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Andrzejowska A, Hájek J, Puhovkin A, Harańczyk H, Barták M. Freezing temperature effects on photosystem II in Antarctic lichens evaluated by chlorophyll fluorescence. JOURNAL OF PLANT PHYSIOLOGY 2024; 294:154192. [PMID: 38382176 DOI: 10.1016/j.jplph.2024.154192] [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: 11/22/2023] [Revised: 01/22/2024] [Accepted: 02/07/2024] [Indexed: 02/23/2024]
Abstract
This study explores and compares the limits for photosynthesis in subzero temperatures of six Antarctic lichens: Sphaerophorus globosus, Caloplaca regalis, Umbilicaria antarctica, Pseudephebe minuscula, Parmelia saxatilis and Lecania brialmontii combining linear cooling and chlorophyll fluorescence methods. The results revealed triphasic S-curves in the temperature response of the maximum quantum yield (FV/FM) and effective quantum yield of photosystem II (ΦPSII) for all species. All investigated species showed a high level of cryoresistance with critical temperatures (Tc) below -20 °C. However, record low Tc temperatures have been discovered for L. brialmotii (-54 °C for FV/FM and -40 °C for ΦPSII) and C. regalis (-52 °C for FV/FM and -38 °C for ΦPSII). Additionally, the yield differentials (FV/FM - ΦPSII) in functions of temperature revealed one or two peaks, with the larger one occurring for temperatures below -20 °C for the above-mentioned species. Finally, Kautsky kinetics were measured and compared at different temperatures (20 °C, 10 °C, 0 °C and -10 °C and then -10 °C after 1 h of incubation). This research serves as a foundation for further developing investigations into the biophysical mechanisms by which photosynthesis is carried out at subzero temperatures.
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Affiliation(s)
- Aleksandra Andrzejowska
- Doctoral School of Exact and Natural Sciences, Jagiellonian University in Cracow, Łojasiewicza 11, Krakow, 30-348, Poland; M. Smoluchowski Institute of Physics, Jagiellonian University in Cracow, Łojasiewicza 11, Krakow, 30-348, Poland.
| | - Josef Hájek
- Masaryk University, Faculty of Science, Department of Experimental Biology, Laboratory of Photosynthetic Processes, Kamenice 5, 625 00, Brno, Czech Republic; Mendel University in Brno, Faculty of Forestry and Wood Technology, Department of Forest Protection and Wildlife Management (FFWT), Zemědělská 3, 613 00, Brno, Černá Pole, Czech Republic
| | - Anton Puhovkin
- Masaryk University, Faculty of Science, Department of Experimental Biology, Laboratory of Photosynthetic Processes, Kamenice 5, 625 00, Brno, Czech Republic; National Antarctic Scientific Centre, Ministry of Education and Science of Ukraine, Taras Shevchenko Blvd. 16, 01601, Kyiv, Ukraine; Institute for Problems of Cryobiology and Cryomedicine, National Academy of Sciences of Ukraine, 23, Pereyaslavska, Kharkiv, 61016, Ukraine
| | - Hubert Harańczyk
- M. Smoluchowski Institute of Physics, Jagiellonian University in Cracow, Łojasiewicza 11, Krakow, 30-348, Poland
| | - Miloš Barták
- Masaryk University, Faculty of Science, Department of Experimental Biology, Laboratory of Photosynthetic Processes, Kamenice 5, 625 00, Brno, Czech Republic
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Xu H, Xu D, Liu Y. Molecular Biology Applications of Psychrophilic Enzymes: Adaptations, Advantages, Expression, and Prospective. Appl Biochem Biotechnol 2024:10.1007/s12010-023-04810-5. [PMID: 38183603 DOI: 10.1007/s12010-023-04810-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 12/09/2023] [Indexed: 01/08/2024]
Abstract
Psychrophilic enzymes are primarily produced by microorganisms from extremely low-temperature environments which are known as psychrophiles. Their high efficiency at low temperatures and easy heat inactivation property have attracted extensive attention from various food and industrial bioprocesses. However, the application of these enzymes in molecular biology is still limited. In a previous review, the applications of psychrophilic enzymes in industries such as the detergent additives, the food additives, the bioremediation, and the pharmaceutical medicine, and cosmetics have been discussed. In this review, we discuss the main cold adaptation characteristics of psychrophiles and psychrophilic enzymes, as well as the relevant information on different psychrophilic enzymes in molecular biology. We summarize the mining and screening methods of psychrophilic enzymes. We finally recap the expression of psychrophilic enzymes. We aim to provide a reference process for the exploration and expression of new generation of psychrophilic enzymes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hu Xu
- Center for Pan-Third Pole Environment, Lanzhou University, Lanzhou, 730000, China
- CAS Key Laboratory for Biological Effects of Nanomaterials and Nanosafety, National Center for Nanoscience and Technology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, 100190, China
| | - Dawei Xu
- CAS Key Laboratory for Biological Effects of Nanomaterials and Nanosafety, National Center for Nanoscience and Technology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, 100190, China.
| | - Yongqin Liu
- Center for Pan-Third Pole Environment, Lanzhou University, Lanzhou, 730000, China.
- State Key Laboratory of Tibetan Plateau Earth System, Resources and Environment (TPESRE), Institute of Tibetan Plateau Research, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, 100101, China.
- University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, 100101, China.
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Nowak JS, Otzen DE. Helping proteins come in from the cold: 5 burning questions about cold-active enzymes. BBA ADVANCES 2023; 5:100104. [PMID: 38162634 PMCID: PMC10755280 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbadva.2023.100104] [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: 07/10/2023] [Revised: 08/21/2023] [Accepted: 09/05/2023] [Indexed: 01/03/2024] Open
Abstract
Enzymes from psychrophilic (cold-loving) organisms have attracted considerable interest over the past decades for their potential in various low-temperature industrial processes. However, we still lack large-scale commercialization of their activities. Here, we review their properties, limitations and potential. Our review is structured around answers to 5 central questions: 1. How do cold-active enzymes achieve high catalytic rates at low temperatures? 2. How is protein flexibility connected to cold-activity? 3. What are the sequence-based and structural determinants for cold-activity? 4. How does the thermodynamic stability of psychrophilic enzymes reflect their cold-active capabilities? 5. How do we effectively identify novel cold-active enzymes, and can we apply them in an industrial context? We conclude that emerging screening technologies combined with big-data handling and analysis make it reasonable to expect a bright future for our understanding and exploitation of cold-active enzymes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jan Stanislaw Nowak
- Interdisciplinary Nanoscience Center (iNANO), Aarhus University, Gustav Wieds Vej 14, DK – 8000 Aarhus C, Denmark
| | - Daniel E. Otzen
- Interdisciplinary Nanoscience Center (iNANO), Aarhus University, Gustav Wieds Vej 14, DK – 8000 Aarhus C, Denmark
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Barták M, Hájek J, Halıcı MG, Bednaříková M, Casanova-Katny A, Váczi P, Puhovkin A, Mishra KB, Giordano D. Resistance of Primary Photosynthesis to Photoinhibition in Antarctic Lichen Xanthoria elegans: Photoprotective Mechanisms Activated during a Short Period of High Light Stress. PLANTS (BASEL, SWITZERLAND) 2023; 12:2259. [PMID: 37375884 DOI: 10.3390/plants12122259] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/18/2023] [Revised: 06/05/2023] [Accepted: 06/06/2023] [Indexed: 06/29/2023]
Abstract
The Antarctic lichen, Xanthoria elegans, in its hydrated state has several physiological mechanisms to cope with high light effects on the photosynthetic processes of its photobionts. We aim to investigate the changes in primary photochemical processes of photosystem II in response to a short-term photoinhibitory treatment. Several chlorophyll a fluorescence techniques: (1) slow Kautsky kinetics supplemented with quenching mechanism analysis; (2) light response curves of photosynthetic electron transport (ETR); and (3) response curves of non-photochemical quenching (NPQ) were used in order to evaluate the phenomenon of photoinhibition of photosynthesis and its consequent recovery. Our findings suggest that X. elegans copes well with short-term high light (HL) stress due to effective photoprotective mechanisms that are activated during the photoinhibitory treatment. The investigations of quenching mechanisms revealed that photoinhibitory quenching (qIt) was a major non-photochemical quenching in HL-treated X. elegans; qIt relaxed rapidly and returned to pre-photoinhibition levels after a 120 min recovery. We conclude that the Antarctic lichen species X. elegans exhibits a high degree of photoinhibition resistance and effective non-photochemical quenching mechanisms. This photoprotective mechanism may help it survive even repeated periods of high light during the early austral summer season, when lichens are moist and physiologically active.
