Vanadium-dependent iodoperoxidases in Laminaria digitata, a novel biochemical function diverging from brown algal bromoperoxidases

Heterologous Expression and Biochemical Characterization of a New Chloroperoxidase Isolated from the Deep-Sea Hydrothermal Vent Black Yeast Hortaea werneckii UBOCC-A-208029

The initiation of this study relies on a targeted genome-mining approach to highlight the presence of a putative vanadium-dependent haloperoxidase-encoding gene in the deep-sea hydrothermal vent fungus Hortaea werneckii UBOCC-A-208029. To date, only three fungal vanadium-dependent haloperoxidases have been described, one from the terrestrial species Curvularia inaequalis, one from the fungal plant pathogen Botrytis cinerea, and one from a marine derived isolate identified as Alternaria didymospora. In this study, we describe a new vanadium chloroperoxidase from the black yeast H. werneckii, successfully cloned and overexpressed in a bacterial host, which possesses higher affinity for bromide (Km = 26 µM) than chloride (Km = 237 mM). The enzyme was biochemically characterized, and we have evaluated its potential for biocatalysis by determining its stability and tolerance in organic solvents. We also describe its potential three-dimensional structure by building a model using the AlphaFold 2 artificial intelligence tool. This model shows some conservation of the 3D structure of the active site compared to the vanadium chloroperoxidase from C. inaequalis but it also highlights some differences in the active site entrance and the volume of the active site pocket, underlining its originality.

Iodine uptake in brown seaweed exposed to radioactive liquid discharges from the reprocessing plant of ORANO La Hague

Iodine-129 is present in controlled liquid radioactive waste routinely released in seawater by the ORANO nuclear fuel reprocessing plant in La Hague (Normandy, France). Brown algae are known for their exceptional ability to concentrate iodine from seawater. They also potentially emit volatile iodine compounds in response to various stresses, such as during emersion at low tide. For these reasons, brown seaweed is routinely collected for radioactivity monitoring in the marine environment (Fucus serratus and Laminaria digitata). Despite the high concentration ratio, the exact mechanism of iodine uptake is still unclear. Chemical imaging by laser desorption/ionization mass spectrometry provided evidence that iodine is stored by kelps as I-. In this study we investigate in vivo iodine uptake in kelps (L. digitata) with an emphasis on seawater iodine chemical speciation. Our results showed that kelp plantlets were able to take up iodine in the forms of both IO3- and I-. We also observed transient net efflux of I- back to seawater but no IO3- efflux. Since the seaweed stores I- but takes up both IO3- and I-, IO3- was likely to be converted into I- at some point in the plantlet. One major outcome of our experiments was the direct observation of the kelp-based biogenic conversion of seawater IO3- into I-. On the basis of both IO3- and I- uptakes by the seaweed, we propose new steps in the possible iodine concentration mechanism used by brown algae.

Concentration factors and biological half-lives for the dynamic modelling of radionuclide transfers to marine biota in the English Channel

The biokinetics of radionuclide transfers to biota in the marine environment can be modelled using two parameters, specific to both each element/radionuclide and biota. The Concentration Factor (CF) reflects the ratio between the activity concentrations in the biota and the surrounding seawater in steady state. The biological half-life (tb_1/2) characterizes depuration kinetics for the radionuclide from the biota. While recommended CF values can be found in the literature, no guidelines actually exist for tb_1/2 values. We used available time-series activity concentration measurements in biota in the English Channel, where controlled amounts of liquid radioactive waste are discharged by the ORANO La Hague reprocessing plant. We calculated the corresponding time-series activity concentrations in seawater for each biota dataset using an extensively-validated hydrodynamic model. We derived the values of CF and tb_1/2 from seawater and biota data, to model radionuclide transfers between the two compartments. To assess the performance of the model, we analyzed the residual between observed and calculated levels in the biota. Datasets for macroalgae, mollusks, crustaceans and fish yielded parameters (CF, tb_1/2) for H-3 (as body water and as organically bound tritium), C-14, Sb-125, Cs-137, I-129, Mn-54, Co-60, Zn-65 and Ru-106. After discussing the results and qualifying the model's reliability, we proposed recommendations for CF and tb_1/2 for the purposes of the operational modelling of radionuclide transfers to biota in the marine environment.

Role and Evolution of the Extracellular Matrix in the Acquisition of Complex Multicellularity in Eukaryotes: A Macroalgal Perspective

Multicellular eukaryotes are characterized by an expanded extracellular matrix (ECM) with a diversified composition. The ECM is involved in determining tissue texture, screening cells from the outside medium, development, and innate immunity, all of which are essential features in the biology of multicellular eukaryotes. This review addresses the origin and evolution of the ECM, with a focus on multicellular marine algae. We show that in these lineages the expansion of extracellular matrix played a major role in the acquisition of complex multicellularity through its capacity to connect, position, shield, and defend the cells. Multiple innovations were necessary during these evolutionary processes, leading to striking convergences in the structures and functions of the ECMs of algae, animals, and plants.

New Aspects of Uptake and Metabolism of Non-organic and Organic Iodine Compounds-The Role of Vanadium and Plant-Derived Thyroid Hormone Analogs in Lettuce

The process of uptake and translocation of non-organic iodine (I) ions, I^- and IO₃ ^-, has been relatively well-described in literature. The situation is different for low-molecular-weight organic aromatic I compounds, as data on their uptake or metabolic pathway is only fragmentary. The aim of this study was to determine the process of uptake, transport, and metabolism of I applied to lettuce plants by fertigation as KIO₃, KIO₃ + salicylic acid (KIO₃+SA), and iodosalicylates, 5-iodosalicylic acid (5-ISA) and 3,5-diiodosalicylic acid (3,5-diISA), depending on whether additional fertilization with vanadium (V) was used. Each I compound was applied at a dose of 10 μM, SA at a dose of 10 μM, and V at a dose of 0.1 μM. Three independent 2-year-long experiments were carried out with lettuce; two with pot systems using a peat substrate and mineral soil and one with hydroponic lettuce. The effectiveness of I uptake and translocation from the roots to leaves was as follows: 5-ISA > 3,5-diISA > KIO₃. Iodosalicylates, 5-ISA and 3,5-diISA, were naturally synthesized in plants, similarly to other organic iodine metabolites, i.e., iodotyrosine, as well as plant-derived thyroid hormone analogs (PDTHA), triiodothyronine (T3) and thyroxine (T4). T3 and T4 were synthesized in roots with the participation of endogenous and exogenous 5-ISA and 3,5-diISA and then transported to leaves. The level of plant enrichment in I was safe for consumers. Several genes were shown to perform physiological functions, i.e., per64-like, samdmt, msams5, and cipk6.

