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Lin S, Li L, Zhou Z, Yuan H, Saad OS, Tang J, Cai W, Yu K, Lin S. Higher genotypic diversity and distinct assembly mechanism of free-living Symbiodiniaceae assemblages than sympatric coral-endosymbiotic assemblages in a tropical coral reef. Microbiol Spectr 2024:e0051424. [PMID: 38874391 DOI: 10.1128/spectrum.00514-24] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/23/2024] [Accepted: 05/10/2024] [Indexed: 06/15/2024] Open
Abstract
While in hospite Symbiodiniaceae dinoflagellates are essential for coral health, ambient free-living counterparts are crucial for coral recruitment and resilience. Comparing free-living and in hospite Symbiodiniaceae communities can potentially provide insights into endosymbiont acquisition and recurrent recruitment in bleaching recovery. In this study, we studied coral-endosymbiotic and ambient free-living Symbiodiniaceae communities in the South China Sea. We collected samples from 183 coral and ambient plankton samples and conducted metabarcoding to investigate the diversity distribution, driving factors, and assembly mechanisms of the two groups of Symbiodiniaceae. Results revealed Cladocopium C1 and Durusdinium D1 as dominant genotypes. We detected a higher genotypic diversity in free-living than in hospite symbiodiniacean communities, but with shared dominant genotypes. This indicates a genetically diverse pool of Symbiodiniaceae available for recruitment by corals. Strikingly, we found that the cooler area had more Symbiodiniaceae thermosensitive genotypes, whereas the warmer area had more Symbiodiniaceae thermotolerant genotypes. Furthermore, in hospite and free-living Symbiodiniaceae communities were similarly affected by environmental factors, but shaped by different assembly mechanisms. The in hospite communities were controlled mainly by deterministic processes, whereas the ambient communities by stochastic processes. This study sheds light on the genetic diversity of source environmental Symbiodiniaceae and differential assembly mechanisms influencing Symbiodiniaceae inside and outside corals.IMPORTANCESymbiodiniaceae dinoflagellates play a pivotal role as key primary producers within coral reef ecosystems. Coral-endosymbiotic Symbiodiniaceae communities have been extensively studied, but relatively little work has been reported on the free-living Symbiodiniaceae community. Conducting a comparative analysis between sympatric coral-endosymbiotic and free-living Symbiodiniaceae communities can potentially enhance the understanding of how endosymbiont communities change in response to changing environments and the mechanisms driving these changes. Our findings shed light on the genetic diversity of source environmental Symbiodiniaceae and differential assembly mechanisms shaping free-living and in hospite Symbiodiniaceae communities, with implications in evaluating the adaptive and resilient capacity of corals in response to future climate change.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sitong Lin
- State Key Laboratory of Marine Environmental Science, College of Ocean and Earth Sciences, Xiamen University, Xiamen, China
| | - Ling Li
- State Key Laboratory of Marine Environmental Science, College of Ocean and Earth Sciences, Xiamen University, Xiamen, China
| | - Zhi Zhou
- School of Marine Science and Engineering, Hainan University, Haikou, China
| | - Huatao Yuan
- State Key Laboratory of Marine Environmental Science, College of Ocean and Earth Sciences, Xiamen University, Xiamen, China
| | - Osama S Saad
- State Key Laboratory of Marine Environmental Science, College of Ocean and Earth Sciences, Xiamen University, Xiamen, China
| | - Jia Tang
- School of Marine Science and Engineering, Hainan University, Haikou, China
| | - Wenqi Cai
- School of Marine Science and Engineering, Hainan University, Haikou, China
| | - Kefu Yu
- School of Marine Sciences, Guangxi University, Nanning, China
| | - Senjie Lin
- Department of Marine Sciences, University of Connecticut, Groton, Connecticut, USA
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2
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Helgoe J, Davy SK, Weis VM, Rodriguez-Lanetty M. Triggers, cascades, and endpoints: connecting the dots of coral bleaching mechanisms. Biol Rev Camb Philos Soc 2024; 99:715-752. [PMID: 38217089 DOI: 10.1111/brv.13042] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/02/2023] [Revised: 12/08/2023] [Accepted: 12/12/2023] [Indexed: 01/15/2024]
Abstract
The intracellular coral-dinoflagellate symbiosis is the engine that underpins the success of coral reefs, one of the most diverse ecosystems on the planet. However, the breakdown of the symbiosis and the loss of the microalgal symbiont (i.e. coral bleaching) due to environmental changes are resulting in the rapid degradation of coral reefs globally. There is an urgent need to understand the cellular physiology of coral bleaching at the mechanistic level to help develop solutions to mitigate the coral reef crisis. Here, at an unprecedented scope, we present novel models that integrate putative mechanisms of coral bleaching within a common framework according to the triggers (initiators of bleaching, e.g. heat, cold, light stress, hypoxia, hyposalinity), cascades (cellular pathways, e.g. photoinhibition, unfolded protein response, nitric oxide), and endpoints (mechanisms of symbiont loss, e.g. apoptosis, necrosis, exocytosis/vomocytosis). The models are supported by direct evidence from cnidarian systems, and indirectly through comparative evolutionary analyses from non-cnidarian systems. With this approach, new putative mechanisms have been established within and between cascades initiated by different bleaching triggers. In particular, the models provide new insights into the poorly understood connections between bleaching cascades and endpoints and highlight the role of a new mechanism of symbiont loss, i.e. 'symbiolysosomal digestion', which is different from symbiophagy. This review also increases the approachability of bleaching physiology for specialists and non-specialists by mapping the vast landscape of bleaching mechanisms in an atlas of comprehensible and detailed mechanistic models. We then discuss major knowledge gaps and how future research may improve the understanding of the connections between the diverse cascade of cellular pathways and the mechanisms of symbiont loss (endpoints).
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Affiliation(s)
- Joshua Helgoe
- Department of Biological Sciences, Institute of Environment, Florida International University, 11200 SW 8th Street, OE 167, Miami, FL, USA
| | - Simon K Davy
- School of Biological Sciences, Victoria University of Wellington, PO Box 600, Wellington, New Zealand
| | - Virginia M Weis
- Department of Integrative Biology, Oregon State University, 2701 SW Campus Way, 2403 Cordley Hall, Corvallis, OR, USA
| | - Mauricio Rodriguez-Lanetty
- Department of Biological Sciences, Institute of Environment, Florida International University, 11200 SW 8th Street, OE 167, Miami, FL, USA
- Department of Biological Sciences, Biomolecular Sciences Institute, Florida International University, 11200 SW 8th Street, Miami, FL, USA
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3
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Ju H, Zhang J, Zou Y, Xie F, Tang X, Zhang S, Li J. Bacteria undergo significant shifts while archaea maintain stability in Pocillopora damicornis under sustained heat stress. ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH 2024; 250:118469. [PMID: 38354884 DOI: 10.1016/j.envres.2024.118469] [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: 09/17/2023] [Revised: 02/05/2024] [Accepted: 02/10/2024] [Indexed: 02/16/2024]
Abstract
Global warming reportedly poses a critical risk to coral reef ecosystems. Bacteria and archaea are crucial components of the coral holobiont. The response of archaea associated with warming is less well understood than that of the bacterial community in corals. Also, there have been few studies on the dynamics of the microbial community in the coral holobiont under long-term heat stress. In order to track the dynamic alternations in the microbial communities within the heat-stressed coral holobiont, three-week heat-stress monitoring was carried out on the coral Pocillopora damicornis. The findings demonstrate that the corals were stressed at 32 °C, and showed a gradual decrease in Symbiodiniaceae density with increasing duration of heat stress. The archaeal community in the coral holobiont remained relatively unaltered by the increasing temperature, whereas the bacterial community was considerably altered. Sustained heat stress exacerbated the dissimilarities among parallel samples of the bacterial community, confirming the Anna Karenina Principle in animal microbiomes. Heat stress leads to more complex and unstable microbial networks, characterized by an increased average degree and decreased modularity, respectively. With the extension of heat stress duration, the relative abundances of the gene (nifH) and genus (Tistlia) associated with nitrogen fixation increased in coral samples, as well as the potential pathogenic bacteria (Flavobacteriales) and opportunistic bacteria (Bacteroides). Hence, our findings suggest that coral hosts might recruit nitrogen-fixing bacteria during the initial stages of suffering heat stress. An environment that is conducive to the colonization and development of opportunistic and pathogenic bacteria when the coral host becomes more susceptible as heat stress duration increases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Huimin Ju
- CAS Key Laboratory of Tropical Marine Bio-resources and Ecology, South China Sea Institute of Oceanology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Guangzhou, 510301, China; University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, 100049, China
| | - Jian Zhang
- CAS Key Laboratory of Tropical Marine Bio-resources and Ecology, South China Sea Institute of Oceanology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Guangzhou, 510301, China; Sanya National Marine Ecosystem Research Station, South China Sea Institute of Oceanology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Guangzhou, Guangdong, China
| | - Yiyang Zou
- CAS Key Laboratory of Tropical Marine Bio-resources and Ecology, South China Sea Institute of Oceanology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Guangzhou, 510301, China
| | - Feiyang Xie
- CAS Key Laboratory of Tropical Marine Bio-resources and Ecology, South China Sea Institute of Oceanology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Guangzhou, 510301, China
| | - Xiaoyu Tang
- CAS Key Laboratory of Tropical Marine Bio-resources and Ecology, South China Sea Institute of Oceanology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Guangzhou, 510301, China; University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, 100049, China
| | - Si Zhang
- CAS Key Laboratory of Tropical Marine Bio-resources and Ecology, South China Sea Institute of Oceanology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Guangzhou, 510301, China; Sanya National Marine Ecosystem Research Station, South China Sea Institute of Oceanology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Guangzhou, Guangdong, China; Southern Marine Science and Engineering Guangdong Laboratory (Guangzhou), Guangzhou, 511458, China
| | - Jie Li
- CAS Key Laboratory of Tropical Marine Bio-resources and Ecology, South China Sea Institute of Oceanology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Guangzhou, 510301, China; Sanya National Marine Ecosystem Research Station, South China Sea Institute of Oceanology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Guangzhou, Guangdong, China.
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Johnston EC, Caruso C, Mujica E, Walker NS, Drury C. Complex parental effects impact variation in larval thermal tolerance in a vertically transmitting coral. Heredity (Edinb) 2024; 132:275-283. [PMID: 38538721 PMCID: PMC11167003 DOI: 10.1038/s41437-024-00681-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/23/2023] [Revised: 03/12/2024] [Accepted: 03/14/2024] [Indexed: 06/13/2024] Open
Abstract
Coral populations must be able to adapt to changing environmental conditions for coral reefs to persist under climate change. The adaptive potential of these organisms is difficult to forecast due to complex interactions between the host animal, dinoflagellate symbionts and the environment. Here we created 26 larval families from six Montipora capitata colonies from a single reef, showing significant, heritable variation in thermal tolerance. Our results indicate that 9.1% of larvae are expected to exhibit four times the thermal tolerance of the general population. Differences in larval thermotolerance were driven mainly by maternal contributions, but we found no evidence that these effects were driven by symbiont identity despite vertical transmission from the dam. We also document no evidence of reproductive incompatibility attributable to symbiont identity. These data demonstrate significant genetic variation within this population which provides the raw material upon which natural selection can act.
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Affiliation(s)
- Erika C Johnston
- Hawai'i Institute of Marine Biology, University of Hawai'i, Kāne'ohe, HI, USA.
| | - Carlo Caruso
- Hawai'i Institute of Marine Biology, University of Hawai'i, Kāne'ohe, HI, USA
| | - Elena Mujica
- Department of Bioengineering, University of California, Berkeley, CA, USA
| | - Nia S Walker
- Hawai'i Institute of Marine Biology, University of Hawai'i, Kāne'ohe, HI, USA
| | - Crawford Drury
- Hawai'i Institute of Marine Biology, University of Hawai'i, Kāne'ohe, HI, USA
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5
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Cunning R, Lenz EA, Edmunds PJ. Measuring multi-year changes in the Symbiodiniaceae algae in Caribbean corals on coral-depleted reefs. PeerJ 2024; 12:e17358. [PMID: 38827291 PMCID: PMC11141555 DOI: 10.7717/peerj.17358] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/07/2023] [Accepted: 04/18/2024] [Indexed: 06/04/2024] Open
Abstract
Monitoring coral cover can describe the ecology of reef degradation, but rarely can it reveal the proximal mechanisms of change, or achieve its full potential in informing conservation actions. Describing temporal variation in Symbiodiniaceae within corals can help address these limitations, but this is rarely a research priority. Here, we augmented an ecological time series of the coral reefs of St. John, US Virgin Islands, by describing the genetic complement of symbiotic algae in common corals. Seventy-five corals from nine species were marked and sampled in 2017. Of these colonies, 41% were sampled in 2018, and 72% in 2019; 28% could not be found and were assumed to have died. Symbiodiniaceae ITS2 sequencing identified 525 distinct sequences (comprising 42 ITS2 type profiles), and symbiont diversity differed among host species and individuals, but was in most cases preserved within hosts over 3 yrs that were marked by physical disturbances from major hurricanes (2017) and the regional onset of stony coral tissue loss disease (2019). While changes in symbiont communities were slight and stochastic over time within colonies, variation in the dominant symbionts among colonies was observed for all host species. Together, these results indicate that declining host abundances could lead to the loss of rare algal lineages that are found in a low proportion of few coral colonies left on many reefs, especially if coral declines are symbiont-specific. These findings highlight the importance of identifying Symbiodiniaceae as part of a time series of coral communities to support holistic conservation planning. Repeated sampling of tagged corals is unlikely to be viable for this purpose, because many Caribbean corals are dying before they can be sampled multiple times. Instead, random sampling of large numbers of corals may be more effective in capturing the diversity and temporal dynamics of Symbiodiniaceae metacommunities in reef corals.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ross Cunning
- Conservation Research Department, John G. Shedd Aquarium, Chicago, Illinois, United States
| | - Elizabeth A. Lenz
- University of Hawai‘i Sea Grant College Program, University of Hawai‘i at Mānoa, Honolulu, Hawaii, United States
| | - Peter J. Edmunds
- Department of Biology, California State University, Northridge, Northridge, California, United States
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6
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Tran C, Rosenfield GR, Cleves PA, Krediet CJ, Paul MR, Clowez S, Grossman AR, Pringle JR. Photosynthesis and other factors affecting the establishment and maintenance of cnidarian-dinoflagellate symbiosis. Philos Trans R Soc Lond B Biol Sci 2024; 379:20230079. [PMID: 38497261 PMCID: PMC10945401 DOI: 10.1098/rstb.2023.0079] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/18/2023] [Accepted: 02/07/2024] [Indexed: 03/19/2024] Open
Abstract
Coral growth depends on the partnership between the animal hosts and their intracellular, photosynthetic dinoflagellate symbionts. In this study, we used the sea anemone Aiptasia, a laboratory model for coral biology, to investigate the poorly understood mechanisms that mediate symbiosis establishment and maintenance. We found that initial colonization of both adult polyps and larvae by a compatible algal strain was more effective when the algae were able to photosynthesize and that the long-term maintenance of the symbiosis also depended on photosynthesis. In the dark, algal cells were taken up into host gastrodermal cells and not rapidly expelled, but they seemed unable to reproduce and thus were gradually lost. When we used confocal microscopy to examine the interaction of larvae with two algal strains that cannot establish stable symbioses with Aiptasia, it appeared that both pre- and post-phagocytosis mechanisms were involved. With one strain, algae entered the gastric cavity but appeared to be completely excluded from the gastrodermal cells. With the other strain, small numbers of algae entered the gastrodermal cells but appeared unable to proliferate there and were slowly lost upon further incubation. We also asked if the exclusion of either incompatible strain could result simply from their cells' being too large for the host cells to accommodate. However, the size distributions of the compatible and incompatible strains overlapped extensively. Moreover, examination of macerates confirmed earlier reports that individual gastrodermal cells could expand to accommodate multiple algal cells. This article is part of the theme issue 'Sculpting the microbiome: how host factors determine and respond to microbial colonization'.