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Affiliation(s)
- Miloš Barták
- Laboratory of Photosynthetic Processes, Department of Experimental Biology, Faculty of Science, Masaryk University, Kamenice 5, 625 00 Brno, Czech Republic
| | - Josef Hájek
- Laboratory of Photosynthetic Processes, Department of Experimental Biology, Faculty of Science, Masaryk University, Kamenice 5, 625 00 Brno, Czech Republic
| | - Mehmet Gökhan Halıcı
- Fen Edebiyat Fakültesi, Biyoloji Bölümü (Department of Biology), Erciyes Üniversitesi (Erciyes University), 38039 Kayseri, Turkey
| | - Michaela Bednaříková
- Laboratory of Photosynthetic Processes, Department of Experimental Biology, Faculty of Science, Masaryk University, Kamenice 5, 625 00 Brno, Czech Republic
| | - Angelica Casanova-Katny
- Laboratory of Plant Ecophysiology and Climate Change, Environmental Sciences Department, Faculty of Natural Resources, Catholic University of Temuco, Avenida Rudecindo Ortega 02950, Campus San Juan Pablo II, Temuco 481 1123, Chile
| | - Peter Váczi
- Laboratory of Photosynthetic Processes, Department of Experimental Biology, Faculty of Science, Masaryk University, Kamenice 5, 625 00 Brno, Czech Republic
| | - Anton Puhovkin
- Laboratory of Photosynthetic Processes, Department of Experimental Biology, Faculty of Science, Masaryk University, Kamenice 5, 625 00 Brno, Czech Republic
- State Institution National Antarctic Scientific Center, Ministry of Education and Science of Ukraine, T. Shevchenko blvrd. 16, 01601 Kyiv, Ukraine
- Department of Reproductive System Cryobiology, Institute for Problems of Cryobiology and Cryomedicine, National Academy of Sciences of Ukraine, Pereyaslavska Str. 23, 61016 Kharkiv, Ukraine
| | - Kumud Bandhu Mishra
- Laboratory of Photosynthetic Processes, Department of Experimental Biology, Faculty of Science, Masaryk University, Kamenice 5, 625 00 Brno, Czech Republic
- Laboratory of Ecological Plant Physiology, Czech Academy of Sciences, Global Change Research Institute, Bělidla 4a, 603 00 Brno, Czech Republic
| | - Davide Giordano
- Laboratory of Photosynthetic Processes, Department of Experimental Biology, Faculty of Science, Masaryk University, Kamenice 5, 625 00 Brno, Czech Republic
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Marín C, Barták M, Palfner G, Vergara-Barros P, Fernandoy F, Hájek J, Casanova-Katny A. Antarctic Lichens under Long-Term Passive Warming: Species-Specific Photochemical Responses to Desiccation and Heat Shock Treatments. PLANTS 2022; 11:plants11192463. [PMID: 36235326 PMCID: PMC9572451 DOI: 10.3390/plants11192463] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/11/2022] [Revised: 09/08/2022] [Accepted: 09/13/2022] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Abstract
Climate warming in the Antarctic tundra will affect locally dominant cryptogams. Being adapted to low temperatures and freezing, little is known about the response of the polar lichens’ primary photochemistry to warming and desiccation. Since 2008, we have monitored the ecophysiological responses of lichens to the future warming scenario during a long-term warming experiment through open top chambers (OTCs) on Fildes Peninsula. We studied the primary photochemical response (potential Fv/Fm and effective efficiency of photosystem II YPSII) of different lichen taxa and morphotypes under desiccation kinetics and heat shock experiments. As lichens grow slowly, to observe changes during warming we methodologically focused on carbon and nitrogen content as well as on the stable isotope ratios. Endemic Himantormia lugubris showed the strongest effect of long-term warming on primary photochemistry, where PSII activity occurred at a lower %RWC inside the OTCs, in addition to higher Fv/Fm values at 30 °C in the heat shock kinetic treatment. In contrast, Usnea aurantiaco-atra did not show any effect of long-term warming but was active at a thallus RWC lower than 10%. Both Cladonia species were most affected by water stress, with Cladonia aff. gracilis showing no significant differences in primary photochemical responses between the warming and the control but a high sensibility to water deficiency, where, at 60% thallus RWC, the photochemical parameters began to decrease. We detected species-specific responses not only to long-term warming, but also to desiccation. On the other hand, the carbon content did not vary significantly among the species or because of the passive warming treatment. Similarly, the nitrogen content showed non-significant variation; however, the C/N ratio was affected, with the strongest C/N decrease in Cladonia borealis. Our results suggest that Antarctic lichens can tolerate warming and high temperature better than desiccation and that climate change may affect these species if it is associated with a decrease in water availability.