Single-base methylome profiling of the giant kelp Saccharina japonica reveals significant differences in DNA methylation to microalgae and plants

Brown algae have convergently evolved plant-like body plans and reproductive cycles, which in plants are controlled by differential DNA methylation. This contribution provides the first single-base methylome profiles of haploid gametophytes and diploid sporophytes of a multicellular alga. Although only c. 1.4% of cytosines in Saccharina japonica were methylated mainly at CHH sites and characterized by 5-methylcytosine (5mC), there were significant differences between life-cycle stages. DNA methyltransferase 2 (DNMT2), known to efficiently catalyze tRNA methylation, is assumed to methylate the genome of S. japonica in the structural context of tRNAs as the genome does not encode any other DNA methyltransferases. Circular and long noncoding RNA genes were the most strongly methylated regulatory elements in S. japonica. Differential expression of genes was negatively correlated with DNA methylation with the highest methylation levels measured in both haploid gametophytes. Hypomethylated and highly expressed genes in diploid sporophytes included genes involved in morphogenesis and halogen metabolism. The data herein provide evidence that cytosine methylation, although occurring at a low level, is significantly contributing to the formation of different life-cycle stages, tissue differentiation and metabolism in brown algae.

Transcriptome profiling of the meristem tissue of Saccharina japonica (Phaeophyceae, Laminariales) under severe stress of copper

Copper (Cu) is an essential metal involved in many physiological processes of living organisms. However, beyond a certain threshold, Cu can become highly toxic. For instance, in the summer sporeling production of the economic kelp Saccharina japonica, the excess Cu accidently released from the low-quality alloys of the refrigerating machine was deadly to the seedlings and led to the failure of hatchery operations. However, the molecular basis underlying high toxicity of Cu remains unclear. In this study, juvenile sporophytes were cultured in seawater containing different concentrations of Cu2+ (10, 100, and 200 μg L-1). Bleaching was observed in the meristem of individuals in the 100 and 200 μg L-1 treatment groups on the third day, indicating that Cu has caused severe harm at these concentrations. RNA-Seq was used to profile transcriptomic changes under different Cu2+ concentrations. Compared with the control, the number of differentially expressed genes (DEGs) was 11,350 (4944 up- and 6406 down-regulated) in the 200 μg L-1 treatment group and 2868 (1075 up- and 1793 down-regulated) in the 100 μg L-1 treatment group, whereas much fewer DEGs were detected in the 10 μg L-1 treatment group. Genes coding for glutathione-S-transferase and vanadium-dependent bromoperoxidase and iodoperoxidase were found to be remarkably regulated, especially in the 200 μg L-1 treatment group. Gene Ontology (GO) and Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG) analyses showed that only down-regulated DEGs were enriched. There were 45 enriched GO terms and four enriched KEGG pathways common to the 100 and 200 μg L-1 treatment groups, which were associated with diverse essential biological processes such as photosynthesis, protein synthesis, redox activity, and metabolism and biosynthesis of functional biomolecules, among others. Suppression of these biological processes at the transcriptional level likely contributes to the observed high toxicity of Cu2+ in S. japonica.

Key aspects of the iodine metabolism in brown algae: a brief critical review

Brown algae include the strongest accumulators of iodine known among living systems. This paper reviews the current state of bioinorganic research in the field, focusing on the models Laminaria digitata, Macrocystis pyrifera and Ectocarpus siliculosus, and covering uptake and efflux, localization and biological significance of storage, as well as marine and atmospheric chemistry of iodine.

Biogenic Iodine and Iodine-Containing Metabolites

This review is intended as a comprehensive survey of iodinated metabolites possessing carbon–iodine covalent bond, which have been obtained from living organisms. Generally thought to be minor components produced by many different organisms these interesting compounds now number more than 110. Many from isolated and identified iodine-containing metabolites showed high biological activities. Recent research, especially in the marine area, indicates this number will increase in the future. Sources of iodinated metabolites include microorganisms, algae, marine invertebrates, and some animals. Their origin and possible biological significance have also been discussed.

Ocean acidification increases iodine accumulation in kelp-based coastal food webs

Kelp are main iodine accumulators in the ocean, and their growth and photosynthesis are likely to benefit from elevated seawater CO2 levels due to ocean acidification. However, there are currently no data on the effects of ocean acidification on iodine metabolism in kelp. As key primary producers in coastal ecosystems worldwide, any change in their iodine metabolism caused by climate change will potentially have important consequences for global geochemical cycles of iodine, including iodine levels of coastal food webs that underpin the nutrition of billions of humans around the world. Here, we found that elevated pCO2 enhanced growth and increased iodine accumulation not only in the model kelp Saccharina japonica using both short-term laboratory experiment and long-term in situ mesocosms, but also in several other edible and ecologically significant seaweeds using long-term in situ mesocosms. Transcriptomic and proteomic analysis of S. japonica revealed that most vanadium-dependent haloperoxidase genes involved in iodine efflux during oxidative stress are down-regulated under increasing pCO2 , suggesting that ocean acidification alleviates oxidative stress in kelp, which might contribute to their enhanced growth. When consumed by abalone (Haliotis discus), elevated iodine concentrations in S. japonica caused increased iodine accumulation in abalone, accompanied by reduced synthesis of thyroid hormones. Thus, our results suggest that kelp will benefit from ocean acidification by a reduction in environmental stress however; iodine levels, in kelp-based coastal food webs will increase, with potential impacts on biogeochemical cycles of iodine in coastal ecosystems.

