1012 WP, The Netherlands
| | - Kelly R. W. Latijnhouwers
- CARMABI Foundation, Piscaderabaai z/n, Willemstad, Curaçao
- SECORE International, Hilliard, OH 43026, USA
- Department of Freshwater and Marine Ecology, Institute for Biodiversity and Ecosystem Dynamics, University of Amsterdam, Amsterdam, 1012 WP, The Netherlands
| | - Mark J. A. Vermeij
- CARMABI Foundation, Piscaderabaai z/n, Willemstad, Curaçao
- Department of Freshwater and Marine Ecology, Institute for Biodiversity and Ecosystem Dynamics, University of Amsterdam, Amsterdam, 1012 WP, The Netherlands
| | - Amy Wagoner Johnson
- Department of Mechanical Science and Engineering, University of Illinois Urbana–Champaign, Urbana, IL 61801, USA
- Institute for Genomic Biology, University of Illinois Urbana–Champaign, Urbana, IL 61801, USA
- Carle Illinois College of Medicine, University of Illinois Urbana–Champaign, Urbana, IL 61801, USA
| | | | - Linda Wegley Kelly
- Marine Biology Research Division, Scripps Institution of Oceanography, University of California San Diego, La Jolla, CA 92093, USA
| |
Collapse
|
3
|
Yap FC, Chen HN, Chan BKK. Host specificity and adaptive evolution in settlement behaviour of coral-associated barnacle larvae (Cirripedia: Pyrgomatidae). Sci Rep 2023; 13:9668. [PMID: 37316644 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-023-33738-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/27/2022] [Accepted: 04/18/2023] [Indexed: 06/16/2023] Open
Abstract
Coral-associated organisms often exhibit a continuum of host specificities. We do not know whether the variation in host specificity is related to the settlement organs or preferential settlement behaviours of the larvae. We examined the morphology of attachment discs, the settlement and metamorphosis of coral barnacles-Pyrgoma cancellatum (lives in a single coral species), Nobia grandis (two families of corals), and Armatobalanus allium (six families of corals). Our results revealed that the attachment organ of all three species are spear-shaped with sparse villi, indicating that the morphology of the attachment organs does not vary among species with different host specificities. Larvae of P. cancellatum and N. grandis only settle on their specific hosts, suggesting that chemical cues are involved in the settlement. Cyprids of N. grandis display close searching behaviour before settlement. Cyprids of P. cancellatum settle immediately on their specific host corals, without any exploratory behaviour. The host specificity and exploratory behaviours of coral barnacle cyprids are results of adaptive evolution. We argue that there is a trade-off between exploration and energy conservation for metamorphosis processes. Coral barnacle metamorphosis is longer when compared to free-living species, likely because it involves the development of a tube-shaped base on the coral surface.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Fook-Choy Yap
- Biodiversity Research Center, Academia Sinica, Taipei, 11529, Taiwan
- Graduate School, University of Nottingham Malaysia, Jalan Broga, Selangor, 43500, Semenyih, Malaysia
| | - Hsi-Nien Chen
- Chemistry and Environmental Research Laboratory, Taiwan Power Research Institute, New Taipei City, 238, Taiwan
| | - Benny K K Chan
- Biodiversity Research Center, Academia Sinica, Taipei, 11529, Taiwan.
| |
Collapse
|
4
|
Yang F, Mo J, Wei Z, Long L. Calcified macroalgae and their bacterial community in relation to larval settlement and metamorphosis of reef-building coral Pocillopora damicornis. FEMS Microbiol Ecol 2021; 97:5924451. [PMID: 33059359 DOI: 10.1093/femsec/fiaa215] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/11/2020] [Accepted: 10/14/2020] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Calcified macroalgae play an important role in the settlement and metamorphosis of invertebrate larvae in coral reef ecosystems. However, little is known about the algal-associated bacterial communities and their effects on larval settlement. In this study, the responses of larvae of the coral Pocillopora damicornis to calcified algae (Porolithon onkodes, Halimeda cylindracea, Halimeda opuntia and Amphiroa fragilissima) were evaluated. The results revealed that Por. onkodes and H. cylindracea significantly enhanced the rates of settlement and metamorphosis, whereas fewer larvae settled on Am. fragilissima and H. opuntia. Amplicon pyrosequencing of the V3-V4 region of 16S rDNA was applied to investigate the relationship between algal bacterial community and larval settlement. Principal coordinates analysis demonstrated that the bacterial community composition of H. opuntia was more similar to that of Am. fragilissima, but clearly distinct from those of H. cylindracea and Por. onkodes. Furthermore, the relative abundances of bacteria were highly diverse among different algae. H. opuntia had higher percentages of Thalassobius, Pelagibius and SM1A02, whereas the abundances of Mycoplasma and Suttonella were significantly higher in H. cylindracea than other algae. Our results showed that larval settlement/metamorphosis was strongly correlated with the bacterial community composition and with the relative abundance of a few operational taxonomic units.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Fangfang Yang
- Key Laboratory of Tropical Marine Bio-resources and Ecology, South China Sea Institute of Oceanology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Guangzhou 510301, PR China
| | - Jiahao Mo
- Key Laboratory of Tropical Marine Bio-resources and Ecology, South China Sea Institute of Oceanology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Guangzhou 510301, PR China.,University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100049, PR China
