1
|
Hay Q, Pak E, Gardner L, Shaw A, Roger LM, Lewinski NA, Segal RA, Reynolds AM. A mathematical model for wound healing in the reef-building coral Pocillopora damicornis. J Theor Biol 2024:111897. [PMID: 38971400 DOI: 10.1016/j.jtbi.2024.111897] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/06/2023] [Revised: 07/01/2024] [Accepted: 07/01/2024] [Indexed: 07/08/2024]
Abstract
Coral reefs, among the most diverse ecosystems on Earth, currently face major threats from pollution, unsustainable fishing practices , and perturbations in environmental parameters brought on by climate change. Corals also sustain regular wounding from other sea life and human activity. Recent reef restoration practices have even involved intentional wounding by systematically breaking coral fragments and relocating them to revitalize damaged reefs, a practice known as microfragmentation. Despite its importance, very little research has explored the inner mechanisms of wound healing in corals. Some reef-building corals have been observed to initiate an immunological response to wounding similar to that observed in mammalian species. Utilizing prior models of wound healing in mammalian species as the mathematical basis, we formulated a mechanistic model of wound healing, including observations of the immune response and tissue repair in scleractinian corals for the species Pocillopora damicornis. The model consists of four differential equations which track changes in remaining wound debris, number of cells involved in inflammation, number of cells involved in proliferation, and amount of wound closure through re-epithelialization. The model is fit to experimental wound size data from linear and circular shaped wounds on a live coral fragment. Mathematical methods, including numerical simulations and local sensitivity analysis, were used to analyze the resulting model. The parameter space was also explored to investigate drivers of other possible wound outcomes. This model serves as a first step in generating mathematical models for wound healing in corals that will not only aid in the understanding of wound healing as a whole, but also help optimize reef restoration practices and predict recovery behavior after major wounding events.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Quintessa Hay
- Department of Mathematics & Applied Mathematics, Virginia Commonwealth University, Richmond, VA, USA
| | - Eunice Pak
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Virginia Commonwealth University, Richmond, VA, USA
| | - Luke Gardner
- Department of Mathematics & Applied Mathematics, Virginia Commonwealth University, Richmond, VA, USA
| | - Anna Shaw
- Department of Mathematics & Applied Mathematics, Virginia Commonwealth University, Richmond, VA, USA
| | - Liza M Roger
- Department of Chemical & Life Science Engineering, Virginia Commonwealth University, Richmond, VA, USA; School of Molecular Sciences, Arizona State University, Tempe, AZ, USA; School of Ocean Futures, Arizona State University, Tempe, AZ, USA
| | - Nastassja A Lewinski
- Department of Chemical & Life Science Engineering, Virginia Commonwealth University, Richmond, VA, USA
| | - Rebecca A Segal
- Department of Mathematics & Applied Mathematics, Virginia Commonwealth University, Richmond, VA, USA
| | - Angela M Reynolds
- Department of Mathematics & Applied Mathematics, Virginia Commonwealth University, Richmond, VA, USA.
| |
Collapse
|
2
|
Han T, Liao X, Guo Z, Chen JY, He C, Lu Z. Deciphering temporal gene expression dynamics in multiple coral species exposed to heat stress: Implications for predicting resilience. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2024; 912:169021. [PMID: 38061659 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2023.169021] [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: 07/31/2023] [Revised: 11/21/2023] [Accepted: 11/29/2023] [Indexed: 01/18/2024]
Abstract
Coral reefs are facing unprecedented threats due to global climate change, particularly elevated sea surface temperatures causing coral bleaching. Understanding coral responses at the molecular level is crucial for predicting their resilience and developing effective conservation strategies. In this study, we conducted a comprehensive gene expression analysis of four coral species to investigate their long-term molecular response to heat stress. We identified distinct gene expression patterns among the coral species, with laminar corals exhibiting a stronger response compared to branching corals. Heat shock proteins (HSPs) showed an overall decreasing expression trend, indicating the high energy cost associated with sustaining elevated HSP levels during prolonged heat stress. Peroxidases and oxidoreductases involved in oxidative stress response demonstrated significant upregulation, highlighting their role in maintaining cellular redox balance. Differential expression of genes related to calcium homeostasis and bioluminescence suggested distinct mechanisms for coping with heat stress among the coral species. Furthermore, the impact of heat stress on coral biomineralization varied, with downregulation of carbonic anhydrase and skeletal organic matrix proteins indicating reduced capacity for biomineralization in the later stages of heat stress. Our findings provide insights into the molecular mechanisms underlying coral responses to heat stress and highlight the importance of considering species-specific responses in assessing coral resilience. The identified biomarkers may serve as indicators of heat stress and contribute to early detection of coral bleaching events. These findings contribute to our understanding of coral resilience and provide a basis for future research aimed at enhancing coral survival in the face of climate change.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Tingyu Han
- State Key Laboratory of Bioelectronics, School of Biological Science and Medical Engineering, Southeast University, Nanjing 210096, China
| | - Xin Liao
- Guangxi Key Lab of Mangrove Conservation and Utilization, Guangxi Mangrove Research Center, Beihai 536000, China
| | - Zhuojun Guo
- State Key Laboratory of Bioelectronics, School of Biological Science and Medical Engineering, Southeast University, Nanjing 210096, China
| | - J-Y Chen
- Nanjing Institute of Paleontology and Geology, Nanjing 210008, China
| | - Chunpeng He
- State Key Laboratory of Bioelectronics, School of Biological Science and Medical Engineering, Southeast University, Nanjing 210096, China.
| | - Zuhong Lu
- State Key Laboratory of Bioelectronics, School of Biological Science and Medical Engineering, Southeast University, Nanjing 210096, China.