Emission of volatile halogenated compounds, speciation and localization of bromine and iodine in the brown algal genome model Ectocarpus siliculosus

This study explores key features of bromine and iodine metabolism in the filamentous brown alga and genomics model Ectocarpus siliculosus. Both elements are accumulated in Ectocarpus, albeit at much lower concentration factors (2-3 orders of magnitude for iodine, and < 1 order of magnitude for bromine) than e.g. in the kelp Laminaria digitata. Iodide competitively reduces the accumulation of bromide. Both iodide and bromide are accumulated in the cell wall (apoplast) of Ectocarpus, with minor amounts of bromine also detectable in the cytosol. Ectocarpus emits a range of volatile halogenated compounds, the most prominent of which by far is methyl iodide. Interestingly, biosynthesis of this compound cannot be accounted for by vanadium haloperoxidase since the latter have not been found to catalyze direct halogenation of an unactivated methyl group or hydrocarbon so a methyl halide transferase-type production mechanism is proposed.

Environmental Control of Vanadium Haloperoxidases and Halocarbon Emissions in Macroalgae

Vanadium-dependent haloperoxidases (V-HPO), able to catalyze the reaction of halide ions (Cl^-, Br^-, I^-) with hydrogen peroxide, have a great influence on the production of halocarbons, which in turn are involved in atmospheric ozone destruction and global warming. The production of these haloperoxidases in macroalgae is influenced by changes in the surrounding environment. The first reported vanadium bromoperoxidase was discovered 40 years ago in the brown alga Ascophyllum nodosum. Since that discovery, more studies have been conducted on the structure and mechanism of the enzyme, mainly focused on three types of V-HPO, the chloro- and bromoperoxidases and, more recently, the iodoperoxidase. Since aspects of environmental regulation of haloperoxidases are less well known, the present paper will focus on reviewing the factors which influence the production of these enzymes in macroalgae, particularly their interactions with reactive oxygen species (ROS).

Marine Vanadium-Dependent Haloperoxidases, Their Isolation, Characterization, and Application

Vanadium-dependent haloperoxidases in seaweeds, cyanobacteria, fungi, and possibly phytoplankton play an important role in the release of halogenated volatile compounds in the environment. These halocarbons have effects on atmospheric chemistry since they cause ozone depletion. In this chapter, a survey is given of the different sources of these enzymes, some of their properties, the various methods to isolate them, and the bottlenecks in purification. The assays to detect and quantify haloperoxidase activity are described as well as their kinetic properties. Several practical tips and pitfalls are given which have not yet been published explicitly. Recent developments in research on structure and function of these enzymes are reviewed. Finally, the application of vanadium-dependent haloperoxidases in the biosynthesis of brominated and other compounds is discussed.

Variability in iodine in temperate seaweeds and iodine accumulation kinetics of Fucus vesiculosus and Laminaria digitata (Phaeophyceae, Ochrophyta)

The biogeochemistry of iodine in temperate coastal ecosystems is largely mediated by macroalgae, which act as a major biological sink and source of iodine. Their capacity to accumulate, retain and release iodine has been associated with abiotic and biotic stressors, but quantitative information is limited. We evaluated the seasonal iodine retention capacity of eleven macroalgal species belonging to different systematic groups, collected from two sites in Ireland. Iodine accumulation and retention were then further quantified in Fucus vesiculosus and Laminaria digitata in relation to I- concentrations in seawater and temperature. In general, iodine contents were ~101 -102  μmol · (g dw)-1 for Laminariales, 100 -101  μmol · (g dw)-1 for Fucales, 10-1 -100  μmol · (g dw)-1 for Rhodophyta, and 10-1  μmol · (g dw)-1 for Chlorophyta. Typically, algal iodine contents were above average in winter and below average in summer. Iodine accumulation in F. vesiculosus and L. digitata depended on I- availability and followed the Michaelis-Menten kinetic. The ratio of maximum accumulation rate to half accumulation coefficient (ρmax : Kt ) was 2.4 times higher for F. vesiculosus than for L. digitata, suggesting that F. vesiculosus was more efficient in iodine accumulation. Both species exhibited a temperature-dependent net loss of iodine, and only an exposure to sufficient external I- concentrations compensated for this loss. This study revealed that both environmental (e.g., I- in seawater, temperature) and organismal (e.g., the status of the iodine storage pool) variables determine retention and variability in iodine in temperate seaweeds.

Some aspects of the iodine metabolism of the giant kelp Macrocystis pyrifera (phaeophyceae)

Despite its paramount role in the functioning of coastal ecosystems, relatively little is known about halogen metabolism in giant kelp (Macrocystis pyrifera). This is an important shortcoming given the potential implications for marine and atmospheric chemical processes in the wide distribution range of Macrocystis. The work presented here constitutes the first in depth investigation of the uptake, efflux, and of the physiological function of iodide in this important kelp species. Iodide uptake and efflux rates were measured in adult sporophytes of Macrocystis under normal and stressed (exogenous hydrogen peroxide and an elicitor-triggered oxidative burst) conditions. Kelp tissue took up iodide according to Michaelis-Menten type kinetics when incubated in seawater enriched with various concentrations of iodide. Upon the addition of exogenous hydrogen peroxide, simulating oxidative stress, a marked efflux of iodide occurred. In situ generation of hydrogen peroxide was elicited in Macrocystis upon the addition of oligomeric degradation products of alginate as well as arachidonic acid and methyl jasmonate constituting a defensive oxidative burst that could be linked to iodine accumulation. H2O2 was detected at the single cell level using dichlorohydrofluorescein diacetate, a fluorogenic probe capable of detecting intracellular H2O2. When assayed for vanadium haloperoxidase activity, several bromoperoxidase isoforms were detected as well as a single iodoperoxidase. Altogether, the results of this study show that Macrocystis has an elaborate iodine metabolism, which is likely significant for impacting iodine speciation in seawater around kelp beds and for volatile halogen emissions into the coastal atmosphere.

Microbial Transformation of Iodine: From Radioisotopes to Iodine Deficiency

Iodine is a biophilic element that is important for human health, both as an essential component of several thyroid hormones and, on the other hand, as a potential carcinogen in the form of radioiodine generated by anthropogenic nuclear activity. Iodine exists in multiple oxidation states (-1, 0, +1, +3, +5, and +7), primarily as molecular iodine (I₂), iodide (I^-), iodate [Formula: see text] , or organic iodine (org-I). The mobility of iodine in the environment is dependent on its speciation and a series of redox, complexation, sorption, precipitation, and microbial reactions. Over the last 15years, there have been significant advances in iodine biogeochemistry, largely spurred by renewed interest in the fate of radioiodine in the environment. We review the biogeochemistry of iodine, with particular emphasis on the microbial processes responsible for volatilization, accumulation, oxidation, and reduction of iodine, as well as the exciting technological potential of these fascinating microorganisms and enzymes.