| | - Zhangliang Wei
- Key Laboratory of Tropical Marine Bio-resources and Ecology, South China Sea Institute of Oceanology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Guangzhou 510301, PR China
| | - Lijuan Long
- Key Laboratory of Tropical Marine Bio-resources and Ecology, South China Sea Institute of Oceanology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Guangzhou 510301, PR China
| |
Collapse
|
5
|
Bell JJ, McGrath E, Kandler NM, Marlow J, Beepat SS, Bachtiar R, Shaffer MR, Mortimer C, Micaroni V, Mobilia V, Rovellini A, Harris B, Farnham E, Strano F, Carballo JL. Interocean patterns in shallow water sponge assemblage structure and function. Biol Rev Camb Philos Soc 2020; 95:1720-1758. [PMID: 32812691 DOI: 10.1111/brv.12637] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/10/2019] [Revised: 06/28/2020] [Accepted: 06/29/2020] [Indexed: 01/04/2023]
Abstract
Sponges are a major component of benthic ecosystems across the world and fulfil a number of important functional roles. However, despite their importance, there have been few attempts to compare sponge assemblage structure and ecological functions across large spatial scales. In this review, we examine commonalities and differences between shallow water (<100 m) sponges at bioregional (15 bioregions) and macroregional (tropical, Mediterranean, temperate, and polar) scales, to provide a more comprehensive understanding of sponge ecology. Patterns of sponge abundance (based on density and area occupied) were highly variable, with an average benthic cover between ~1 and 30%. Sponges were generally found to occupy more space (percentage cover) in the Mediterranean and polar macroregions, compared to temperate and tropical macroregions, although sponge densities (sponges m-2 ) were highest in temperate bioregions. Mean species richness standardised by sampling area was similar across all bioregions, except for a few locations that supported very high small-scale biodiversity concentrations. Encrusting growth forms were generally the dominant sponge morphology, with the exception of the Tropical West Atlantic, where upright forms dominated. Annelids and Arthropods were the most commonly reported macrofauna associated with sponges across bioregions. With respect to reproduction, there were no patterns in gametic development (hermaphroditism versus gonochorism), although temperate, tropical, and polar macroregions had an increasingly higher percentage of viviparous species, respectively, with viviparity being the sole gamete development mechanism reported for polar sponges to date. Seasonal reproductive timing was the most common in all bioregions, but continuous timing was more common in the Mediterranean and tropical bioregions compared to polar and temperate bioregions. We found little variation across bioregions in larval size, and the dominant larval type across the globe was parenchymella. No pattens among bioregions were found in the limited information available for standardised respiration and pumping rates. Many organisms were found to predate sponges, with the abundance of sponge predators being higher in tropical systems. While there is some evidence to support a higher overall proportion of phototrophic species in the Tropical Austalian bioregion compared to the Western Atlantic, both also have large numbers of heterotrophic species. Sponges are important spatial competitors across all bioregions, most commonly being reported to interact with anthozoans and algae. Even though the available information was limited for many bioregions, our analyses demonstrate some differences in sponge traits and functions among bioregions, and among macroregions. However, we also identified similarities in sponge assemblage structure and function at global scales, likely reflecting a combination of regional- and local-scale biological and physical processes affecting sponge assemblages, along with common ancestry. Finally, we used our analyses to highlight geographic bias in past sponge research, and identify gaps in our understanding of sponge ecology globally. By so doing, we identified key areas for future research on sponge ecology. We hope that our study will help sponge researchers to consider bioregion-specific features of sponge assemblages and key sponge-mediated ecological processes from a global perspective.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- James J Bell
- School of Biological Sciences, Victoria University of Wellington, PO Box 600, Wellington, New Zealand
| | - Emily McGrath
- School of Biological Sciences, Victoria University of Wellington, PO Box 600, Wellington, New Zealand.,Cawthron Institute, 98 Halifax St E, The Wood, Nelson, 7010, New Zealand
| | - Nora M Kandler
- School of Biological Sciences, Victoria University of Wellington, PO Box 600, Wellington, New Zealand
| | - Joseph Marlow
- School of Biological Sciences, Victoria University of Wellington, PO Box 600, Wellington, New Zealand.,British Antarctic Survey, High Cross, Madingley Road, Cambridge, CB3 0ET, U.K
| | - Sandeep S Beepat
- School of Biological Sciences, Victoria University of Wellington, PO Box 600, Wellington, New Zealand
| | - Ramadian Bachtiar
- School of Biological Sciences, Victoria University of Wellington, PO Box 600, Wellington, New Zealand
| | - Megan R Shaffer
- School of Biological Sciences, Victoria University of Wellington, PO Box 600, Wellington, New Zealand
| | - Charlotte Mortimer
- School of Biological Sciences, Victoria University of Wellington, PO Box 600, Wellington, New Zealand
| | - Valerio Micaroni
- School of Biological Sciences, Victoria University of Wellington, PO Box 600, Wellington, New Zealand
| | - Valeria Mobilia
