1
|
Jia S, Geng X, Cai Z, Wang Y, Shen J, Li Y, Wu Z, Chen S, Wang D. Comparison of physiological and transcriptome responses of corals to strong light and high temperature. ECOTOXICOLOGY AND ENVIRONMENTAL SAFETY 2024; 273:116143. [PMID: 38430582 DOI: 10.1016/j.ecoenv.2024.116143] [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: 02/17/2024] [Accepted: 02/20/2024] [Indexed: 03/04/2024]
Abstract
Coral reefs are essential for marine ecology and biodiversity. Global climate change has resulted in severe coral reef degradation, partly via coral bleaching, which is caused by rising sea temperatures and solar light intensity. In this study, we examined the impact of strong light (300 µmol.m-2.s-1) and high temperature (33°C) on the growth, immunity, and gene expression of Galaxea fascicularis. Strong light caused coral bleaching in the absence of high sea temperatures, while no obvious bleaching was observed under high temperature alone. The effect of strong light on calcification rate of G. fascicularis is significantly weaker than that of high temperature. Both strong light and high temperatures significantly affected the immune enzyme activity of G. fascicularis symbionts, with the former having a strong effect on their photosystem. Temperature affected the digestive system, replication and repair, and cell growth and death of coral hosts, as indicated by transcriptomics analysis. These results provide a valuable for strategies to mitigate coral bleaching. TEASER: We explored the effects of strong light exposure and high temperature on coral reefs and their symbiont algae.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Shuwen Jia
- Hainan Academy of Ocean and Fisheries Sciences, Haikou 571136, China; Key Laboratory for Coastal Marine Eco-Environment Process and Carbon Sink of Hainan province, Yazhou Bay Innovation Institute, College of Ecology and Environment, Hainan Tropical Ocean University, Sanya 572000, China; Key laboratory of Utilization and Conservation for Tropical Marine Bioresources (Hainan Tropical Ocean University), Ministry of Education, Sanya 572022, China
| | - Xiaoxiao Geng
- Hainan Academy of Ocean and Fisheries Sciences, Haikou 571136, China; Key Laboratory for Coastal Marine Eco-Environment Process and Carbon Sink of Hainan province, Yazhou Bay Innovation Institute, College of Ecology and Environment, Hainan Tropical Ocean University, Sanya 572000, China; Key laboratory of Utilization and Conservation for Tropical Marine Bioresources (Hainan Tropical Ocean University), Ministry of Education, Sanya 572022, China
| | - Zefu Cai
- Hainan Academy of Ocean and Fisheries Sciences, Haikou 571136, China; Key Laboratory for Coastal Marine Eco-Environment Process and Carbon Sink of Hainan province, Yazhou Bay Innovation Institute, College of Ecology and Environment, Hainan Tropical Ocean University, Sanya 572000, China; Key laboratory of Utilization and Conservation for Tropical Marine Bioresources (Hainan Tropical Ocean University), Ministry of Education, Sanya 572022, China
| | - Yi Wang
- Hainan Academy of Ocean and Fisheries Sciences, Haikou 571136, China; Key Laboratory for Coastal Marine Eco-Environment Process and Carbon Sink of Hainan province, Yazhou Bay Innovation Institute, College of Ecology and Environment, Hainan Tropical Ocean University, Sanya 572000, China; Key laboratory of Utilization and Conservation for Tropical Marine Bioresources (Hainan Tropical Ocean University), Ministry of Education, Sanya 572022, China
| | - Jie Shen
- Hainan Academy of Ocean and Fisheries Sciences, Haikou 571136, China; Key Laboratory for Coastal Marine Eco-Environment Process and Carbon Sink of Hainan province, Yazhou Bay Innovation Institute, College of Ecology and Environment, Hainan Tropical Ocean University, Sanya 572000, China; Key laboratory of Utilization and Conservation for Tropical Marine Bioresources (Hainan Tropical Ocean University), Ministry of Education, Sanya 572022, China
| | - Yuanchao Li
- Hainan Academy of Ocean and Fisheries Sciences, Haikou 571136, China; Key Laboratory for Coastal Marine Eco-Environment Process and Carbon Sink of Hainan province, Yazhou Bay Innovation Institute, College of Ecology and Environment, Hainan Tropical Ocean University, Sanya 572000, China; Key laboratory of Utilization and Conservation for Tropical Marine Bioresources (Hainan Tropical Ocean University), Ministry of Education, Sanya 572022, China
| | - Zhongjie Wu
- Hainan Academy of Ocean and Fisheries Sciences, Haikou 571136, China; Key Laboratory for Coastal Marine Eco-Environment Process and Carbon Sink of Hainan province, Yazhou Bay Innovation Institute, College of Ecology and Environment, Hainan Tropical Ocean University, Sanya 572000, China; Key laboratory of Utilization and Conservation for Tropical Marine Bioresources (Hainan Tropical Ocean University), Ministry of Education, Sanya 572022, China
| | - Shiquan Chen
- Hainan Academy of Ocean and Fisheries Sciences, Haikou 571136, China; Key Laboratory for Coastal Marine Eco-Environment Process and Carbon Sink of Hainan province, Yazhou Bay Innovation Institute, College of Ecology and Environment, Hainan Tropical Ocean University, Sanya 572000, China; Key laboratory of Utilization and Conservation for Tropical Marine Bioresources (Hainan Tropical Ocean University), Ministry of Education, Sanya 572022, China.
| | - Daoru Wang
- Hainan Academy of Ocean and Fisheries Sciences, Haikou 571136, China; Key Laboratory for Coastal Marine Eco-Environment Process and Carbon Sink of Hainan province, Yazhou Bay Innovation Institute, College of Ecology and Environment, Hainan Tropical Ocean University, Sanya 572000, China; Key laboratory of Utilization and Conservation for Tropical Marine Bioresources (Hainan Tropical Ocean University), Ministry of Education, Sanya 572022, China.