Habitat and taxon as driving forces of carbohydrate catabolism in marine heterotrophic bacteria: example of the model algae-associated bacterium Zobellia galactanivorans DsijT

The marine flavobacterium Zobellia galactanivorans Dsij^T was isolated from a red alga and by now constitutes a model for studying algal polysaccharide bioconversions. We present an in-depth analysis of its complete genome and link it to physiological traits. Z. galactanivorans exhibited the highest gene numbers for glycoside hydrolases, polysaccharide lyases and carbohydrate esterases and the second highest sulfatase gene number in a comparison to 125 other marine heterotrophic bacteria (MHB) genomes. Its genome contains 50 polysaccharide utilization loci, 22 of which contain sulfatase genes. Catabolic profiling confirmed a pronounced capacity for using algal polysaccharides and degradation of most polysaccharides could be linked to dedicated genes. Physiological and biochemical tests revealed that Z. galactanivorans stores and recycles glycogen, despite loss of several classic glycogen-related genes. Similar gene losses were observed in most Flavobacteriia, suggesting presence of an atypical glycogen metabolism in this class. Z. galactanivorans features numerous adaptive traits for algae-associated life, such as consumption of seaweed exudates, iodine metabolism and methylotrophy, indicating that this bacterium is well equipped to form profitable, stable interactions with macroalgae. Finally, using statistical and clustering analyses of the MHB genomes we show that their carbohydrate catabolism correlates with both taxonomy and habitat.

Saccharina genomes provide novel insight into kelp biology

Seaweeds are essential for marine ecosystems and have immense economic value. Here we present a comprehensive analysis of the draft genome of Saccharina japonica, one of the most economically important seaweeds. The 537-Mb assembled genomic sequence covered 98.5% of the estimated genome, and 18,733 protein-coding genes are predicted and annotated. Gene families related to cell wall synthesis, halogen concentration, development and defence systems were expanded. Functional diversification of the mannuronan C-5-epimerase and haloperoxidase gene families provides insight into the evolutionary adaptation of polysaccharide biosynthesis and iodine antioxidation. Additional sequencing of seven cultivars and nine wild individuals reveal that the genetic diversity within wild populations is greater than among cultivars. All of the cultivars are descendants of a wild S. japonica accession showing limited admixture with S. longissima. This study represents an important advance toward improving yields and economic traits in Saccharina and provides an invaluable resource for plant genome studies.

Preferential expression of a bromoperoxidase in sporophytes of a red alga, Pyropia yezoensis

A 2,158 bp cDNA (PyBPO1) encoding a bromoperoxidase (BPO) of 625 amino acids was isolated from Pyropia yezoensis. Phylogenetic analysis using amino acid sequences of BPOs suggested that P. yezoensis and cyanobacteria were grouped in the same clade and separated from brown algae. Genomic Southern blot analysis suggested that PyBPO1 existed as a single copy per haploid genome. RT-PCR revealed that PyBPO1 was actively expressed in filamentous sporophytes but repressed in leafy gametophytes under normal growth conditions. High expression levels of PyBPO1 in sporophytes were observed when sporophytes were grown under gametophyte conditions, suggesting that preferential expression of PyBPO1 occurs during the sporophyte phase. BPO activity of cell-free extracts from sporophytes and gametophytes was examined by activity staining on native PAGE gel using o-dianisidine. One activity band was detected in sporophyte sample, but not in gametophyte sample. In addition, we found that bromide and iodide were effective substrate, but chloride was not. BPO activity was observed-likely in chloroplasts-when sporophyte cells were incubated with o-dianisidine and hydrogen peroxide. Cellular BPO staining showed the same halogen preference identified by in-gel BPO staining. Based on GS-MS analysis, bromoform was detected in medium containing sporophytes. Bromoform was not detected under dark culture conditions but was detected in the culture exposed to low light intensity (5 μmol m(-2) s(-1)) and increased under a moderate light intensity (30 μmol m(-2) s(-1)).

Chemical and enzymatic fractionation of cell walls from Fucales: insights into the structure of the extracellular matrix of brown algae

BACKGROUND AND AIMS

Brown algae are photosynthetic multicellular marine organisms evolutionarily distant from land plants, with a distinctive cell wall. They feature carbohydrates shared with plants (cellulose), animals (fucose-containing sulfated polysaccharides, FCSPs) or bacteria (alginates). How these components are organized into a three-dimensional extracellular matrix (ECM) still remains unclear. Recent molecular analysis of the corresponding biosynthetic routes points toward a complex evolutionary history that shaped the ECM structure in brown algae.

METHODS

Exhaustive sequential extractions and composition analyses of cell wall material from various brown algae of the order Fucales were performed. Dedicated enzymatic degradations were used to release and identify cell wall partners. This approach was complemented by systematic chromatographic analysis to study polymer interlinks further. An additional structural assessment of the sulfated fucan extracted from Himanthalia elongata was made.

KEY RESULTS

The data indicate that FCSPs are tightly associated with proteins and cellulose within the walls. Alginates are associated with most phenolic compounds. The sulfated fucans from H. elongata were shown to have a regular α-(1→3) backbone structure, while an alternating α-(1→3), (1→4) structure has been described in some brown algae from the order Fucales.

CONCLUSIONS

The data provide a global snapshot of the cell wall architecture in brown algae, and contribute to the understanding of the structure-function relationships of the main cell wall components. Enzymatic cross-linking of alginates by phenols may regulate the strengthening of the wall, and sulfated polysaccharides may play a key role in the adaptation to osmotic stress. The emergence and evolution of ECM components is further discussed in relation to the evolution of multicellularity in brown algae.