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Affiliation(s)
- Catalina Marín
- Laboratory of Mycology and Mycorrhiza, Faculty of Natural Sciences and Oceanography, Campus Concepción, Concepción University, Concepción 4030000, Chile
| | - Miloš Barták
- Department of Experimental Biology, Faculty of Science, Masaryk University, Kamenice 5, Building A13/119, 625 00 Brno, Czech Republic
| | - Götz Palfner
- Laboratory of Mycology and Mycorrhiza, Faculty of Natural Sciences and Oceanography, Campus Concepción, Concepción University, Concepción 4030000, Chile
| | - Pablo Vergara-Barros
- Department of Molecular Genetics and Microbiology, Biological Sciences Faculty, Pontifical Catholic University of Chile, Santiago 8331150, Chile
| | - Francisco Fernandoy
- Isotope Analysis Laboratory, Andrés Bello University, Viña del Mar 2531015, Chile
| | - Josef Hájek
- Department of Experimental Biology, Faculty of Science, Masaryk University, Kamenice 5, Building A13/119, 625 00 Brno, Czech Republic
| | - Angélica Casanova-Katny
- Laboratory of Plant Ecophysiology, Faculty of Natural Resources, Campus Luis Rivas del Canto, Catholic University of Temuco, Rudecindo Ortega #03694, Temuco 4780000, Chile
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +56-96-209-7709
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6
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Kyriatzi A, Tzivras G, Pirintsos S, Kotzabasis K. Biotechnology under extreme conditions: Lichens after extreme UVB radiation and extreme temperatures produce large amounts of hydrogen. J Biotechnol 2021; 342:128-138. [PMID: 34743006 DOI: 10.1016/j.jbiotec.2021.10.011] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/23/2021] [Revised: 10/04/2021] [Accepted: 10/29/2021] [Indexed: 10/19/2022]
Abstract
The present study demonstrates biotechnological applications of the lichen Pleurosticta acetabulum, specifically the production of large amounts of hydrogen even after the lichen exposure to extreme conditions such as a) extreme UVB radiation (1.7 mW/cm2 = 1000 J m-2 min-1) over different time periods (4, 20 & 70 h) and b) combined exposure of the lichen to high intensity UVB radiation and extreme low (-196 °C) or extreme high temperatures (+70 °C). The results highlight that the extremophilic and polyextremophilic behavior of lichens both in dehydrated and in regenerated form, under extreme conditions not necessarily recorded on earth, is compatible with their biotechnological uses. The lichen viability was measured using fluorescence induction techniques (OJIP-test), which record changes in the molecular structure and function of the photosynthetic mechanism, while its ability to produce molecular hydrogen was measured through thermal conductivity gas chromatography (GC-TCD) analysis. Hydrogen is a promising fuel for the future. The exciting result of a lichen micro-ecosystem is its ability to expel its moisture and remain in an inactive state, protecting itself from extreme conditions and maintaining its ability to high yield hydrogen production in a closed system, with the sole addition of water and without the need for additional energy. Our results expand the potential use of lichens for future biotechnological applications in extreme Earth environments, but also in environments on other planets, such as Mars, thus paving the way for astrobiotechnological applications.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anastasia Kyriatzi
- Department of Biology, University of Crete, Voutes University Campus, GR-70013 Heraklion, Crete, Greece
| | - Gerasimos Tzivras
- Department of Biology, University of Crete, Voutes University Campus, GR-70013 Heraklion, Crete, Greece
| | - Stergios Pirintsos
- Department of Biology, University of Crete, Voutes University Campus, GR-70013 Heraklion, Crete, Greece; Botanical Garden, University of Crete, Gallos University Campus, GR-74100 Rethymnon, Crete, Greece
| | - Kiriakos Kotzabasis
- Department of Biology, University of Crete, Voutes University Campus, GR-70013 Heraklion, Crete, Greece; Botanical Garden, University of Crete, Gallos University Campus, GR-74100 Rethymnon, Crete, Greece.
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7
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Coleine C, Biagioli F, de Vera JP, Onofri S, Selbmann L. Endolithic microbial composition in Helliwell Hills, a newly investigated Mars-like area in Antarctica. Environ Microbiol 2021; 23:4002-4016. [PMID: 33538384 DOI: 10.1111/1462-2920.15419] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/05/2020] [Revised: 01/29/2021] [Accepted: 01/29/2021] [Indexed: 01/04/2023]
Abstract
The diversity and composition of Antarctic cryptoendolithic microbial communities in the Mars-analogue site of Helliwell Hills (Northern Victoria Land, Continental Antarctica) are investigated, for the first time, applying both culture-dependent and high-throughput sequencing approaches. The study includes all the domains of the tree of life: Eukaryotes, Bacteria and Archaea to give a complete overview of biodiversity and community structure. Furthermore, to explore the geographic distribution of endoliths throughout the Victoria Land (Continental Antarctica), we compared the fungal and bacterial community composition and structure of endolithically colonized rocks, collected in >30 sites in 10 years of Italian Antarctic Expeditions. Compared with the fungi and other eukaryotes, the prokaryotic communities were richer in species, more diverse and highly heterogeneous. Despite the diverse community compositions, shared populations were found and were dominant in all sites. Local diversification was observed and included prokaryotes as members of Alphaproteobacteria and Crenarchaeota (Archaea), the last detected for the first time in these cryptoendolithic communities. Few eukaryotes, namely lichen-forming fungal species as Lecidella grenii, were detected in Helliwell Hills only. These findings suggest that geographic distance and isolation in these remote areas may promote the establishment of peculiar locally diversified microorganisms.
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Affiliation(s)
- Claudia Coleine
- Department of Ecological and Biological Sciences, University of Tuscia, Viterbo, Italy
| | - Federico Biagioli
- Department of Ecological and Biological Sciences, University of Tuscia, Viterbo, Italy
| | - Jean Pierre de Vera
- German Aerospace Center (DLR), Institute of Planetary Research, Planetary Laboratories, Research Group Astrobiological Laboratories, Berlin, Germany
| | - Silvano Onofri
- Department of Ecological and Biological Sciences, University of Tuscia, Viterbo, Italy
| | - Laura Selbmann
- Department of Ecological and Biological Sciences, University of Tuscia, Viterbo, Italy.,Italian Antarctic National Museum (MNA), Mycological Section, Genoa, Italy
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Coleine C, Stajich JE, de Los Ríos A, Selbmann L. Beyond the extremes: Rocks as ultimate refuge for fungi in drylands. Mycologia 2020; 113:108-133. [PMID: 33232202 DOI: 10.1080/00275514.2020.1816761] [Citation(s) in RCA: 32] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/24/2022]
Abstract
In an era of rapid climate change and expansion of desertification, the extremely harsh conditions of drylands are a true challenge for microbial life. Under drought conditions, where most life forms cannot survive, rocks represent the main refuge for life. Indeed, the endolithic habitat provides thermal buffering, physical stability, and protection against incident ultraviolet (UV) radiation and solar radiation and, to some extent, ensures water retention to microorganisms. The study of these highly specialized extreme-tolerant and extremophiles may provide tools for understanding microbial interactions and processes that allow them to keep their metabolic machinery active under conditions of dryness and oligotrophy that are typically incompatible with active life, up to the dry limits for life. Despite lithobiontic communities being studied all over the world, a comprehensive understanding of their ecology, evolution, and adaptation is still nascent. Herein, we survey the fungal component of these microbial ecosystems. We first provide an overview of the main defined groups (i.e., lichen-forming fungi, black fungi, and yeasts) of the most known and studied Antarctic endolithic communities that are almost the only life forms ensuring ecosystem functionality in the ice-free areas of the continent. For each group, we discuss their main traits and their diversity. Then, we focus on the fungal taxonomy and ecology of other worldwide endolithic communities. Finally, we highlight the utmost importance of a global rock survey in order to have a comprehensive view of the diversity, distribution, and functionality of these fungi in drylands, to obtain tools in desert area management, and as early alarm systems to climate change.