| |
Collapse
|
2
|
Zhou Y, Li Q, Zhang Q, Yuan M, Zhu X, Li Y, Li Q, Downs CA, Huang D, Chou LM, Zhao H. Environmental Concentrations of Herbicide Prometryn Render Stress-Tolerant Corals Susceptible to Ocean Warming. ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE & TECHNOLOGY 2024; 58:4545-4557. [PMID: 38386019 DOI: 10.1021/acs.est.3c10417] [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: 02/23/2024]
Abstract
Global warming has caused the degradation of coral reefs around the world. While stress-tolerant corals have demonstrated the ability to acclimatize to ocean warming, it remains unclear whether they can sustain their thermal resilience when superimposed with other coastal environmental stressors. We report the combined impacts of a photosystem II (PSII) herbicide, prometryn, and ocean warming on the stress-tolerant coral Galaxea fascicularis through physiological and omics analyses. The results demonstrate that the heat-stress-induced inhibition of photosynthetic efficiency in G. fascicularis is exacerbated in the presence of prometryn. Transcriptomics and metabolomics analyses indicate that the prometryn exposure may overwhelm the photosystem repair mechanism in stress-tolerant corals, thereby compromising their capacity for thermal acclimation. Moreover, prometryn might amplify the adverse effects of heat stress on key energy and nutrient metabolism pathways and induce a stronger response to oxidative stress in stress-tolerant corals. The findings indicate that the presence of prometryn at environmentally relevant concentrations would render corals more susceptible to heat stress and exacerbate the breakdown of coral Symbiodiniaceae symbiosis. The present study provides valuable insights into the necessity of prioritizing PSII herbicide pollution reduction in coral reef protection efforts while mitigating the effects of climate change.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Yanyu Zhou
- State Key Laboratory of Marine Resource Utilization in South China Sea, Hainan University, Haikou 570228, China
- Center for Eco-Environment Restoration of Hainan Province & Key Laboratory of Agro-Forestry Environmental Processes and Ecological Regulation of Hainan Province, School of Environment and Ecology, Hainan University, Haikou 570228, China
| | - Qiuli Li
- State Key Laboratory of Marine Resource Utilization in South China Sea, Hainan University, Haikou 570228, China
- Center for Eco-Environment Restoration of Hainan Province & Key Laboratory of Agro-Forestry Environmental Processes and Ecological Regulation of Hainan Province, School of Environment and Ecology, Hainan University, Haikou 570228, China
| | - Quan Zhang
- Key Laboratory of Microbial Technology for Industrial Pollution Control of Zhejiang Province, College of Environment, Zhejiang University of Technology, Hangzhou 310032, China
| | - Meile Yuan
- Center for Eco-Environment Restoration of Hainan Province & Key Laboratory of Agro-Forestry Environmental Processes and Ecological Regulation of Hainan Province, School of Environment and Ecology, Hainan University, Haikou 570228, China
| | - Xiaoshan Zhu
- Center for Eco-Environment Restoration of Hainan Province & Key Laboratory of Agro-Forestry Environmental Processes and Ecological Regulation of Hainan Province, School of Environment and Ecology, Hainan University, Haikou 570228, China
| | - Yuanchao Li
- Hainan Academy of Ocean and Fisheries Sciences, Haikou 571126, China
| | - Qipei Li
- Center for Eco-Environment Restoration of Hainan Province & Key Laboratory of Agro-Forestry Environmental Processes and Ecological Regulation of Hainan Province, School of Environment and Ecology, Hainan University, Haikou 570228, China
| | - Craig A Downs
- Haereticus Environmental Laboratory, P.O. Box 92, Clifford, Virginia 24533, United States
| | - Danwei Huang
- Lee Kong Chian Natural History Museum, National University of Singapore, Singapore 117377, Singapore
- Tropical Marine Science Institute, National University of Singapore, Singapore 119227, Singapore
- Department of Biological Sciences, National University of Singapore, Singapore 117558, Singapore
| | - Loke-Ming Chou
- Tropical Marine Science Institute, National University of Singapore, Singapore 119227, Singapore
- Department of Biological Sciences, National University of Singapore, Singapore 117558, Singapore
| | - Hongwei Zhao
- State Key Laboratory of Marine Resource Utilization in South China Sea, Hainan University, Haikou 570228, China
- Center for Eco-Environment Restoration of Hainan Province & Key Laboratory of Agro-Forestry Environmental Processes and Ecological Regulation of Hainan Province, School of Environment and Ecology, Hainan University, Haikou 570228, China
| |
Collapse
|
3
|
Bonacolta AM, Miravall J, Gómez-Gras D, Ledoux JB, López-Sendino P, Garrabou J, Massana R, Del Campo J. Differential apicomplexan presence predicts thermal stress mortality in the Mediterranean coral Paramuricea clavata. Environ Microbiol 2024; 26:e16548. [PMID: 38072822 DOI: 10.1111/1462-2920.16548] [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: 05/16/2023] [Accepted: 11/21/2023] [Indexed: 01/30/2024]
Abstract
Paramuricea clavata is an ecosystem architect of the Mediterranean temperate reefs that is currently threatened by episodic mass mortality events related to global warming. The microbiome may play an active role in the thermal stress susceptibility of corals, potentially holding the answer as to why corals show differential sensitivity to heat stress. To investigate this, the prokaryotic and eukaryotic microbiome of P. clavata collected from around the Mediterranean was characterised before experimental heat stress to determine if its microbial composition influences the thermal response of the holobiont. We found that members of P. clavata's microeukaryotic community were significantly correlated with thermal stress sensitivity. Syndiniales from the Dino-Group I Clade 1 were significantly enriched in thermally resistant corals, while the apicomplexan corallicolids were significantly enriched in thermally susceptible corals. We hypothesise that P. clavata mortality following heat stress may be caused by a shift from apparent commensalism to parasitism in the corallicolid-coral host relationship driven by the added stress. Our results show the potential importance of corallicolids and the rest of the microeukaryotic community of corals to understanding thermal stress response in corals and provide a useful tool to guide conservation efforts and future research into coral-associated microeukaryotes.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Anthony M Bonacolta
- Department of Marine Biology and Ecology, Rosenstiel School of Marine, Atmospheric and Earth Science, University of Miami, Miami, Florida, USA
- Programa de Biodiversiat, Institut de Biologia Evolutiva (CSIC-Universitat Pompeu Fabra), Barcelona, Catalonia, Spain
| | - Jordi Miravall
- Departament de Biologia Marina i Oceanografia, Institut de Ciències del Mar-CSIC, Barcelona, Catalonia, Spain
| | - Daniel Gómez-Gras
- Hawai'i Institute of Marine Biology, University of Hawai'i at Mānoa, Kaneohe, Hawaii, USA
- Departament de Biologia Evolutiva, Ecologia i Ciències Ambientals, Institut de Recerca de la Biodiversitat (IRBIO), Universitat de Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Jean-Baptiste Ledoux
- CIIMAR/CIMAR, Centro Interdisciplinar de Investigação Marinha e Ambiental, Universidade do Porto, Porto, Portugal
| | - Paula López-Sendino
- Departament de Biologia Marina i Oceanografia, Institut de Ciències del Mar-CSIC, Barcelona, Catalonia, Spain
| | - Joaquim Garrabou
- Departament de Biologia Marina i Oceanografia, Institut de Ciències del Mar-CSIC, Barcelona, Catalonia, Spain
| | - Ramon Massana
- Departament de Biologia Marina i Oceanografia, Institut de Ciències del Mar-CSIC, Barcelona, Catalonia, Spain
| | - Javier Del Campo
- Department of Marine Biology and Ecology, Rosenstiel School of Marine, Atmospheric and Earth Science, University of Miami, Miami, Florida, USA
- Programa de Biodiversiat, Institut de Biologia Evolutiva (CSIC-Universitat Pompeu Fabra), Barcelona, Catalonia, Spain
| |
Collapse
|
4
|
Xu M, Cheng K, Xiao B, Tong M, Cai Z, Jong MC, Chen G, Zhou J. Bacterial Communities Vary from Different Scleractinian Coral Species and between Bleached and Non-Bleached Corals. Microbiol Spectr 2023; 11:e0491022. [PMID: 37191552 PMCID: PMC10269541 DOI: 10.1128/spectrum.04910-22] [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: 11/30/2022] [Accepted: 04/07/2023] [Indexed: 05/17/2023] Open
Abstract