- School of Biological Sciences, Victoria University of Wellington, PO Box 600, Wellington, New Zealand
| | - Alberto Rovellini
- School of Biological Sciences, Victoria University of Wellington, PO Box 600, Wellington, New Zealand
| | - Benjamin Harris
- School of Biological Sciences, Victoria University of Wellington, PO Box 600, Wellington, New Zealand
| | - Elizabeth Farnham
- Ministry of Primary Industries, PO Box 2526, Wellington, New Zealand
| | - Francesca Strano
- School of Biological Sciences, Victoria University of Wellington, PO Box 600, Wellington, New Zealand
| | - José Luis Carballo
- Instituto de Ciencias del Mar y Limnología, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México (UNAM), Avenida Joel Montes Camarena, s/n. apartado postal 811, Mazatlán, 82000, Mexico
| |
Collapse
|
6
|
Williams EA. Function and Distribution of the Wamide Neuropeptide Superfamily in Metazoans. Front Endocrinol (Lausanne) 2020; 11:344. [PMID: 32547494 PMCID: PMC7270403 DOI: 10.3389/fendo.2020.00344] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/16/2020] [Accepted: 05/01/2020] [Indexed: 01/19/2023] Open
Abstract
The Wamide neuropeptide superfamily is of interest due to its distinctive functions in regulating life cycle transitions, metamorphic hormone signaling, and several aspects of digestive system function, from gut muscle contraction to satiety and fat storage. Due to variation among researchers in naming conventions, a global view of Wamide signaling in animals in terms of conservation or diversification of function is currently lacking. Here, I summarize the phylogenetic distribution of Wamide neuropeptides based on current data and describe recent findings in the areas of Wamide receptors and biological functions. Common trends that emerge across Cnidarians and protostomes are the presence of multiple Wamide receptors within a single organism, and the fact that Wamide signaling likely functions across an extensive variety of biological systems, including visual, circadian, and reproductive systems. Important areas of focus for future research are the further identification of Wamide-receptor pairs, confirmation of the phylogenetic distribution of Wamides through largescale sequencing and mass spectrometry, and assignment of different functions to specific subsets of Wamide-expressing neurons. More extensive study of Wamide signaling throughout larval development in a greater number of phyla is also important in order to understand the role of Wamides in hormonal regulation. Defining the evolution and function of neuropeptide signaling in animal nervous systems will benefit from an increased understanding of Wamide function and signaling mechanisms in a wider variety of organisms, beyond the traditional model systems.
Collapse
|
7
|
Abstract
Larvae of the sponge R. odorabile survived exposure to high concentrations of petroleum hydrocarbons; however, their ability to settle and metamorphose was adversely affected at environmentally relevant concentrations, and these effects were paralleled by marked changes in sponge gene expression and preceded by disruption of the symbiotic microbiome. Given the ecological importance of sponges, uncontrolled hydrocarbon releases from shipping accidents or production could affect sponge recruitment, which would have concomitant consequences for reef ecosystem function. Accidental oil spills from shipping and during extraction can threaten marine biota, particularly coral reef species which are already under pressure from anthropogenic disturbances. Marine sponges are an important structural and functional component of coral reef ecosystems; however, despite their ecological importance, little is known about how sponges and their microbial symbionts respond to petroleum products. Here, we use a systems biology-based approach to assess the effects of water-accommodated fractions (WAF) of crude oil, chemically enhanced water-accommodated fractions of crude oil (CWAF), and dispersant (Corexit EC9500A) on the survival, metamorphosis, gene expression, and microbial symbiosis of the abundant reef sponge Rhopaloeides odorabile in larval laboratory-based assays. Larval survival was unaffected by the 100% WAF treatment (107 μg liter−1 polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbon [PAH]), whereas significant decreases in metamorphosis were observed at 13% WAF (13.9 μg liter−1 PAH). The CWAF and dispersant treatments were more toxic, with decreases in metamorphosis identified at 0.8% (0.58 μg liter−1 PAH) and 1.6% (38 mg liter−1 Corexit EC9500A), respectively. In addition to the negative impact on larval settlement, significant changes in host gene expression and disruptions to the microbiome were evident, with microbial shifts detected at the lowest treatment level (1.6% WAF; 1.7 μg liter−1 PAH), including a significant reduction in the relative abundance of a previously described thaumarchaeal symbiont. The responsiveness of the R. odorabile microbial community to the lowest level of hydrocarbon treatment highlights the utility of the sponge microbiome as a sensitive marker for exposure to crude oils and dispersants. IMPORTANCE Larvae of the sponge R. odorabile survived exposure to high concentrations of petroleum hydrocarbons; however, their ability to settle and metamorphose was adversely affected at environmentally relevant concentrations, and these effects were paralleled by marked changes in sponge gene expression and preceded by disruption of the symbiotic microbiome. Given the ecological importance of sponges, uncontrolled hydrocarbon releases from shipping accidents or production could affect sponge recruitment, which would have concomitant consequences for reef ecosystem function.