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Affiliation(s)
- Claudia Coleine
- Department of Ecological and Biological Sciences, University of Tuscia , Largo dell'Università snc, 01100, Viterbo, Italy
| | - Jason E Stajich
- Department of Microbiology and Plant Pathology, University of California, 900 University Ave , Riverside, California 92521
| | - Asunción de Los Ríos
- Department of Biogeochemistry and Microbial Ecology, Museo Nacional de Ciencias Naturales, Spanish National Resource Council, Madrid, Spain
| | - Laura Selbmann
- Department of Ecological and Biological Sciences, University of Tuscia , Largo dell'Università snc, 01100, Viterbo, Italy.,Italian National Antarctic Museum, Mycological Section, Genoa, Italy
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Perera-Castro AV, Waterman MJ, Turnbull JD, Ashcroft MB, McKinley E, Watling JR, Bramley-Alves J, Casanova-Katny A, Zuniga G, Flexas J, Robinson SA. It Is Hot in the Sun: Antarctic Mosses Have High Temperature Optima for Photosynthesis Despite Cold Climate. FRONTIERS IN PLANT SCIENCE 2020; 11:1178. [PMID: 32922412 PMCID: PMC7457050 DOI: 10.3389/fpls.2020.01178] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/20/2020] [Accepted: 07/21/2020] [Indexed: 05/05/2023]
Abstract
The terrestrial flora of Antarctica's frozen continent is restricted to sparse ice-free areas and dominated by lichens and bryophytes. These plants frequently battle sub-zero temperatures, extreme winds and reduced water availability; all influencing their ability to survive and grow. Antarctic mosses, however, can have canopy temperatures well above air temperature. At midday, canopy temperatures can exceed 15°C, depending on moss turf water content. In this study, the optimum temperature of photosynthesis was determined for six Antarctic moss species: Bryum pseudotriquetrum, Ceratodon purpureus, Chorisodontium aciphyllum, Polytrichastrum alpinum, Sanionia uncinata, and Schistidium antarctici collected from King George Island (maritime Antarctica) and/or the Windmill Islands, East Antarctica. Both chlorophyll fluorescence and gas exchange showed maximum values of electron transport rate occurred at canopy temperatures higher than 20°C. The optimum temperature for both net assimilation of CO2 and photoprotective heat dissipation of three East Antarctic species was 20-30°C and at temperatures below 10°C, mesophyll conductance did not significantly differ from 0. Maximum mitochondrial respiration rates occurred at temperatures higher than 35°C and were lower by around 80% at 5°C. Despite the extreme cold conditions that Antarctic mosses face over winter, the photosynthetic apparatus appears optimised to warm temperatures. Our estimation of the total carbon balance suggests that survival in this cold environment may rely on a capacity to maximize photosynthesis for brief periods during summer and minimize respiratory carbon losses in cold conditions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alicia V. Perera-Castro
- Department of Biology, Universitat de les Illes Balears, INAGEA, Palma de Mallorca, Spain
- Centre for Sustainable Ecosystem Solutions, School of Earth, Atmosphere and Life Sciences, University of Wollongong, Wollongong, NSW, Australia
| | - Melinda J. Waterman
- Centre for Sustainable Ecosystem Solutions, School of Earth, Atmosphere and Life Sciences, University of Wollongong, Wollongong, NSW, Australia
| | - Johanna D. Turnbull
- Centre for Sustainable Ecosystem Solutions, School of Earth, Atmosphere and Life Sciences, University of Wollongong, Wollongong, NSW, Australia
| | - Michael B. Ashcroft
- Centre for Sustainable Ecosystem Solutions, School of Earth, Atmosphere and Life Sciences, University of Wollongong, Wollongong, NSW, Australia
| | - Ella McKinley
- School of Biological Sciences, The University of Adelaide, Adelaide, SA, Australia
| | - Jennifer R. Watling
- School of Biological Sciences, The University of Adelaide, Adelaide, SA, Australia
- Manchester Metropolitan University, Manchester, United Kingdom
| | - Jessica Bramley-Alves
- Centre for Sustainable Ecosystem Solutions, School of Earth, Atmosphere and Life Sciences, University of Wollongong, Wollongong, NSW, Australia
| | - Angelica Casanova-Katny
- Laboratorio de Ecofisiología Vegetal y Cambio Climático y Núcleo de Estudios Ambientales (NEA), Facultad de Recursos Naturales, Universidad Católica de Temuco, Temuco, Chile
| | - Gustavo Zuniga
- Facultad de Química y Biología, Universidad de Santiago de Chile, Santiago, Chile
| | - Jaume Flexas
- Department of Biology, Universitat de les Illes Balears, INAGEA, Palma de Mallorca, Spain
| | - Sharon A. Robinson
- Centre for Sustainable Ecosystem Solutions, School of Earth, Atmosphere and Life Sciences, University of Wollongong, Wollongong, NSW, Australia
- Global Challenges Program, University of Wollongong, Wollongong, NSW, Australia
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10
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Bednaříková M, Váczi P, Lazár D, Barták M. Photosynthetic performance of Antarctic lichen Dermatocarpon polyphyllizum when affected by desiccation and low temperatures. PHOTOSYNTHESIS RESEARCH 2020; 145:159-177. [PMID: 32720111 DOI: 10.1007/s11120-020-00773-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/31/2020] [Accepted: 06/30/2020] [Indexed: 06/11/2023]
Abstract
Lichens are symbiotic organisms that are well adapted to desiccation/rehydration cycles. Over the last decades, the physiological background of their photosynthetic response-specifically activation of the protective mechanism during desiccation-has been studied at the level of photosystem II of the lichen photobiont by means of several biophysical methods. In our study, the effects of desiccation and low temperatures on chlorophyll fluorescence and spectral reflectance parameters were investigated in Antarctic chlorolichen Dermatocarpon polyphyllizum. Lichen thalli were collected from James Ross Island, Antarctica, and following transfer to a laboratory, samples were fully hydrated and exposed to desiccation at temperatures of 18, 10, and 4 °C. During the desiccation process, the relative water content (RWC) was measured gravimetrically and photosynthetic parameters related to the fast transient of chlorophyll fluorescence (OJIP) were measured repeatedly. Similarly, the change in spectral reflectance parameters (e.g., NDVI, PRI, G, NPCI) was monitored during thallus dehydration. The dehydration-response curves showed a decrease in a majority of the OJIP-derived parameters (e.g., maximum quantum yield of photosystem II photochemistry: FV/FM, and performance index: PI in D. polyphyllizum, which were more apparent at RWCs below 20%. The activation of protective mechanisms in severely dehydrated thalli was documented by increased thermal dissipation (DI0/RC) and its quantum yield (Phi_D0). Low temperature accelerated these processes. An analysis of the OJIP shape reveals the presence of K-bands (300 μs), and L-bands (80 μs), which can be attributed to dehydration-induced stress. Spectral reflectance indices decreased in a majority of cases with an RWC decrease and were positively related to the OJIP-derived parameters: FV/FM (capacity of photosynthetic processes in PSII), Phi_E0 (effectiveness of electron transport), and PI_tot (total performance index), which was more apparent in NDVI. A negative relation was found for NPCI. These indices could be used in follow-up ecophysiological photosynthetic studies of lichens that are undergoing rehydration/dehydration cycles.