The Vanadium Iodoperoxidase from the marine flavobacteriaceae species Zobellia galactanivorans reveals novel molecular and evolutionary features of halide specificity in the vanadium haloperoxidase enzyme family

Vanadium haloperoxidases (VHPO) are key enzymes that oxidize halides and are involved in the biosynthesis of organo-halogens. Until now, only chloroperoxidases (VCPO) and bromoperoxidases (VBPO) have been characterized structurally, mainly from eukaryotic species. Three putative VHPO genes were predicted in the genome of the flavobacterium Zobellia galactanivorans, a marine bacterium associated with macroalgae. In a phylogenetic analysis, these putative bacterial VHPO were closely related to other VHPO from diverse bacterial phyla but clustered independently from eukaryotic algal VBPO and fungal VCPO. Two of these bacterial VHPO, heterogeneously produced in Escherichia coli, were found to be strictly specific for iodide oxidation. The crystal structure of one of these vanadium-dependent iodoperoxidases, Zg-VIPO1, was solved by multiwavelength anomalous diffraction at 1.8 Å, revealing a monomeric structure mainly folded into α-helices. This three-dimensional structure is relatively similar to those of VCPO of the fungus Curvularia inaequalis and of Streptomyces sp. and is superimposable onto the dimeric structure of algal VBPO. Surprisingly, the vanadate binding site of Zg-VIPO1 is strictly conserved with the fungal VCPO active site. Using site-directed mutagenesis, we showed that specific amino acids and the associated hydrogen bonding network around the vanadate center are essential for the catalytic properties and also the iodide specificity of Zg-VIPO1. Altogether, phylogeny and structure-function data support the finding that iodoperoxidase activities evolved independently in bacterial and algal lineages, and this sheds light on the evolution of the VHPO enzyme family.

cDNA cloning and characterization of vanadium-dependent bromoperoxidases from the red alga Laurencia nipponica

The marine red alga genus Laurencia is one of the richest producers of unique brominated compounds in the marine environment. The cDNAs for two Laurencia nipponica vanadium-dependent bromoperoxidases (LnVBPO1 and LnVBPO2) were cloned and expressed in Escherichia coli. Enzyme assays of recombinant LnVBPO1 and LnVBPO2 using monochlorodimedone revealed that they were thermolabile but their Km values for Br− were significantly lower than other red algal VBPOs. The bromination reaction was also assessed using laurediol, the predicted natural precursor of the brominated ether laurencin. Laurediol, protected by trimethylsilyl at the enyne, was converted to deacetyllaurencin by the LnVBPOs, which was confirmed by tandem mass spectrometry. Native LnVBPO partially purified from algal bodies was active, suggesting that LnVBPO is functional in vivo. These results contributed to our knowledge of the biosynthesis of Laurencia brominated metabolites.

Iodine contributes to osmotic acclimatisation in the kelp Laminaria digitata (Phaeophyceae)

Iodide (I⁻) retained by the brown macroalga Laminaria digitata at millimolar levels, possesses antioxidant activities, but the wider physiological significance of its accumulation remains poorly understood. In its natural habitat in the lower intertidal, L. digitata experiences salinity changes and osmotic homeostasis is achieved by regulating the organic osmolyte mannitol. However, I⁻ may also holds an osmotic function. Here, impacts of hypo- and hypersaline conditions on I⁻ release from, and accumulation by, L. digitata were assessed. Additionally, mannitol accumulation was determined at high salinities, and physiological responses to externally elevated iodine concentrations and salinities were characterised by chl a fluorometry. Net I⁻ release rates increased with decreasing salinity. I⁻ was accumulated at normal (35 S A) and high salinities (50 S A); this coincided with enhanced rETRmax and qP causing pronounced photoprotection capabilities via NPQ. At 50 S A elevated tissue iodine levels impeded the well-established response of mannitol accumulation and prevented photoinhibition. Contrarily, low tissue iodine levels limited photoprotection capabilities and resulted in photoinhibition at 50 S A, even though mannitol was accumulated. The results indicate a, so far, undescribed osmotic function of I⁻ in L. digitata and, thus, multifunctional principles of this halogen in kelps. The osmotic function of mannitol may have been substituted by that of I⁻ under hypersaline conditions, suggesting a complementary role of inorganic and organic solutes under salinity stress. This study also provides first evidence that iodine accumulation in L. digitata positively affects photo-physiology.

Naturally occurring organoiodines

This review, with 290 references, presents the fascinating area of iodinated natural products over the past hundred years for the first time.

Molecular iodine (I2) emission from two Laminaria species (Phaeophyceae) and impact of irradiance and temperature on I2 emission into air and iodide release into seawater from Laminaria digitata

Kelps of the genus Laminaria accumulate iodine at high concentrations, but the iodine retaining capacity can be affected by emersion and physiological stress. In this study, I2 emission into the atmosphere from Laminaria digitata and Laminaria hyperborea was compared under controlled low irradiances and temperatures. The two species exhibited different I2 emission rates as blades of L. digitata emitted I2 at rates five times higher than those from newly-grown blades (current growth season) of L. hyperborea. I2 emission was not detectable from old blades (previous growth season) of L. hyperborea. Additionally, effects of irradiance and temperature on both I2 emission into air and net I(-) release into seawater where assessed for L. digitata while monitoring photo-physiological parameters as stress indicators. Irradiances between 30 and 120 μmol photons m(-2) s(-1) had only marginal effects on both I2 emission and I(-) release rates, but physiological stress, indicated by photoinhibition, was observed. The results suggest that the irradiances applied here were not stressful enough to impact on the iodine release. By contrast, at elevated temperatures (20 °C), photoinhibition was accompanied by an increase in I2 emission rates, but net I(-) release rates remained similar at 10-20 °C. High I2 emission rates into air and I(-) release into seawater observed from L. digitata underpin the fundamental function of this kelp as mediator of coastal iodine fluxes.