Collapse
|
8
|
De Oliveira AL, Calcino A, Wanninger A. Extensive conservation of the proneuropeptide and peptide prohormone complement in mollusks. Sci Rep 2019; 9:4846. [PMID: 30890731 PMCID: PMC6425005 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-019-40949-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/09/2018] [Accepted: 02/25/2019] [Indexed: 12/27/2022] Open
Abstract
As one of the most diverse groups of invertebrate animals, mollusks represent powerful models for neurobiological and developmental studies. Neuropeptides and peptide hormones are a heterogeneous class of signalling molecules involved in chemical communication between neurons and in neuroendocrine regulation. Here we present a fine-grained view of the molluscan neuropeptide and peptide hormone toolkit. Our results expand the distribution of several peptide families (e.g., prokineticin, insulin-related peptides, prohormone-4, LFRFamide) within Lophotrochozoa and provide evidence for an early origin of others (e.g., GNXQN/prohormone-2, neuroparsin). We identified a new peptide family broadly distributed among conchiferan mollusks, the PXRX family. We found the Wnt antagonist dickkopf1/2/4 ortholog in lophotrochozoans and nematodes and reveal that the egg-laying hormone family is a DH44 homolog restricted to gastropods. Our data demonstrate that numerous peptides evolved much earlier than previously assumed and that key signalling elements are extensively conserved among extant mollusks.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- A L De Oliveira
- Department of Integrative Zoology, Faculty of Life Sciences, University of Vienna, Althanstraße 14, Vienna, 1090, Austria
| | - A Calcino
- Department of Integrative Zoology, Faculty of Life Sciences, University of Vienna, Althanstraße 14, Vienna, 1090, Austria
| | - A Wanninger
- Department of Integrative Zoology, Faculty of Life Sciences, University of Vienna, Althanstraße 14, Vienna, 1090, Austria.
| |
Collapse
|
9
|
Coral Recruit-Algae Interactions in Coral Reef Lagoons Are Mediated by Riverine Influences. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ECOLOGY 2017. [DOI: 10.1155/2017/1351854] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
Abstract
Coral recruit and algae abundance and diversity were studied in Kenyan reefs to determine the influence of terrestrial discharge (nutrients and sediments) and the recovery potential of coral reefs after disturbances. Reefs affected by sediments and nutrients were found to have high total, turf, and macroalgae but reduced coralline algae abundance and coral recruit density. Interestingly, this response was found to be the greatest in reefs close to nutrient sources relative to “pristine” reefs and those affected simultaneously by sediments and nutrients. Further, enhanced levels of brown algae and pocilloporid recruits were observed in reefs affected by terrestrial run-off whereas acroporid recruit, coralline, and calcareous algae abundance was high in reefs under low terrestrial input. Our results show that whereas increased sediment levels negatively affect coral recruit density individually, their interaction with nutrients improves recruit density in reefs simultaneously affected by sediment and nutrients. These findings suggest that the assessment of local factors that enhance inhibitory and those that suppress promotional processes involved in coral settlement and recruitment is an important aspect to consider in the conservation and management of coral reefs in the face of local anthropogenic stress as well as future climate disturbance dynamics and their interaction.
Collapse
|
10
|
Jékely G, Keijzer F, Godfrey-Smith P. An option space for early neural evolution. Philos Trans R Soc Lond B Biol Sci 2016; 370:rstb.2015.0181. [PMID: 26554049 DOI: 10.1098/rstb.2015.0181] [Citation(s) in RCA: 53] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/15/2023] Open
Abstract
The origin of nervous systems has traditionally been discussed within two conceptual frameworks. Input-output models stress the sensory-motor aspects of nervous systems, while internal coordination models emphasize the role of nervous systems in coordinating multicellular activity, especially muscle-based motility. Here we consider both frameworks and apply them to describe aspects of each of three main groups of phenomena that nervous systems control: behaviour, physiology and development. We argue that both frameworks and all three aspects of nervous system function need to be considered for a comprehensive discussion of nervous system origins. This broad mapping of the option space enables an overview of the many influences and constraints that may have played a role in the evolution of the first nervous systems.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Gáspár Jékely
- Max Planck Institute for Developmental Biology, Spemannstrasse 35, Tübingen 72076, Germany
| | - Fred Keijzer
- Department of Theoretical Philosophy, University of Groningen, Oude Boteringestraat 52, Groningen 9712 GL, The Netherlands
| | - Peter Godfrey-Smith
- Philosophy Program, The Graduate Center, City University of New York, New York, NY 10016, USA History and Philosophy of Science Unit, University of Sydney, Sydney, New South Wales 2006, Australia
| |
Collapse
|
11
|
Luter HM, Duckworth AR, Wolff CW, Evans-Illidge E, Whalan S. Recruitment Variability of Coral Reef Sessile Communities of the Far North Great Barrier Reef. PLoS One 2016; 11:e0153184. [PMID: 27049650 PMCID: PMC4822782 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0153184] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/27/2015] [Accepted: 03/24/2016] [Indexed: 11/19/2022] Open
Abstract