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Affiliation(s)
- Michaela Bednaříková
- Department of Experimental Biology, Faculty of Science, Masaryk University, Kotlářská 2, 61137, Brno, Czech Republic.
| | - Peter Váczi
- Department of Experimental Biology, Faculty of Science, Masaryk University, Kotlářská 2, 61137, Brno, Czech Republic
| | - Dušan Lazár
- Department of Biophysics, Centre of the Region Haná for Biotechnological and Agricultural Research, Faculty of Science, Palacký University, Šlechtitelů 27, 793 71, Olomouc, Czech Republic
| | - Miloš Barták
- Department of Experimental Biology, Faculty of Science, Masaryk University, Kotlářská 2, 61137, Brno, Czech Republic
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Qu EB, Omelon CR, Oren A, Meslier V, Cowan DA, Maggs-Kölling G, DiRuggiero J. Trophic Selective Pressures Organize the Composition of Endolithic Microbial Communities From Global Deserts. Front Microbiol 2020; 10:2952. [PMID: 31969867 PMCID: PMC6960110 DOI: 10.3389/fmicb.2019.02952] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/29/2019] [Accepted: 12/09/2019] [Indexed: 11/29/2022] Open
Abstract
Studies of microbial biogeography are often convoluted by extremely high diversity and differences in microenvironmental factors such as pH and nutrient availability. Desert endolithic (inside rock) communities are relatively simple ecosystems that can serve as a tractable model for investigating long-range biogeographic effects on microbial communities. We conducted a comprehensive survey of endolithic sandstones using high-throughput marker gene sequencing to characterize global patterns of diversity in endolithic microbial communities. We also tested a range of abiotic variables in order to investigate the factors that drive community assembly at various trophic levels. Macroclimate was found to be the primary driver of endolithic community composition, with the most striking difference witnessed between hot and polar deserts. This difference was largely attributable to the specialization of prokaryotic and eukaryotic primary producers to different climate conditions. On a regional scale, microclimate and properties of the rock substrate were found to influence community assembly, although to a lesser degree than global hot versus polar conditions. We found new evidence that the factors driving endolithic community assembly differ between trophic levels. While phototrophic taxa, mostly oxygenic photosynthesizers, were rigorously selected for among different sites, heterotrophic taxa were more cosmopolitan, suggesting that stochasticity plays a larger role in heterotroph assembly. This study is the first to uncover the global drivers of desert endolithic diversity using high-throughput sequencing. We demonstrate that phototrophs and heterotrophs in the endolithic community assemble under different stochastic and deterministic influences, emphasizing the need for studies of microorganisms in context of their functional niche in the community.
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Affiliation(s)
- Evan B. Qu
- Department of Biology, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, MD, United States
| | - Chris R. Omelon
- Department of Geography and Planning, Queen’s University, Kingston, ON, Canada
| | - Aharon Oren
- Institute of Life Sciences, The Hebrew University of Jerusalem, Jerusalem, Israel
| | - Victoria Meslier
- Department of Biology, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, MD, United States
| | - Don A. Cowan
- Centre for Microbial Ecology and Genomics, Department of Biochemistry, Genetics and Microbiology, University of Pretoria, Pretoria, South Africa
| | | | - Jocelyne DiRuggiero
- Department of Biology, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, MD, United States
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Fernández-Marín B, López-Pozo M, Perera-Castro AV, Arzac MI, Sáenz-Ceniceros A, Colesie C, de los Ríos A, Sancho LG, Pintado A, Laza JM, Pérez-Ortega S, García-Plazaola JI. Symbiosis at its limits: ecophysiological consequences of lichenization in the genus Prasiola in Antarctica. ANNALS OF BOTANY 2020; 124:1211-1226. [PMID: 31549137 PMCID: PMC6943718 DOI: 10.1093/aob/mcz149] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/16/2019] [Accepted: 09/13/2019] [Indexed: 05/06/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND AND AIMS Lichens represent a symbiotic relationship between at least one fungal and one photosynthetic partner. The association between the lichen-forming fungus Mastodia tessellata (Verrucariaceae) and different species of Prasiola (Trebouxiophyceae) has an amphipolar distribution and represents a unique case study for the understanding of lichen symbiosis because of the macroalgal nature of the photobiont, the flexibility of the symbiotic interaction and the co-existence of free-living and lichenized forms in the same microenvironment. In this context, we aimed to (1) characterize the photosynthetic performance of co-occurring populations of free-living and lichenized Prasiola and (2) assess the effect of the symbiosis on water relations in Prasiola, including its tolerance of desiccation and its survival and performance under sub-zero temperatures. METHODS Photochemical responses to irradiance, desiccation and freezing temperature and pressure-volume curves of co-existing free-living and lichenized Prasiola thalli were measured in situ in Livingston Island (Maritime Antarctica). Analyses of photosynthetic pigment, glass transition and ice nucleation temperatures, surface hydrophobicity extent and molecular analyses were conducted in the laboratory. KEY RESULTS Free-living and lichenized forms of Prasiola were identified as two different species: P. crispa and Prasiola sp., respectively. While lichenization appears to have no effect on the photochemical performance of the alga or its tolerance of desiccation (in the short term), the symbiotic lifestyle involves (1) changes in water relations, (2) a considerable decrease in the net carbon balance and (3) enhanced freezing tolerance. CONCLUSIONS Our results support improved tolerance of sub-zero temperature as the main benefit of lichenization for the photobiont, but highlight that lichenization represents a delicate equilibrium between a mutualistic and a less reciprocal relationship. In a warmer climate scenario, the spread of the free-living Prasiola to the detriment of the lichen form would be likely, with unknown consequences for Maritime Antarctic ecosystems.