Bleaching is one of the most relevant factors implicated in the integrity of coral reef ecosystems, with the increasing frequency and intensity of damaging events representing a serious threat to reef biodiversity. Here, we analyzed changes in coral-associated bacteria from three types of non-bleached and bleached scleractinian corals (Acropora digitifera, Galaxea fascicularis, and Porites pukoensis) in Hainan Luhuitou peninsula coastal areas. The community structure of symbiotic bacteria differed significantly among the three apparently healthy corals. The bleached corals had higher bacterial alpha diversity and some specific bacteria genera, including Ruegeria, Methyloceanibacter, Filomicrobium, Halioglobus, Rubripirellula, Rhodopirellula, Silicimonas, Blastopirellula, Sva0996 marine group, Woeseia, and unclassified_c_Gammaproteobacteria, were consistently increased in bleached groups. Network analysis revealed significantly different degrees of modularity between bleached and non-bleached groups at the bacterial genus level, and a higher proportion of links was dominated by positive co-occurrences. Functional prediction analysis illustrated that coral-associated bacteria remained relatively consistent in the bleached and non-bleached groups. Structure equation modeling revealed that the bacterial community diversity and function were directly influenced by host and environment factors. These findings suggested that coral-associated bacterial responses to bleaching occur in a host-dependent manner, informing novel strategies for restoring coral and aiding adaption to bleaching stress. IMPORTANCE Accumulating evidence indicates that coral-associated bacteria play an important role in the health of holobionts. However, the variability of the symbiotic bacterial community structure among coral species with different coral health statuses remains largely unknown. Here, we investigated three apparent non-bleached (healthy) and bleached coral species (sampled in situ), involving related symbiotic bacterial profiles, including composition, alpha diversity, network relationship, and potential function. Structural equation modeling analysis was used to analyze the relationship between coral status and abiotic and biotic factors. The bacterial community structure of different groups was shown to exhibit host-specific traits. Both host and environmental impacts had primary effects on coral-associated microbial communities. Future studies are needed to identify the mechanisms that mediate divergent microbial consortia.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Meiting Xu
- School of Environment, Harbin Institute of Technology, Harbin, People’s Republic of China
- School of Marine Science and Technology, Harbin Institute of Technology (Weihai), Weihai, Shandong Province, People’s Republic of China
| | - Keke Cheng
- Shenzhen Public Platform for Screening and Application of Marine Microbial Resources, Institute for Ocean Engineering, Shenzhen International Graduate School, Tsinghua University, Shenzhen, People’s Republic of China
| | - Baohua Xiao
- Shenzhen Institute of Guangdong Ocean University, Shenzhen, People’s Republic of China
| | - Mengmeng Tong
- Ocean College, Zhejiang University, Zhoushan, People’s Republic of China
| | - Zhonghua Cai
- Shenzhen Public Platform for Screening and Application of Marine Microbial Resources, Institute for Ocean Engineering, Shenzhen International Graduate School, Tsinghua University, Shenzhen, People’s Republic of China
| | - Mui-Choo Jong
- Institute of Environment and Ecology, Shenzhen International Graduate School, Tsinghua University, Shenzhen, People’s Republic of China
| | - Guofu Chen
- School of Environment, Harbin Institute of Technology, Harbin, People’s Republic of China
- School of Marine Science and Technology, Harbin Institute of Technology (Weihai), Weihai, Shandong Province, People’s Republic of China
| | - Jin Zhou
- Shenzhen Public Platform for Screening and Application of Marine Microbial Resources, Institute for Ocean Engineering, Shenzhen International Graduate School, Tsinghua University, Shenzhen, People’s Republic of China
| |
Collapse
|
5
|
Exploring the Potential Molecular Mechanisms of Interactions between a Probiotic Consortium and Its Coral Host. mSystems 2023; 8:e0092122. [PMID: 36688656 PMCID: PMC9948713 DOI: 10.1128/msystems.00921-22] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/24/2023] Open
Abstract
Beneficial microorganisms for corals (BMCs) have been demonstrated to be effective probiotics to alleviate bleaching and mitigate coral mortality in vivo. The selection of putative BMCs is traditionally performed manually, using an array of biochemical and molecular tests for putative BMC traits. We present a comprehensive genetic survey of BMC traits using a genome-based framework for the identification of alternative mechanisms that can be used for future in silico selection of BMC strains. We identify exclusive BMC traits associated with specific strains and propose new BMC mechanisms, such as the synthesis of glycine betaine and ectoines. Our roadmap facilitates the selection of BMC strains while increasing the array of genetic targets that can be included in the selection of putative BMC strains to be tested as coral probiotics. IMPORTANCE Probiotics are currently the main hope as a potential medicine for corals, organisms that are considered the marine "canaries of the coal mine" and that are threatened with extinction. Our experiments have proved the concept that probiotics mitigate coral bleaching and can also prevent coral mortality. Here, we present a comprehensive genetic survey of probiotic traits using a genome-based framework. The main outcomes are a roadmap that facilitates the selection of coral probiotic strains while increasing the array of mechanisms that can be included in the selection of coral probiotics.
Collapse
|
6
|
Nie Z, Tang K, Wang W, Wang P, Guo Y, Wang Y, Kao SJ, Yin J, Wang X. Comparative genomic insights into habitat adaptation of coral-associated Prosthecochloris. Front Microbiol 2023; 14:1138751. [PMID: 37152757 PMCID: PMC10158934 DOI: 10.3389/fmicb.2023.1138751] [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: 01/06/2023] [Accepted: 04/03/2023] [Indexed: 05/09/2023] Open
Abstract
Green sulfur bacteria (GSB) are a distinct group of anoxygenic phototrophic bacteria that are found in many ecological niches. Prosthecochloris, a marine representative genus of GSB, was found to be dominant in some coral skeletons. However, how coral-associated Prosthecochloris (CAP) adapts to diurnal changing microenvironments in coral skeletons is still poorly understood. In this study, three Prosthecochloris genomes were obtained through enrichment culture from the skeleton of the stony coral Galaxea fascicularis. These divergent three genomes belonged to Prosthecochloris marina and two genomes were circular. Comparative genomic analysis showed that between the CAP and non-CAP clades, CAP genomes possess specialized metabolic capacities (CO oxidation, CO2 hydration and sulfur oxidation), gas vesicles (vertical migration in coral skeletons), and cbb 3-type cytochrome c oxidases (oxygen tolerance and gene regulation) to adapt to the microenvironments of coral skeletons. Within the CAP clade, variable polysaccharide synthesis gene clusters and phage defense systems may endow bacteria with differential cell surface structures and phage susceptibility, driving strain-level evolution. Furthermore, mobile genetic elements (MGEs) or evidence of horizontal gene transfer (HGT) were found in most of the genomic loci containing the above genes, suggesting that MGEs play an important role in the evolutionary diversification between CAP and non-CAP strains and within CAP clade strains. Our results provide insight into the adaptive strategy and population evolution of endolithic Prosthecochloris strains in coral skeletons.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Zhaolong Nie
- State Key Laboratory of Marine Resource Utilization in South China Sea, Hainan University, Haikou, China
- Key Laboratory of Tropical Marine Bio-resources and Ecology, Guangdong Key Laboratory of Marine Materia Medica, Innovation Academy of South China Sea Ecology and Environmental Engineering, South China Sea Institute of Oceanology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Guangzhou, China
| | - Kaihao Tang
- State Key Laboratory of Marine Resource Utilization in South China Sea, Hainan University, Haikou, China
- Key Laboratory of Tropical Marine Bio-resources and Ecology, Guangdong Key Laboratory of Marine Materia Medica, Innovation Academy of South China Sea Ecology and Environmental Engineering, South China Sea Institute of Oceanology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Guangzhou, China
- Southern Marine Science and Engineering Guangdong Laboratory (Guangzhou), Guangzhou, China
- *Correspondence: Kaihao Tang,
| | - Weiquan Wang
- Key Laboratory of Tropical Marine Bio-resources and Ecology, Guangdong Key Laboratory of Marine Materia Medica, Innovation Academy of South China Sea Ecology and Environmental Engineering, South China Sea Institute of Oceanology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Guangzhou, China
| | - Pengxia Wang
- Key Laboratory of Tropical Marine Bio-resources and Ecology, Guangdong Key Laboratory of Marine Materia Medica, Innovation Academy of South China Sea Ecology and Environmental Engineering, South China Sea Institute of Oceanology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Guangzhou, China
- Southern Marine Science and Engineering Guangdong Laboratory (Guangzhou), Guangzhou, China
- University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Yunxue Guo
- Key Laboratory of Tropical Marine Bio-resources and Ecology, Guangdong Key Laboratory of Marine Materia Medica, Innovation Academy of South China Sea Ecology and Environmental Engineering, South China Sea Institute of Oceanology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Guangzhou, China
- Southern Marine Science and Engineering Guangdong Laboratory (Guangzhou), Guangzhou, China
- University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Yan Wang