One of the key components in assessing marine sessile organism demography is determining recruitment patterns to benthic habitats. An analysis of serially deployed recruitment tiles across depth (6 and 12 m), seasons (summer and winter) and space (meters to kilometres) was used to quantify recruitment assemblage structure (abundance and percent cover) of corals, sponges, ascidians, algae and other sessile organisms from the northern sector of the Great Barrier Reef (GBR). Polychaetes were most abundant on recruitment titles, reaching almost 50% of total recruitment, yet covered <5% of each tile. In contrast, mean abundances of sponges, ascidians, algae, and bryozoans combined was generally less than 20% of total recruitment, with percentage cover ranging between 15–30% per tile. Coral recruitment was very low, with <1 recruit per tile identified. A hierarchal analysis of variation over a range of spatial and temporal scales showed significant spatio-temporal variation in recruitment patterns, but the highest variability occurred at the lowest spatial scale examined (1 m—among tiles). Temporal variability in recruitment of both numbers of taxa and percentage cover was also evident across both summer and winter. Recruitment across depth varied for some taxonomic groups like algae, sponges and ascidians, with greatest differences in summer. This study presents some of the first data on benthic recruitment within the northern GBR and provides a greater understanding of population ecology for coral reefs.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Heidi M Luter
- NAMRA and the Australian Institute of Marine Science, Arafura Timor Research Facility, Darwin, NT, Australia
- Australian Institute of Marine Science, Townsville, QLD, Australia
| | - Alan R Duckworth
- Australian Institute of Marine Science, Townsville, QLD, Australia
| | - Carsten W Wolff
- Australian Institute of Marine Science, Townsville, QLD, Australia
| | | | - Steve Whalan
- Central Caribbean Marine Institute, Little Cayman, Cayman Islands
- Marine Ecology Research Centre, School of Environment, Science and Engineering, Southern Cross University, Lismore, NSW, Australia
| |
Collapse
|
12
|
Abstract
Genomic and transcriptomic analyses show that sponges possess a large repertoire of genes associated with neuronal processes in other animals, but what is the evidence these are used in a coordination or sensory context in sponges? The very different phylogenetic hypotheses under discussion today suggest very different scenarios for the evolution of tissues and coordination systems in early animals. The sponge genomic 'toolkit' either reflects a simple, pre-neural system used to protect the sponge filter or represents the remnants of a more complex signalling system and sponges have lost cell types, tissues and regionalization to suit their current suspension-feeding habit. Comparative transcriptome data can be informative but need to be assessed in the context of knowledge of sponge tissue structure and physiology. Here, I examine the elements of the sponge neural toolkit including sensory cells, conduction pathways, signalling molecules and the ionic basis of signalling. The elements described do not fit the scheme of a loss of sophistication, but seem rather to reflect an early specialization for suspension feeding, which fits with the presumed ecological framework in which the first animals evolved.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Sally P Leys
- Department of Biological Sciences, University of Alberta, Edmonton, AB T6G 2E9, Canada
| |
Collapse
|
13
|
Hind KR, Miller KA, Young M, Jensen C, Gabrielson PW, Martone PT. Resolving cryptic species of Bossiella (Corallinales, Rhodophyta) using contemporary and historical DNA. AMERICAN JOURNAL OF BOTANY 2015; 102:1912-1930. [PMID: 26542846 DOI: 10.3732/ajb.1500308] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/30/2015] [Accepted: 09/29/2015] [Indexed: 06/05/2023]
Abstract
PREMISE OF THE STUDY Phenotypic plasticity and convergent evolution have long complicated traditional morphological taxonomy. Fortunately, DNA sequences provide an additional basis for comparison, independent of morphology. Most importantly, by obtaining DNA sequences from historical type specimens, we are now able to unequivocally match species names to genetic groups, often with surprising results. METHODS We used an integrative taxonomic approach to identify and describe Northeast Pacific pinnately branched species in the red algal coralline genus Bossiella, for which traditional taxonomy recognized only one species, the generitype, Bossiella plumosa. We analyzed DNA sequences from historical type specimens and modern topotype specimens to assign species names and to identify genetic groups that were different and that required new names. Our molecular taxonomic assessment was followed by a detailed morphometric analysis of each species. KEY RESULTS Our study of B. plumosa revealed seven pinnately branched Bossiella species. Three species, B. frondescens, B. frondifera, and B. plumosa, were assigned names based on sequences from type specimens. The remaining four species, B. hakaiensis, B. manzae, B. reptans, and B. montereyensis, were described as new to science. In most cases, there was significant overlap of morphological characteristics among species. CONCLUSIONS This study underscores the pitfalls of relying upon morpho-anatomy alone to distinguish species and highlights our likely underestimation of species worldwide. Our integrative taxonomic approach can serve as a model for resolving the taxonomy of other plant and algal genera.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Katharine R Hind
- Department of Botany and Biodiversity Research Centre, University of British Columbia, 6270 University Blvd., Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada, V6T 1Z4 Hakai Institute, Pruth Harbour, Calvert Island, British Columbia, Canada V0P 1H0
| | - Kathy Ann Miller
- University Herbarium, Silva Center for Phycological Documentation, 1001 Valley Life Sciences Building #2465, University of California, Berkeley, California 94720 USA
| | - Madeline Young
- Department of Botany and Biodiversity Research Centre, University of British Columbia, 6270 University Blvd., Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada, V6T 1Z4
| | - Cassandra Jensen
- Department of Botany and Biodiversity Research Centre, University of British Columbia, 6270 University Blvd., Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada, V6T 1Z4
| | - Paul W Gabrielson