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Affiliation(s)
- Beatriz Fernández-Marín
- Department of Plant Biology and Ecology, University of the Basque Country (UPV/EHU), Leioa, Spain
- Department of Botany, Ecology and Physiology, University of La Laguna (ULL), La Laguna, Canarias, Spain
| | - Marina López-Pozo
- Department of Plant Biology and Ecology, University of the Basque Country (UPV/EHU), Leioa, Spain
| | - Alicia V Perera-Castro
- Research Group on Plant Biology under Mediterranean Conditions, Universitat de les Illes Balears (UIB) - Instituto de Investigaciones Agroambientales y de Economía del Agua (INAGEA), Palma, Illes Balears, Spain
| | - Miren Irati Arzac
- Department of Plant Biology and Ecology, University of the Basque Country (UPV/EHU), Leioa, Spain
| | - Ana Sáenz-Ceniceros
- Department of Plant Biology and Ecology, University of the Basque Country (UPV/EHU), Leioa, Spain
| | - Claudia Colesie
- Global Change Institute, School of GeoSciences, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, UK
| | | | - Leo G Sancho
- Botany Section, Fac. Farmacia, Universidad Complutense, Madrid, Spain
| | - Ana Pintado
- Botany Section, Fac. Farmacia, Universidad Complutense, Madrid, Spain
| | - José M Laza
- Laboratory of Macromolecular Chemistry (Labquimac), Department of Physical Chemistry, University of the Basque Country (UPV/EHU), Leioa, Spain
| | | | - José I García-Plazaola
- Department of Plant Biology and Ecology, University of the Basque Country (UPV/EHU), Leioa, Spain
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Pasiche‐Lisboa CJ, Booth T, Belland RJ, Piercey‐Normore MD. Moss and lichen asexual propagule dispersal may help to maintain the extant community in boreal forests. Ecosphere 2019. [DOI: 10.1002/ecs2.2823] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/09/2022] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Carlos J. Pasiche‐Lisboa
- Department of Biological Sciences University of Manitoba 50 Sifton Road Winnipeg Manitoba R3T 2N2 Canada
- School of Science and the Environment Memorial University of Newfoundland (Grenfell Campus) 20 University Drive Corner Brook Newfoundland A2H 5G4 Canada
| | - Tom Booth
- Department of Biological Sciences University of Manitoba 50 Sifton Road Winnipeg Manitoba R3T 2N2 Canada
| | - René J. Belland
- Department of Renewable Resources University of Alberta 775 General Services Edmonton Alberta T6G 2H1 Canada
| | - Michele D. Piercey‐Normore
- School of Science and the Environment Memorial University of Newfoundland (Grenfell Campus) 20 University Drive Corner Brook Newfoundland A2H 5G4 Canada
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Temperature effects on photosynthetic performance of Antarctic lichen Dermatocarpon polyphyllizum: a chlorophyll fluorescence study. Polar Biol 2019. [DOI: 10.1007/s00300-019-02464-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/25/2022]
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15
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Hájek J, Barták M, Hazdrová J, Forbelská M. Sensitivity of photosynthetic processes to freezing temperature in extremophilic lichens evaluated by linear cooling and chlorophyll fluorescence. Cryobiology 2016; 73:329-334. [PMID: 27729220 DOI: 10.1016/j.cryobiol.2016.10.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/19/2016] [Revised: 10/05/2016] [Accepted: 10/07/2016] [Indexed: 10/20/2022]
Abstract
Extremophilic lichens and their photosynthesizing photobionts from the cold regions of Earth are adapted to perform photosynthesis at subzero temperatures. To evaluate interspecific differences in the critical temperature for primary photochemical processes of photosynthesis, we exposed lichen thalli of Usnea antarctica, Usnea aurantiaco-atra, and Umbilicaria cylindrica to linear cooling from +20 to -50 °C at a constant rate of 2 °C min-1. Simultaneously, two chlorophyll fluorescence parameters (FV/FM - potential yield of photosynthetic processes in photosystem II, ΦPSII - effective quantum yield of PS II) evaluating a gradual subzero temperature-induced decline in photosynthetic processes were measured by a modulated fluorometer. For the studied species, the response of FV/FM and ΦPSII to declining temperature showed an S-curve shape. The decline in FV/FM and ΦPSII at low temperatures started at -5 and +5 °C, respectively in the majority of cases. The decline was, however, species-specific. U. aurantiaco-atra showed a constant-rate decline of ΦPSII from the physiological temperature 20 °C. U. antarctica exhibited the first sign of FV/FM decline at -12 °C. The critical temperature related to full inhibition of the photosynthetic processes in PSII (FV/FM), was found at -20 °C. However, this occurred at -30 °C for U. cylindrica. In an individual sample, the critical temperature for FV/FM was typically lower than for ΦPSII. The method of linear cooling combined with simultaneous measurements of chlorophyll fluorescence parameters proved to be an efficient tool in the estimation of extremophilic species sensitivity/resistance to freezing.
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Affiliation(s)
- Josef Hájek
- Laboratory of Photosynthetic Processes, Section of Plant Physiology and Anatomy, Institute of Experimental Biology, Masaryk University, Kamenice 5, 625 00 Brno, Czech Republic.
| | - Miloš Barták
- Laboratory of Photosynthetic Processes, Section of Plant Physiology and Anatomy, Institute of Experimental Biology, Masaryk University, Kamenice 5, 625 00 Brno, Czech Republic
| | - Jana Hazdrová
- Laboratory of Photosynthetic Processes, Section of Plant Physiology and Anatomy, Institute of Experimental Biology, Masaryk University, Kamenice 5, 625 00 Brno, Czech Republic
| | - Marie Forbelská
- Department of Mathematics and Statistics, Faculty of Science, Masaryk University, Kotlářská 2, 611 37 Brno, Czechia
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Harańczyk H, Nowak P, Lisowska M, Florek-Wojciechowska M, Lahuta LB, Olech MA. A method of water-soluble solid fraction saturation concentration evaluation in dry thalli of Antarctic lichenized fungi, in vivo. Biochem Biophys Rep 2016; 6:226-235. [PMID: 28955881 PMCID: PMC5600328 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbrep.2016.04.010] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/03/2015] [Revised: 02/29/2016] [Accepted: 04/20/2016] [Indexed: 11/25/2022] Open
Abstract
Background At initial steps of rehydration from cryptobiosis of anhydrobiotic organisms or at rehydration of dry tissues the liquid 1H NMR signal increased anomaly. The surplus in liquid signal may appear if some solid constituents dissolved, or if they were decomposed by enzymatic action. Methods Hydration kinetics, sorption isotherm, 1H NMR spectra and high power relaxometry were applied to monitor gaseous phase rehydration of Antarctic lichen Cetraria aculeata. Tightly and loosely bound water signal were distinguished, and the upper hydration limit for dissolution of water soluble solid fraction was not observed. A simple theoretical model was proposed. Results The hydration courses showed a very tightly bound water fraction, a tightly bound water, and a loosely bound water fraction. Sigmoidal in form sorption isotherm was fitted well by multilayer sorption model. 1H NMR showed one Gaussian signal component from solid matrix of thallus and one or two Lorentzian line components from tightly bound, and from loosely bound water. The hydration dependency of liquid signal was fitted by rational function. Conclusions Although in dehydrated C.aculeata the level of carbohydrates and polyols was low, the lichenase action during rehydration process increased it; the averaged saturation concentration cs=(57.3±12.0)%, which resembled that for sucrose. General significance The proposed method of water soluble solid fraction saturation concentration, cs, calculation from 1H NMR data may be applied for other organisms experiencing extreme dehydration or for dry tissues. We recalculated the published elsewhere data for horse chestnut (Aesculus hippocastanum) bast [water-soluble solid fraction recognized as sucrose, cs=(74.5±5.1)%]; and for Usnea antarctica, where cs=0.81±0.04. Hydration kinetics show three fractions of bound water in lichen thallus. Sorption isotherm yields water fraction saturating primary water binding sites. 1H NMR spectra distinguish solid thallus and mobile and immobilized water fractions. Signal intensities supply saturation concentration, cs, of water-soluble solid fraction. A simple theoretical model is proposed and applied also to already published NMR data.