| |
Collapse
|
3
|
Sani T, Prada F, Radi G, Caroselli E, Falini G, Dubinsky Z, Goffredo S. Ocean warming and acidification detrimentally affect coral tissue regeneration at a Mediterranean CO 2 vent. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2024; 906:167789. [PMID: 37838040 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2023.167789] [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: 07/10/2023] [Revised: 09/30/2023] [Accepted: 10/10/2023] [Indexed: 10/16/2023]
Abstract
Among the main phenomena that are causing significant changes in ocean waters are warming and acidification, largely due to anthropogenic activities. Growing evidence suggests that climate change is having more substantial and rapid effects on marine communities than on terrestrial ones, triggering several physiological responses in these organisms, including in corals. Here we investigated, for first time in the field, the combined effect of increasing seawater acidification and warming on tissue regeneration rate of three Mediterranean scleractinian coral species characterized by different trophic strategies and growth modes. Balanophyllia europaea (solitary, zooxanthellate), Leptopsammia pruvoti (solitary, non-zooxanthellate) and Astroides calycularis (colonial, non-zooxanthellate) specimens were transplanted, during a cold, intermediate, and warm period, along a natural pH gradient generated by an underwater volcanic crater at Panarea Island (Mediterranean Sea, Italy), characterized by continuous and localized CO2 emissions at ambient temperature. Our results show a decrease in regenerative capacity, especially in the zooxanthellate species, with increasing seawater temperature and acidification, with demonstrated species-specific differences. This finding suggests that increasing seawater temperature and acidification could have a compounding effect on coral regeneration following injury, potentially hindering the capacity of corals to recover following physical disturbance under predicted climate change.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Teresa Sani
- Marine Science Group, Department of Biological, Geological and Environmental Sciences, University of Bologna, Via F. Selmi 3, 40126 Bologna, Italy; Fano Marine Center, The Inter-Institute Center for Research on Marine Biodiversity, Resources and Biotechnologies, Viale Adriatico 1/N, 61032 Fano, Italy
| | - Fiorella Prada
- Marine Science Group, Department of Biological, Geological and Environmental Sciences, University of Bologna, Via F. Selmi 3, 40126 Bologna, Italy; Department of Marine and Coastal Sciences, Rutgers, The State University of New Jersey, New Brunswick, NJ 08901, USA
| | - Giulia Radi
- Marine Science Group, Department of Biological, Geological and Environmental Sciences, University of Bologna, Via F. Selmi 3, 40126 Bologna, Italy
| | - Erik Caroselli
- Marine Science Group, Department of Biological, Geological and Environmental Sciences, University of Bologna, Via F. Selmi 3, 40126 Bologna, Italy; Fano Marine Center, The Inter-Institute Center for Research on Marine Biodiversity, Resources and Biotechnologies, Viale Adriatico 1/N, 61032 Fano, Italy
| | - Giuseppe Falini
- Department of Chemistry "Giacomo Ciamician", University of Bologna, 40126 Bologna, Italy; Fano Marine Center, The Inter-Institute Center for Research on Marine Biodiversity, Resources and Biotechnologies, Viale Adriatico 1/N, 61032 Fano, Italy
| | - Zvy Dubinsky
- The Mina and Everard Goodman Faculty of Life Sciences, Bar-Ilan University, Ramat-Gan 52900, Israel
| | - Stefano Goffredo
- Marine Science Group, Department of Biological, Geological and Environmental Sciences, University of Bologna, Via F. Selmi 3, 40126 Bologna, Italy; Fano Marine Center, The Inter-Institute Center for Research on Marine Biodiversity, Resources and Biotechnologies, Viale Adriatico 1/N, 61032 Fano, Italy.
| |
Collapse
|
4
|
Tignat-Perrier R, van de Water JAJM, Allemand D, Ferrier-Pagès C. Holobiont responses of mesophotic precious red coral Corallium rubrum to thermal anomalies. ENVIRONMENTAL MICROBIOME 2023; 18:70. [PMID: 37580830 PMCID: PMC10424431 DOI: 10.1186/s40793-023-00525-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/05/2023] [Accepted: 07/31/2023] [Indexed: 08/16/2023]
Abstract
Marine heat waves (MHWs) have increased in frequency and intensity worldwide, causing mass mortality of benthic organisms and loss of biodiversity in shallow waters. The Mediterranean Sea is no exception, with shallow populations of habitat-forming octocorals facing the threat of local extinction. The mesophotic zone, which is less affected by MHWs, may be of ecological importance in conservation strategies for these species. However, our understanding of the response of mesophotic octocoral holobionts to changes in seawater temperature remains limited. To address this knowledge gap, we conducted a study on an iconic Mediterranean octocoral, the red coral Corallium rubrum sampled at 60 m depth and 15 °C. We exposed the colonies to temperatures they occasionally experience (18 °C) and temperatures that could occur at the end of the century if global warming continues (21 °C). We also tested their response to extremely cold and warm temperatures (12 °C and 24 °C). Our results show a high tolerance of C. rubrum to a two-month long exposure to temperatures ranging from 12 to 21 °C as no colony showed signs of tissue loss, reduced feeding ability, stress-induced gene expression, or disruption of host-bacterial symbioses. At 24 °C, however, we measured a sharp decrease in the relative abundance of Spirochaetaceae, which are the predominant bacterial symbionts under healthy conditions, along with a relative increase in Vibrionaceae. Tissue loss and overexpression of the tumor necrosis factor receptor 1 gene were also observed after two weeks of exposure. In light of ongoing global warming, our study helps predict the consequences of MHWs on mesophotic coralligenous reefs and the biodiversity that depends on them.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Romie Tignat-Perrier
- Unité de Recherche sur la Biologie des Coraux Précieux CSM-CHANEL, Centre Scientifique de Monaco, 8 Quai Antoine 1er, 98000, Monaco, Principality of Monaco.