- Department of Biology and Herbarium, 3280 Coker Hall, University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill, North Carolina 27599 USA
| | - Patrick T Martone
- Department of Botany and Biodiversity Research Centre, University of British Columbia, 6270 University Blvd., Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada, V6T 1Z4 Hakai Institute, Pruth Harbour, Calvert Island, British Columbia, Canada V0P 1H0
| |
Collapse
|
14
|
The hidden biology of sponges and ctenophores. Trends Ecol Evol 2015; 30:282-91. [DOI: 10.1016/j.tree.2015.03.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 129] [Impact Index Per Article: 14.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/29/2014] [Revised: 02/27/2015] [Accepted: 03/02/2015] [Indexed: 12/21/2022]
|
15
|
Nakanishi N, Stoupin D, Degnan SM, Degnan BM. Sensory Flask Cells in Sponge Larvae Regulate Metamorphosis via Calcium Signaling. Integr Comp Biol 2015; 55:1018-27. [PMID: 25898842 DOI: 10.1093/icb/icv014] [Citation(s) in RCA: 29] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
The Porifera (sponges) is one of the earliest phyletic lineages to branch off the metazoan tree. Although the body-plan of sponges is among the simplest in the animal kingdom and sponges lack nervous systems that communicate environmental signals to other cells, their larvae have sensory systems that generate coordinated responses to environmental cues. In eumetazoans (Cnidaria and Bilateria), the nervous systems of larvae often regulate metamorphosis through Ca(2+)-dependent signal transduction. In sponges, neither the identity of the receptor system that detects an inductive environmental cue (hereafter "metamorphic cues") nor the signaling system that mediates settlement and metamorphosis are known. Using a combination of behavioral assays and surgical manipulations, we show here that specialized epithelial cells-referred to as flask cells-enriched in the anterior third of the Amphimedon queenslandica larva are most likely to be the sensory cells that detect the metamorphic cues. Surgical removal of the region enriched in flask cells in a larva inhibits the initiation of metamorphosis. The flask cell has an apical sensory apparatus with a cilium surrounded by an apical F-actin-rich protrusion, and numerous vesicles, hallmarks of eumetazoan sensory-neurosecretory cells. We demonstrate that these flask cells respond to metamorphic cues by elevating intracellular Ca(2+) levels, and that this elevation is necessary for the initiation of metamorphosis. Taken together, these analyses suggest that sponge larvae have sensory-secretory epithelial cells capable of converting exogenous cues into internal signals via Ca(2+)-mediated signaling, which is necessary for the initiation of metamorphosis. Similarities in the morphology, physiology, and function of the sensory flask cells in sponge larvae with the sensory/neurosecretory cells in eumetazoan larvae suggest this sensory system predates the divergence of Porifera and Eumetazoa.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Nagayasu Nakanishi
- School of Biological Sciences, University of Queensland, Brisbane QLD 4072, Australia
| | - Daniel Stoupin
- School of Biological Sciences, University of Queensland, Brisbane QLD 4072, Australia
| | - Sandie M Degnan
- School of Biological Sciences, University of Queensland, Brisbane QLD 4072, Australia
| | - Bernard M Degnan
- School of Biological Sciences, University of Queensland, Brisbane QLD 4072, Australia
| |
Collapse
|
16
|
Whalan S, Abdul Wahab MA, Sprungala S, Poole AJ, de Nys R. Larval settlement: the role of surface topography for sessile coral reef invertebrates. PLoS One 2015; 10:e0117675. [PMID: 25671562 PMCID: PMC4324781 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0117675] [Citation(s) in RCA: 39] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/06/2014] [Accepted: 11/16/2014] [Indexed: 01/30/2023] Open
Abstract
For sessile marine invertebrates with complex life cycles, habitat choice is directed by the larval phase. Defining which habitat-linked cues are implicated in sessile invertebrate larval settlement has largely concentrated on chemical cues which are thought to signal optimal habitat. There has been less effort establishing physical settlement cues, including the role of surface microtopography. This laboratory based study tested whether surface microtopography alone (without chemical cues) plays an important contributing role in the settlement of larvae of coral reef sessile invertebrates. We measured settlement to tiles, engineered with surface microtopography (holes) that closely matched the sizes (width) of larvae of a range of corals and sponges, in addition to surfaces with holes that were markedly larger than larvae. Larvae from two species of scleractinian corals (Acropora millepora and Ctenactis crassa) and three species of coral reef sponges (Luffariella variabilis, Carteriospongia foliascens and Ircinia sp.,) were used in experiments. L. variabilis, A. millepora and C. crassa showed markedly higher settlement to surface microtopography that closely matched their larval width. C. foliascens and Ircinia sp., showed no specificity to surface microtopography, settling just as often to microtopography as to flat surfaces. The findings of this study question the sole reliance on chemical based larval settlement cues, previously established for some coral and sponge species, and demonstrate that specific physical cues (surface complexity) can also play an important role in larval settlement of coral reef sessile invertebrates.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Steve Whalan
- Marine Ecology Research Centre, School of Environment, Science and Engineering, Southern Cross University, PO Box 157, Lismore, 2480, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Muhammad A. Abdul Wahab
- MACRO—the Centre for Macroalgal Resources and Biotechnology, James Cook University, Townsville, 4811, Queensland, Australia
- Australian Institute of Marine Science, PMB 3 Townsville, Queensland, 4810, Australia
- AIMS@JCU, James Cook University, Townsville, 4811, Queensland, Australia
| | - Susanne Sprungala