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Affiliation(s)
- H Harańczyk
- Institute of Physics, Jagiellonian University, Cracow, Poland
| | - P Nowak
- Institute of Physics, Jagiellonian University, Cracow, Poland
| | - M Lisowska
- Institute of Botany, Jagiellonian University, Cracow, Poland
| | | | - L B Lahuta
- Department of Plant Physiology, Genetic and Biotechnology, University of Warmia and Mazury, Olsztyn, Poland
| | - M A Olech
- Institute of Botany, Jagiellonian University, Cracow, Poland
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17
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Mishra A, Hájek J, Tuháčková T, Barták M, Mishra KB. Features of chlorophyll fluorescence transients can be used to investigate low temperature induced effects on photosystem II of algal lichens from polar regions ( Short Communication ). ACTA ACUST UNITED AC 2015. [DOI: 10.5817/cpr2015-1-10] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/31/2022]
Abstract
Chlorophyll fluorescence is an effective tool for investigating characteristics of any photosynthesizing organisms and its responses due to different stressors. Here, we have studied a short-term temperature response on three Antarctic green algal lichen species: Umbilicaria antarctica, Xanthoria elegans, and Rhizoplaca melanophtalma. We measured slow chlorophyll fluorescence transients in these Antarctic lichen species during slowely cooling of thallus temperature from 20°C to 5, 0 and -5°C with 20 minute acclimation at each temperature. The measurements were supplemented with saturation pulses for the analysis of chlorophyll fluorescence parameters: maximum yield of PS II photochemistry (FV/FM), effective quantum yield of PS II photochemistry (FPSII) and quenching parameters. In response to decreasing thallus temperature, we observed species-specific changes in chlorophyll fluorescence parameters as well as in the shape of the chlorophyll fluorescence transients. We propose that species-specific changes in the slow phase of chlorophyll fluorescence transients can be potentially used as indicators of freezing stress in photosynthetic apparatus of lichen algal photobionts.
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18
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Monteiro Estvāo DM. Production of UV-B screens and changes in photosynthetic efficiency in Antarctic Nostoc commune colonies and a lichen Xanthoria elegans depend on a dose and duration of UV-B stress. ACTA ACUST UNITED AC 2015. [DOI: 10.5817/cpr2015-1-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/20/2022]
Abstract
The survival of non-vascular autotrophs in the extreme polar conditions and the principles of their high tolerance to extreme physical factors have been intriguing scientists in last decades. Therefore, this study focuses on the capacity of production of UV-B screening pigments in two model Antarctic species, one algal lichen, and colony of a cyanobacterium. Dose-dependent activation of protective mechanisms of Antarctic cyanobacterium (Nostoc commune) and algal lichen (Xanthoria elegans), synthesis of UV-B screening compounds in particular, were studied together with the changes in photosynthetic efficiency induced by a background photosynthetically active radiation (PAR) supplemented with UV-B radiation. The samples were exposed to different doses of UV-B (280–320 nm), low (0.7 W m-2), medium (1.5 W m-2) and high (3.0 W m-2) for 5 days. Untreated samples (control) were shielded from UV-B radiation during experiment. Chlorophyll fluorescence parameters and secondary UV-B protective metabolites were analysed in the intervals of 24 h, 48 h and 120 h. Amount of UV-B screening pigments was measured spectrophotometrically using several specific wavelengths in UV-B absorption range. Results showed that if exposed to a low dose of UV-B radiation or a short-term treatment, both species exhibited an increase in UV-B screening pigments to protect the lichen photobiont against UV-B damage. However, if exposed to a high dose of UV-B radiation or a long-term treatment, a decrease of UV-B screening compounds occured. This implies that Antarctic lichen and cyanobacterium can protect themselves against an increase of stress factors ranging within physiological limits, like e.g. increased synthesis of UV-B screening compounds thanks to a thinning of the ozone layer and consequent increase in UV radiation doses incident on Antarctic terrestrial ecosystems. Nevertheless, the likely increased UV-B radiation due to more intense depletion of stratospheric ozone layer may lead to alterations in UV-B tolerance in Antarctic lichens in future.
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Kumar J, Dhar P, Tayade AB, Gupta D, Chaurasia OP, Upreti DK, Arora R, Srivastava RB. Antioxidant capacities, phenolic profile and cytotoxic effects of saxicolous lichens from trans-Himalayan cold desert of Ladakh. PLoS One 2014; 9:e98696. [PMID: 24937759 PMCID: PMC4061001 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0098696] [Citation(s) in RCA: 28] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/20/2013] [Accepted: 05/06/2014] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
Fourteen saxicolous lichens from trans-Himalayan Ladakh region were identified by morpho-anatomical and chemical characteristics. The n-hexane, methanol and water extracts of the lichens were evaluated for their antioxidant capacities. The lichen extracts showing high antioxidant capacities and rich phenolic content were further investigated to determine their cytotoxic activity on human HepG2 and RKO carcinoma cell lines. The ferric reducing antioxidant power (FRAP), 2,2'-azinobis-(3-ethylbenzothiazoline-6-sulfonic acid) diammonium salt (ABTS), 1,1-diphenyl-2-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) and nitric oxide (NO) radical scavenging capacities and β-carotene-linoleic acid bleaching property exhibited analogous results where the lichen extracts showed high antioxidant action. The lichen extracts were also found to possess good amount of total proanthocyanidin, flavonoid and polyphenol. The methanolic extract of Lobothallia alphoplaca exhibited highest FRAP value. Methanolic extract of Xanthoparmelia stenophylla showed the highest ABTS radical scavenging capacity. The n-hexane extract of Rhizoplaca chrysoleuca exhibited highest DPPH radical scavenging capacity. Highest antioxidant capacity in terms of β-carotene linoleic acid bleaching property was observed in the water extract of Xanthoria elegans. Similarly, Melanelia disjuncta water extract showed highest NO scavenging capacity. Among n-hexane, methanol and water extracts of all lichens, the methanolic extract of Xanthoparmelia mexicana showed highest total proanthocyanidin, flavonoid and polyphenol content. From cytotoxic assay, it was observed that the methanolic extracts of L. alphoplaca and M. disjuncta were exhibiting high cytotoxic effects against cancer cell growth. Similarly, the water extract of Dermatocarpon vellereum, Umbilicaria vellea, X. elegans and M. disjuncta and the methanolic extract of M. disjuncta and X. stenophylla were found to possess high antioxidant capacities and were non-toxic and may be used as natural antioxidants for stress related problems. Our studies go on to prove that the unique trans-Himalayan lichens are a hitherto untapped bioresource with immense potential for discovery of new chemical entities, and this biodiversity needs to be tapped sustainably.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jatinder Kumar
- Defence Institute of High Altitude Research, Defence Research & Development Organisation, Leh-Ladakh, Jammu & Kashmir, India
| | - Priyanka Dhar
- Defence Institute of High Altitude Research, Defence Research & Development Organisation, Leh-Ladakh, Jammu & Kashmir, India
| | - Amol B. Tayade
- Defence Institute of High Altitude Research, Defence Research & Development Organisation, Leh-Ladakh, Jammu & Kashmir, India
| | - Damodar Gupta
- Medicinal and Aromatic Plants Laboratory, Radiation Biotechnology Group, Institute of Nuclear Medicine and Allied Sciences, Defence Research and Development Organisation, Delhi, India
| | - Om P. Chaurasia
- Defence Institute of High Altitude Research, Defence Research & Development Organisation, Leh-Ladakh, Jammu & Kashmir, India
| | - Dalip K. Upreti