- Coral Ecophysiology Laboratory, Centre Scientifique de Monaco, 8 Quai Antoine 1er, 98000, Monaco, Principality of Monaco.
| | - Jeroen A J M van de Water
- Unité de Recherche sur la Biologie des Coraux Précieux CSM-CHANEL, Centre Scientifique de Monaco, 8 Quai Antoine 1er, 98000, Monaco, Principality of Monaco
- Coral Ecophysiology Laboratory, Centre Scientifique de Monaco, 8 Quai Antoine 1er, 98000, Monaco, Principality of Monaco
- Department of Estuarine and Delta Systems, Royal Netherlands Institute for Sea Research, Korringaweg 7, 4401 NT, Yerseke, The Netherlands
| | - Denis Allemand
- Centre Scientifique de Monaco, 8 Quai Antoine 1er, 98000, Monaco, Principality of Monaco
| | - Christine Ferrier-Pagès
- Coral Ecophysiology Laboratory, Centre Scientifique de Monaco, 8 Quai Antoine 1er, 98000, Monaco, Principality of Monaco
| |
Collapse
|
5
|
Solar radiation, temperature and the reproductive biology of the coral Lobactis scutaria in a changing climate. Sci Rep 2023; 13:246. [PMID: 36604569 PMCID: PMC9816315 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-022-27207-6] [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: 07/16/2022] [Accepted: 12/28/2022] [Indexed: 01/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Coral reefs worldwide are at risk due to climate change. Coral bleaching is becoming increasingly common and corals that survive bleaching events can suffer from temporary reproductive failure for several years. While water temperature is a key driver in causing coral bleaching, other environmental factors are involved, such as solar radiation. We investigated the individual and combined effects of temperature, photosynthetically active radiation (PAR), and ultraviolet radiation (UVR) on the spawning patterns and reproductive physiology of the Hawaiian mushroom coral Lobactis scutaria, using long-term experiments in aquaria. We examined effects on spawning timing, fertilisation success, and gamete physiology. Both warmer temperatures and filtering UVR altered the timing of spawning. Warmer temperatures caused a drop in fertilisation success. Warmer temperatures and higher PAR both negatively affected sperm and egg physiology. These results are concerning for the mushroom coral L. scutaria and similar reproductive data are urgently needed to predict future reproductive trends in other species. Nonetheless, thermal stress from global climate change will need to be adequately addressed to ensure the survival of reef-building corals in their natural environment throughout the next century and beyond. Until then, reproduction is likely to be increasingly impaired in a growing number of coral species.
Collapse
|
6
|
Steinberg RK, Ainsworth TD, Moriarty T, Bednarek T, Dafforn KA, Johnston EL. Bleaching Susceptibility and Resistance of Octocorals and Anemones at the World's Southern-Most Coral Reef. Front Physiol 2022; 13:804193. [PMID: 35665222 PMCID: PMC9161773 DOI: 10.3389/fphys.2022.804193] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/29/2021] [Accepted: 03/29/2022] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Coral reefs are amongst the most biodiverse ecosystems on earth, and while stony corals create the foundational complexity of these ecosystems, octocorals and anemones contribute significantly to their biodiversity and function. Like stony corals, many octocorals contain Symbiodiniaceae endosymbionts and can bleach when temperatures exceed the species' upper thermal limit. Here, we report octocoral bleaching susceptibility and resistance within the subtropical Lord Howe Island coral reef ecosystem during and after marine heatwaves in 2019. Octocoral and anemone surveys were conducted at multiple reef locations within the Lord Howe Island lagoon during, immediately after, and 7 months after the heatwaves. One octocoral species, Cladiella sp. 1, experienced bleaching and mortality, with some bleached colonies detaching from the reef structure during the heatwave (presumed dead). Those that remained attached to the benthos survived the event and recovered endosymbionts within 7 months of bleaching. Cladiella sp. 1 Symbiodiniaceae density (in cells per µg protein), chlorophyll a and c 2 per µg protein, and photosynthetic efficiency were significantly lower in bleached colonies compared to unbleached colonies, while chlorophyll a and c 2 per symbiont were higher. Interestingly, no other symbiotic octocoral species of the Lord Howe Island lagoonal reef bleached. Unbleached Xenia cf crassa colonies had higher Symbiodiniaceae and chlorophyll densities during the marine heatwave compared to other monitoring intervals, while Cladiella sp. 2 densities did not change substantially through time. Previous work on octocoral bleaching has focused primarily on gorgonian octocorals, while this study provides insight into bleaching variability in other octocoral groups. The study also provides further evidence that octocorals may be generally more resistant to bleaching than stony corals in many, but not all, reef ecosystems. Responses to marine heating events vary and should be assessed on a species by species basis.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Rosemary K Steinberg
- Evolution and Ecology Research Centre and Centre for Marine Science and Innovation, School of Biological, Earth, and Environmental Sciences, Faculty of Science, University of New South Wales, Sydney, NSW, Australia
- Sydney Institute of Marine Science, Mosman, NSW, Australia
| | - Tracy D Ainsworth
- Evolution and Ecology Research Centre and Centre for Marine Science and Innovation, School of Biological, Earth, and Environmental Sciences, Faculty of Science, University of New South Wales, Sydney, NSW, Australia