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Affiliation(s)
- Cawa Tran
- Department of Genetics, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford CA 94305, USA
- Department of Biology, University of San Diego, San Diego, CA 92110, USA
| | - Gabriel R. Rosenfield
- Department of Genetics, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford CA 94305, USA
| | - Phillip A. Cleves
- Department of Genetics, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford CA 94305, USA
| | - Cory J. Krediet
- Department of Genetics, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford CA 94305, USA
| | - Maitri R. Paul
- Department of Genetics, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford CA 94305, USA
| | - Sophie Clowez
- Department of Plant Biology, Carnegie Institution for Science, Stanford, CA 94305, USA
| | - Arthur R. Grossman
- Department of Plant Biology, Carnegie Institution for Science, Stanford, CA 94305, USA
| | - John R. Pringle
- Department of Genetics, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford CA 94305, USA
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7
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Scott CB, Ostling A, Matz MV. Should I stay or should I go? Coral bleaching from the symbionts' perspective. Ecol Lett 2024; 27:e14429. [PMID: 38690608 DOI: 10.1111/ele.14429] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/02/2024] [Revised: 04/08/2024] [Accepted: 04/10/2024] [Indexed: 05/02/2024]
Abstract
Coral bleaching, the stress-induced breakdown of coral-algal symbiosis, threatens reefs globally. Paradoxically, despite adverse fitness effects, corals bleach annually, even outside of abnormal temperatures. This generally occurs shortly after the once-per-year mass coral spawning. Here, we propose a hypothesis linking annual coral bleaching and the transmission of symbionts to the next generation of coral hosts. We developed a dynamic model with two symbiont growth strategies, and found that high sexual recruitment and low adult coral survivorship and growth favour bleaching susceptibility, while the reverse promotes bleaching resilience. Otherwise, unexplained trends in the Indo-Pacific align with our hypothesis, where reefs and coral taxa exhibiting higher recruitment are more bleaching susceptible. The results from our model caution against interpreting potential shifts towards more bleaching-resistant symbionts as evidence of climate adaptation-we predict such a shift could also occur in declining systems experiencing low recruitment rates, a common scenario on today's reefs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Carly B Scott
- Department of Integrative Biology, University of Texas at Austin, Austin, Texas, USA
| | - Annette Ostling
- Department of Integrative Biology, University of Texas at Austin, Austin, Texas, USA
| | - Mikhail V Matz
- Department of Integrative Biology, University of Texas at Austin, Austin, Texas, USA
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8
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Marzonie MR, Nitschke MR, Bay LK, Bourne DG, Harrison HB. Symbiodiniaceae diversity varies by host and environment across thermally distinct reefs. Mol Ecol 2024; 33:e17342. [PMID: 38584356 DOI: 10.1111/mec.17342] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/03/2023] [Revised: 02/07/2024] [Accepted: 03/07/2024] [Indexed: 04/09/2024]
Abstract
Endosymbiotic dinoflagellates (Symbiodiniaceae) influence coral thermal tolerance at both local and regional scales. In isolation, the effects of host genetics, environment, and thermal disturbances on symbiont communities are well understood, yet their combined effects remain poorly resolved. Here, we investigate Symbiodiniaceae across 1300 km in Australia's Coral Sea Marine Park to disentangle these interactive effects. We identified Symbiodiniaceae to species-level resolution for three coral species (Acropora cf humilis, Pocillopora verrucosa, and Pocillopora meandrina) by sequencing two genetic markers of the symbiont (ITS2 and psbAncr), paired with genotype-by-sequencing of the coral host (DArT-seq). Our samples predominantly returned sequences from the genus Cladocopium, where Acropora cf humilis affiliated with C3k, Pocillopora verrucosa with C. pacificum, and Pocillopora meandrina with C. latusorum. Multivariate analyses revealed that Acropora symbionts were driven strongly by local environment and thermal disturbances. In contrast, Pocillopora symbiont communities were both partitioned 2.5-fold more by host genetic structure than by environmental structure. Among the two Pocillopora species, the effects of environment and host genetics explained four times more variation in symbionts for P. meandrina than P. verrucosa. The concurrent bleaching event in 2020 had variable impacts on symbiont communities, consistent with patterns in P. verrucosa and A. cf humilis, but not P. meandrina. Our findings demonstrate how symbiont macroscale community structure responses to environmental gradients depend on host species and their respective population structure. Integrating host, symbiont, and environmental data will help forecast the adaptive potential of corals and their symbionts amidst a rapidly changing environment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Magena R Marzonie
- College of Science and Engineering, James Cook University, Townsville, Queensland, Australia
- Australian Institute of Marine Science, Townsville, Queensland, Australia
- AIMS@JCU, Townsville, Queensland, Australia
| | - Matthew R Nitschke
- Australian Institute of Marine Science, Townsville, Queensland, Australia
- School of Biological Sciences, Victoria University of Wellington, Wellington, New Zealand
| | - Line K Bay
- Australian Institute of Marine Science, Townsville, Queensland, Australia
- AIMS@JCU, Townsville, Queensland, Australia
| | - David G Bourne
- College of Science and Engineering, James Cook University, Townsville, Queensland, Australia
- Australian Institute of Marine Science, Townsville, Queensland, Australia
| | - Hugo B Harrison
- College of Science and Engineering, James Cook University, Townsville, Queensland, Australia
- Australian Institute of Marine Science, Townsville, Queensland, Australia
- AIMS@JCU, Townsville, Queensland, Australia
- School of Biological Sciences, University of Bristol, Bristol, UK
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9
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Garrido AG, Carlos-Júnior LA, Casares FA, Calderon EN, Oigman-Pszczol SS, Zilberberg C. Temporal and spatial dynamics of coral symbiont assemblages are affected by local and global impacts. MARINE POLLUTION BULLETIN 2024; 201:116272. [PMID: 38522337 DOI: 10.1016/j.marpolbul.2024.116272] [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: 10/02/2023] [Revised: 03/14/2024] [Accepted: 03/16/2024] [Indexed: 03/26/2024]
Abstract
The influence of abiotic variables and anthropogenic pressure on symbiodiniaceans associated with the scleractinian corals Mussismilia hispida and Siderastrea stellata were assessed quarterly at Armação dos Búzios, Brazil, for over 18 months. Thirty-eight Symbiodiniaceae ITS2 rDNA phylotypes were found by metabarcoding, with eight comprising new phylotypes. Both hosts maintained their generalist pattern, with 1-3 dominant lineages. An environmental pressure index and changes in seawater temperature explained the variations in the structure and diversity of Symbiodiniaceae assemblages over time and space. A mild bleaching event affected the photosymbiotic assemblage structure, even in non-bleached colonies. The highly dynamic and diverse photosymbiont assemblages were constantly driven by the influence of environmental variables and human-induced impacts. Furthermore, new strains of Symbiodiniaceae might be associated with lower temperatures caused by upwelling, which is characteristic of this subtropical coral community, highlighting the region's idiosyncrasy and the need for further studies of this coral system.
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Affiliation(s)
- Amana Guedes Garrido
- Programa de Pós-Graduação em Biodiversidade e Biologia Evolutiva, Instituto de Biologia, Universidade Federal do Rio de Janeiro (UFRJ), Rio de Janeiro, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil; Centro de Biologia Marinha, Universidade de São Paulo (CEBIMar-USP), São Sebastião, São Paulo, Brazil; Instituto Coral Vivo, Santa Cruz Cabrália, Bahia, Brazil.
| | - Lélis Antonio Carlos-Júnior
- Departamento de Biologia, Pontifícia Universidade Católica do Rio de Janeiro (PUC-Rio), Rio de Janeiro, Brazil; Instituto Brasileiro de Biodiversidade (BrBio), Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
| | - Fernanda Araújo Casares
- Instituto Brasileiro de Biodiversidade (BrBio), Rio de Janeiro, Brazil; Departamento de Ecologia, Universidade do Estado do Rio de Janeiro (UERJ), Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
| | - Emiliano Nicolas Calderon
- Instituto Coral Vivo, Santa Cruz Cabrália, Bahia, Brazil; Instituto de Biodiversidade e Sustentabilidade - NUPEM, Universidade Federal do Rio de Janeiro (UFRJ), Macaé, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
| | | | - Carla Zilberberg
- Instituto Coral Vivo, Santa Cruz Cabrália, Bahia, Brazil; Instituto de Biodiversidade e Sustentabilidade - NUPEM, Universidade Federal do Rio de Janeiro (UFRJ), Macaé, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
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10
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Zhao LS, Wang N, Li K, Li CY, Guo JP, He FY, Liu GM, Chen XL, Gao J, Liu LN, Zhang YZ. Architecture of symbiotic dinoflagellate photosystem I-light-harvesting supercomplex in Symbiodinium. Nat Commun 2024; 15:2392. [PMID: 38493166 PMCID: PMC10944487 DOI: 10.1038/s41467-024-46791-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/19/2023] [Accepted: 03/11/2024] [Indexed: 03/18/2024] Open
Abstract
Symbiodinium are the photosynthetic endosymbionts for corals and play a vital role in supplying their coral hosts with photosynthetic products, forming the nutritional foundation for high-yield coral reef ecosystems. Here, we determine the cryo-electron microscopy structure of Symbiodinium photosystem I (PSI) supercomplex with a PSI core composed of 13 subunits including 2 previously unidentified subunits, PsaT and PsaU, as well as 13 peridinin-Chl a/c-binding light-harvesting antenna proteins (AcpPCIs). The PSI-AcpPCI supercomplex exhibits distinctive structural features compared to their red lineage counterparts, including extended termini of PsaD/E/I/J/L/M/R and AcpPCI-1/3/5/7/8/11 subunits, conformational changes in the surface loops of PsaA and PsaB subunits, facilitating the association between the PSI core and peripheral antennae. Structural analysis and computational calculation of excitation energy transfer rates unravel specific pigment networks in Symbiodinium PSI-AcpPCI for efficient excitation energy transfer. Overall, this study provides a structural basis for deciphering the mechanisms governing light harvesting and energy transfer in Symbiodinium PSI-AcpPCI supercomplexes adapted to their symbiotic ecosystem, as well as insights into the evolutionary diversity of PSI-LHCI among various photosynthetic organisms.
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Affiliation(s)
- Long-Sheng Zhao
- MOE Key Laboratory of Evolution and Marine Biodiversity, Frontiers Science Center for Deep Ocean Multispheres and Earth System & College of Marine Life Sciences, Ocean University of China, Qingdao, 266003, China
- Marine Biotechnology Research Center, State Key Laboratory of Microbial Technology, Shandong University, Qingdao, 266237, China
- Laboratory for Marine Biology and Biotechnology, Laoshan Laboratory, Qingdao, 266237, China
| | - Ning Wang
- MOE Key Laboratory of Evolution and Marine Biodiversity, Frontiers Science Center for Deep Ocean Multispheres and Earth System & College of Marine Life Sciences, Ocean University of China, Qingdao, 266003, China
| | - Kang Li
- Laboratory for Marine Biology and Biotechnology, Laoshan Laboratory, Qingdao, 266237, China
| | - Chun-Yang Li
- MOE Key Laboratory of Evolution and Marine Biodiversity, Frontiers Science Center for Deep Ocean Multispheres and Earth System & College of Marine Life Sciences, Ocean University of China, Qingdao, 266003, China
- Laboratory for Marine Biology and Biotechnology, Laoshan Laboratory, Qingdao, 266237, China
| | - Jian-Ping Guo
- Hubei Key Laboratory of Agricultural Bioinformatics, College of Informatics, Huazhong Agricultural University, Wuhan, 430070, China
| | - Fei-Yu He
- Marine Biotechnology Research Center, State Key Laboratory of Microbial Technology, Shandong University, Qingdao, 266237, China
| | - Gui-Ming Liu
- Beijing Key Laboratory of Agricultural Genetic Resources and Biotechnology, Institute of Biotechnology, Beijing Academy of Agriculture and Forestry Sciences, 100097, Beijing, China
| | - Xiu-Lan Chen
- Marine Biotechnology Research Center, State Key Laboratory of Microbial Technology, Shandong University, Qingdao, 266237, China
- Laboratory for Marine Biology and Biotechnology, Laoshan Laboratory, Qingdao, 266237, China
| | - Jun Gao
- Hubei Key Laboratory of Agricultural Bioinformatics, College of Informatics, Huazhong Agricultural University, Wuhan, 430070, China.
| | - Lu-Ning Liu
- MOE Key Laboratory of Evolution and Marine Biodiversity, Frontiers Science Center for Deep Ocean Multispheres and Earth System & College of Marine Life Sciences, Ocean University of China, Qingdao, 266003, China.