- State Key Laboratory of Marine Resource Utilization in South China Sea, Hainan University, Haikou, China
| | - Shuh-Ji Kao
- State Key Laboratory of Marine Resource Utilization in South China Sea, Hainan University, Haikou, China
| | - Jianping Yin
- Key Laboratory of Tropical Marine Bio-resources and Ecology, Guangdong Key Laboratory of Marine Materia Medica, Innovation Academy of South China Sea Ecology and Environmental Engineering, South China Sea Institute of Oceanology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Guangzhou, China
| | - Xiaoxue Wang
- Key Laboratory of Tropical Marine Bio-resources and Ecology, Guangdong Key Laboratory of Marine Materia Medica, Innovation Academy of South China Sea Ecology and Environmental Engineering, South China Sea Institute of Oceanology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Guangzhou, China
- Southern Marine Science and Engineering Guangdong Laboratory (Guangzhou), Guangzhou, China
- University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China
| |
Collapse
|
7
|
Woo S, Yum S. Transcriptional response of the azooxanthellate octocoral Scleronephthya gracillimum to seawater acidification and thermal stress. COMPARATIVE BIOCHEMISTRY AND PHYSIOLOGY. PART D, GENOMICS & PROTEOMICS 2022; 42:100978. [PMID: 35259638 DOI: 10.1016/j.cbd.2022.100978] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/12/2021] [Revised: 01/28/2022] [Accepted: 02/16/2022] [Indexed: 06/14/2023]
Abstract
The stress responses to increased seawater temperature and marine acidification were investigated using a microarray to reveal transcriptional changes in S. gracillimum. For the study, corals were exposed to different stress experiments; high temperature only (26 °C, 28 °C and 30 °C), low-pH only (pH 7.5, pH 7.0 and pH 6.5) and dual stress experiments (28 °C + pH 7.8, 28 °C + pH 7.5 and 28 °C + pH 7.0), mortality and morphological changes in 24 h exposure experiments were investigated. The survival rates of each experimental group were observed. The gene expression changes in single and dual stress exposed coals were measured and the differentially expressed genes were classified with gene ontology analysis. The top three enriched gene ontology terms of DEGs in response to dual stress were metal ion binding (23.4%), extracellular region (17.2%), and calcium ion binding (12.8%). The gene showing the greatest increase in expression as a response to the dual stress was hemagglutinin/amebocyte aggregation factor, followed by interferon-inducible GTPase 5 and the gene showing the greatest decrease as a response to the dual stress was Fas-associating death domain-containing protein, followed by oxidase 2. These results represented the transcriptomic study focused on the stress responses of the temperate asymbiotic soft coral exposed to single and dual stresses. The combined effect of thermal and acidification stress on corals triggered the negative regulation of ion binding and extracellular matrix coding genes and these genes might serve as a basis for research into coral-specific adaptations to stress responses and global climate change.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Seonock Woo
- Marine Biotechnology Research Center, Korea Institute of Ocean Science and Technology, Busan 49111, South Korea
| | - Seungshic Yum
- Ecological Risk Research Division, Korea Institute of Ocean Sciences and Technology, Geoje 53201, South Korea; KIOST School, University of Science and Technology, Geoje 53201, South Korea.
| |
Collapse
|
8
|
Subedi SC, Allen P, Vidales R, Sternberg L, Ross M, Afkhami ME. Salinity legacy: Foliar microbiome's history affects mutualist-conferred salinity tolerance. Ecology 2022; 103:e3679. [PMID: 35302649 DOI: 10.1002/ecy.3679] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/04/2021] [Accepted: 01/07/2022] [Indexed: 11/09/2022]
Abstract
The rapid human-driven changes in the environment during the Anthropocene have placed extreme stress on many plants and animals. Beneficial interactions with microorganisms may be crucial for ameliorating these stressors and facilitating the ecosystem services host organisms provide. Foliar endophytes, microorganisms that reside within leaves, are found in essentially all plants and can provide important benefits (e.g., enhanced drought tolerance or resistance to herbivory). However, it remains unclear how important the legacy effects of the abiotic stressors that select on these microbiomes are for affecting the degree of stress amelioration provided to their hosts. To elucidate foliar endophytes' role in host plant salt-tolerance, especially if salinity experienced in the field selects for endophytes that are better suited to improve salt-tolerance of their hosts, we combined field collections of 90 endophyte communities from 30 sites across the coastal Everglades with a manipulative growth experiment assessing endophyte inoculation effects on host plant performance. Specifically, we grew >350 red mangrove (Rhizophora mangle) seedlings in a factorial design that manipulated the salinity environment the seedlings experienced (freshwater vs. saltwater), the introduction of field-collected endophytes (live vs. sterilized inoculum), and the legacy of salinity stress experienced by these introduced endophytes [ranging from no salt stress (0 ppt salinity) to high salt stress (40 ppt) environments]. We found that inoculation with field-collected endophytes significantly increased mangrove performance across almost all metrics examined (15-20% increase on average) and these beneficial effects typically occurred when grown in saltwater. Importantly, our study revealed the novel result that endophyte-conferred salinity tolerance depended on microbiome salinity legacy in a key coastal foundation species. Salt-stressed mangroves inoculated with endophyte microbiomes from high salinity environments performed, on average, as well as plants grown in low-stress freshwater, while endophytes from freshwater environments did not relieve host salinity stress. Given the increasing salinity stress imposed by sea level rise and the importance of foundation species like mangroves for ecosystem services, our results indicate that consideration of endophytic associations and their salinity legacy may be critical for successful restoration and management of coastal habitats.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Suresh C Subedi
- Department of Biology, University of Miami, Coral Gables, Florida
| | - Preston Allen
- Department of Biology, University of Miami, Coral Gables, Florida
| | - Rosario Vidales
- Department of Earth and environment, Florida International University, Miami, Florida
| | - Leonel Sternberg
- Department of Biology, University of Miami, Coral Gables, Florida
| | - Michael Ross
- Department of Earth and environment, Florida International University, Miami, Florida.,Institute of Environment, Florida International University, Miami, Florida
| | | |
Collapse
|
9
|
Shrestha AMS, B Guiao JE, R Santiago KC. Assembly-free rapid differential gene expression analysis in non-model organisms using DNA-protein alignment. BMC Genomics 2022; 23:97. [PMID: 35120462 PMCID: PMC8815227 DOI: 10.1186/s12864-021-08278-7] [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: 04/18/2021] [Accepted: 12/22/2021] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Background RNA-seq is being increasingly adopted for gene expression studies in a panoply of non-model organisms, with applications spanning the fields of agriculture, aquaculture, ecology, and environment. For organisms that lack a well-annotated reference genome or transcriptome, a conventional RNA-seq data analysis workflow requires constructing a de-novo transcriptome assembly and annotating it against a high-confidence protein database. The assembly serves as a reference for read mapping, and the annotation is necessary for functional analysis of genes found to be differentially expressed. However, assembly is computationally expensive. It is also prone to errors that impact expression analysis, especially since sequencing depth is typically much lower for expression studies than for transcript discovery. Results We propose a shortcut, in which we obtain counts for differential expression analysis by directly aligning RNA-seq reads to the high-confidence proteome that would have been otherwise used for annotation. By avoiding assembly, we drastically cut down computational costs – the running time on a typical dataset improves from the order of tens of hours to under half an hour, and the memory requirement is reduced from the order of tens of Gbytes to tens of Mbytes. We show through experiments on simulated and real data that our pipeline not only reduces computational costs, but has higher sensitivity and precision than a typical assembly-based pipeline. A Snakemake implementation of our workflow is available at: https://bitbucket.org/project_samar/samar. Conclusions The flip side of RNA-seq becoming accessible to even modestly resourced labs has been that the time, labor, and infrastructure cost of bioinformatics analysis has become a bottleneck. Assembly is one such resource-hungry process, and we show here that it can be avoided for quick and easy, yet more sensitive and precise, differential gene expression analysis in non-model organisms. Supplementary Information The online version contains supplementary material available at (10.1186/s12864-021-08278-7).