Uptake of iodide in the marine haptophyte Isochrysis sp. (T.ISO) driven by iodide oxidation

Uptake of iodide was studied in the marine microalga Isochrysis sp. (isol. Haines, T.ISO) during short-term incubations with radioactive iodide ((125) I(-) ). Typical inhibitors of the sodium/iodide symporter (NIS) did not inhibit iodide uptake, suggesting that iodide is not taken up through this transport protein, as is the case in most vertebrate animals. Oxidation of iodide was found to be an essential step for its uptake by T.ISO and it seemed likely that hypoiodous acid (HOI) was the form of iodine taken up. Uptake of iodide was inhibited by the addition of thiourea and of other reducing agents, like L-ascorbic acid, L-glutathione and L-cysteine and increased after the addition of oxidized forms of the transition metals Fe and Mn. The simultaneous addition of both hydrogen peroxide (H2 O2 ) and a known iodide-oxidizing myeloperoxidase (MPO) significantly increased iodine uptake, but the addition of H2 O2 or MPO separately, had no effect on uptake. This confirms the observation that iodide is oxidized prior to uptake, but it puts into doubt the involvement of H2 O2 excretion and membrane-bound or extracellular haloperoxidase activity of T.ISO. The increase of iodide uptake by T.ISO upon Fe(III) addition suggests the nonenzymatic oxidation of iodide by Fe(III) in a redox reaction and subsequent influx of HOI. This is the first report on the mechanism of iodide uptake in a marine microalga.

Molecular cloning, homology modeling and site-directed mutagenesis of vanadium-dependent bromoperoxidase (GcVBPO1) from Gracilaria changii (Rhodophyta)

Vanadium-dependent haloperoxidases belong to a class of vanadium enzymes that may have potential industrial and pharmaceutical applications due to their high stability. In this study, the 5'-flanking genomic sequence and complete reading frame encoding vanadium-dependent bromoperoxidase (GcVBPO1) was cloned from the red seaweed, Fracilaria changii, and the recombinant protein was biochemically characterized. The deduced amino acid sequence of GcVBPO1 is 1818 nucleotides in length, sharing 49% identity with the vanadium-dependent bromoperoxidases from Corralina officinalis and Cor. pilulifera, respectively. The amino acid residues associated with the binding site of vanadate cofactor were found to be conserved. The Km value of recombinant GcVBPO1 for Br(-) was 4.69 mM, while its Vmax was 10.61 μkat mg(-1) at pH 7. Substitution of Arg(379) with His(379) in the recombinant protein caused a lower affinity for Br(-), while substitution of Arg(379) with Phe(379) not only increased its affinity for Br(-) but also enabled the mutant enzyme to oxidize Cl(-). The mutant Arg(379)Phe was also found to have a lower affinity for I(-), as compared to the wild-type GcVBPO1 and mutant Arg(379)His. In addition, the Arg(379)Phe mutant has a slightly higher affinity for H2O2 compared to the wild-type GcVBPO1. Multiple cis-acting regulatory elements associated with light response, hormone signaling, and meristem expression were detected at the 5'-flanking genomic sequence of GcVBPO1. The transcript abundance of GcVBPO1 was relatively higher in seaweed samples treated with 50 parts per thousand (ppt) artificial seawater (ASW) compared to those treated in 10 and 30 ppt ASW, in support of its role in the abiotic stress response of seaweed.

In vivo speciation studies and antioxidant properties of bromine in Laminaria digitata reinforce the significance of iodine accumulation for kelps

The metabolism of bromine in marine brown algae remains poorly understood. This contrasts with the recent finding that the accumulation of iodide in the brown alga Laminaria serves the provision of an inorganic antioxidant - the first case documented from a living system. The aim of this study was to use an interdisciplinary array of techniques to study the chemical speciation, transformation, and function of bromine in Laminaria and to investigate the link between bromine and iodine metabolism, in particular in the antioxidant context. First, bromine and iodine levels in different Laminaria tissues were compared by inductively coupled plasma MS. Using in vivo X-ray absorption spectroscopy, it was found that, similarly to iodine, bromine is predominantly present in this alga in the form of bromide, albeit at lower concentrations, and that it shows similar behaviour upon oxidative stress. However, from a thermodynamic and kinetic standpoint, supported by in vitro and reconstituted in vivo assays, bromide is less suitable than iodide as an antioxidant against most reactive oxygen species except superoxide, possibly explaining why kelps prefer to accumulate iodide. This constitutes the first-ever study exploring the potential antioxidant function of bromide in a living system and other potential physiological roles. Given the tissue-specific differences observed in the content and speciation of bromine, it is concluded that the bromide uptake mechanism is different from the vanadium iodoperoxidase-mediated uptake of iodide in L. digitata and that its function is likely to be complementary to the iodide antioxidant system for detoxifying superoxide.

Application of mass spectrometric techniques for the trace analysis of short-lived iodine-containing volatiles emitted by seaweed

Knowledge of the composition and emission rates of iodine-containing volatiles from major widespread seaweed species is important for modeling the impact of halogens on gas-phase atmospheric chemistry, new particle formation, and climate. In this work, we present the application of mass spectrometric techniques for the quantification of short-lived iodine-containing volatiles emitted by eight different seaweeds from the intertidal zone of Helgoland, Germany. A previously developed online time-of-flight aerosol mass spectrometric method was used to determine I(2) emission rates and investigate temporally resolved emission profiles. Simultaneously, iodocarbons were preconcentrated on solid adsorbent tubes and quantified offline using thermodesorption-gas chromatography-mass spectrometry. The total iodine content of the seaweeds was determined using microwave-assisted tetramethylammonium hydroxide extraction followed by inductively coupled-plasma mass spectrometry analysis. The highest total iodine content was found in the Laminariales, followed by the brown algae Ascophyllum nodosum, Fucus vesiculosus, Fucus serratus, and both red algae Chondrus crispus and Delesseria sanguinea. Laminariales were found to be the strongest I(2) emitters. Time series of the iodine release of Laminaria digitata and Laminaria hyperborea showed a strong initial I(2) emission when first exposed to air followed by an exponential decline of the release rate. For both species, I(2) emission bursts were observed. For Laminaria saccharina und F. serratus, a more continuous I(2) release profile was detected, however, F. serratus released much less I(2). A. nodosum and F. vesiculosus showed a completely different emission behavior. The I(2) emission rates of these species were slowly increasing with time during the first 1 to 2 h until a more or less stable I(2) emission rate was reached. The lowest I(2) emission rates were detected for the red algae C. crispus and D. sanguinea. Total iodocarbon emission rates showed almost the same general trend, however, the total iodocarbon emission rates were about one to two orders of magnitude lower than those of molecular iodine, demonstrating that I(2) is the major iodine containing volatile released by the investigated seaweed species. In addition, a clear dependency of iodocarbon emission from the ozone level (0-150 ppb O(3)) was found for L. digitata.