- ARC Centre for Excellence for Coral Reef Studies, James Cook University, Townsville, 4811, Queensland, Australia
- College of Public Health, Medical and Veterinary Sciences, Department of Molecular Sciences, James Cook University, Townsville, 4811, Queensland, Australia
| | - Andrew J. Poole
- CSIRO Manufacturing Flagship, Pigdons Road, Waurn Ponds, 3216, Victoria, Australia
| | - Rocky de Nys
- MACRO—the Centre for Macroalgal Resources and Biotechnology, James Cook University, Townsville, 4811, Queensland, Australia
| |
Collapse
|
17
|
Bosch TCG, Adamska M, Augustin R, Domazet-Loso T, Foret S, Fraune S, Funayama N, Grasis J, Hamada M, Hatta M, Hobmayer B, Kawai K, Klimovich A, Manuel M, Shinzato C, Technau U, Yum S, Miller DJ. How do environmental factors influence life cycles and development? An experimental framework for early-diverging metazoans. Bioessays 2014; 36:1185-94. [PMID: 25205353 DOI: 10.1002/bies.201400065] [Citation(s) in RCA: 35] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
Ecological developmental biology (eco-devo) explores the mechanistic relationships between the processes of individual development and environmental factors. Recent studies imply that some of these relationships have deep evolutionary origins, and may even pre-date the divergences of the simplest extant animals, including cnidarians and sponges. Development of these early diverging metazoans is often sensitive to environmental factors, and these interactions occur in the context of conserved signaling pathways and mechanisms of tissue homeostasis whose detailed molecular logic remain elusive. Efficient methods for transgenesis in cnidarians together with the ease of experimental manipulation in cnidarians and sponges make them ideal models for understanding causal relationships between environmental factors and developmental mechanisms. Here, we identify major questions at the interface between animal evolution and development and outline a road map for research aimed at identifying the mechanisms that link environmental factors to developmental mechanisms in early diverging metazoans. Also watch the Video Abstract.
Collapse
|
18
|
Puglisi MP, Sneed JM, Sharp KH, Ritson-Williams R, Paul VJ. Marine chemical ecology in benthic environments. Nat Prod Rep 2014; 31:1510-53. [DOI: 10.1039/c4np00017j] [Citation(s) in RCA: 53] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/27/2023]
|
19
|
Jessen C, Voolstra CR, Wild C. In situ effects of simulated overfishing and eutrophication on settlement of benthic coral reef invertebrates in the Central Red Sea. PeerJ 2014; 2:e339. [PMID: 24765573 PMCID: PMC3994645 DOI: 10.7717/peerj.339] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/02/2014] [Accepted: 03/21/2014] [Indexed: 11/20/2022] Open
Abstract
In the Central Red Sea, healthy coral reefs meet intense coastal development, but data on the effects of related stressors for reef functioning are lacking. This in situ study therefore investigated the independent and combined effects of simulated overfishing through predator/grazer exclusion and simulated eutrophication through fertilizer addition on settlement of reef associated invertebrates on light-exposed and -shaded tiles over 4 months. At the end of the study period invertebrates had almost exclusively colonized shaded tiles. Algae were superior settling competitors on light-exposed tiles. On the shaded tiles, simulated overfishing prevented settlement of hard corals, but significantly increased settlement of polychaetes, while simulated eutrophication only significantly decreased hard coral settlement relative to controls. The combined treatment significantly increased settlement of bryozoans and bivalves compared to controls and individual manipulations, but significantly decreased polychaetes compared to simulated overfishing. These results suggest settlement of polychaetes and hard corals as potential bioindicators for overfishing and eutrophication, respectively, and settlement of bivalves and bryozoans for a combination of both. Therefore, if the investigated stressors are not controlled, phase shifts from dominance by hard corals to that by other invertebrates may occur at shaded reef locations in the Central Red Sea.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Christian Jessen
- Coral Reef Ecology Group (CORE), Leibniz Center for Tropical Marine Ecology , Bremen , Germany
| | - Christian R Voolstra
- Red Sea Research Center, King Abdullah University of Science and Technology (KAUST) , Thuwal , Saudi Arabia
| | - Christian Wild
- Coral Reef Ecology Group (CORE), Leibniz Center for Tropical Marine Ecology , Bremen , Germany ; Faculty of Biology and Chemistry, University of Bremen , Germany
| |
Collapse
|
20
|
Sponge larval settlement cues: the role of microbial biofilms in a warming ocean. Sci Rep 2014; 4:4072. [PMID: 24518965 PMCID: PMC3921630 DOI: 10.1038/srep04072] [Citation(s) in RCA: 61] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/27/2013] [Accepted: 01/24/2014] [Indexed: 01/26/2023] Open
Abstract
Microbial biofilms play important roles in initiating settlement of marine invertebrate larvae. Given the importance of habitat selection by the motile larval phase, understanding settlement choices is critical if we are to successfully predict the population dynamics of sessile adults. Marine microbial biofilms show remarkable variability in community composition, often mediated by environmental conditions and biofilm age. To determine if biofilm communities were influenced by the time allowed to establish (age) and/or seawater temperature, we manipulated experimental surfaces to firstly determine biofilm community composition and secondly test larval settlement responses for the abundant coral reef sponge Rhopaloeides odorabile. Microbial profiling of biofilms revealed different communities according to both age and temperature. Biofilm community composition, as a result of both elevated seawater temperature and biofilm age, contributed to settlement for sponge larvae with markedly higher numbers of larvae settling to biofilms developed over longer periods (10 d) and at temperatures 2–6°C above ambient.