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Anish M S Shrestha
- Bioinformatics Lab, Advanced Research Institute for Informatics, Computing, and Networking (AdRIC), De La Salle University, Manila, Philippines. .,Department of Software Technology, College of Computer Studies, De La Salle University, Manila, Philippines.
| | - Joyce Emlyn B Guiao
- Bioinformatics Lab, Advanced Research Institute for Informatics, Computing, and Networking (AdRIC), De La Salle University, Manila, Philippines.,Department of Mathematics and Statistics, College of Science, De La Salle University, Manila, Philippines
| | - Kyle Christian R Santiago
- Bioinformatics Lab, Advanced Research Institute for Informatics, Computing, and Networking (AdRIC), De La Salle University, Manila, Philippines.,Department of Software Technology, College of Computer Studies, De La Salle University, Manila, Philippines
| |
Collapse
|
10
|
Yang F, Wei Z, Long L. Transcriptomic and Physiological Responses of the Tropical Reef Calcified Macroalga Amphiroa fragilissima to Elevated Temperature 1. JOURNAL OF PHYCOLOGY 2021; 57:1254-1265. [PMID: 33655511 DOI: 10.1111/jpy.13158] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/22/2020] [Accepted: 02/04/2021] [Indexed: 06/12/2023]
Abstract
Calcareous macroalgae are of particular ecological importance as primary producers, carbonate sediment builders, and habitat providers in coral reef ecosystems. Ocean warming is a major threat to calcareous algae, but it remains unclear exactly how these algae will respond to it. In this study, the potential physiological impacts of ocean warming on the calcareous alga Amphiroa fragilissima were evaluated in laboratory experiments. Increasing temperature from 26 to 28°C had positive effects on algal growth rate and chlorophyll a content, but these parameters decreased significantly at 32°C, which is 5°C above the annual mean temperature in the study region. Algal bleaching occurred at 34°C. There were no significant differences in CaCO3 content of thalli among different temperatures; however, calcification rate was inhibited significantly at 32 and 34°C. Transcriptome analyses using the Illumina RNA-seq platform showed that differentially expressed genes were annotated mainly in the categories of steroid biosynthesis, gap junction, ribosome, and mTOR signaling pathway. The expression levels of PsbA and PsbP were suppressed at 32°C, implying that inactivation of photosystem II could be a main reason for the decreased photosynthetic rate. Down-regulation of the genes encoding carbonic anhydrase and nitrate reductase was observed at 32°C, which could inhibit growth rate. Additionally, several genes that might be related to calcification were identified, including CAMK, CDPK, and CAM and genes encoding alpha-catenin and carbonic anhydrase. This study contributes to our understanding of the effects of temperature on algal calcification and provides a theoretical basis to protect ecological diversity of coral reef ecosystems.
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, China
- Inonovation Academy of South China Ecology and Environmental Engineering, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Guangzhou, 510301, China
| | - Zhangliang Wei
- Key Laboratory of Tropical Marine Bio-resources and Ecology, South China Sea Institute of Oceanology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Guangzhou, 510301, China
- Inonovation Academy of South China Ecology and Environmental Engineering, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Guangzhou, 510301, China
| | - Lijuan Long
- Key Laboratory of Tropical Marine Bio-resources and Ecology, South China Sea Institute of Oceanology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Guangzhou, 510301, China
- Inonovation Academy of South China Ecology and Environmental Engineering, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Guangzhou, 510301, China
| |
Collapse
|
11
|
Yates MC, Derry AM, Cristescu ME. Environmental RNA: A Revolution in Ecological Resolution? Trends Ecol Evol 2021; 36:601-609. [PMID: 33757695 DOI: 10.1016/j.tree.2021.03.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 50] [Impact Index Per Article: 16.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/14/2020] [Revised: 02/26/2021] [Accepted: 03/03/2021] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
Current advancements in environmental RNA (eRNA) exploit its relatively fast turnover rate relative to environmental DNA (eDNA) to assess 'metabolically active' or temporally/spatially recent community diversity. However, this focus significantly underutilizes the trove of potential ecological information encrypted in eRNA. Here, we argue for pushing beyond current species-level eDNA detection capabilities by using eRNA to detect any organisms with unique eRNA profiles, potentially including different life-history stages, sexes, or even specific phenotypes within a species. We also discuss the future of eRNA as a means of assessing the physiological status of organisms and the ecological health of populations and communities, reflecting ecosystem-level conditions. We posit that eRNA has the potential to significantly improve the resolution of organism detection, biological monitoring, and biomonitoring applications in ecology.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Matthew C Yates
- Département des Sciences Biologiques, Université du Québec à Montréal, 141 Avenue Président-Kennedy, Montréal, QC, H2X 1Y4, Canada.