The cell wall polysaccharide metabolism of the brown alga Ectocarpus siliculosus. Insights into the evolution of extracellular matrix polysaccharides in Eukaryotes

• Brown algal cell walls share some components with plants (cellulose) and animals (sulfated fucans), but they also contain some unique polysaccharides (alginates). Analysis of the Ectocarpus genome provides a unique opportunity to decipher the molecular bases of these crucial metabolisms. • An extensive bioinformatic census of the enzymes potentially involved in the biogenesis and remodeling of cellulose, alginate and fucans was performed, and completed by phylogenetic analyses of key enzymes. • The routes for the biosynthesis of cellulose, alginates and sulfated fucans were reconstructed. Surprisingly, known families of cellulases, expansins and alginate lyases are absent in Ectocarpus, suggesting the existence of novel mechanisms and/or proteins for cell wall expansion in brown algae. • Altogether, our data depict a complex evolutionary history for the main components of brown algal cell walls. Cellulose synthesis was inherited from the ancestral red algal endosymbiont, whereas the terminal steps for alginate biosynthesis were acquired by horizontal gene transfer from an Actinobacterium. This horizontal gene transfer event also contributed genes for hemicellulose biosynthesis. By contrast, the biosynthetic route for sulfated fucans is an ancestral pathway, conserved with animals. These findings shine a new light on the origin and evolution of cell wall polysaccharides in other Eukaryotes.

Copper stress proteomics highlights local adaptation of two strains of the model brown alga Ectocarpus siliculosus

Ectocarpus siliculosus is a cosmopolitan brown alga with capacity to thrive in copper enriched environments. Analysis of copper toxicity was conducted in two strains of E. siliculosus isolated from (i) an uncontaminated coast in southern Peru (Es32) and (ii) a copper polluted rocky beach in northern Chile (Es524). Es32 was more sensitive than Es524, with toxicity detected at 50 microg/L Cu, whereas Es524 displayed negative effects only when exposed to 250 microg/L Cu. Differential soluble proteome profiling for each strain exposed to sub-lethal copper levels allowed to identify the induction of proteins related to processes such as energy production, glutathione metabolism as well as accumulation of HSPs. In addition, the inter-strain comparison of stress-related proteomes led to identify features related to copper tolerance in Es524, such as striking expression of a PSII Mn-stabilizing protein and a Fucoxanthine chlorophyll a-c binding protein. Es524 also expressed specific stress-related enzymes such as RNA helicases from the DEAD box families and a vanadium-dependent bromoperoxidase. These observations were supported by RT-qPCR for some of the identified genes and an enzyme activity assay for vanadium-dependent bromoperoxidase. Therefore, the occurrence of two different phenotypes within two distinct E. siliculosus strains studied at the physiological and proteomic levels strongly suggest that persistent copper stress may represent a selective force leading to the development of strains genetically adapted to copper contaminated sites.

The halogenated metabolism of brown algae (Phaeophyta), its biological importance and its environmental significance

Brown algae represent a major component of littoral and sublittoral zones in temperate and subtropical ecosystems. An essential adaptive feature of this independent eukaryotic lineage is the ability to couple oxidative reactions resulting from exposure to sunlight and air with the halogenations of various substrates, thereby addressing various biotic and abiotic stresses i.e., defense against predators, tissue repair, holdfast adhesion, and protection against reactive species generated by oxidative processes. Whereas marine organisms mainly make use of bromine to increase the biological activity of secondary metabolites, some orders of brown algae such as Laminariales have also developed a striking capability to accumulate and to use iodine in physiological adaptations to stress. We review selected aspects of the halogenated metabolism of macrophytic brown algae in the light of the most recent results, which point toward novel functions for iodide accumulation in kelps and the importance of bromination in cell wall modifications and adhesion properties of brown algal propagules. The importance of halogen speciation processes ranges from microbiology to biogeochemistry, through enzymology, cellular biology and ecotoxicology.

A VANADIUM BROMOPEROXIDASE CATALYZES THE FORMATION OF HIGH-MOLECULAR-WEIGHT COMPLEXES BETWEEN BROWN ALGAL PHENOLIC SUBSTANCES AND ALGINATES(1)

The interaction between phenolic substances (PS) and alginates (ALG) has been suggested to play a role in the structure of the cell walls of brown seaweeds. However, no clear evidence for this interaction was reported. Vanadium bromoperoxidase (VBPO) has been proposed as a possible catalyst for the binding of PS to ALG. In this work, we studied the interaction between PS and ALG from brown algae using size exclusion chromatography (SEC) and optical tweezers microscopy. The analysis by SEC revealed that ALG forms a high-molecular-weight complex with PS. To study the formation of this molecular complex, we investigated the in vitro interaction of purified ALG from Fucus vesiculosus L. with purified PS from Padina gymnospora (Kütz.) Sond., in the presence or absence of VBPO. The interaction between PS and ALG only occurred when VBPO was added, indicating that the enzyme is essential for the binding process. The interaction of these molecules led to a reduction in ALG viscosity. We propose that VBPO promotes the binding of PS molecules to the ALG uronic acids residues, and we also suggest that PS are components of the brown algal cell walls.

Patterns of gene expression induced by oligoguluronates reveal conserved and environment-specific molecular defense responses in the brown alga Laminaria digitata

* Until now, no information has been available on the transcriptional response to the transduction of defense signals in brown seaweeds that leads to active resistance against pathogens or grazers. * Using a polymerase chain reaction (PCR)-based, subtractive cDNA approach combined with filter arrays we demonstrated that Laminaria digitata exhibits a rapid response to oligoguluronate elicitors. The transcription levels of several genes were validated by quantitative real-time reverse-transcription PCR and further analysed using pharmacological approaches. * Fifty upregulated genes were identified by differential screening in elicited algae over a 24-h time-course. These genes were related to oxidative stress responses, production of antimicrobial secondary compounds or cell wall strengthening. Moreover, pharmacological tests showed that intracellular signal transduction is likely to involve reactive oxygen species. A new oligoguluronate-inducible vanadium-dependent haloperoxidase (vHPO), specific to iodide was also characterized. The transcription of several vHPO genes was shown to be tightly regulated. * Taken together, our data show that early transcriptional defense responses in L. digitata are similar to those in land plants but also include novel defense responses that involve tightly regulated iodine metabolism.