- Institute of Systems, Molecular and Integrative Biology, University of Liverpool, Liverpool, L69 7ZB, UK.
| | - Yu-Zhong Zhang
- MOE Key Laboratory of Evolution and Marine Biodiversity, Frontiers Science Center for Deep Ocean Multispheres and Earth System & College of Marine Life Sciences, Ocean University of China, Qingdao, 266003, China.
- Marine Biotechnology Research Center, State Key Laboratory of Microbial Technology, Shandong University, Qingdao, 266237, China.
- Laboratory for Marine Biology and Biotechnology, Laoshan Laboratory, Qingdao, 266237, China.
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11
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Quigley KM. Breeding and Selecting Corals Resilient to Global Warming. Annu Rev Anim Biosci 2024; 12:209-332. [PMID: 37931139 DOI: 10.1146/annurev-animal-021122-093315] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/08/2023]
Abstract
Selective breeding of resilient organisms is an emerging topic in marine conservation. It can help us predict how species will adapt in the future and how we can help restore struggling populations effectively in the present. Scleractinian corals represent a potential tractable model system given their widescale phenotypic plasticity across fitness-related traits and a reproductive life history based on mass synchronized spawning. Here, I explore the justification for breeding in corals, identify underutilized pathways of acclimation, and highlight avenues for quantitative targeted breeding from the coral host and symbiont perspective. Specifically, the facilitation of enhanced heat tolerance by targeted breeding of plasticity mechanisms is underutilized. Evidence from theoretical genetics identifies potential pitfalls, including inattention to physical and genetic characteristics of the receiving environment. Three criteria for breeding emerge from this synthesis: selection from warm, variable reefs that have survived disturbance. This information will be essential to protect what we have and restore what we can.
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Affiliation(s)
- K M Quigley
- The Minderoo Foundation, Perth, Western Australia, Australia;
- James Cook University, Townsville, Queensland, Australia
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12
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Zarate D, Gary J, Li J. Flexibility in coral-algal symbiosis is positively correlated with the host geographic range. Ecol Lett 2024; 27:e14374. [PMID: 38361467 DOI: 10.1111/ele.14374] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/13/2023] [Revised: 01/02/2024] [Accepted: 01/09/2024] [Indexed: 02/17/2024]
Abstract
Generalists are thought to adapt to broader ecological conditions compared to less flexible specialists. However, few studies have systematically tested what ecological or life-history traits are associated with organisms' ecological flexibility. Here, we used stony corals to test the relative effects of host traits and ecological factors on corals' flexibility to form photosymbioses with algae. We analysed data from 211 stony coral species to test if coral's geographic distribution, depth range, symbiont transmission mode or colony morphology predict coral-algal flexibility. We report a novel positive correlation between coral-algal flexibility and coral species' geographic range. Symbiont transmission mode was also a predictor of flexibility, albeit the result is less robust against sampling bias. Coral depth range and morphology did not show significant effects. We highlight that host-symbiont dispersal abilities, interactions and evolutionary histories likely contribute to the observed patterns. We urge conservation efforts to consider the ecological implications of coral-algal flexibility.
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Affiliation(s)
- Daniel Zarate
- Department of Ecology and Evolutionary Biology, University of Colorado Boulder, Boulder, Colorado, USA
| | - Jaclyn Gary
- Department of Ecology and Evolutionary Biology, University of Colorado Boulder, Boulder, Colorado, USA
| | - Jingchun Li
- Department of Ecology and Evolutionary Biology, University of Colorado Boulder, Boulder, Colorado, USA
- Museum of Natural History, University of Colorado Boulder, Boulder, Colorado, USA
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13
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Longley R, Benucci GMN, Pochon X, Bonito G, Bonito V. Species-specific coral microbiome assemblages support host bleaching resistance during an extreme marine heatwave. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2024; 906:167803. [PMID: 37838063 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2023.167803] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/07/2023] [Revised: 09/30/2023] [Accepted: 10/11/2023] [Indexed: 10/16/2023]
Abstract
Scleractinian assemblages are threatened by marine heat waves with coral survivorship depending on host genetics and microbiome composition. We documented an extreme marine heat wave in Fiji and the response of corals in two thermally stressed reef flats. Through high-throughput amplicon sequencing of 16S and ITS rDNA phylogenetic markers, we assessed coral microbiomes (Symbiodiniaceae, prokaryotes, fungi, and Apicomplexa) of paired bleached and unbleached colonies of four common coral species representative of dominant genera in the South Pacific. While all coral species exhibited one or more pathways to bleaching resistance, harboring assemblages composed primarily of thermally tolerant photosymbionts did not always result in host bleaching resistance. Montipora and Pocillopora species, which associate with diverse Symbiodiniaceae and vertically transmit their photosymbionts, fared better than Acropora, which acquire their photosymbionts from the environment, and Porites, which associate with a narrow photosymbiont assemblage. Prokaryotic and fungal beta diversity did not differ between bleached and unbleached conspecifics, however, the relative abundance of the fungus Malassezia globosa was significantly greater in unbleached colonies of Montipora digitata. Each coral species harbored distinct assemblages of Symbiodiniaceae, prokaryotes, and Apicomplexa, but not fungi, reiterating the importance of host genetics in structuring components of its microbiome. Terrestrial fungal and prokaryotic taxa were detected at low abundance across coral microbiomes, indicating that allochthonous microbial inputs occur, but that coral microbiomes remain dominated by marine microbial taxa. Our study offers valuable insights into the microbiome assemblages associated with coral tolerance to extreme water temperatures.
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Affiliation(s)
- Reid Longley
- Department of Microbiology and Molecular Genetics, Michigan State University, East Lansing, 48824, MI, USA
| | | | - Xavier Pochon
- Cawthron Institute, 98 Halifax Street East, Nelson 7010, New Zealand; Institute of Marine Science, University of Auckland, Auckland, New Zealand
| | - Gregory Bonito
- Department of Microbiology and Molecular Genetics, Michigan State University, East Lansing, 48824, MI, USA; Plant, Soil and Microbial Science Department, Michigan State University, East Lansing, 48824, MI, USA; Coral Coast Conservation Center, Votua Village, Fiji.
| | - Victor Bonito
- Coral Coast Conservation Center, Votua Village, Fiji; Reef Explorer Fiji, Votua Village, Fiji
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14
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Kawamura K, Shoguchi E, Nishitsuji K, Sekida S, Narisoko H, Zhao H, Shu Y, Fu P, Yamashita H, Fujiwara S, Satoh N. In Vitro Phagocytosis of Different Dinoflagellate Species by Coral Cells. Zoolog Sci 2023; 40:444-454. [PMID: 38064371 DOI: 10.2108/zs230045] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/29/2023] [Accepted: 09/14/2023] [Indexed: 12/18/2023]
Abstract
Coral-dinoflagellate symbiosis is a unique biological phenomenon, in which animal cells engulf single-celled photosynthetic algae and maintain them in their cytoplasm mutualistically. Studies are needed to reveal the complex mechanisms involved in symbiotic processes, but it is difficult to answer these questions using intact corals. To tackle these issues, our previous studies established an in vitro system of symbiosis between cells of the scleractinian coral Acropora tenuis and the dinoflagellate Breviolum minutum, and showed that corals direct phagocytosis, while algae are likely engulfed by coral cells passively. Several genera of the family Symbiodiniaceae can establish symbioses with corals, but the symbiotic ratio differs depending on the dinoflagellate clades involved. To understand possible causes of these differences, this study examined whether cultured coral cells show phagocytotic activity with various dinoflagellate strains similar to those shown by intact A. tenuis. We found that (a) A. tenuis larvae incorporate Symbiodinium and Breviolum, but not Cladocopium, and very few Effrenium, (b) cultured coral cells engulfed all four species but the ratio of engulfment was significantly higher with Symbiodinium and Breviolum than Cladocopium and Effrenium, (c) cultured coral cells also phagocytosed inorganic latex beads differently than they do dinoflagellates . It is likely that cultured coral cells preferentially phagocytose Symbiodinium and Breviolum, suggesting that specific molecular mechanisms involved in initiation of symbiosis should be investigated in the future.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kaz Kawamura
- Department of Applied Science, Kochi University, Kochi 780-8520, Japan,
| | - Eiichi Shoguchi
- Marine Genomics Unit, Okinawa Institute of Science and Technology Graduate University, Onna, Okinawa 904-0495, Japan
| | - Koki Nishitsuji
- Marine Genomics Unit, Okinawa Institute of Science and Technology Graduate University, Onna, Okinawa 904-0495, Japan
| | - Satoko Sekida
- Kuroshio Science Program, Graduate School of Integrated Arts and Sciences, Kochi University, Kochi 780-8520, Japan
| | - Haruhi Narisoko
- Marine Genomics Unit, Okinawa Institute of Science and Technology Graduate University, Onna, Okinawa 904-0495, Japan
| | - Hongwei Zhao
- College of Ecology and Environment & State Key Laboratory of Marine Resource Utilization in South China Sea, Hainan University, Haikou 570228, China
| | - Yang Shu
- State Key Laboratory of Marine Resource Utilization in South China Sea, Hainan University, Haikou 570228, China
| | - Pengcheng Fu
- State Key Laboratory of Marine Resource Utilization in South China Sea, Hainan University, Haikou 570228, China
| | - Hiroshi Yamashita
- Fisheries Technology Institute, Japan Fisheries Research and Education Agency, Ishigaki, Okinawa 907-0451, Japan
| | - Shigeki Fujiwara
- Department of Applied Science, Kochi University, Kochi 780-8520, Japan
| | - Noriyuki Satoh
- Marine Genomics Unit, Okinawa Institute of Science and Technology Graduate University, Onna, Okinawa 904-0495, Japan,
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15
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Jacobovitz MR, Hambleton EA, Guse A. Unlocking the Complex Cell Biology of Coral-Dinoflagellate Symbiosis: A Model Systems Approach. Annu Rev Genet 2023; 57:411-434. [PMID: 37722685 DOI: 10.1146/annurev-genet-072320-125436] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 09/20/2023]
Abstract
Symbiotic interactions occur in all domains of life, providing organisms with resources to adapt to new habitats. A prime example is the endosymbiosis between corals and photosynthetic dinoflagellates. Eukaryotic dinoflagellate symbionts reside inside coral cells and transfer essential nutrients to their hosts, driving the productivity of the most biodiverse marine ecosystem. Recent advances in molecular and genomic characterization have revealed symbiosis-specific genes and mechanisms shared among symbiotic cnidarians. In this review, we focus on the cellular and molecular processes that underpin the interaction between symbiont and host. We discuss symbiont acquisition via phagocytosis, modulation of host innate immunity, symbiont integration into host cell metabolism, and nutrient exchange as a fundamental aspect of stable symbiotic associations. We emphasize the importance of using model systems to dissect the cellular complexity of endosymbiosis, which ultimately serves as the basis for understanding its ecology and capacity to adapt in the face of climate change.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marie R Jacobovitz
- Cell Biology and Biophysics, European Molecular Biology Laboratory, Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Elizabeth A Hambleton
- Division of Microbial Ecology, Department of Microbiology and Ecosystem Science, Centre for Microbiology and Environmental Systems Science, University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria;
| | - Annika Guse
- Faculty of Biology, Ludwig-Maximilians-Universität Munich, Munich, Germany;
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16
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Garrido AG, Machado LF, Pereira CM, Abrantes DP, Calderon EN, Zilberberg C. Marine Heatwave Caused Differentiated Dysbiosis in Photosymbiont Assemblages of Corals and Hydrocorals During El Niño 2015/2016. MICROBIAL ECOLOGY 2023; 86:2959-2969. [PMID: 37688636 DOI: 10.1007/s00248-023-02299-3] [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: 04/26/2023] [Accepted: 08/30/2023] [Indexed: 09/11/2023]
Abstract
Reef corals have been threatened by climate change, with more frequent and intense bleaching events leading to extensive coral mortality and loss of coral cover worldwide. In the face of this, the corals' photosymbiont assemblages have received special attention as a key to better understand the bleaching process and its recovery. To assess the effects of thermal anomalies, the coral Mussismilia harttii and the hydrocoral Millepora alcicornis were monitored through the El Niño 2015/2016 at a Southwestern Atlantic (SWA) coral reef. A severe bleaching event (57% of colonies bleached) was documented, triggered by a < 3 °C-week heatwave, but no mortality was detected. The hydrocoral was more susceptible than the scleractinian, displaying bleaching symptoms earlier and experiencing a longer and more intense bleaching event. The composition of photosymbionts in the M. alcicornis population was affected only at the rare biosphere level (< 5% relative abundance), with the emergence of new symbionts after bleaching. Conversely, a temporary dysbiosis was observed in the M. harttii population, with one of the dominant symbiodiniaceans decreasing in relative abundance at the peak of the bleaching, which negatively affected the total β-diversity. After colonies' complete recovery, symbiodiniaceans' dominances returned to normal levels in both hosts. These results highlight critical differences in how the two coral species cope with bleaching and contribute to the understanding of the role of photosymbionts throughout the bleaching-recovery process.
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Affiliation(s)
- Amana Guedes Garrido
- Programa de Pós-Graduação em Biodiversidade e Biologia Evolutiva, Instituto de Biologia, Universidade Federal do Rio de Janeiro (UFRJ), Rio de Janeiro, RJ, Brazil.
- Centro de Biologia Marinha, Universidade de São Paulo, São Sebastião, SP, Brazil.