| | - Tess Moriarty
- School of Environmental and Life Sciences, The University of Newcastle, Ourimbah, NSW, Australia
| | - Teresa Bednarek
- Evolution and Ecology Research Centre and Centre for Marine Science and Innovation, School of Biological, Earth, and Environmental Sciences, Faculty of Science, University of New South Wales, Sydney, NSW, Australia
- RUHR Universtad Bouchum, Bouchum, Germany
| | | | - Emma L Johnston
- Evolution and Ecology Research Centre and Centre for Marine Science and Innovation, School of Biological, Earth, and Environmental Sciences, Faculty of Science, University of New South Wales, Sydney, NSW, Australia
| |
Collapse
|
7
|
Ainsworth TD, Leggat W, Silliman BR, Lantz CA, Bergman JL, Fordyce AJ, Page CE, Renzi JJ, Morton J, Eakin CM, Heron SF. Rebuilding relationships on coral reefs: Coral bleaching knowledge-sharing to aid adaptation planning for reef users: Bleaching emergence on reefs demonstrates the need to consider reef scale and accessibility when preparing for, and responding to, coral bleaching. Bioessays 2021; 43:e2100048. [PMID: 34351637 DOI: 10.1002/bies.202100048] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/09/2021] [Revised: 06/30/2021] [Accepted: 07/05/2021] [Indexed: 11/07/2022]
Abstract
Coral bleaching has impacted reefs worldwide and the predictions of near-annual bleaching from over two decades ago have now been realized. While technology currently provides the means to predict large-scale bleaching, predicting reef-scale and within-reef patterns in real-time for all reef users is limited. In 2020, heat stress across the Great Barrier Reef underpinned the region's third bleaching event in 5 years. Here we review the heterogeneous emergence of bleaching across Heron Island reef habitats and discuss the oceanographic drivers that underpinned variable bleaching emergence. We do so as a case study to highlight how reef end-user groups who engage with coral reefs in different ways require targeted guidance for how, and when, to alter their use of coral reefs in response to bleaching events. Our case study of coral bleaching emergence demonstrates how within-reef scale nowcasting of coral bleaching could aid the development of accessible and equitable bleaching response strategies on coral reefs.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Tracy D Ainsworth
- Biological, Earth, and Environmental Sciences, University of New South Wales, Sydney, Australia
| | - William Leggat
- School of Environmental and Life Sciences, University of Newcastle, Newcastle, Australia
| | - Brian R Silliman
- Nicholas School of the Environment, Duke University, Beaufort, North Carolina, USA
| | - Coulson A Lantz
- Biological, Earth, and Environmental Sciences, University of New South Wales, Sydney, Australia
- School of Environmental and Life Sciences, University of Newcastle, Newcastle, Australia
| | - Jessica L Bergman
- Biological, Earth, and Environmental Sciences, University of New South Wales, Sydney, Australia
| | - Alexander J Fordyce
- School of Environmental and Life Sciences, University of Newcastle, Newcastle, Australia
| | - Charlotte E Page
- Biological, Earth, and Environmental Sciences, University of New South Wales, Sydney, Australia
| | - Juliana J Renzi
- Nicholas School of the Environment, Duke University, Beaufort, North Carolina, USA
| | - Joseph Morton
- Nicholas School of the Environment, Duke University, Beaufort, North Carolina, USA
| | - C Mark Eakin
- NOAA Coral Reef Watch, College Park, Maryland, USA
- Global Science and Technology, Greenbelt, Maryland, USA
| | - Scott F Heron
- Physical Sciences and Marine Geophysics Laboratory, James Cook University, Townsville, Australia
| |
Collapse
|
8
|
Page CE, Leggat W, Heron SF, Fordyce AJ, Ainsworth TD. High flow conditions mediate damaging impacts of sub-lethal thermal stress on corals' endosymbiotic algae. CONSERVATION PHYSIOLOGY 2021; 9:coab046. [PMID: 34188937 PMCID: PMC8226191 DOI: 10.1093/conphys/coab046] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/24/2020] [Revised: 01/24/2021] [Accepted: 06/16/2021] [Indexed: 05/31/2023]
Abstract
The effects of thermal anomalies on tropical coral endosymbiosis can be mediated by a range of environmental factors, which in turn ultimately influence coral health and survival. One such factor is the water flow conditions over coral reefs and corals. Although the physiological benefits of living under high water flow are well known, there remains a lack of conclusive experimental evidence characterizing how flow mitigates thermal stress responses in corals. Here we use in situ measurements of flow in a variety of reef habitats to constrain the importance of flow speeds on the endosymbiosis of an important reef building species under different thermal regimes. Under high flow speeds (0.15 m s-1) and thermal stress, coral endosymbionts retained photosynthetic function and recovery capacity for longer compared to low flow conditions (0.03 m s-1). We hypothesize that this may be due to increased rates of mass transfer of key metabolites under higher flow, putatively allowing corals to maintain photosynthetic efficiency for longer. We also identified a positive interactive effect between high flow and a pre-stress, sub-lethal pulse in temperature. While higher flow may delay the onset of photosynthetic stress, it does not appear to confer long-term protection; sustained exposure to thermal stress (eDHW accumulation equivalent to 4.9°C weeks) eventually overwhelmed the coral meta-organism as evidenced by eventual declines in photo-physiological function and endosymbiont densities. Investigating flow patterns at the scale of metres within the context of these physiological impacts can reveal interesting avenues for coral reef management. This study increases our understanding of the effects of water flow on coral reef health in an era of climate change and highlights the potential to learn from existing beneficial bio-physical interactions for the effective preservation of coral reefs into the future.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- C E Page