- Lichenology Laboratory, Plant Biodiversity and Conservation Biology Division, CSIR- National Botanical Research Institute, Lucknow, Uttar Pradesh, India
| | - Rajesh Arora
- Medicinal and Aromatic Plants Laboratory, Radiation Biotechnology Group, Institute of Nuclear Medicine and Allied Sciences, Defence Research and Development Organisation, Delhi, India
- Office of the Director General-Life Sciences, DRDO Bhawan, New Delhi, India
| | - Ravi B. Srivastava
- Defence Institute of High Altitude Research, Defence Research & Development Organisation, Leh-Ladakh, Jammu & Kashmir, India
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Søndergaard J, Bach L, Asmund G. Modelling atmospheric bulk deposition of Pb, Zn and Cd near a former Pb-Zn mine in West Greenland using transplanted Flavocetraria nivalis lichens. CHEMOSPHERE 2013; 90:2549-2556. [PMID: 23211325 DOI: 10.1016/j.chemosphere.2012.10.097] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/11/2012] [Revised: 10/08/2012] [Accepted: 10/19/2012] [Indexed: 06/01/2023]
Abstract
Atmospheric deposition of lead (Pb), zinc (Zn) and cadmium (Cd) was investigated near the former Black Angel Pb-Zn mine in Maarmorilik, West Greenland during 2010-2011. Thalli of the lichen Flavocetraria nivalis were transplanted from an uncontaminated site into sites near the mine and collected the following year. At 20 of the total 21 sites, concentrations of Pb, Zn and Cd were significantly elevated in lichens after 1 year of transplantation compared to initial concentrations. Elevated concentrations were observed within a distance of approx. 20 km from the mining area. Concentrations decreased with increasing distance from the mine and the relation was well described using a power function with a negative exponent (r(2)=0.90; 0.83 and 0.83 for Pb; Zn and Cd). To examine the relation between metal concentrations/uptake in lichen transplants and atmospheric bulk deposition, 10 Bergerhoff dust samplers were placed near lichen transplants and samplers and lichens were collected after a 7-weeks exposure period. A significant linear correlation was observed between metal concentrations in lichen transplants and atmospheric bulk metal deposition (r(2)=0.94; 0.88 and 0.89 for Pb; Zn and Cd). Combining the results and including an area distribution within a defined metal deposition area, the "annual" deposition of Pb, Zn and Cd as dust was estimated during the 2010-2011 snow-free period (∼5 months). The results reveal that 20 years after mine closure, 770 kg Pb, 3700 kg Zn and 24 kg Cd were still being deposited as dust per year (snow-free period only) within a distance of 20 km from the mine.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jens Søndergaard
- Department for Bioscience, Aarhus University, Frederiksborgvej 399, DK-4000 Roskilde, Denmark.
| | - Lis Bach
- Department for Bioscience, Aarhus University, Frederiksborgvej 399, DK-4000 Roskilde, Denmark
| | - Gert Asmund
- Department for Bioscience, Aarhus University, Frederiksborgvej 399, DK-4000 Roskilde, Denmark
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Sadowsky A, Ott S. Photosynthetic symbionts in Antarctic terrestrial ecosystems: the physiological response of lichen photobionts to drought and cold. Symbiosis 2012. [DOI: 10.1007/s13199-012-0198-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/27/2022]
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Printzen C, Fernández-Mendoza F, Muggia L, Berg G, Grube M. Alphaproteobacterial communities in geographically distant populations of the lichen Cetraria aculeata. FEMS Microbiol Ecol 2012; 82:316-25. [PMID: 22469494 DOI: 10.1111/j.1574-6941.2012.01358.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 34] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/31/2011] [Revised: 03/05/2012] [Accepted: 03/06/2012] [Indexed: 12/01/2022] Open
Abstract
Lichen symbioses were recently shown to include diverse bacterial communities. Although the biogeography of lichen species is fairly well known, the patterns of their bacterial associates are relatively poorly understood. Here we analyse the composition of Alphaproteobacteria in Cetraria aculeata, a common lichen species that occurs at high latitudes and various habitats. Using clone libraries we show that most of the associated Alphaproteobacteria belong to Acetobacteraceae, which have also been found previously in other lichen species of acidic soils and rocks in alpine habitats. The majority of alphaproteobacterial sequences from C. aculeata are very similar to each other and form a single clade. Data from C. aculeata reveal that alphaproteobacterial communities of high latitudes are depauperate and more closely related to each other than to those of extrapolar habitats. This agrees with previous findings for the fungal and algal symbiont in this lichen. Similar to the algal partner, the composition of lichen alphaproteobacterial communities is affected by environmental parameters.
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Affiliation(s)
- Christian Printzen
- Senckenberg Forschungsinstitut und Naturmuseum, Abt. Botanik und Molekulare Evolutionsforschung, Frankfurt am Main, Germany.
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Hájek J, Váczi P, Barták M, Jahnová L. Interspecific differences in cryoresistance of lichen symbiotic algae of genus Trebouxia assessed by cell viability and chlorophyll fluorescence. Cryobiology 2012; 64:215-22. [PMID: 22342877 DOI: 10.1016/j.cryobiol.2012.02.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/01/2011] [Revised: 12/21/2011] [Accepted: 02/02/2012] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
Abstract
Unicellular algae of genus Trebouxia are the most frequent symbiotic photobionts found in lichen species adapted to extreme environments. When lichenised, they cope well with freezing temperature of polar regions, high-mountains environments and were successfully tested in open-space experiments. Trebouxia sp. is considered potential model species for exobiological experiments. The aim of this paper is to evaluate cryoresistence of Trebouxia sp. when isolated from lichen thalli and cultivated on media. In our study, six algal strains were exposed to repeated freezing/thawing cycles. The strains of Trebouxia sp. (freshly isolated from lichen Lasallia pustulata), Trebouxia erici, Trebouxia asymmetrica, Trebouxia glomerata, Trebouxia irregularis, and Trebouxia jamesii from culture collection were cooled from 25 to -40 °C at two different rates. The strains were also shock frozen in liquid nitrogen. After repeated treatment, the strains were inoculated and cultivated on a BBM agar for 7 days. Then, cell viability was assessed as relative share of living cells. Potential quantum yield of photochemical reactions in PS II (F(V)/F(M)), and effective quantum yield of photochemical reactions in PS II (Φ(PSII)) were measured. While the slow cooling rate (0.5 °C min(-1)) did not cause any change in viability, F(V)/F(M), and Φ(PSII), the fast cooling rate (6.0 °C min(-1)) caused species-specific decrease in all parameters. The most pronounced interspecific differences in cryoresistance were found after shock freezing and consequent cultivation. While T. asymmetrica and T. jamesii exhibited low viability of living cells (18.9% and 34.7%) and full suppression of photosynthetic processes, the other strains had viability over 60%, and unaffected values of F(V)/F(M), and Φ(PSII). This indicated a high degree of cryoresistance of T. glomerata, T. erici, T. irregularis and Trebouxia sp. strains. These strains could be used for detailed investigation of underlying physiological mechanisms and as models for astrobiological tests taken in the Earth facilities.
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Affiliation(s)
- J Hájek
- Department of Experimental Biology, Division of Plant Physiology, Masaryk University, Faculty of Science, Kamenice 5, CZ 625 00 Brno, Czech Republic.
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FERNÁNDEZ-MENDOZA F, DOMASCHKE S, GARCÍA MA, JORDAN P, MARTÍN MP, PRINTZEN C. Population structure of mycobionts and photobionts of the widespread lichen Cetraria aculeata. Mol Ecol 2011; 20:1208-32. [DOI: 10.1111/j.1365-294x.2010.04993.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 187] [Impact Index Per Article: 14.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
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