- Instituto Coral Vivo, Santa Cruz Cabrália, BA, Brazil.
| | - Laís Feitosa Machado
- Universidade Federal do Vale do São Francisco (UNIVASF), Senhor do Bonfim, BA, Brazil
| | - Cristiano Macedo Pereira
- Instituto Coral Vivo, Santa Cruz Cabrália, BA, Brazil
- Programa de Pós-Graduação em Zoologia, Museu Nacional, Universidade Federal do Rio de Janeiro (UFRJ), Rio de Janeiro, RJ, Brazil
| | - Douglas Pinto Abrantes
- Programa de Pós-Graduação em Zoologia, Museu Nacional, Universidade Federal do Rio de Janeiro (UFRJ), Rio de Janeiro, RJ, Brazil
| | - Emiliano Nicolas Calderon
- Instituto Coral Vivo, Santa Cruz Cabrália, BA, Brazil
- Instituto de Biodiversidade e Sustentabilidade - NUPEM, Universidade Federal do Rio de Janeiro (UFRJ), Macaé, RJ, Brazil
| | - Carla Zilberberg
- Instituto Coral Vivo, Santa Cruz Cabrália, BA, Brazil
- Instituto de Biodiversidade e Sustentabilidade - NUPEM, Universidade Federal do Rio de Janeiro (UFRJ), Macaé, RJ, Brazil
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17
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Van Cauwenberghe J, Simms EL. How might bacteriophages shape biological invasions? mBio 2023; 14:e0188623. [PMID: 37812005 PMCID: PMC10653932 DOI: 10.1128/mbio.01886-23] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/10/2023] Open
Abstract
Invasions by eukaryotes dependent on environmentally acquired bacterial mutualists are often limited by the ability of bacterial partners to survive and establish free-living populations. Focusing on the model legume-rhizobium mutualism, we apply invasion biology hypotheses to explain how bacteriophages can impact the competitiveness of introduced bacterial mutualists. Predicting how phage-bacteria interactions affect invading eukaryotic hosts requires knowing the eco-evolutionary constraints of introduced and native microbial communities, as well as their differences in abundance and diversity. By synthesizing research from invasion biology, as well as bacterial, viral, and community ecology, we create a conceptual framework for understanding and predicting how phages can affect biological invasions through their effects on bacterial mutualists.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jannick Van Cauwenberghe
- Institute of Biodiversity, Faculty of Biological Sciences, Cluster of Excellence Balance of the Microverse, Friedrich Schiller University Jena, Jena, Germany
- Department of Integrative Biology, University of California, Berkeley, California, USA
| | - Ellen L. Simms
- Department of Integrative Biology, University of California, Berkeley, California, USA
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18
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Imbs AB, Dembitsky VM. Coral Lipids. Mar Drugs 2023; 21:539. [PMID: 37888474 PMCID: PMC10608786 DOI: 10.3390/md21100539] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/22/2023] [Revised: 10/05/2023] [Accepted: 10/06/2023] [Indexed: 10/28/2023] Open
Abstract
Reef-building corals, recognized as cornerstone species in marine ecosystems, captivate with their unique duality as both symbiotic partners and autotrophic entities. Beyond their ecological prominence, these corals produce a diverse array of secondary metabolites, many of which are poised to revolutionize the domains of pharmacology and medicine. This exhaustive review delves deeply into the multifaceted world of coral-derived lipids, highlighting both ubiquitous and rare forms. Within this spectrum, we navigate through a myriad of fatty acids and their acyl derivatives, encompassing waxes, sterol esters, triacylglycerols, mono-akyl-diacylglycerols, and an array of polar lipids such as betaine lipids, glycolipids, sphingolipids, phospholipids, and phosphonolipids. We offer a comprehensive exploration of the intricate biochemical variety of these lipids, related fatty acids, prostaglandins, and both cyclic and acyclic oxilipins. Additionally, the review provides insights into the chemotaxonomy of these compounds, illuminating the fatty acid synthesis routes inherent in corals. Of particular interest is the symbiotic bond many coral species nurture with dinoflagellates from the Symbiodinium group; their lipid and fatty acid profiles are also detailed in this discourse. This exploration accentuates the vast potential and intricacy of coral lipids and underscores their profound relevance in scientific endeavors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Andrey B. Imbs
- A.V. Zhirmunsky National Scientific Center of Marine Biology, 17 Palchevsky Str., 690041 Vladivostok, Russia
| | - Valery M. Dembitsky
- Centre for Applied Research, Innovation and Entrepreneurship, Lethbridge College, 3000 College Drive South, Lethbridge, AB T1K 1L6, Canada
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19
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Khen A, Wall CB, Smith JE. Standardization of in situ coral bleaching measurements highlights the variability in responses across genera, morphologies, and regions. PeerJ 2023; 11:e16100. [PMID: 37810774 PMCID: PMC10552771 DOI: 10.7717/peerj.16100] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/04/2023] [Accepted: 08/25/2023] [Indexed: 10/10/2023] Open
Abstract
Marine heatwaves and regional coral bleaching events have become more frequent and severe across the world's oceans over the last several decades due to global climate change. Observational studies have documented spatiotemporal variation in the responses of reef-building corals to thermal stress within and among taxa across geographic scales. Although many tools exist for predicting, detecting, and quantifying coral bleaching, it remains difficult to compare bleaching severity (e.g., percent cover of bleached surface areas) among studies and across species or regions. For this review, we compiled over 2,100 in situ coral bleaching observations representing 87 reef-building coral genera and 250 species of common morphological groups from a total of 74 peer-reviewed scientific articles, encompassing three broad geographic regions (Atlantic, Indian, and Pacific Oceans). While bleaching severity was found to vary by region, genus, and morphology, we found that both genera and morphologies responded differently to thermal stress across regions. These patterns were complicated by (i) inconsistent methods and response metrics across studies; (ii) differing ecological scales of observations (i.e., individual colony-level vs. population or community-level); and (iii) temporal variability in surveys with respect to the onset of thermal stress and the chronology of bleaching episodes. To improve cross-study comparisons, we recommend that future surveys prioritize measuring bleaching in the same individual coral colonies over time and incorporate the severity and timing of warming into their analyses. By reevaluating and standardizing the ways in which coral bleaching is quantified, researchers will be able to track responses to marine heatwaves with increased rigor, precision, and accuracy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Adi Khen
- Center for Marine Biodiversity and Conservation, Scripps Institution of Oceanography, University of California San Diego, La Jolla, CA, United States of America
| | - Christopher B. Wall
- Division of Biological Sciences, University of California San Diego, La Jolla, CA, United States of America
| | - Jennifer E. Smith
- Center for Marine Biodiversity and Conservation, Scripps Institution of Oceanography, University of California San Diego, La Jolla, CA, United States of America
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20
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Scharfenstein HJ, Alvarez‐Roa C, Peplow LM, Buerger P, Chan WY, van Oppen MJH. Chemical mutagenesis and thermal selection of coral photosymbionts induce adaptation to heat stress with trait trade-offs. Evol Appl 2023; 16:1549-1567. [PMID: 37752965 PMCID: PMC10519419 DOI: 10.1111/eva.13586] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/13/2022] [Revised: 08/02/2023] [Accepted: 08/02/2023] [Indexed: 09/28/2023] Open
Abstract
Despite the relevance of heat-evolved microalgal endosymbionts to coral reef restoration, to date, few Symbiodiniaceae strains have been thermally enhanced via experimental evolution. Here, we investigated whether the thermal tolerance of Symbiodiniaceae can be increased through chemical mutagenesis followed by thermal selection. Strains of Durusdinium trenchii, Fugacium kawagutii and Symbiodinium pilosum were exposed to ethyl methanesulfonate to induce random mutagenesis, and then underwent thermal selection at high temperature (31/33°C). After 4.6-5 years of experimental evolution, the in vitro thermal tolerance of these strains was assessed via reciprocal transplant experiments to ambient (27°C) and elevated (31/35°C) temperatures. Growth, photosynthetic efficiency, oxidative stress and nutrient use were measured to compare thermal tolerance between strains. Heat-evolved D. trenchii, F. kawagutii and S. pilosum strains all exhibited increased photosynthetic efficiency under thermal stress. However, trade-offs in growth rates were observed for the heat-evolved D. trenchii lineage at both ambient and elevated temperatures. Reduced phosphate and nitrate uptake rates in F. kawagutii and S. pilosum heat-evolved lineages, respectively, suggest alterations in nutrition resource usage and allocation processes may have occurred. Increased phosphate uptake rates of the heat-evolved D. trenchii strain indicate that experimental evolution resulted in further trade-offs in this species. These findings deepen our understanding of the physiological responses of Symbiodiniaceae cultures to thermal selection and their capacity to adapt to elevated temperatures. The new heat-evolved Symbiodiniaceae developed here may be beneficial for coral reef restoration efforts if their enhanced thermal tolerance can be conferred in hospite.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hugo J. Scharfenstein
- School of BioSciencesThe University of MelbourneParkvilleVictoriaAustralia
- Australian Institute of Marine ScienceTownsvilleQueenslandAustralia
| | | | - Lesa M. Peplow
- Australian Institute of Marine ScienceTownsvilleQueenslandAustralia
| | - Patrick Buerger
- School of BioSciencesThe University of MelbourneParkvilleVictoriaAustralia
- Applied BioSciencesMacquarie UniversitySydneyNew South WalesAustralia
| | - Wing Yan Chan
- School of BioSciencesThe University of MelbourneParkvilleVictoriaAustralia
| | - Madeleine J. H. van Oppen
- School of BioSciencesThe University of MelbourneParkvilleVictoriaAustralia
- Australian Institute of Marine ScienceTownsvilleQueenslandAustralia
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21
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Starko S, Fifer JE, Claar DC, Davies SW, Cunning R, Baker AC, Baum JK. Marine heatwaves threaten cryptic coral diversity and erode associations among coevolving partners. SCIENCE ADVANCES 2023; 9:eadf0954. [PMID: 37566650 PMCID: PMC10421036 DOI: 10.1126/sciadv.adf0954] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/28/2022] [Accepted: 07/12/2023] [Indexed: 08/13/2023]
Abstract
Climate change-amplified marine heatwaves can drive extensive mortality in foundation species. However, a paucity of longitudinal genomic datasets has impeded understanding of how these rapid selection events alter cryptic genetic structure. Heatwave impacts may be exacerbated in species that engage in obligate symbioses, where the genetics of multiple coevolving taxa may be affected. Here, we tracked the symbiotic associations of reef-building corals for 6 years through a prolonged heatwave, including known survivorship for 79 of 315 colonies. Coral genetics strongly predicted survival of the ubiquitous coral, Porites (massive growth form), with variable survival (15 to 61%) across three morphologically indistinguishable-but genetically distinct-lineages. The heatwave also disrupted strong associations between these coral lineages and their algal symbionts (family Symbiodiniaceae), with symbiotic turnover in some colonies, resulting in reduced specificity across lineages. These results highlight how heatwaves can threaten cryptic genotypes and decouple otherwise tightly coevolved relationships between hosts and symbionts.
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Affiliation(s)
- Samuel Starko
- Department of Biology, University of Victoria, PO Box 1700 Station CSC, Victoria, British Columbia V8W 2Y2, Canada
- UWA Oceans Institute and School of Biological Sciences, University of Western Australia, Crawley, WA 6009, Australia
| | - James E. Fifer
- Department of Biology, Boston University, Boston, MA 02215, USA
| | - Danielle C. Claar
- Department of Biology, University of Victoria, PO Box 1700 Station CSC, Victoria, British Columbia V8W 2Y2, Canada
- Washington Department of Natural Resources, Olympia, WA 98504, USA
| | - Sarah W. Davies
- Department of Biology, Boston University, Boston, MA 02215, USA
| | - Ross Cunning
- Daniel P. Haerther Center for Conservation and Research, John G. Shedd Aquarium, 1200 South Lake Shore Drive, Chicago, IL 60605, USA
| | - Andrew C. Baker
- Department of Marine Biology and Ecology, Rosenstiel School of Marine and Atmospheric Science, University of Miami, 4600 Rickenbacker Causeway, Miami, FL 33149, USA
| | - Julia K. Baum
- Department of Biology, University of Victoria, PO Box 1700 Station CSC, Victoria, British Columbia V8W 2Y2, Canada
- Hawaii Institute of Marine Biology, University of Hawaii, Kaneohe, HI 96744, USA
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22
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Sakai R, Goto-Inoue N, Yamashita H, Aimoto N, Kitai Y, Maruyama T. Smart utilization of betaine lipids in the giant clam Tridacna crocea. iScience 2023; 26:107250. [PMID: 37485344 PMCID: PMC10362313 DOI: 10.1016/j.isci.2023.107250] [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: 02/05/2023] [Revised: 05/14/2023] [Accepted: 06/26/2023] [Indexed: 07/25/2023] Open
Abstract
The giant clam Tridacna crocea thrives in poorly nourished coral reef water by forming a holobiont with zooxanthellae and utilizing photosynthetic products of the symbiont. However, detailed metabolic crosstalk between clams and symbionts is elusive. Here, we discovered that the nonphosphorous microalgal betaine lipid DGCC (diacylglycerylcarboxy-hydroxymethylcholine) and its deacylated derivative GCC are present in all tissues and organs, including algae-free sperm and eggs, and are metabolized. Colocalization of DGCC and PC (phosphatidylcholine) evidenced by MS imaging suggested that DGCC functions as a PC substitute. The high content of GCC in digestive diverticula (DD) suggests that the algal DGCC was digested in DD for further utilization. Lipidomics analysis showing the organ-specific distribution pattern of DGCC species suggests active utilization of DGCC as membrane lipids in the clam. Thus, the utilization of zooxanthellal DGCC in animal cells is a unique evolutionary outcome in phosphorous-deficient coral reef waters.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ryuichi Sakai
- Faculty and Graduate School of Fisheries Sciences, Hokkaido University, 3-1-1 Minato-cho, Hakodate 041-8611, Japan
| | - Naoko Goto-Inoue
- Department of Marine Science and Resources, College of Bioresource Sciences, Nihon University, 1866 Kameino, Fujisawa, Kanagawa 252-0880, Japan
| | - Hiroshi Yamashita
- Fisheries Technology Institute, Japan Fisheries Research and Education Agency, 148 Fukai-Ohta, Ishigaki, Okinawa 907-0451, Japan
| | - Naoya Aimoto
- Faculty and Graduate School of Fisheries Sciences, Hokkaido University, 3-1-1 Minato-cho, Hakodate 041-8611, Japan
| | - Yuto Kitai
- Faculty and Graduate School of Fisheries Sciences, Hokkaido University, 3-1-1 Minato-cho, Hakodate 041-8611, Japan
| | - Tadashi Maruyama
- School of Marine Biosciences, Kitasato University, 1-15-1, Kitazato, Minami, Sagamihara, Kanagawa 252-0374, Japan
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23
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de Souza MR, Caruso C, Ruiz-Jones L, Drury C, Gates RD, Toonen RJ. Importance of depth and temperature variability as drivers of coral symbiont composition despite a mass bleaching event. Sci Rep 2023; 13:8957. [PMID: 37268692 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-023-35425-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/05/2022] [Accepted: 05/17/2023] [Indexed: 06/04/2023] Open
Abstract
Coral reefs are iconic examples of climate change impacts because climate-induced heat stress causes the breakdown of the coral-algal symbiosis leading to a spectacular loss of color, termed 'coral bleaching'. To examine the fine-scale dynamics of this process, we re-sampled 600 individually marked Montipora capitata colonies from across Kāne'ohe Bay, Hawai'i and compared the algal symbiont composition before and after the 2019 bleaching event. The relative proportion of the heat-tolerant symbiont Durusdinium in corals increased in most parts of the bay following the bleaching event. Despite this widespread increase in abundance of Durusdinium, the overall algal symbiont community composition was largely unchanged, and hydrodynamically defined regions of the bay retained their distinct pre-bleaching compositions. We explain ~ 21% of the total variation, of which depth and temperature variability were the most significant environmental drivers of Symbiodiniaceae community composition by site regardless of bleaching intensity or change in relative proportion of Durusdinium. We hypothesize that the plasticity of symbiont composition in corals may be constrained to adaptively match the long-term environmental conditions surrounding the holobiont, despite an individual coral's stress and bleaching response.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mariana Rocha de Souza
- Hawai'i Institute of Marine Biology, School of Ocean and Earth Science and Technology, University of Hawai'i at Mānoa, Kāne'ohe, HI, 96744, USA.