| | - Alison M Derry
- Département des Sciences Biologiques, Université du Québec à Montréal, 141 Avenue Président-Kennedy, Montréal, QC, H2X 1Y4, Canada
| | - Melania E Cristescu
- Department of Biology, McGill University, 1205 Dr Penfield Avenue, Montreal, QC, H3A 1B1, Canada
| |
Collapse
|
12
|
Young BD, Serrano XM, Rosales SM, Miller MW, Williams D, Traylor-Knowles N. Innate immune gene expression in Acropora palmata is consistent despite variance in yearly disease events. PLoS One 2020; 15:e0228514. [PMID: 33091033 PMCID: PMC7580945 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0228514] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/15/2020] [Accepted: 09/28/2020] [Indexed: 12/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Coral disease outbreaks are expected to increase in prevalence, frequency and severity due to climate change and other anthropogenic stressors. This is especially worrying for the Caribbean branching coral Acropora palmata which has already seen an 80% decrease in cover primarily due to disease. Despite the importance of this keystone species, there has yet to be a characterization of its transcriptomic response to disease exposure. In this study we provide the first transcriptomic analysis of 12 A. palmata genotypes and their symbiont Symbiodiniaceae exposed to disease in 2016 and 2017. Year was the primary driver of gene expression variance for A. palmata and the Symbiodiniaceae. We hypothesize that lower expression of ribosomal genes in the coral, and higher expression of transmembrane ion transport genes in the Symbiodiniaceae indicate that a compensation or dysbiosis may be occurring between host and symbiont. Disease response was the second driver of gene expression variance for A. palmata and included a core set of 422 genes that were significantly differentially expressed. Of these, 2 genes (a predicted cyclin-dependent kinase 11b and aspartate 1-decarboxylase) showed negative Log2 fold changes in corals showing transmission of disease, and positive Log2 fold changes in corals showing no transmission of disease, indicating that these may be important in disease resistance. Co-expression analysis identified two modules positively correlated to disease exposure, one enriched for lipid biosynthesis genes, and the other enriched in innate immune genes. The hub gene in the immune module was identified as D-amino acid oxidase, a gene implicated in phagocytosis and microbiome homeostasis. The role of D-amino acid oxidase in coral immunity has not been characterized but could be an important enzyme for responding to disease. Our results indicate that A. palmata mounts a core immune response to disease exposure despite differences in the disease type and virulence between 2016 and 2017. These identified genes may be important for future biomarker development in this Caribbean keystone species.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Benjamin D. Young
- Department of Marine Biology and Ecology, Rosenstiel School of Marine and Atmospheric Science, University of Miami, Miami, FL, United States of America
| | - Xaymara M. Serrano
- Atlantic Oceanographic and Meteorological Laboratory, National Oceanographic and Atmospheric Administration, Miami, Florida, United States of America
- Cooperative Institute for Marine and Atmospheric Studies, University of Miami, Miami, Florida, United States of America
| | - Stephanie M. Rosales
- Cooperative Institute for Marine and Atmospheric Studies, University of Miami, Miami, Florida, United States of America
| | - Margaret W. Miller
- Southeast Fisheries Science Center, NOAA-National Marine Fisheries Service, Miami, FL, United States of America
- SECORE International, Miami, FL, United States of America
| | - Dana Williams
- Cooperative Institute for Marine and Atmospheric Studies, University of Miami, Miami, Florida, United States of America
- Southeast Fisheries Science Center, NOAA-National Marine Fisheries Service, Miami, FL, United States of America
| | - Nikki Traylor-Knowles
- Department of Marine Biology and Ecology, Rosenstiel School of Marine and Atmospheric Science, University of Miami, Miami, FL, United States of America
| |
Collapse
|
13
|
van Oppen MJH, Medina M. Coral evolutionary responses to microbial symbioses. Philos Trans R Soc Lond B Biol Sci 2020; 375:20190591. [PMID: 32772672 PMCID: PMC7435167 DOI: 10.1098/rstb.2019.0591] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 04/09/2020] [Indexed: 12/19/2022] Open
Abstract
This review explores how microbial symbioses may have influenced and continue to influence the evolution of reef-building corals (Cnidaria; Scleractinia). The coral holobiont comprises a diverse microbiome including dinoflagellate algae (Dinophyceae; Symbiodiniaceae), bacteria, archaea, fungi and viruses, but here we focus on the Symbiodiniaceae as knowledge of the impact of other microbial symbionts on coral evolution is scant. Symbiosis with Symbiodiniaceae has extended the coral's metabolic capacity through metabolic handoffs and horizontal gene transfer (HGT) and has contributed to the ecological success of these iconic organisms. It necessitated the prior existence or the evolution of a series of adaptations of the host to attract and select the right symbionts, to provide them with a suitable environment and to remove disfunctional symbionts. Signatures of microbial symbiosis in the coral genome include HGT from Symbiodiniaceae and bacteria, gene family expansions, and a broad repertoire of oxidative stress response and innate immunity genes. Symbiosis with Symbiodiniaceae has permitted corals to occupy oligotrophic waters as the algae provide most corals with the majority of their nutrition. However, the coral-Symbiodiniaceae symbiosis is sensitive to climate warming, which disrupts this intimate relationship, causing coral bleaching, mortality and a worldwide decline of coral reefs. This article is part of the theme issue 'The role of the microbiome in host evolution'.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Madeleine J. H. van Oppen
- School of BioSciences, The University of Melbourne, Parkville, 3010 Victoria, Australia
- Australian Institute of Marine Science, PMB No. 3, Townsville MC, 4810 Queensland, Australia
| | - Mónica Medina
- Department of Biology, The Pennsylvania State University, 208 Mueller Lab, University Park, PA 16802, USA
| |
Collapse
|
14
|
Li J, Long L, Zou Y, Zhang S. Microbial community and transcriptional responses to increased temperatures in coral Pocillopora damicornis holobiont. Environ Microbiol 2020; 23:826-843. [PMID: 32686311 PMCID: PMC7984454 DOI: 10.1111/1462-2920.15168] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/13/2019] [Revised: 05/31/2020] [Accepted: 07/14/2020] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
A few studies have holistically examined successive changes in coral holobionts in response to increased temperatures. Here, responses of the coral host Pocillopora damicornis, its Symbiodiniaceae symbionts, and associated bacteria to increased water temperatures were investigated. High temperatures induced bleaching, but no coral mortality was observed. Transcriptome analyses showed that P. damicornis responded more quickly to elevated temperatures than its algal symbionts. Numerous genes putatively associated with apoptosis, exocytosis, and autophagy were upregulated in P. damicornis, suggesting that Symbiodiniaceae can be eliminated or expelled through these mechanisms when P. damicornis experiences heat stress. Furthermore, apoptosis in P. damicornis is presumably induced through tumour necrosis factor and p53 signalling and caspase pathways. The relative abundances of several coral disease-associated bacteria increased at 32°C, which may affect immune responses in heat-stressed corals and potentially accelerates the loss of algal symbionts. Additionally, consistency of Symbiodiniaceae community structures under heat stress suggests non-selective loss of Symbiodiniaceae. We propose that heat stress elicits interrelated response mechanisms in all parts of the coral holobiont.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Jie Li
- CAS Key Laboratory of Tropical Marine Bio-resources and Ecology, South China Sea Institute of Oceanology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Guangzhou, Guangdong, China.,Innovation Academy of South China Sea Ecology and Environmental Engineering, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Guangzhou, Guangdong, China
| | - Lijuan Long
- CAS Key Laboratory of Tropical Marine Bio-resources and Ecology, South China Sea Institute of Oceanology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Guangzhou, Guangdong, China.,Innovation Academy of South China Sea Ecology and Environmental Engineering, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Guangzhou, Guangdong, China
| | - Yiyang Zou
- CAS Key Laboratory of Tropical Marine Bio-resources and Ecology, South China Sea Institute of Oceanology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Guangzhou, Guangdong, China
| | - Si Zhang
- CAS Key Laboratory of Tropical Marine Bio-resources and Ecology, South China Sea Institute of Oceanology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Guangzhou, Guangdong, China.,Innovation Academy of South China Sea Ecology and Environmental Engineering, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Guangzhou, Guangdong, China
| |
Collapse
|
15
|
Gene Expression and Photophysiological Changes in Pocillopora acuta Coral Holobiont Following Heat Stress and Recovery. Microorganisms 2020; 8:microorganisms8081227. [PMID: 32806647 PMCID: PMC7463449 DOI: 10.3390/microorganisms8081227] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/22/2020] [Revised: 08/07/2020] [Accepted: 08/09/2020] [Indexed: 12/25/2022] Open
Abstract
The ability of corals to withstand changes in their surroundings is a critical survival mechanism for coping with environmental stress. While many studies have examined responses of the coral holobiont to stressful conditions, its capacity to reverse responses and recover when the stressor is removed is not well-understood. In this study, we investigated among-colony responses of Pocillopora acuta from two sites with differing distance to the mainland (Kusu (closer to the mainland) and Raffles Lighthouse (further from the mainland)) to heat stress through differential expression analysis of target genes and quantification of photophysiological metrics. We then examined how these attributes were regulated after the stressor was removed to assess the recovery potential of P. acuta. The fragments that were subjected to heat stress (2 °C above ambient levels) generally exhibited significant reduction in their endosymbiont densities, but the extent of recovery following stress removal varied depending on natal site and colony. There were minimal changes in chl a concentration and maximum quantum yield (Fv/Fm, the proportion of variable fluorescence (Fv) to maximum fluorescence (Fm)) in heat-stressed corals, suggesting that the algal endosymbionts’ Photosystem II was not severely compromised. Significant changes in gene expression levels of selected genes of interest (GOI) were observed following heat exposure and stress removal among sites and colonies, including Actin, calcium/calmodulin-dependent protein kinase type IV (Camk4), kinesin-like protein (KIF9), and small heat shock protein 16.1 (Hsp16.1). The most responsive GOIs were Actin, a major component of the cytoskeleton, and the adaptive immune-related Camk4 which both showed significant reduction following heat exposure and subsequent upregulation during the recovery phase. Our findings clearly demonstrate specific responses of P. acuta in both photophysiological attributes and gene expression levels, suggesting differential capacity of P. acuta corals to tolerate heat stress depending on the colony, so that certain colonies may be more resilient than others.