Occurrence, phylogeny, structure, and function of catalases and peroxidases in cyanobacteria

Cyanobacteria have evolved approximately 3x10(9) years ago from ancient phototrophic microorganisms that already lived on our planet Earth. By opening the era of an aerobic, oxygen-containing biosphere, they are the true pacemakers of geological and biological evolution. Cyanobacteria must have been among the first organisms to elaborate mechanisms for the detoxification of partially reduced oxygen species including (hydrogen) peroxide. Since there is still an suprising lack of knowledge on the type, role, and mechanism(s) of peroxide-degrading enzymes in these bacteria, all 44 fully or partially sequenced genomes for haem and non-haem catalases and peroxidases have been critically analysed based on well known structure-function relationships of the corresponding oxidoreductases. It is demonstrated that H(2)O(2)-dismutating enzymes are mainly represented by bifunctional (haem) catalase-peroxidases and (binuclear) manganese catalases, with the latter being almost exclusively found in diazotrophic species. Several strains even lack a gene that encodes an enzyme with catalase activity. Two groups of peroxidases are found. Genes encoding putative (primordial) haem peroxidases (with homology to corresponding mammalian enzymes) and vanadium-containing iodoperoxidases are found only in a few species, whereas genes encoding peroxiredoxins (1-Cys, 2-Cys, type II, and Q-type) are ubiquitous in cyanobacteria. In addition, approximately 70% contain NADPH-dependent glutathione peroxidase-like proteins. The occurrence and phylogeny of these enzymes is discussed, as well as the present knowledge of their physiological role(s).

A colorimetric assay for steady-state analyses of iodo- and bromoperoxidase activities

The standard assay for iodoperoxidase activity is based on the spectrophotometric detection of triiodide formed during the enzymatic reaction. However, chemical instability of I3- has limited the method to high iodide concentrations and acidic conditions. Here we describe a simple spectrophotometric assay for the determination of iodoperoxidase activities of vanadium haloperoxidases based on the halogenation of thymol blue. The relation between color and chemical entities produced by the vHPO/H(2)O(2)/I(-) catalytic system was characterized. The method was extended to bromine and, for the first time, allowed measurement of both iodo- and bromoperoxidase activities using the same assay. The kinetic parameters (K(m) and k(cat)) of bromide and iodide for vanadium bromoperoxidase from Ascophyllum nodosum were determined at pH 8.0 from steady-state kinetic analyses. The results are concordant with an ordered two-substrate mechanism. It is proposed that halide selectivity is guided by the chemical reactivity of peroxovanadium intermediate rather than substrate binding. This method is superior to the standard I3- assay, and we believe that it will find applications for the characterization of other vanadium as well as heme haloperoxidases.

Microchemical imaging of iodine distribution in the brown alga Laminaria digitata suggests a new mechanism for its accumulation

Brown algal kelp species are the most efficient iodine accumulators among all living systems, with an average content of 1.0% of dry weight in Laminaria digitata. The iodine distributions in stipe and blade sections from L. digitata were investigated at tissue and subcellular levels. The quantitative tissue mapping of iodine and other trace elements (Cl, K, Ca, Fe, Zn, As and Br) was provided by the proton microprobe with spatial resolutions down to 2 mum. Chemical imaging at a subcellular resolution (below 100 nm) was performed using the secondary ion mass spectrometry microprobe. Sets of samples were prepared by both chemical fixation and cryofixation procedures. The latter prevented the diffusion and the leaching of labile inorganic iodine species, which were estimated at around 95% of the total content by neutron activation analysis. The distribution of iodine clearly shows a huge, decreasing gradient from the meristoderm to the medulla. The contents of iodine reach very high levels in the more external cell layers, up to 191 +/- 5 mg g(-1) of dry weight in stipe sections. The peripheral tissue is consequently the main storage compartment of iodine. At the subcellular level, iodine is mainly stored in the apoplasm and not in an intracellular compartment as previously proposed. This unexpected distribution may provide an abundant and accessible source of labile iodine species which can be easily remobilized for potential chemical defense and antioxidative activities. According to these imaging data, we proposed new hypotheses for the mechanism of iodine storage in L. digitata tissues.

The influence of halide-mediated oxidation on algae-born adhesives

Adhesive materials extracted from the brown algae Fucus Serratus were studied. These adhesives are composed of cross-linked alginate and polyphenols oxidized in the presence of KI or KBr. All formulations were capable of adhering to a variety of surfaces, however the adhesion properties were influenced by the halide used. SAXS and TEM experiments revealed that oxidized polyphenols self-assemble into chain-like objects, irrespective of the oxidation conditions. Yet, slight differences in the aggregate size were detected. QCM-D results showed that the kinetics of the oxidation was faster with iodide than with bromide. Moreover, oxidation with iodide generates stiffer networks, suggesting that the interaction between the alginate and the polyphenol could be the cause of the reduced adhesion.

Iodine transfers in the coastal marine environment: the key role of brown algae and of their vanadium-dependent haloperoxidases

Brown algal kelp species are the most efficient iodine accumulators among all living systems, with an average content of 1.0% of dry weight in Laminaria digitata, representing a ca. 30,000-fold accumulation of this element from seawater. Like other marine macroalgae, kelps are known to emit volatile short-lived organo-iodines, and molecular iodine which are believed to be a main vector of the iodine biogeochemical cycle as well as having a significant impact on atmospheric chemistry. Therefore, radioactive iodine can potentially accumulate in seaweeds and can participate in the biogeochemical cycling of iodine, thereby impacting human health. From a radioecological viewpoint, iodine-129 (129I, half-life of 1.6 x 10(7) years) is one of the most persistent radionuclide released from nuclear facilities into the environment. In this context, the speciation of iodine by seaweeds is of special importance and there is a need to further understand the mechanisms of iodine uptake and emission by kelps. Recent results on the physiological role and biochemistry of the vanadium haloperoxidases of brown algae emphasize the importance of these enzymes in the control of these processes.