| | - Carlo Caruso
- Hawai'i Institute of Marine Biology, School of Ocean and Earth Science and Technology, University of Hawai'i at Mānoa, Kāne'ohe, HI, 96744, USA
| | - Lupita Ruiz-Jones
- Chaminade University of Honolulu, 3140 Waialae Ave, Honolulu, HI, 96816, USA
| | - Crawford Drury
- Hawai'i Institute of Marine Biology, School of Ocean and Earth Science and Technology, University of Hawai'i at Mānoa, Kāne'ohe, HI, 96744, USA
| | - Ruth D Gates
- Hawai'i Institute of Marine Biology, School of Ocean and Earth Science and Technology, University of Hawai'i at Mānoa, Kāne'ohe, HI, 96744, USA
| | - Robert J Toonen
- Hawai'i Institute of Marine Biology, School of Ocean and Earth Science and Technology, University of Hawai'i at Mānoa, Kāne'ohe, HI, 96744, USA
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24
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McRae CJ, Keshavmurthy S, Chen HK, Ye ZM, Meng PJ, Rosset SL, Huang WB, Chen CA, Fan TY, Côté IM. Baseline dynamics of Symbiodiniaceae genera and photochemical efficiency in corals from reefs with different thermal histories. PeerJ 2023; 11:e15421. [PMID: 37283898 PMCID: PMC10239617 DOI: 10.7717/peerj.15421] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/02/2022] [Accepted: 04/25/2023] [Indexed: 06/08/2023] Open
Abstract
Ocean warming and marine heatwaves induced by climate change are impacting coral reefs globally, leading to coral bleaching and mortality. Yet, coral resistance and resilience to warming are not uniform across reef sites and corals can show inter- and intraspecific variability. To understand changes in coral health and to elucidate mechanisms of coral thermal tolerance, baseline data on the dynamics of coral holobiont performance under non-stressed conditions are needed. We monitored the seasonal dynamics of algal symbionts (family Symbiodiniaceae) hosted by corals from a chronically warmed and thermally variable reef compared to a thermally stable reef in southern Taiwan over 15 months. We assessed the genera and photochemical efficiency of Symbiodiniaceae in three coral species: Acropora nana, Pocillopora acuta, and Porites lutea. Both Durusdinium and Cladocopium were present in all coral species at both reef sites across all seasons, but general trends in their detection (based on qPCR cycle) varied between sites and among species. Photochemical efficiency (i.e., maximum quantum yield; Fv/Fm) was relatively similar between reef sites but differed consistently among species; no clear evidence of seasonal trends in Fv/Fm was found. Quantifying natural Symbiodiniaceae dynamics can help facilitate a more comprehensive interpretation of thermal tolerance response as well as plasticity potential of the coral holobiont.
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Affiliation(s)
- Crystal J McRae
- Department of Planning and Research, National Museum of Marine Biology & Aquarium, Checheng, Pingtung, Taiwan
- Department of Biological Sciences, Simon Fraser University, Burnaby, British Columbia, Canada
| | | | - Hung-Kai Chen
- Department of Planning and Research, National Museum of Marine Biology & Aquarium, Checheng, Pingtung, Taiwan
| | - Zong-Min Ye
- Department of Planning and Research, National Museum of Marine Biology & Aquarium, Checheng, Pingtung, Taiwan
| | - Pei-Jie Meng
- Department of Planning and Research, National Museum of Marine Biology & Aquarium, Checheng, Pingtung, Taiwan
- Graduate Institute of Marine Biology, National Dong Hwa University, Checheng, Pingtung, Taiwan
| | - Sabrina L Rosset
- School of Biological Sciences, Victoria University of Wellington, Wellington, New Zealand
| | - Wen-Bin Huang
- Department of Natural Resources and Environmental Studies, National Dong Hwa University, Shoufeng, Hualien, Taiwan
| | | | - Tung-Yung Fan
- Department of Planning and Research, National Museum of Marine Biology & Aquarium, Checheng, Pingtung, Taiwan
- Department of Marine Biotechnology and Resources, National Sun Yat-sen University, Kaohsiung, Taiwan
| | - Isabelle M Côté
- Department of Biological Sciences, Simon Fraser University, Burnaby, British Columbia, Canada
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25
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Cornwall CE, Comeau S, Donner SD, Perry C, Dunne J, van Hooidonk R, Ryan JS, Logan CA. Coral adaptive capacity insufficient to halt global transition of coral reefs into net erosion under climate change. GLOBAL CHANGE BIOLOGY 2023; 29:3010-3018. [PMID: 36943744 DOI: 10.1111/gcb.16647] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/21/2022] [Revised: 02/04/2023] [Accepted: 02/07/2023] [Indexed: 05/03/2023]
Abstract
Projecting the effects of climate change on net reef calcium carbonate production is critical to understanding the future impacts on ecosystem function, but prior estimates have not included corals' natural adaptive capacity to such change. Here we estimate how the ability of symbionts to evolve tolerance to heat stress, or for coral hosts to shuffle to favourable symbionts, and their combination, may influence responses to the combined impacts of ocean warming and acidification under three representative concentration pathway (RCP) emissions scenarios (RCP2.6, RCP4.5 and RCP8.5). We show that symbiont evolution and shuffling, both individually and when combined, favours persistent positive net reef calcium carbonate production. However, our projections of future net calcium carbonate production (NCCP) under climate change vary both spatially and by RCP. For example, 19%-35% of modelled coral reefs are still projected to have net positive NCCP by 2050 if symbionts can evolve increased thermal tolerance, depending on the RCP. Without symbiont adaptive capacity, the number of coral reefs with positive NCCP drops to 9%-13% by 2050. Accounting for both symbiont evolution and shuffling, we project median positive NCPP of coral reefs will still occur under low greenhouse emissions (RCP2.6) in the Indian Ocean, and even under moderate emissions (RCP4.5) in the Pacific Ocean. However, adaptive capacity will be insufficient to halt the transition of coral reefs globally into erosion by 2050 under severe emissions scenarios (RCP8.5).
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Affiliation(s)
- Christopher Edward Cornwall
- School of Biological Sciences and Coastal People Southern Skies, Victoria University of Wellington, Wellington, New Zealand
| | - Steeve Comeau
- Laboratoire d'Océanographie de Villefranche, CNRS-INSU, Sorbonne Université, Villefranche-sur-Mer, France
| | - Simon D Donner
- Institute of Resources, Environment and Sustainability / Department of Geography, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada
| | - Chris Perry
- Geography, Faculty of Environment, Science and Economy, University of Exeter, Exeter, UK
| | - John Dunne
- NOAA/OAR Geophysical Fluid Dynamics Laboratory, Princeton, New Jersey, USA
| | - Ruben van Hooidonk
- Cooperative Institute for Marine and Atmospheric Studies, Rosenstiel School of Marine and Atmospheric and Earth Science, University of Miami, Miami, Florida, USA
- Atlantic Oceanographic and Meteorological Laboratory, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, Miami, Florida, USA
| | - James S Ryan
- Department of Marine Science, California State University, Monterey Bay, California, USA
| | - Cheryl A Logan
- Department of Marine Science, California State University, Monterey Bay, California, USA
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26
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Manullang C, Singh T, Sakai K, Miyagi A, Iwasaki A, Nojiri Y, Iguchi A. Separate and combined effects of elevated pCO 2 and temperature on the branching reef corals Acropora digitifera and Montipora digitata. MARINE ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH 2023; 188:106030. [PMID: 37267662 DOI: 10.1016/j.marenvres.2023.106030] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/11/2023] [Revised: 05/18/2023] [Accepted: 05/22/2023] [Indexed: 06/04/2023]
Abstract
Ocean acidification (OA) and warming (OW) are major global threats to coral reef ecosystems; however, studies on their combined effects (OA + OW) are scarce. Therefore, we evaluated the effects of OA, OW, and OA + OW in the branching reef corals Acropora digitifera and Montipora digitata, which have been found to respond differently to environmental changes. Our results indicate that OW has a greater impact on A. digitifera and M. digitata than OA and that the former species is more vulnerable to OW than the latter. OW was the main stressor for increased mortality and decreased calcification in the OA + OW group, and the effect of OA + OW was additive in both species. Our findings suggest that the relative abundance and cover of M. digitata are expected to increase whereas those of A. digitifera may decrease in the near future in Okinawa.
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Affiliation(s)
- Cristiana Manullang
- Sesoko Station, Tropical Biosphere Research Center, University of the Ryukyus, Motobu, Okinawa, Japan
| | - Tanya Singh
- Sesoko Station, Tropical Biosphere Research Center, University of the Ryukyus, Motobu, Okinawa, Japan
| | - Kazuhiko Sakai
- Sesoko Station, Tropical Biosphere Research Center, University of the Ryukyus, Motobu, Okinawa, Japan.
| | - Aika Miyagi
- Department of Bioresources Engineering, National Institute of Technology, Okinawa College, Nago-City, Okinawa, Japan
| | - Aiko Iwasaki
- Asamushi Research Center for Marine Biology, Graduate School of Life Sciences, Tohoku University, Aomori, Aomori, Japan
| | - Yukihiro Nojiri
- Center for Global Environmental Research, National Institute for Environmental Studies, Tsukuba, Ibaraki, Japan; Graduate School of Earth and Environmental Sciences, Hirosaki University, Hirosaki, Aomori, Japan
| | - Akira Iguchi
- Geological Survey of Japan, National Institute of Advanced Industrial Science and Technology, Tsukuba, Ibaraki, Japan; Research Laboratory on Environmentally-conscious Developments and Technologies [E-code], National Institute of Advanced Industrial Science and Technology, Tsukuba, Ibaraki, Japan
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27
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Koide RT. On Holobionts, Holospecies, and Holoniches: the Role of Microbial Symbioses in Ecology and Evolution. MICROBIAL ECOLOGY 2023; 85:1143-1149. [PMID: 35396623 PMCID: PMC10167095 DOI: 10.1007/s00248-022-02005-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/19/2021] [Accepted: 03/29/2022] [Indexed: 05/10/2023]
Abstract
My goal in writing this is to increase awareness of the roles played by microbial symbionts in eukaryote ecology and evolution. Most eukaryotes host one or more species of symbiotic microorganisms, including prokaryotes and fungi. Many of these have profound impacts on the biology of their hosts. For example, microbial symbionts may expand the niches of their hosts, cause rapid adaptation of the host to the environment and re-adaptation to novel conditions via symbiont swapping, facilitate speciation, and fundamentally alter our concept of the species. In some cases, microbial symbionts and multicellular eukaryote hosts have a mutual dependency, which has obvious conservation implications. Hopefully, this contribution will stimulate a reevaluation of important ecological and evolutionary concepts including niche, adaptation, the species, speciation, and conservation of multicellular eukaryotes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Roger T Koide
- Department of Biology, Brigham Young University, Provo, UT, 84602, USA.