Collapse
|
16
|
Alves Monteiro HJ, Brahmi C, Mayfield AB, Vidal-Dupiol J, Lapeyre B, Le Luyer J. Molecular mechanisms of acclimation to long-term elevated temperature exposure in marine symbioses. GLOBAL CHANGE BIOLOGY 2020; 26:1271-1284. [PMID: 31692206 DOI: 10.1111/gcb.14907] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/27/2019] [Accepted: 10/02/2019] [Indexed: 06/10/2023]
Abstract
Seawater temperature rise in French Polynesia has repeatedly resulted in the bleaching of corals and giant clams. Because giant clams possess distinctive ectosymbiotic features, they represent a unique and powerful model for comparing molecular pathways involved in (a) maintenance of symbiosis and (b) acquisition of thermotolerance among coral reef organisms. Herein, we explored the physiological and transcriptomic responses of the clam hosts and their photosynthetically active symbionts over a 65 day experiment in which clams were exposed to either normal or environmentally relevant elevated seawater temperatures. Additionally, we used metabarcoding data coupled with in situ sampling/survey data to explore the relative importance of holobiont adaptation (i.e., a symbiont community shift) versus acclimation (i.e., physiological changes at the molecular level) in the clams' responses to environmental change. We finally compared transcriptomic data to publicly available genomic datasets for Symbiodiniaceae dinoflagellates (both cultured and in hospite with the coral Pocillopora damicornis) to better tease apart the responses of both hosts and specific symbiont genotypes in this mutualistic association. Gene module preservation analysis revealed that the function of the symbionts' photosystem II was impaired at high temperature, and this response was also found across all holobionts and Symbiodiniaceae lineages examined. Similarly, epigenetic modulation appeared to be a key response mechanism for symbionts in hospite with giant clams exposed to high temperatures, and such modulation was able to distinguish thermotolerant from thermosensitive Cladocopium goreaui ecotypes; epigenetic processes may, then, represent a promising research avenue for those interested in coral reef conservation in this era of changing global climate.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
| | - Chloé Brahmi
- Université de la Polynésie Française, UMR Ecosystèmes Insulaires Océaniens, Ifremer, ILM, IRD, Tahiti, Polynésie Française
| | - Anderson B Mayfield
- National Museum of Marine Biology and Aquarium, Checheng, Taiwan
- Atlantic Oceanographic and Meteorological Laboratory, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, Miami, FL, USA
| | | | - Bruno Lapeyre
- EPHE-CNRS-UPVD, USR3278-CRIOBE, Labex CORAIL, Moorea, Polynésie Française
| | - Jérémy Le Luyer
- IFREMER, UMR Ecosystèmes Insulaires Océaniens, UPF, ILM, IRD, Tahiti, Polynésie Française
| |
Collapse
|
17
|
Drury C. Resilience in reef-building corals: The ecological and evolutionary importance of the host response to thermal stress. Mol Ecol 2020; 29:448-465. [PMID: 31845413 DOI: 10.1111/mec.15337] [Citation(s) in RCA: 30] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/30/2019] [Revised: 12/05/2019] [Accepted: 12/11/2019] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
Coral reefs are under extreme threat due to a number of stressors, but temperature increases due to changing climate are the most severe. Rising ocean temperatures coupled with local extremes lead to extensive bleaching, where the coral-algal symbiosis breaks down and corals may die, compromising the structure and function of reefs. Although the symbiotic nature of the coral colony has historically been a focus of research on coral resilience, the host itself is a foundational component in the response to thermal stress. Fixed effects in the coral host set trait baselines through evolutionary processes, acting on many loci of small effect to create mosaics of thermal tolerance across latitudes and individual coral reefs. These genomic differences can be strongly heritable, producing wide variation among clones of different genotypes or families of a specific larval cross. Phenotypic plasticity is overlaid on these baselines and a growing body of knowledge demonstrates the potential for acclimatization of reef-building corals through a variety of mechanisms that promote resilience and stress tolerance. The long-term persistence of coral reefs will require many of these mechanisms to adjust to warmer temperatures within a generation, bridging the gap to reproductive events that allow recombination of standing diversity and adaptive change. Business-as-usual climate scenarios will probably lead to the loss of some coral populations or species in the future, so the interaction between intragenerational effects and evolutionary pressure is critical for the survival of reefs.