- Life Sciences, Imperial College, Exhibition Road, London SW7 2AZ, UK
- School of Biological, Earth and Environmental Sciences, UNSW, Kensington, High St, New South Wales 2033, Australia
- School of Environmental and Life Sciences, University of Newcastle, University Dr, Callaghan, New South Wales 2308, Australia
| | - W Leggat
- School of Environmental and Life Sciences, University of Newcastle, University Dr, Callaghan, New South Wales 2308, Australia
| | - S F Heron
- Physics and Marine Geophysical Laboratory, College of Science and Engineering, James Cook University, James Cook Dr, Townsville, Queensland 4811, Australia
- NOAA Coral Reef Watch, College Park, MD 20740, USA
| | - A J Fordyce
- School of Environmental and Life Sciences, University of Newcastle, University Dr, Callaghan, New South Wales 2308, Australia
| | - T D Ainsworth
- School of Biological, Earth and Environmental Sciences, UNSW, Kensington, High St, New South Wales 2033, Australia
| |
Collapse
|
9
|
Henley EM, Quinn M, Bouwmeester J, Daly J, Zuchowicz N, Lager C, Bailey DW, Hagedorn M. Reproductive plasticity of Hawaiian Montipora corals following thermal stress. Sci Rep 2021; 11:12525. [PMID: 34108494 PMCID: PMC8190081 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-021-91030-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/11/2020] [Accepted: 03/09/2021] [Indexed: 11/08/2022] Open
Abstract
Ocean warming, fueled by climate change, is the primary cause of coral bleaching events which are predicted to increase in frequency. Bleaching is generally damaging to coral reproduction, can be exacerbated by concomitant stressors like ultraviolet radiation (UVR), and can have lasting impacts to successful reproduction and potential adaptation. We compared morphological and physiological reproductive metrics (e.g., sperm motility, mitochondrial membrane integrity, egg volume, gametes per bundle, and fertilization and settlement success) of two Hawaiian Montipora corals after consecutive bleaching events in 2014 and 2015. Between the species, sperm motility and mitochondrial membrane potential had the most disparate results. Percent sperm motility in M. capitata, which declined to ~ 40% during bleaching from a normal range of 70-90%, was still less than 50% motile in 2017 and 2018 and had not fully recovered in 2019 (63% motile). By contrast, percent sperm motility in Montipora spp. was 86% and 74% in 2018 and 2019, respectively. This reduction in motility was correlated with damage to mitochondria in M. capitata but not Montipora spp. A major difference between these species is the physiological foundation of their UVR protection, and we hypothesize that UVR protective mechanisms inherent in Montipora spp. mitigate this reproductive damage.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- E Michael Henley
- Smithsonian Conservation Biology Institute, Front Royal, VA, USA.
- Hawai'i Institute of Marine Biology, University of Hawai'i at Mānoa, Kāne'ohe, HI, USA.
| | - Mariko Quinn
- Smithsonian Conservation Biology Institute, Front Royal, VA, USA
- Hawai'i Institute of Marine Biology, University of Hawai'i at Mānoa, Kāne'ohe, HI, USA
| | - Jessica Bouwmeester
- Smithsonian Conservation Biology Institute, Front Royal, VA, USA
- Hawai'i Institute of Marine Biology, University of Hawai'i at Mānoa, Kāne'ohe, HI, USA
| | - Jonathan Daly
- Smithsonian Conservation Biology Institute, Front Royal, VA, USA
- Hawai'i Institute of Marine Biology, University of Hawai'i at Mānoa, Kāne'ohe, HI, USA
| | - Nikolas Zuchowicz
- Smithsonian Conservation Biology Institute, Front Royal, VA, USA
- Hawai'i Institute of Marine Biology, University of Hawai'i at Mānoa, Kāne'ohe, HI, USA
| | - Claire Lager
- Smithsonian Conservation Biology Institute, Front Royal, VA, USA
- Hawai'i Institute of Marine Biology, University of Hawai'i at Mānoa, Kāne'ohe, HI, USA
| | - Daniel W Bailey
- Smithsonian Conservation Biology Institute, Front Royal, VA, USA
| | - Mary Hagedorn
- Smithsonian Conservation Biology Institute, Front Royal, VA, USA
- Hawai'i Institute of Marine Biology, University of Hawai'i at Mānoa, Kāne'ohe, HI, USA
| |
Collapse
|
10
|
Ezzat L, Merolla S, Clements CS, Munsterman KS, Landfield K, Stensrud C, Schmeltzer ER, Burkepile DE, Vega Thurber R. Thermal Stress Interacts With Surgeonfish Feces to Increase Coral Susceptibility to Dysbiosis and Reduce Tissue Regeneration. Front Microbiol 2021; 12:620458. [PMID: 33841351 PMCID: PMC8027513 DOI: 10.3389/fmicb.2021.620458] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/22/2020] [Accepted: 02/28/2021] [Indexed: 01/04/2023] Open
Abstract