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28
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Page CA, Giuliano C, Bay LK, Randall CJ. High survival following bleaching underscores the resilience of a frequently disturbed region of the Great Barrier Reef. Ecosphere 2023. [DOI: 10.1002/ecs2.4280] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/16/2023] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Cathie A. Page
- Australian Institute of Marine Science Townsville Queensland Australia
| | | | - Line K. Bay
- Australian Institute of Marine Science Townsville Queensland Australia
| | - Carly J. Randall
- Australian Institute of Marine Science Townsville Queensland Australia
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29
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Li Y. Algal epigenetics: insights from DNA methylation in a symbiotic dinoflagellate. JOURNAL OF PHYCOLOGY 2023; 59:289-291. [PMID: 36468447 DOI: 10.1111/jpy.13090] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/17/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- Yantao Li
- Institute of Marine and Environmental Technology, University of Maryland Center for Environmental Science and University of Maryland, 701 E. Pratt St., Baltimore, Maryland, 21202, USA
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30
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Baldassarre L, Reitzel AM, Fraune S. Genotype-environment interactions determine microbiota plasticity in the sea anemone Nematostella vectensis. PLoS Biol 2023; 21:e3001726. [PMID: 36689558 PMCID: PMC9894556 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pbio.3001726] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/13/2022] [Revised: 02/02/2023] [Accepted: 01/05/2023] [Indexed: 01/24/2023] Open
Abstract
Most multicellular organisms harbor microbial colonizers that provide various benefits to their hosts. Although these microbial communities may be host species- or even genotype-specific, the associated bacterial communities can respond plastically to environmental changes. In this study, we estimated the relative contribution of environment and host genotype to bacterial community composition in Nematostella vectensis, an estuarine cnidarian. We sampled N. vectensis polyps from 5 different populations along a north-south gradient on the Atlantic coast of the United States and Canada. In addition, we sampled 3 populations at 3 different times of the year. While half of the polyps were immediately analyzed for their bacterial composition by 16S rRNA gene sequencing, the remaining polyps were cultured under laboratory conditions for 1 month. Bacterial community comparison analyses revealed that laboratory maintenance reduced bacterial diversity by 4-fold, but maintained a population-specific bacterial colonization. Interestingly, the differences between bacterial communities correlated strongly with seasonal variations, especially with ambient water temperature. To decipher the contribution of both ambient temperature and host genotype to bacterial colonization, we generated 12 clonal lines from 6 different populations in order to maintain each genotype at 3 different temperatures for 3 months. The bacterial community composition of the same N. vectensis clone differed greatly between the 3 different temperatures, highlighting the contribution of ambient temperature to bacterial community composition. To a lesser extent, bacterial community composition varied between different genotypes under identical conditions, indicating the influence of host genotype. In addition, we identified a significant genotype x environment interaction determining microbiota plasticity in N. vectensis. From our results we can conclude that N. vectensis-associated bacterial communities respond plastically to changes in ambient temperature, with the association of different bacterial taxa depending in part on the host genotype. Future research will reveal how this genotype-specific microbiota plasticity affects the ability to cope with changing environmental conditions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Laura Baldassarre
- Institut für Zoologie und Organismische Interaktionen, Heinrich-Heine Universität Düsseldorf, Düsseldorf, Germany
- Istituto Nazionale di Oceanografia e di Geofisica Sperimentale—OGS, Sezione di Oceanografia, Trieste, Italy
| | - Adam M. Reitzel
- Department of Biological Sciences, University of North Carolina at Charlotte, Charlotte, North Carolina, United States of America
| | - Sebastian Fraune
- Institut für Zoologie und Organismische Interaktionen, Heinrich-Heine Universität Düsseldorf, Düsseldorf, Germany
- * E-mail:
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31
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Seasonal dynamics of a complex cheilostome bryozoan symbiosis: vertical transfer challenged. Sci Rep 2023; 13:375. [PMID: 36611035 PMCID: PMC9825505 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-022-26251-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/10/2022] [Accepted: 12/12/2022] [Indexed: 01/09/2023] Open
Abstract
Symbiotic associations are dynamic systems influenced by both intrinsic and extrinsic factors. Here we describe for the first time the developmental and seasonal changes of the funicular bodies in the bryozoan Dendrobeania fruticosa, which are unique temporary organs of cheilostome bryozoans containing prokaryotic symbionts. Histological and ultrastructural studies showed that these organs undergo strong seasonal modification in the White Sea during the ice-free period. Initially (in June) they play a trophic function and support the development of a large population of bacteria. From June to September, both funicular bodies and bacteria show signs of degradation accompanied by development of presumed virus-like particles (VLPs); these self-organize to hollow spheres inside bacteria and are also detected outside of them. Although the destruction of bacteria coincides with the development of VLPs and spheres, the general picture differs considerably from the known instances of bacteriophagy in bryozoans. We broadly discuss potential routes of bacterial infection in Bryozoa and question the hypothesis of vertical transfer, which, although widely accepted in the literature, is contradicted by molecular, morphological and ecological evidence.
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32
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Singh T, Sakai K, Ishida-Castañeda J, Iguchi A. Short-term improvement of heat tolerance in naturally growing Acropora corals in Okinawa. PeerJ 2023; 11:e14629. [PMID: 36627918 PMCID: PMC9826613 DOI: 10.7717/peerj.14629] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/08/2022] [Accepted: 12/02/2022] [Indexed: 01/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Mass bleaching and subsequent mortality of reef corals by heat stress has increased globally since the late 20th century, due to global warming. Some experimental studies have reported that corals may increase heat tolerance for short periods, but only a few such studies have monitored naturally-growing colonies. Therefore, we monitored the survival, growth, and bleaching status of Acropora corals in fixed plots by distinguishing individual colonies on a heat-sensitive reef flat in Okinawa, Japan. The level of heat stress, assessed by the modified version of degree heating week duration in July and August, when the seawater temperature was the highest, was minimally but significantly higher in 2017 than in 2016; however, the same colonies exhibited less bleaching and mortality in 2017 than in 2016. Another study conducted at the same site showed that the dominant unicellular endosymbiotic algal species did not change before and after the 2016 bleaching, indicating that shifting and switching of the Symbiodiniaceae community did not contribute to improved heat tolerance. Colonies that suffered from partial mortality in 2016 were completely bleached at higher rates in 2017 than those without partial mortality in 2016. The present results suggest that either genetic or epigenetic changes in coral hosts and/or algal symbionts, or the shifting or switching of microbes other than endosymbionts, may have improved coral holobiont heat tolerance.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tanya Singh
- Sesoko Station, Tropical Biosphere Research Center, University of the Ryukyus, Motobu, Okinawa, Japan
| | - Kazuhiko Sakai
- Sesoko Station, Tropical Biosphere Research Center, University of the Ryukyus, Motobu, Okinawa, Japan
| | - Jun Ishida-Castañeda
- Graduate School of Engineering and Science, University of the Ryukyus, Nishihara, Okinawa, Japan
| | - Akira Iguchi
- Geological Survey of Japan, National Institute of Advanced Industrial Science and Technology, Tsukuba, Ibaraki, Japan,Research Laboratory on Environmentally-Conscious Developments and Technologies [E-code], National Institute of Advanced Industrial Science and Technology, Tsukuba, Ibaraki, Japan
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33
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Marzonie MR, Bay LK, Bourne DG, Hoey AS, Matthews S, Nielsen JJV, Harrison HB. The effects of marine heatwaves on acute heat tolerance in corals. GLOBAL CHANGE BIOLOGY 2023; 29:404-416. [PMID: 36285622 PMCID: PMC10092175 DOI: 10.1111/gcb.16473] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/11/2022] [Revised: 08/16/2022] [Accepted: 09/16/2022] [Indexed: 05/19/2023]
Abstract
Scleractinian coral populations are increasingly exposed to conditions above their upper thermal limits due to marine heatwaves, contributing to global declines of coral reef ecosystem health. However, historic mass bleaching events indicate there is considerable inter- and intra-specific variation in thermal tolerance whereby species, individual coral colonies and populations show differential susceptibility to exposure to elevated temperatures. Despite this, we lack a clear understanding of how heat tolerance varies across large contemporary and historical environmental gradients, or the selective pressures that underpin this variation. Here we conducted standardised acute heat stress experiments to identify variation in heat tolerance among species and isolated reefs spanning a large environmental gradient across the Coral Sea Marine Park. We quantified the photochemical yield (Fv /Fm ) of coral samples in three coral species, Acropora cf humilis, Pocillopora meandrina, and Pocillopora verrucosa, following exposure to four temperature treatments (local ambient temperatures, and + 3°C, +6°C and + 9°C above local maximum monthly mean). We quantified the temperature at which Fv /Fm decreased by 50% (termed ED50) and used derived values to directly compare acute heat tolerance across reefs and species. The ED50 for Acropora was 0.4-0.7°C lower than either Pocillopora species, with a 0.3°C difference between the two Pocillopora species. We also recorded 0.9°C to 1.9°C phenotypic variation in heat tolerance among reefs within species, indicating spatial heterogeneity in heat tolerance across broad environmental gradients. Acute heat tolerance had a strong positive relationship to mild heatwave exposure over the past 35 years (since 1986) but was negatively related to recent severe heatwaves (2016-2020). Phenotypic variation associated with mild thermal history in local environments provides supportive evidence that marine heatwaves are selecting for tolerant individuals and populations; however, this adaptive potential may be compromised by the exposure to recent severe heatwaves.
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Affiliation(s)
- Magena R. Marzonie
- Centre of Excellence for Coral Reef StudiesJames Cook UniversityTownsvilleQueenslandAustralia
- Australian Institute of Marine ScienceTownsvilleQueenslandAustralia
- AIMS@JCUTownsvilleQueenslandAustralia
| | - Line K. Bay
- Australian Institute of Marine ScienceTownsvilleQueenslandAustralia
- AIMS@JCUTownsvilleQueenslandAustralia
| | - David G. Bourne
- Australian Institute of Marine ScienceTownsvilleQueenslandAustralia
- College of Science and EngineeringJames Cook UniversityTownsvilleQueenslandAustralia
| | - Andrew S. Hoey
- Centre of Excellence for Coral Reef StudiesJames Cook UniversityTownsvilleQueenslandAustralia
| | - Samuel Matthews
- Centre of Excellence for Coral Reef StudiesJames Cook UniversityTownsvilleQueenslandAustralia
| | - Josephine J. V. Nielsen
- Australian Institute of Marine ScienceTownsvilleQueenslandAustralia
- AIMS@JCUTownsvilleQueenslandAustralia
- College of Public Health, Medical and Veterinary SciencesJames Cook UniversityTownsvilleQueenslandAustralia
| | - Hugo B. Harrison
- Centre of Excellence for Coral Reef StudiesJames Cook UniversityTownsvilleQueenslandAustralia
- Australian Institute of Marine ScienceTownsvilleQueenslandAustralia
- AIMS@JCUTownsvilleQueenslandAustralia
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34
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Davies SW, Gamache MH, Howe-Kerr LI, Kriefall NG, Baker AC, Banaszak AT, Bay LK, Bellantuono AJ, Bhattacharya D, Chan CX, Claar DC, Coffroth MA, Cunning R, Davy SK, del Campo J, Díaz-Almeyda EM, Frommlet JC, Fuess LE, González-Pech RA, Goulet TL, Hoadley KD, Howells EJ, Hume BCC, Kemp DW, Kenkel CD, Kitchen SA, LaJeunesse TC, Lin S, McIlroy SE, McMinds R, Nitschke MR, Oakley CA, Peixoto RS, Prada C, Putnam HM, Quigley K, Reich HG, Reimer JD, Rodriguez-Lanetty M, Rosales SM, Saad OS, Sampayo EM, Santos SR, Shoguchi E, Smith EG, Stat M, Stephens TG, Strader ME, Suggett DJ, Swain TD, Tran C, Traylor-Knowles N, Voolstra CR, Warner ME, Weis VM, Wright RM, Xiang T, Yamashita H, Ziegler M, Correa AMS, Parkinson JE. Building consensus around the assessment and interpretation of Symbiodiniaceae diversity. PeerJ 2023; 11:e15023. [PMID: 37151292 PMCID: PMC10162043 DOI: 10.7717/peerj.15023] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/09/2022] [Accepted: 02/17/2023] [Indexed: 05/09/2023] Open
Abstract
Within microeukaryotes, genetic variation and functional variation sometimes accumulate more quickly than morphological differences. To understand the evolutionary history and ecology of such lineages, it is key to examine diversity at multiple levels of organization. In the dinoflagellate family Symbiodiniaceae, which can form endosymbioses with cnidarians (e.g., corals, octocorals, sea anemones, jellyfish), other marine invertebrates (e.g., sponges, molluscs, flatworms), and protists (e.g., foraminifera), molecular data have been used extensively over the past three decades to describe phenotypes and to make evolutionary and ecological inferences. Despite advances in Symbiodiniaceae genomics, a lack of consensus among researchers with respect to interpreting genetic data has slowed progress in the field and acted as a barrier to reconciling observations. Here, we identify key challenges regarding the assessment and interpretation of Symbiodiniaceae genetic diversity across three levels: species, populations, and communities. We summarize areas of agreement and highlight techniques and approaches that are broadly accepted. In areas where debate remains, we identify unresolved issues and discuss technologies and approaches that can help to fill knowledge gaps related to genetic and phenotypic diversity. We also discuss ways to stimulate progress, in particular by fostering a more inclusive and collaborative research community. We hope that this perspective will inspire and accelerate coral reef science by serving as a resource to those designing experiments, publishing research, and applying for funding related to Symbiodiniaceae and their symbiotic partnerships.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sarah W. Davies
- Department of Biology, Boston University, Boston, MA, United States
| | - Matthew H. Gamache
- Department of Integrative Biology, University of South Florida, Tampa, FL, United States
| | | | | | - Andrew C. Baker
- Rosenstiel School of Marine, Atmospheric, and Earth Science, University of Miami, Miami, FL, United States
| | - Anastazia T. Banaszak
- Unidad Académica de Sistemas Arrecifales, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México, Puerto Morelos, Mexico
| | - Line Kolind Bay
- Australian Institute of Marine Science, Townsville, Australia
| | - Anthony J. Bellantuono
- Department of Biological Sciences, Florida International University, Miami, FL, United States
| | - Debashish Bhattacharya
- Department of Biochemistry and Microbiology, Rutgers University, New Brunswick, NJ, United States
| | - Cheong Xin Chan
- Australian Centre for Ecogenomics, School of Chemistry and Molecular Biosciences, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, QLD, Australia
| | - Danielle C. Claar
- Nearshore Habitat Program, Washington State Department of Natural Resources, Olympia, WA, USA
| | | | - Ross Cunning
- Daniel P. Haerther Center for Conservation and Research, John G. Shedd Aquarium, Chicago, IL, United States
| | - Simon K. Davy
- School of Biological Sciences, Victoria University of Wellington, Wellington, New Zealand
| | - Javier del Campo
- Institut de Biologia Evolutiva (CSIC - Universitat Pompeu Fabra), Barcelona, Catalonia, Spain
| | | | - Jörg C. Frommlet
- Centre for Environmental and Marine Studies, Department of Biology, University of Aveiro, Campus Universitário de Santiago, Aveiro, Portugal
| | - Lauren E. Fuess
- Department of Biology, Texas State University, San Marcos, TX, United States