Collapse
|
21
|
Cavalcanti GS, Gregoracci GB, dos Santos EO, Silveira CB, Meirelles PM, Longo L, Gotoh K, Nakamura S, Iida T, Sawabe T, Rezende CE, Francini-Filho RB, Moura RL, Amado-Filho GM, Thompson FL. Physiologic and metagenomic attributes of the rhodoliths forming the largest CaCO3 bed in the South Atlantic Ocean. ISME JOURNAL 2013; 8:52-62. [PMID: 23985749 DOI: 10.1038/ismej.2013.133] [Citation(s) in RCA: 52] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/25/2013] [Revised: 06/23/2013] [Accepted: 07/04/2013] [Indexed: 11/09/2022]
Abstract
Rhodoliths are free-living coralline algae (Rhodophyta, Corallinales) that are ecologically important for the functioning of marine environments. They form extensive beds distributed worldwide, providing a habitat and nursery for benthic organisms and space for fisheries, and are an important source of calcium carbonate. The Abrolhos Bank, off eastern Brazil, harbors the world's largest continuous rhodolith bed (of ∼21,000 km(2)) and has one of the largest marine CaCO3 deposits (producing 25 megatons of CaCO3 per year). Nevertheless, there is a lack of information about the microbial diversity, photosynthetic potential and ecological interactions within the rhodolith holobiont. Herein, we performed an ecophysiologic and metagenomic analysis of the Abrolhos rhodoliths to understand their microbial composition and functional components. Rhodoliths contained a specific microbiome that displayed a significant enrichment in aerobic ammonia-oxidizing betaproteobacteria and dissimilative sulfate-reducing deltaproteobacteria. We also observed a significant contribution of bacterial guilds (that is, photolithoautotrophs, anaerobic heterotrophs, sulfide oxidizers, anoxygenic phototrophs and methanogens) in the rhodolith metagenome, suggested to have important roles in biomineralization. The increased hits in aromatic compounds, fatty acid and secondary metabolism subsystems hint at an important chemically mediated interaction in which a functional job partition among eukaryal, archaeal and bacterial groups allows the rhodolith holobiont to thrive in the global ocean. High rates of photosynthesis were measured for Abrolhos rhodoliths (52.16 μmol carbon m(-2 )s(-1)), allowing the entire Abrolhos rhodolith bed to produce 5.65 × 10(5) tons C per day. This estimate illustrates the great importance of the Abrolhos rhodolith beds for dissolved carbon production in the South Atlantic Ocean.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Giselle S Cavalcanti
- Institute of Biology, Federal University of Rio de Janeiro (UFRJ), Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
| | - Gustavo B Gregoracci
- Institute of Biology, Federal University of Rio de Janeiro (UFRJ), Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
| | - Eidy O dos Santos
- Institute of Biology, Federal University of Rio de Janeiro (UFRJ), Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
| | - Cynthia B Silveira
- Institute of Biology, Federal University of Rio de Janeiro (UFRJ), Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
| | - Pedro M Meirelles
- Institute of Biology, Federal University of Rio de Janeiro (UFRJ), Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
| | - Leila Longo
- Instituto de Pesquisas Jardim Botânico do Rio de Janeiro, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
| | - Kazuyoshi Gotoh
- Laboratory of Genomic Research on Pathogenic Bacteria, International Research Center for Infectious Diseases, Research Institute for Microbial Diseases, Osaka University, Osaka, Japan
| | - Shota Nakamura
- Laboratory of Genomic Research on Pathogenic Bacteria, International Research Center for Infectious Diseases, Research Institute for Microbial Diseases, Osaka University, Osaka, Japan
| | - Tetsuya Iida
- Laboratory of Genomic Research on Pathogenic Bacteria, International Research Center for Infectious Diseases, Research Institute for Microbial Diseases, Osaka University, Osaka, Japan
| | - Tomoo Sawabe
- Laboratory of Microbiology, Hokkaido University, Sapporo, Japan
| | - Carlos E Rezende
- Environmental Science Laboratory, Campos dos Goytacazes, UENF, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
| | | | - Rodrigo L Moura
- Institute of Biology, Federal University of Rio de Janeiro (UFRJ), Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
| | | | - Fabiano L Thompson
- Institute of Biology, Federal University of Rio de Janeiro (UFRJ), Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
| |
Collapse
|
22
|
|