Dysbiosis of coral microbiomes results from various biotic and environmental stressors, including interactions with important reef fishes which may act as vectors of opportunistic microbes via deposition of fecal material. Additionally, elevated sea surface temperatures have direct effects on coral microbiomes by promoting growth and virulence of opportunists and putative pathogens, thereby altering host immunity and health. However, interactions between these biotic and abiotic factors have yet to be evaluated. Here, we used a factorial experiment to investigate the combined effects of fecal pellet deposition by the widely distributed surgeonfish Ctenochaetus striatus and elevated sea surface temperatures on microbiomes associated with the reef-building coral Porites lobata. Our results showed that regardless of temperature, exposure of P. lobata to C. striatus feces increased alpha diversity, dispersion, and lead to a shift in microbial community composition – all indicative of microbial dysbiosis. Although elevated temperature did not result in significant changes in alpha and beta diversity, we noted an increasing number of differentially abundant taxa in corals exposed to both feces and thermal stress within the first 48h of the experiment. These included opportunistic microbial lineages and taxa closely related to potential coral pathogens (i.e., Vibrio vulnificus, Photobacterium rosenbergii). Some of these taxa were absent in controls but present in surgeonfish feces under both temperature regimes, suggesting mechanisms of microbial transmission and/or enrichment from fish feces to corals. Importantly, the impact to coral microbiomes by fish feces under higher temperatures appeared to inhibit wound healing in corals, as percentages of tissue recovery at the site of feces deposition were lower at 30°C compared to 26°C. Lower percentages of tissue recovery were associated with greater relative abundance of several bacterial lineages, with some of them found in surgeonfish feces (i.e., Rhodobacteraceae, Bdellovibrionaceae, Crocinitomicaceae). Our findings suggest that fish feces interact with elevated sea surface temperatures to favor microbial opportunism and enhance dysbiosis susceptibility in P. lobata. As the frequency and duration of thermal stress related events increase, the ability of coral microbiomes to recover from biotic stressors such as deposition of fish feces may be greatly affected, ultimately compromising coral health and resilience.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Leïla Ezzat
- Department of Ecology, Evolution and Marine Biology, University of California, Santa Barbara, Santa Barbara, CA, United States
| | - Sarah Merolla
- Bodega Marine Laboratory, University of California, Davis, Davis, CA, United States
| | - Cody S Clements
- School of Biological Sciences, Georgia Institute of Technology, Atlanta, GA, United States
| | - Katrina S Munsterman
- Department of Ecology and Evolutionary Biology, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, United States
| | - Kaitlyn Landfield
- Department of Ecology, Evolution and Marine Biology, University of California, Santa Barbara, Santa Barbara, CA, United States
| | - Colton Stensrud
- Department of Microbiology, Oregon State University, Corvallis, OR, United States
| | - Emily R Schmeltzer
- Department of Microbiology, Oregon State University, Corvallis, OR, United States
| | - Deron E Burkepile
- Department of Ecology, Evolution and Marine Biology, University of California, Santa Barbara, Santa Barbara, CA, United States.,Marine Science Institute, University of California, Santa Barbara, Santa Barbara, CA, USA
| | - Rebecca Vega Thurber
- Department of Microbiology, Oregon State University, Corvallis, OR, United States
| |
Collapse
|
11
|
Wong YH, Zhang Y, Lun JCY, Qiu JW. A proteomic analysis of skeletal tissue anomaly in the brain coral Platygyra carnosa. MARINE POLLUTION BULLETIN 2021; 164:111982. [PMID: 33517085 DOI: 10.1016/j.marpolbul.2021.111982] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/30/2020] [Revised: 12/19/2020] [Accepted: 12/20/2020] [Indexed: 06/12/2023]
Abstract
Coral skeletal growth anomaly (GA) is a common coral disease. It has been considered as a pathological condition comparable to abnormal tissue growth in mammals, but little is known about the molecular changes underlying coral GA. To investigate the molecular pathology of GA, we compared the proteome between normal and GA-affected tissues of the brain coral Platygyra carnosa using iTRAQ-labeling and LC-MS/MS, which quantified 818 proteins and identified 117 differentially expressed proteins (DEPs). GO analyses revealed DEPs that might be related to GA included "translational elongation", "proteasome core complex", "amine metabolic processes" and "lysosome". Several proteins implicated in calcification and fluorescence were differentially expressed at both protein and mRNA level. Protein-protein interaction network suggested possible involvement of TNF receptor signaling in GA. Overall, our results provided novel insights into the molecular pathology of coral GA, which will pave the way for determination of the causative agent(s) of this coral disease.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Yue-Him Wong
- Institute for Advance Study, Shenzhen University, Shenzhen, China
| | - Yu Zhang
- Shenzhen Key Laboratory of Marine Bioresource and Eco-environmental Science, Guangdong Engineering Research Center for Marine Algal Biotechnology, College of Life Sciences and Oceanography, Shenzhen University, Shenzhen, China; Southern Marine Science and Engineering Guangdong Laboratory (Guangzhou), Guangzhou, China.
| | - Janice C Y Lun
- Agriculture, Fishery and Conservation Department, The Government of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region, China
| | - Jian-Wen Qiu
- Southern Marine Science and Engineering Guangdong Laboratory (Guangzhou), Guangzhou, China; Department of Biology, Hong Kong Baptist University, Hong Kong, China; HKBU Institute of Research and Continuing Education, Shenzhen, China.