| | - Raúl A. González-Pech
- Department of Integrative Biology, University of South Florida, Tampa, FL, United States
- Department of Biology, Pennsylvania State University, State College, PA, United States
| | - Tamar L. Goulet
- Department of Biology, University of Mississippi, University, MS, United States
| | - Kenneth D. Hoadley
- Department of Biological Sciences, University of Alabama—Tuscaloosa, Tuscaloosa, AL, United States
| | - Emily J. Howells
- National Marine Science Centre, Faculty of Science and Engineering, Southern Cross University, Coffs Harbour, NSW, Australia
| | | | - Dustin W. Kemp
- Department of Biology, University of Alabama—Birmingham, Birmingham, Al, United States
| | - Carly D. Kenkel
- Department of Biological Sciences, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, CA, United States
| | - Sheila A. Kitchen
- Division of Biology and Biological Engineering, California Institute of Technology, Pasadena, CA, United States
| | - Todd C. LaJeunesse
- Department of Biology, Pennsylvania State University, University Park, PA, United States
| | - Senjie Lin
- Department of Marine Sciences, University of Connecticut, Mansfield, CT, United States
| | - Shelby E. McIlroy
- Swire Institute of Marine Science, School of Biological Sciences, The University of Hong Kong, Pok Fu Lam, Hong Kong
| | - Ryan McMinds
- Center for Global Health and Infectious Disease Research, University of South Florida, Tampa, FL, United States
| | | | - Clinton A. Oakley
- School of Biological Sciences, Victoria University of Wellington, Wellington, New Zealand
| | - Raquel S. Peixoto
- Red Sea Research Center (RSRC), Division of Biological and Environmental Science and Engineering (BESE), King Abdullah University of Science and Technology, Thuwal, Saudi Arabia
| | - Carlos Prada
- Department of Biological Sciences, University of Rhode Island, Kingston, RI, United States
| | - Hollie M. Putnam
- Department of Biological Sciences, University of Rhode Island, Kingston, RI, United States
| | | | - Hannah G. Reich
- Department of Biological Sciences, University of Rhode Island, Kingston, RI, United States
| | - James Davis Reimer
- Department of Biology, Chemistry and Marine Sciences, Faculty of Science, University of the Ryukyus, Nishihara, Okinawa, Japan
| | | | - Stephanie M. Rosales
- The Cooperative Institute For Marine and Atmospheric Studies, Miami, FL, United States
| | - Osama S. Saad
- Department of Biological Oceanography, Red Sea University, Port-Sudan, Sudan
| | - Eugenia M. Sampayo
- School of Biological Sciences, The University of Queensland, St. Lucia, QLD, Australia
| | - Scott R. Santos
- Department of Biological Sciences, University at Buffalo, Buffalo, NY, United States
| | - Eiichi Shoguchi
- Marine Genomics Unit, Okinawa Institute of Science and Technology Graduate University, Okinawa, Japan
| | - Edward G. Smith
- School of Life Sciences, University of Warwick, Coventry, UK
| | - Michael Stat
- School of Environmental and Life Sciences, University of Newcastle, Callaghan, NSW, Australia
| | - Timothy G. Stephens
- Department of Biochemistry and Microbiology, Rutgers University, New Brunswick, NJ, United States
| | - Marie E. Strader
- Department of Biology, Texas A&M University, College Station, TX, United States
| | - David J. Suggett
- Red Sea Research Center (RSRC), Division of Biological and Environmental Science and Engineering (BESE), King Abdullah University of Science and Technology, Thuwal, Saudi Arabia
- Climate Change Cluster, University of Technology Sydney, Ultimo, NSW, Australia
| | - Timothy D. Swain
- Department of Marine and Environmental Science, Nova Southeastern University, Dania Beach, FL, United States
| | - Cawa Tran
- Department of Biology, University of San Diego, San Diego, CA, United States
| | - Nikki Traylor-Knowles
- Rosenstiel School of Marine, Atmospheric, and Earth Science, University of Miami, Miami, FL, United States
| | | | - Mark E. Warner
- School of Marine Science and Policy, University of Delaware, Lewes, DE, United States
| | - Virginia M. Weis
- Department of Integrative Biology, Oregon State University, Corvallis, OR, United States
| | - Rachel M. Wright
- Department of Biological Sciences, Southern Methodist University, Dallas, TX, United States
| | - Tingting Xiang
- School of Life Sciences, University of Warwick, Coventry, UK
| | - Hiroshi Yamashita
- Fisheries Technology Institute, Japan Fisheries Research and Education Agency, Ishigaki, Okinawa, Japan
| | - Maren Ziegler
- Department of Animal Ecology & Systematics, Justus Liebig University Giessen (Germany), Giessen, Germany
| | | | - John Everett Parkinson
- Department of Integrative Biology, University of South Florida, Tampa, FL, United States
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Bove CB, Ingersoll MV, Davies SW. Help Me, Symbionts, You're My Only Hope: Approaches to Accelerate our Understanding of Coral Holobiont Interactions. Integr Comp Biol 2022; 62:1756-1769. [PMID: 36099871 DOI: 10.1093/icb/icac141] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/15/2022] [Revised: 08/24/2022] [Accepted: 09/05/2022] [Indexed: 01/05/2023] Open
Abstract
Tropical corals construct the three-dimensional framework for one of the most diverse ecosystems on the planet, providing habitat to a plethora of species across taxa. However, these ecosystem engineers are facing unprecedented challenges, such as increasing disease prevalence and marine heatwaves associated with anthropogenic global change. As a result, major declines in coral cover and health are being observed across the world's oceans, often due to the breakdown of coral-associated symbioses. Here, we review the interactions between the major symbiotic partners of the coral holobiont-the cnidarian host, algae in the family Symbiodiniaceae, and the microbiome-that influence trait variation, including the molecular mechanisms that underlie symbiosis and the resulting physiological benefits of different microbial partnerships. In doing so, we highlight the current framework for the formation and maintenance of cnidarian-Symbiodiniaceae symbiosis, and the role that immunity pathways play in this relationship. We emphasize that understanding these complex interactions is challenging when you consider the vast genetic variation of the cnidarian host and algal symbiont, as well as their highly diverse microbiome, which is also an important player in coral holobiont health. Given the complex interactions between and among symbiotic partners, we propose several research directions and approaches focused on symbiosis model systems and emerging technologies that will broaden our understanding of how these partner interactions may facilitate the prediction of coral holobiont phenotype, especially under rapid environmental change.
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Affiliation(s)
- Colleen B Bove
- Department of Biology, Boston University, Boston, MA 02215, USA
| | | | - Sarah W Davies
- Department of Biology, Boston University, Boston, MA 02215, USA
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Puntin G, Sweet M, Fraune S, Medina M, Sharp K, Weis VM, Ziegler M. Harnessing the Power of Model Organisms To Unravel Microbial Functions in the Coral Holobiont. Microbiol Mol Biol Rev 2022; 86:e0005322. [PMID: 36287022 PMCID: PMC9769930 DOI: 10.1128/mmbr.00053-22] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/01/2023] Open
Abstract
Stony corals build the framework of coral reefs, ecosystems of immense ecological and economic importance. The existence of these ecosystems is threatened by climate change and other anthropogenic stressors that manifest in microbial dysbiosis such as coral bleaching and disease, often leading to coral mortality. Despite a significant amount of research, the mechanisms ultimately underlying these destructive phenomena, and what could prevent or mitigate them, remain to be resolved. This is mostly due to practical challenges in experimentation on corals and the highly complex nature of the coral holobiont that also includes bacteria, archaea, protists, and viruses. While the overall importance of these partners is well recognized, their specific contributions to holobiont functioning and their interspecific dynamics remain largely unexplored. Here, we review the potential of adopting model organisms as more tractable systems to address these knowledge gaps. We draw on parallels from the broader biological and biomedical fields to guide the establishment, implementation, and integration of new and emerging model organisms with the aim of addressing the specific needs of coral research. We evaluate the cnidarian models Hydra, Aiptasia, Cassiopea, and Astrangia poculata; review the fast-evolving field of coral tissue and cell cultures; and propose a framework for the establishment of "true" tropical reef-building coral models. Based on this assessment, we also suggest future research to address key aspects limiting our ability to understand and hence improve the response of reef-building corals to future ocean conditions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Giulia Puntin
- Department of Animal Ecology and Systematics, Marine Holobiomics Lab, Justus Liebig University Giessen, Giessen, Germany
| | - Michael Sweet
- Aquatic Research Facility, Environmental Sustainability Research Centre, University of Derby, Derby, United Kingdom
| | - Sebastian Fraune
- Institute for Zoology and Organismic Interactions, Heinrich-Heine University Düsseldorf, Düsseldorf, Germany
| | - Mónica Medina
- Department of Biology, Pennsylvania State University, State College, Pennsylvania, USA
| | - Koty Sharp
- Department of Biology, Marine Biology, and Environmental Science, Roger Williams University, Bristol, Rhode Island, USA
| | - Virginia M. Weis
- Department of Integrative Biology, Oregon State University, Corvallis, Oregon, USA
| | - Maren Ziegler
- Department of Animal Ecology and Systematics, Marine Holobiomics Lab, Justus Liebig University Giessen, Giessen, Germany
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Quigley KM, Ramsby B, Laffy P, Harris J, Mocellin VJL, Bay LK. Symbioses are restructured by repeated mass coral bleaching. SCIENCE ADVANCES 2022; 8:eabq8349. [PMID: 36475796 PMCID: PMC9728966 DOI: 10.1126/sciadv.abq8349] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/04/2022] [Accepted: 11/02/2022] [Indexed: 06/17/2023]
Abstract
Survival of symbiotic reef-building corals under global warming requires rapid acclimation or adaptation. The impact of accumulated heat stress was compared across 1643 symbiont communities before and after the 2016 mass bleaching in three coral species and free-living in the environment across ~900 kilometers of the Great Barrier Reef. Resilient reefs (less aerial bleaching than predicted from high satellite sea temperatures) showed low variation in symbioses. Before 2016, heat-tolerant environmental symbionts were common in ~98% of samples and moderately abundant (9 to 40% in samples). In corals, heat-tolerant symbionts were at low abundances (0 to 7.3%) but only in a minority (13 to 27%) of colonies. Following bleaching, environmental diversity doubled (including heat-tolerant symbionts) and increased in one coral species. Communities were dynamic (Acropora millepora) and conserved (Acropora hyacinthus and Acropora tenuis), including symbiont community turnover and redistribution. Symbiotic restructuring after bleaching occurs but is a taxon-specific ecological opportunity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kate M. Quigley
- Australian Institute of Marine Science, Townsville, QLD, Australia
- Minderoo Foundation, Perth, WA, Australia
- Oceans Institute, University of Western Australia, Perth, WA, Australia
- James Cook University, Townsville, QLD, Australia
| | - Blake Ramsby
- Australian Institute of Marine Science, Townsville, QLD, Australia
| | - Patrick Laffy
- Australian Institute of Marine Science, Townsville, QLD, Australia
| | | | | | - Line K. Bay
- Australian Institute of Marine Science, Townsville, QLD, Australia
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Takekata H, Hamazato H, Suan TE, Izumi R, Yaguchi H, Matsunami M, Isomura N, Takemura A. Transcriptome Analysis in a Scleractinian Coral, Acropora tenuis, during the Spawning Season With Reference to the Gonadal Condition. Zoolog Sci 2022; 39:570-580. [PMID: 36495492 DOI: 10.2108/zs220016] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/09/2022] [Accepted: 07/11/2022] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
Synchronous spawning is a striking feature of coral. Although it is important for reproductive success, corals reallocate energy for reproduction to growth when they are damaged by external stimuli. To assess the transcriptome before and after spawning in the scleractinian coral Acropora tenuis, we tagged three colonies (one bleached and two unbleached) in the field around Sesoko Island (Okinawa, Japan) in November 2016, sampled them monthly from May to July 2017, and performed RNA sequencing (RNA-Seq) analysis. Histological analysis revealed that the previously bleached colony possessed gametes in June, by which time the other two colonies had already spawned. In RNA-Seq analyses, multi-dimensional scaling based on gene expression similarity among the samples reflected the differences between colonies and between months except for the sample of a non-spawned colony in May, which was similar to the samples in June. The similarity of the non-spawned colony sample in May to the samples in June was also shown in hierarchical clustering based on the expression patterns of the genes that were differentially expressed between months in the spawned colonies. These results suggest that non-spawning was already decided in May, and that the physiological condition in a non-spawned colony in May was advanced to June. RNA-Seq analysis also showed that genes related to gametogenesis and those related to apoptosis were upregulated before and after spawning, respectively.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hiroki Takekata
- Center for Strategic Research Project, University of the Ryukyus, Nishihara, Okinawa 903-0213, Japan,
| | - Hirono Hamazato
- Graduate School of Engineering and Science, University of the Ryukyus, Nishihara, Okinawa 903-0213, Japan
| | - Tan Ee Suan
- Graduate School of Engineering and Science, University of the Ryukyus, Nishihara, Okinawa 903-0213, Japan
| | - Ryotaro Izumi
- Graduate School of Engineering and Science, University of the Ryukyus, Nishihara, Okinawa 903-0213, Japan
| | - Hajime Yaguchi
- Tropical Biosphere Research Center, University of the Ryukyus, Nishihara, Okinawa, Japan
| | - Masatoshi Matsunami
- Department of Advanced Genomic and Laboratory Medicine, Graduate School of Medicine, University of the Ryukyus, 207 Uehara, Nishihara, Japan
| | - Naoko Isomura
- Department of Bioresources Engineering, Okinawa National College of Technology, Nago-City, Okinawa 905-2192, Japan
| | - Akihiro Takemura
- Department of Chemistry, Biology and Marine Science, University of the Ryukyus, Nishihara, Okinawa, Japan
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Ip JCH, Zhang Y, Xie JY, Yeung YH, Qiu JW. Stable Symbiodiniaceae composition in three coral species during the 2017 natural bleaching event in subtropical Hong Kong. MARINE POLLUTION BULLETIN 2022; 184:114224. [PMID: 36240631 DOI: 10.1016/j.marpolbul.2022.114224] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/29/2022] [Revised: 09/29/2022] [Accepted: 10/03/2022] [Indexed: 06/16/2023]
Abstract
Adaptive changes in endosymbiotic Symbiodiniaceae communities have been reported during and after bleaching events in tropical coral species, but little is known about such shifts in subtropical species. Here we examined the Symbiodiniaceae communities in three coral species (Montipora peltiformis, Pavona decussata, and Platygyra carnosa) based on samples collected during and after the 2017 bleaching event in subtropical Hong Kong waters. In all of the collected samples, ITS2 meta-sequencing revealed that P. decussata and P. carnosa were predominantly associated with Cladocopium C1 and C1c, whereas M. peltiformis was mainly associated with two Cladocopium C21 types and C1. For each species, the predominant endosymbionts exhibited high fidelity, and the relatively low abundance ITS2-types showed minor changes between the bleached and recovered corals. Our study provided the first details of coral-algal association in Hong Kong waters, suggesting the selection of certain genotypes as a potential adaptive mechanism to the marginal environmental conditions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jack Chi-Ho Ip
- Department of Biology, Hong Kong Baptist University, Hong Kong, China; Southern Marine Science and Engineering Guangdong Laboratory (Guangzhou), Guangzhou 511458, China; HKBU Institute of Research and Continuing Education, Virtual University Park, Shenzhen, China
| | - Yanjie Zhang
- School of Life Sciences, Hainan University, Haikou, China
| | - James Y Xie
- Department of Biology, Hong Kong Baptist University, Hong Kong, China
| | - Yip Hung Yeung
- Department of Biology, Hong Kong Baptist University, Hong Kong, China
| | - Jian-Wen Qiu
- Department of Biology, Hong Kong Baptist University, Hong Kong, China; Southern Marine Science and Engineering Guangdong Laboratory (Guangzhou), Guangzhou 511458, China; HKBU Institute of Research and Continuing Education, Virtual University Park, Shenzhen, China.