Collapse
|
18
|
Cleves PA, Shumaker A, Lee J, Putnam HM, Bhattacharya D. Unknown to Known: Advancing Knowledge of Coral Gene Function. Trends Genet 2019; 36:93-104. [PMID: 31882190 DOI: 10.1016/j.tig.2019.11.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/20/2019] [Revised: 10/31/2019] [Accepted: 11/06/2019] [Indexed: 12/18/2022]
Abstract
Given the catastrophic changes befalling coral reefs, understanding coral gene function is essential to advance reef conservation. This has proved challenging due to the paucity of genomic data and genetic tools available for corals. Recently, CRISPR/Cas9 gene editing was applied to these species; however, a major bottleneck is the identification and prioritization of candidate genes for manipulation. This issue is exacerbated by the many unknown ('dark') coral genes that may play key roles in the stress response. We review the use of gene coexpression networks that incorporate both known and unknown genes to identify targets for reverse genetic analysis. This approach also provides a framework for the annotation of dark genes in established interaction networks to improve our fundamental knowledge of coral gene function.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Phillip A Cleves
- Department of Genetics, Stanford University, Stanford, CA 94305, USA
| | - Alexander Shumaker
- Microbial Biology Graduate Program, Rutgers University, New Brunswick, NJ 08901, USA
| | - JunMo Lee
- Department of Biochemistry and Microbiology, Rutgers University, New Brunswick, NJ 08901, USA; Current address: Department of Oceanography, Kyungpook National University, Daegu 41566, Korea
| | - Hollie M Putnam
- Department of Biological Sciences, University of Rhode Island, Kingston, RI 02881, USA
| | - Debashish Bhattacharya
- Department of Biochemistry and Microbiology, Rutgers University, New Brunswick, NJ 08901, USA.
| |
Collapse
|
19
|
Guzman C, Atrigenio M, Shinzato C, Aliño P, Conaco C. Warm seawater temperature promotes substrate colonization by the blue coral, Heliopora coerulea. PeerJ 2019; 7:e7785. [PMID: 31579631 PMCID: PMC6768060 DOI: 10.7717/peerj.7785] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/12/2019] [Accepted: 08/29/2019] [Indexed: 12/29/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Heliopora coerulea, the blue coral, is a reef building octocoral that is reported to have a higher optimum temperature for growth compared to most scleractinian corals. This octocoral has been observed to grow over both live and dead scleractinians and to dominate certain reefs in the Indo-Pacific region. The molecular mechanisms underlying the ability of H. coerulea to tolerate warmer seawater temperatures and to effectively compete for space on the substrate remain to be elucidated. Methods In this study, we subjected H. coerulea colonies to various temperatures for up to 3 weeks. The growth and photosynthetic efficiency rates of the coral colonies were measured. We then conducted pairwise comparisons of gene expression among the different coral tissue regions to identify genes and pathways that are expressed under different temperature conditions. Results A horizontal growth rate of 1.13 ± 0.25 mm per week was observed for corals subjected to 28 or 31 °C. This growth rate was significantly higher compared to corals exposed at 26 °C. This new growth was characterized by the extension of whitish tissue at the edges of the colony and was enriched for a matrix metallopeptidase, a calcium and integrin binding protein, and other transcripts with unknown function. Tissues at the growth margin and the adjacent calcified encrusting region were enriched for transcripts related to proline and riboflavin metabolism, nitrogen utilization, and organic cation transport. The calcified digitate regions, on the other hand, were enriched for transcripts encoding proteins involved in cell-matrix adhesion, translation, receptor-mediated endocytosis, photosynthesis, and ion transport. Functions related to lipid biosynthesis, extracellular matrix formation, cell migration, and oxidation-reduction processes were enriched at the growth margin in corals subjected for 3 weeks to 28 or 31 °C relative to corals at 26 °C. In the digitate region of the coral, transcripts encoding proteins that protect against oxidative stress, modify cell membrane composition, and mediate intercellular signaling pathways were enriched after just 24 h of exposure to 31 °C compared to corals at 28 °C. The overall downregulation of gene expression observed after 3 weeks of sustained exposure to 31 °C is likely compensated by symbiont metabolism. Discussion These findings reveal that the different regions of H. coerulea have variable gene expression profiles and responses to temperature variation. Under warmer conditions, the blue coral invests cellular resources toward extracellular matrix formation and cellular migration at the colony margins, which may promote rapid tissue growth and extension. This mechanism enables the coral to colonize adjacent reef substrates and successfully overgrow slower growing scleractinian corals that may already be more vulnerable to warming ocean waters.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Christine Guzman
- Marine Science Institute, College of Science, University of the Philippines Diliman, Quezon City, Philippines.,Evolutionary Neurobiology Unit, Okinawa Institute of Science and Technology Graduate University, Onna, Okinawa, Japan
| | - Michael Atrigenio
- Marine Science Institute, College of Science, University of the Philippines Diliman, Quezon City, Philippines
| | - Chuya Shinzato
- Department of Marine Bioscience, Atmosphere and Ocean Research Institute, The University of Tokyo, Kashiwa-shi, Chiba, Japan
| | - Porfirio Aliño
- Marine Science Institute, College of Science, University of the Philippines Diliman, Quezon City, Philippines
| | - Cecilia Conaco
- Marine Science Institute, College of Science, University of the Philippines Diliman, Quezon City, Philippines
| |
Collapse
|
20
|
Yuan X, Huang H, Zhou W, Guo Y, Yuan T, Liu S. Gene Expression Profiles of Two Coral Species with Varied Resistance to Ocean Acidification. MARINE BIOTECHNOLOGY (NEW YORK, N.Y.) 2019; 21:151-160. [PMID: 30612219 DOI: 10.1007/s10126-018-9864-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/17/2018] [Accepted: 11/15/2018] [Indexed: 06/09/2023]
Abstract
Recent studies have indicated that various corals might have different degrees of resistance to elevated CO2 levels. However, the underlying molecular mechanism accounting for these differences is still poorly understood. In this study, RNA-seq data were analyzed to identify differentially expressed genes in two coral species (Acropora austera and Acropora cerealis) in response to high CO2 levels. The calcification rates were higher in high CO2 treatment than the control in A. austera, but was not significantly different in A. cerealis. A KEGG database search revealed that in both coral species, most Ca2+ transporters were present in the calcium signaling pathway, which could be important in the CO2 regulation of coral calcification. The gene expression levels of many CO2 and HCO3- transporters were not affected by elevated CO2. Nevertheless, high CO2 levels did have an effect on the expression of certain Ca2+ transporters. The upregulation of Ca2+ transporters likely explained the higher resistance of A. austera to high CO2 than A. cerealis.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Xiangcheng Yuan
- Key Laboratory of Tropical Marine Bio-resources and Ecology, South China Sea Institute of Oceanology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Guangzhou, 510000, China.
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Applied Marine Biology, South China Sea Institute of Oceanology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Guangzhou, 510000, China.
| | - Hui Huang
- Key Laboratory of Tropical Marine Bio-resources and Ecology, South China Sea Institute of Oceanology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Guangzhou, 510000, China.
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Applied Marine Biology, South China Sea Institute of Oceanology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Guangzhou, 510000, China.
- Tropical Marine Biological Research Station in Hainan, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Sanya, 572000, China.
| | - Weihua Zhou
- Key Laboratory of Tropical Marine Bio-resources and Ecology, South China Sea Institute of Oceanology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Guangzhou, 510000, China
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Applied Marine Biology, South China Sea Institute of Oceanology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Guangzhou, 510000, China
| | - Yajuan Guo
- Key Laboratory of Tropical Marine Bio-resources and Ecology, South China Sea Institute of Oceanology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Guangzhou, 510000, China
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Applied Marine Biology, South China Sea Institute of Oceanology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Guangzhou, 510000, China
- Equipment Public Service Center, South China Sea Institute of Oceanology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Guangzhou, China
| | - Tao Yuan
- Key Laboratory of Tropical Marine Bio-resources and Ecology, South China Sea Institute of Oceanology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Guangzhou, 510000, China
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Applied Marine Biology, South China Sea Institute of Oceanology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Guangzhou, 510000, China
| | - Sheng Liu
- Key Laboratory of Tropical Marine Bio-resources and Ecology, South China Sea Institute of Oceanology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Guangzhou, 510000, China
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Applied Marine Biology, South China Sea Institute of Oceanology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Guangzhou, 510000, China
| |
Collapse
|