| |
Collapse
|
12
|
Shitaoka R, Ishibashi H, Takeuchi I. Thermal tolerance of the hermatypic coral Acropora tenuis elucidated by RGB analysis and expression of heat shock proteins in coral and symbiotic dinoflagellates. MARINE POLLUTION BULLETIN 2021; 162:111812. [PMID: 33213856 DOI: 10.1016/j.marpolbul.2020.111812] [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: 03/24/2020] [Revised: 10/21/2020] [Accepted: 10/26/2020] [Indexed: 06/11/2023]
Abstract
Increased seawater temperature has resulted in mass coral bleaching events globally. Acropora tenuis, the dominant hermatypic coral species in southern Japan, was exposed to four temperature treatments [28 °C, 30 °C, 32 °C, and >32 (=33.3 °C)] for 7 d. The coral colour was converted to R (red), G (green), and B (blue) values, each ranging from 0 (darkest) to 255 (brightest). RGB values exposed to 28 °C and 30 °C decreased slightly, whereas those exposed to 32 °C increased significantly after day 3-6, and those exposed to 33.3 °C changed to white within 2 d. Quantitative RT-PCR analysis revealed no significant changes in heat shock proteins in Acropora and symbiotic dinoflagellates at 28 °C and 30 °C after a 7 d exposure. Our findings revealed that 30 °C, higher than the mean temperature of the warmest month in southern Japan, was an inhabitable temperature for A. tenuis.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Rin Shitaoka
- Faculty of Agriculture, Ehime University, 3-5-7 Tarumi, Matsuyama, Ehime 790-8566, Japan
| | - Hiroshi Ishibashi
- Graduate School of Agriculture, Ehime University, 3-5-7 Tarumi, Matsuyama, Ehime 790-8566, Japan; Center of Advanced Technology for the Environment, Graduate School of Agriculture, Ehime University, 3-5-7 Tarumi, Matsuyama, Ehime 790-8566, Japan
| | - Ichiro Takeuchi
- Graduate School of Agriculture, Ehime University, 3-5-7 Tarumi, Matsuyama, Ehime 790-8566, Japan; Center of Advanced Technology for the Environment, Graduate School of Agriculture, Ehime University, 3-5-7 Tarumi, Matsuyama, Ehime 790-8566, Japan.
| |
Collapse
|
13
|
Li Y, Han T, Bi K, Liang K, Chen J, Lu J, He C, Lu Z. The 3D Reconstruction of Pocillopora Colony Sheds Light on the Growth Pattern of This Reef-Building Coral. iScience 2020; 23:101069. [PMID: 32504876 PMCID: PMC7276440 DOI: 10.1016/j.isci.2020.101069] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/18/2019] [Revised: 10/09/2019] [Accepted: 04/13/2020] [Indexed: 11/27/2022] Open
Abstract
Coral reefs are formed by living polyps, and understanding the dynamic processes behind the reefs is crucial for marine ecosystem restoration. However, these processes are still unclear because the growth and budding patterns of living polyps are poorly known. Here, we investigate the growth pattern of a widely distributed reef-building coral Pocillopora damicornis from Xisha Islands using high-resolution computed tomography. We examine the corallites in a single corallum of the species in detail, to interpret the budding, growth, and distribution pattern of the polyps, to reconstruct the growth pattern of this important reef-building species. Our results reveal a three-stage growth pattern of P. damicornis, based on different growth bundles that are secreted by polyps along the dichotomous growth axes of the corallites. Our work on the three-dimensional reconstruction of calice and inter-septal space structure of P. damicornis sheds lights on its reef-building processes by reconstructing the budding patterns. We use high-resolution computed tomography to investigate coral forming and polyp budding processes The calice reconstruction shows coral growth patterns and budding information Our work visualizes the growth pattern of Pocillopora damicornis High-resolution computed tomography is a method for future reef-building coral studies
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Yixin Li
- State Key Laboratory of Bioelectronics, School of Biological Science and Medical Engineering, Southeast University, Nanjing 210096, China
| | - Tingyu Han
- State Key Laboratory of Bioelectronics, School of Biological Science and Medical Engineering, Southeast University, Nanjing 210096, China
| | - Kun Bi
- State Key Laboratory of Bioelectronics, School of Biological Science and Medical Engineering, Southeast University, Nanjing 210096, China
| | - Kun Liang
- Nanjing Institute of Paleontology and Geology, 39 East Beijing Road, Nanjing 210008, China
| | - Junyuan Chen
- Nanjing Institute of Paleontology and Geology, 39 East Beijing Road, Nanjing 210008, China
| | - Jing Lu
- Key Laboratory of Vertebrate Evolution and Human Origins of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Institute of Vertebrate Paleontology and Paleoanthropology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, PO Box 643, Beijing 100044, China; CAS Center for Excellence in Life and Paleoenvironment, Beijing 100044, China.
| | - Chunpeng He
- State Key Laboratory of Bioelectronics, School of Biological Science and Medical Engineering, Southeast University, Nanjing 210096, China.
| | - Zuhong Lu
- State Key Laboratory of Bioelectronics, School of Biological Science and Medical Engineering, Southeast University, Nanjing 210096, China.
| |
Collapse
|
14
|
Olguín-López N, Hérnandez-Elizárraga VH, Hernández-Matehuala R, Cruz-Hernández A, Guevara-González R, Caballero-Pérez J, Ibarra-Alvarado C, Rojas-Molina A. Impact of El Niño-Southern Oscillation 2015-2016 on the soluble proteomic profile and cytolytic activity of Millepora alcicornis ("fire coral") from the Mexican Caribbean. PeerJ 2019; 7:e6593. [PMID: 30918755 PMCID: PMC6428038 DOI: 10.7717/peerj.6593] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/15/2018] [Accepted: 02/09/2019] [Indexed: 12/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Reef-forming cnidarians are extremely susceptible to the “bleaching” phenomenon caused by global warming. The effect of elevated seawater temperature has been extensively studied on Anthozoans; however, to date the impact of thermal stress on the expression of genes and proteins in Hydrozoan species has not been investigated. The present study aimed to determine the differential proteomic profile of Millepora alcicornis, which inhabits the Mexican Caribbean, in response to the El Niño-Southern Oscillation 2015–2016. Additionally, the cytolytic activity of the soluble proteomes obtained from normal and bleached M. alcicornis was assessed. Bleached specimens showed decreased symbiont’s density and chlorophyll a and c2 levels. After bleaching, we observed a differential expression of 17 key proteins, tentatively identified as related to exocytosis, calcium homeostasis, cytoskeletal organization, and potential toxins, including a metalloprotease, a phospholipase A2 (PLA2), and an actitoxin. Although, some of the differentially expressed proteins included potential toxins, the hemolytic, PLA2, and proteolytic activities elicited by the soluble proteomes from bleached and normal specimens were not significantly different. The present study provides heretofore-unknown evidence that thermal stress produces a differential expression of proteins involved in essential cellular processes of Hydrozoan species. Even though our results showed an over-expression of some potential toxin-related proteins, the cytolytic effect (as assessed by hemolytic, PLA2, and caseinolytic activities) was not increased in bleached M. alcicornis, which suggests that the cytolysis is mainly produced by toxins whose expression was not affected by temperature stress. These findings allow hypothesizing that this hydrocoral is able to prey heterotrophically when suffering from moderate bleaching, giving it a better chance to withstand the effects of high temperature.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Norma Olguín-López
- Posgrado en Ciencias Químico Biológicas-Facultad de Química, Universidad Autónoma de Querétaro, Querétaro, Querétaro, Mexico.,Laboratorio de Investigación Química y Farmacológica de Productos Naturales, Facultad de Química, Universidad Autónoma de Querétaro, Querétaro, Querétaro, Mexico
| | - Víctor Hugo Hérnandez-Elizárraga
- Posgrado en Ciencias Químico Biológicas-Facultad de Química, Universidad Autónoma de Querétaro, Querétaro, Querétaro, Mexico.,Laboratorio de Investigación Química y Farmacológica de Productos Naturales, Facultad de Química, Universidad Autónoma de Querétaro, Querétaro, Querétaro, Mexico
| | - Rosalina Hernández-Matehuala
- Posgrado en Ciencias Químico Biológicas-Facultad de Química, Universidad Autónoma de Querétaro, Querétaro, Querétaro, Mexico.,Laboratorio de Investigación Química y Farmacológica de Productos Naturales, Facultad de Química, Universidad Autónoma de Querétaro, Querétaro, Querétaro, Mexico
| | - Andrés Cruz-Hernández
- Laboratorio de Biología Molecular-Escuela de Agronomía, Universidad De la Salle Bajío, León, Guanajuato, México
| | - Ramón Guevara-González
- C.A Ingeniería de Biosistemas-Facultad de Ingeniería-Campus Amazcala, Universidad Autónoma de Querétaro, Querétaro, Querétaro, Mexico
| | - Juan Caballero-Pérez
- Facultad de Química, Universidad Autónoma de Querétaro, Querétaro, Querétaro, Mexico
| | - César Ibarra-Alvarado
- Laboratorio de Investigación Química y Farmacológica de Productos Naturales, Facultad de Química, Universidad Autónoma de Querétaro, Querétaro, Querétaro, Mexico
| | - Alejandra Rojas-Molina
- Laboratorio de Investigación Química y Farmacológica de Productos Naturales, Facultad de Química, Universidad Autónoma de Querétaro, Querétaro, Querétaro, Mexico
| |
Collapse
|
15
|
Burmester EM, Breef-Pilz A, Lawrence NF, Kaufman L, Finnerty JR, Rotjan RD. The impact of autotrophic versus heterotrophic nutritional pathways on colony health and wound recovery in corals. Ecol Evol 2018; 8:10805-10816. [PMID: 30519408 PMCID: PMC6262932 DOI: 10.1002/ece3.4531] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/09/2018] [Accepted: 08/07/2018] [Indexed: 12/04/2022] Open
Abstract
For animals that harbor photosynthetic symbionts within their tissues, such as corals, the different relative contributions of autotrophy versus heterotrophy to organismal energetic requirements have direct impacts on fitness. This is especially true for facultatively symbiotic corals, where the balance between host‐caught and symbiont‐produced energy can be altered substantially to meet the variable demands of a shifting environment. In this study, we utilized a temperate coral–algal system (the northern star coral, Astrangia poculata, and its photosynthetic endosymbiont, Symbiodinium psygmophilum) to explore the impacts of nutritional sourcing on the host's health and ability to regenerate experimentally excised polyps. For fed and starved colonies, wound healing and total colony tissue cover were differentially impacted by heterotrophy versus autotrophy. There was an additive impact of positive nutritional and symbiotic states on a coral's ability to initiate healing, but a greater influence of symbiont state on the recovery of lost tissue at the lesion site and complete polyp regeneration. On the other hand, regardless of symbiont state, fed corals maintained a higher overall colony tissue cover, which also enabled more active host behavior (polyp extension) and endosymbiont behavior (photosynthetic ability of Symbiondinium). Overall, we determined that the impact of nutritional state and symbiotic state varied between biological functions, suggesting a diversity in energetic sourcing for each of these processes.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Elizabeth M Burmester
- Billion Oyster Project New York New York.,Department of Biology Boston University Boston Massachusetts.,John H Prescott Marine Laboratory Anderson-Cabot Center for Ocean Life, New England Aquarium Boston Massachusetts
| | - Adrienne Breef-Pilz
- John H Prescott Marine Laboratory Anderson-Cabot Center for Ocean Life, New England Aquarium Boston Massachusetts
| | - Nicholas F Lawrence
- John H Prescott Marine Laboratory Anderson-Cabot Center for Ocean Life, New England Aquarium Boston Massachusetts
| | - Les Kaufman
- Department of Biology Boston University Boston Massachusetts
| | - John R Finnerty
- Department of Biology Boston University Boston Massachusetts
| | - Randi D Rotjan
- Department of Biology Boston University Boston Massachusetts.,John H Prescott Marine Laboratory Anderson-Cabot Center for Ocean Life, New England Aquarium Boston Massachusetts
| |
Collapse
|