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Xiang N, Rädecker N, Pogoreutz C, Cárdenas A, Meibom A, Wild C, Gärdes A, Voolstra CR. Presence of algal symbionts affects denitrifying bacterial communities in the sea anemone Aiptasia coral model. ISME COMMUNICATIONS 2022; 2:105. [PMID: 37938763 PMCID: PMC9723753 DOI: 10.1038/s43705-022-00190-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/28/2022] [Revised: 09/28/2022] [Accepted: 10/10/2022] [Indexed: 11/09/2023]
Abstract
The coral-algal symbiosis is maintained by a constant and limited nitrogen availability in the holobiont. Denitrifiers, i.e., prokaryotes reducing nitrate/nitrite to dinitrogen, could contribute to maintaining the nitrogen limitation in the coral holobiont, however the effect of host and algal identity on their community is still unknown. Using the coral model Aiptasia, we quantified and characterized the denitrifier community in a full-factorial design combining two hosts (CC7 and H2) and two strains of algal symbionts of the family Symbiodiniaceae (SSA01 and SSB01). Strikingly, relative abundance of denitrifiers increased by up to 22-fold in photosymbiotic Aiptasia compared to their aposymbiotic (i.e., algal-depleted) counterparts. In line with this, while the denitrifier community in aposymbiotic Aiptasia was largely dominated by diet-associated Halomonas, we observed an increasing relative abundance of an unclassified bacterium in photosymbiotic CC7, and Ketobacter in photosymbiotic H2, respectively. Pronounced changes in denitrifier communities of Aiptasia with Symbiodinium linucheae strain SSA01 aligned with the higher photosynthetic carbon availability of these holobionts compared to Aiptasia with Breviolum minutum strain SSB01. Our results reveal that the presence of algal symbionts increases abundance and alters community structure of denitrifiers in Aiptasia. Thereby, patterns in denitrifier community likely reflect the nutritional status of aposymbiotic vs. symbiotic holobionts. Such a passive regulation of denitrifiers may contribute to maintaining the nitrogen limitation required for the functioning of the cnidarian-algal symbiosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nan Xiang
- Marine Ecology Department, Faculty of Biology and Chemistry, University of Bremen, 28359, Bremen, Germany.
- Alfred Wegener Institute, Helmholtz Centre for Polar and Marine Research, 27570, Bremerhaven, Germany.
| | - Nils Rädecker
- Department of Biology, University of Konstanz, 78457, Konstanz, Germany
- Laboratory for Biological Geochemistry, School of Architecture, Civil and Environmental Engineering, École Polytechnique Fédérale de Lausanne (EPFL), 1015, Lausanne, Switzerland
| | - Claudia Pogoreutz
- Department of Biology, University of Konstanz, 78457, Konstanz, Germany
- Laboratory for Biological Geochemistry, School of Architecture, Civil and Environmental Engineering, École Polytechnique Fédérale de Lausanne (EPFL), 1015, Lausanne, Switzerland
| | - Anny Cárdenas
- Department of Biology, University of Konstanz, 78457, Konstanz, Germany
| | - Anders Meibom
- Laboratory for Biological Geochemistry, School of Architecture, Civil and Environmental Engineering, École Polytechnique Fédérale de Lausanne (EPFL), 1015, Lausanne, Switzerland
- Center for Advanced Surface Analysis (CASA), Institute of Earth Science, University of Lausanne, 1015, Lausanne, Switzerland
| | - Christian Wild
- Marine Ecology Department, Faculty of Biology and Chemistry, University of Bremen, 28359, Bremen, Germany
| | - Astrid Gärdes
- Alfred Wegener Institute, Helmholtz Centre for Polar and Marine Research, 27570, Bremerhaven, Germany
- Hochschule Bremerhaven, Fachbereich 1, An der Karlstadt 8, 27568, Bremerhaven, Germany
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Pratomo A, Bengen DG, Zamani NP, Lane C, Humphries AT, Borbee E, Subhan B, Madduppa H. Diversity and distribution of Symbiodiniaceae detected on coral reefs of Lombok, Indonesia using environmental DNA metabarcoding. PeerJ 2022; 10:e14006. [PMID: 36312748 PMCID: PMC9610659 DOI: 10.7717/peerj.14006] [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: 10/06/2021] [Accepted: 08/14/2022] [Indexed: 01/19/2023] Open
Abstract
Background Dinoflagellates of family Symbiodiniaceae are important to coral reef ecosystems because of their contribution to coral health and growth; however, only a few studies have investigated the function and distribution of Symbiodiniaceae in Indonesia. Understanding the distribution of different kinds of Symbiodiniaceae can improve forecasting of future responses of various coral reef systems to climate change. This study aimed to determine the diversity of Symbiodiniaceae around Lombok using environmental DNA (eDNA). Methods Seawater and sediment samples were collected from 18 locations and filtered to obtain fractions of 0.4-12 and >12 µm. After extraction, molecular barcoding polymerase chain reaction was conducted to amplify the primary V9-SSU 18S rRNA gene, followed by sequencing (Illumina MiSeq). BLAST, Naïve-fit-Bayes, and maximum likelihood routines were used for classification and phylogenetic reconstruction. We compared results across sampling sites, sample types (seawater/sediment), and filter pore sizes (fraction). Results Phylogenetic analyses resolved the amplicon sequence variants into 16 subclades comprising six Symbiodiniaceae genera (or genera-equivalent clades) as follows: Symbiodinium, Breviolum, Cladocopium, Durusdinium, Foraminifera Clade G, and Halluxium. Comparative analyses showed that the three distinct lineages within Cladocopium, Durusdinium, and Foraminifera Clade G were the most common. Most of the recovered sequences appeared to be distinctive of different sampling locations, supporting the possibility that eDNA may resolve regional and local differences among Symbiodiniaceae genera and species. Conclusions eDNA surveys offer a rapid proxy for evaluating Symbiodiniaceae species on coral reefs and are a potentially useful approach to revealing diversity and relative ecological dominance of certain Symbiodiniaceae organisms. Moreover, Symbiodiniaceae eDNA analysis shows potential in monitoring the local and regional stability of coral-algal mutualisms.
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Affiliation(s)
- Arief Pratomo
- Raja Ali Haji Maritime University, Tanjungpinang, Indonesia,Department of Marine Science and Technology, Institut Pertanian Bogor, Bogor, Indonesia
| | - Dietriech G. Bengen
- Department of Marine Science and Technology, Institut Pertanian Bogor, Bogor, Indonesia
| | - Neviaty P. Zamani
- Department of Marine Science and Technology, Institut Pertanian Bogor, Bogor, Indonesia
| | - Christopher Lane
- Department of Biological Sciences, University of Rhode Island, Rhode Island, United States of America
| | - Austin T. Humphries
- Department of Fisheries, Animal and Veterinary Sciences, University of Rhode Island, Rhode Island, United States of America
| | - Erin Borbee
- Department of Biological Sciences, University of Rhode Island, Rhode Island, United States of America
| | - Beginer Subhan
- Department of Marine Science and Technology, Institut Pertanian Bogor, Bogor, Indonesia
| | - Hawis Madduppa
- Department of Marine Science and Technology, Institut Pertanian Bogor, Bogor, Indonesia,Oceanogen Research Center, Bogor, Indonesia
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Kannan MR, Balakrishnan R, Thillaichidambaram M, Natesan S, Paramasamy G, Prakash S, Muthiah RC. Probing the thermo tolerant endosymbiont genus Durusdinium (Clade D) in the scleractinian corals of Palk Bay, Southeast coast of India. Biologia (Bratisl) 2022. [DOI: 10.1007/s11756-022-01235-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
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Lima MS, Hamerski L, Silva TA, da Cruz MLR, Varasteh T, Tschoeke DA, Atella GC, de Souza W, Thompson FL, Thompson CC. Insights on the biochemical and cellular changes induced by heat stress in the Cladocopium isolated from coral Mussismilia braziliensis. Front Microbiol 2022; 13:973980. [PMID: 36299729 PMCID: PMC9590694 DOI: 10.3389/fmicb.2022.973980] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/20/2022] [Accepted: 09/22/2022] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Corals are treatened by global warming. Bleaching is one immediate effect of global warming, resulting from the loss of photosynthetic endosymbiont dinoflagellates. Understanding host-symbiont associations are critical for assessing coral’s habitat requirements and its response to environmental changes. Cladocopium (formerly family Symbiodiniaceae clade C) are dominant endosymbionts in the reef-building coral, Mussismilia braziliensis. This study aimed to investigate the effect of temperature on the biochemical and cellular features of Cladocopium. Heat stress increased oxygen (O2) and decreased proteins, pigments (Chla + Chlc2), hexadecanoic acid- methyl ester, methyl stearate, and octadecenoic acid (Z)- methyl ester molecules. In addition, there was an increase in neutral lipids such as esterified cholesterol and a decrease in free fatty acids that may have been incorporated for the production of lipid droplets. Transmission electron microscopy (TEM) demonstrated that Cladocopium cells subjected to heat stress had thinner cell walls, deformation of chloroplasts, and increased lipid droplets after 3 days at 28°C. These findings indicate that thermal stress negatively affects isolated Cladocopium spp. from Mussismilia host coral.
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Affiliation(s)
- Michele S. Lima
- Laboratory of Microbiology, Biology Institute, Federal University of Rio de Janeiro (UFRJ), Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
| | - Lidilhone Hamerski
- Walter Mors Institute of Research on Natural Products, Federal University of Rio de Janeiro (UFRJ), Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
| | - Tatiana A. Silva
- Laboratory of Celullar Ultrastructure Hertha Meyer, Biophysics Institute Carlos Chagas Filho, Federal University of Rio de Janeiro (UFRJ), Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
- National Center for Structural Biology and Bioimaging (Cenabio), Federal University of Rio de Janeiro (UFRJ), Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
| | - Maria Luíza R. da Cruz
- Laboratory of Microbiology, Biology Institute, Federal University of Rio de Janeiro (UFRJ), Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
| | - Tooba Varasteh
- Laboratory of Microbiology, Biology Institute, Federal University of Rio de Janeiro (UFRJ), Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
| | - Diogo A. Tschoeke
- Biomedical Engineering Program – COPPE, Federal University of Rio de Janeiro (UFRJ), Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
| | - Georgia C. Atella
- Laboratory of Lipids Biochemistry and Lipoprotein, Biochemistry Institute Leopoldo de Meis, Federal University of Rio de Janeiro (UFRJ), Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
| | - Wanderley de Souza
- Laboratory of Celullar Ultrastructure Hertha Meyer, Biophysics Institute Carlos Chagas Filho, Federal University of Rio de Janeiro (UFRJ), Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
- National Center for Structural Biology and Bioimaging (Cenabio), Federal University of Rio de Janeiro (UFRJ), Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
| | - Fabiano L. Thompson
- Laboratory of Microbiology, Biology Institute, Federal University of Rio de Janeiro (UFRJ), Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
- Center of Technology-CT2, SAGE-COPPE, Federal University of Rio de Janeiro (UFRJ), Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
- *Correspondence: Fabiano L. Thompson, ; Cristiane C. Thompson,
| | - Cristiane C. Thompson
- Laboratory of Microbiology, Biology Institute, Federal University of Rio de Janeiro (UFRJ), Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
- *Correspondence: Fabiano L. Thompson, ; Cristiane C. Thompson,
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Song C, Simmons BI, Fortin MJ, Gonzalez A. Generalism drives abundance: A computational causal discovery approach. PLoS Comput Biol 2022; 18:e1010302. [PMID: 36173959 PMCID: PMC9521805 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pcbi.1010302] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/01/2022] [Accepted: 06/14/2022] [Indexed: 11/29/2022] Open
Abstract
A ubiquitous pattern in ecological systems is that more abundant species tend to be more generalist; that is, they interact with more species or can occur in wider range of habitats. However, there is no consensus on whether generalism drives abundance (a selection process) or abundance drives generalism (a drift process). As it is difficult to conduct direct experiments to solve this chicken-and-egg dilemma, previous studies have used a causal discovery method based on formal logic and have found that abundance drives generalism. Here, we refine this method by correcting its bias regarding skewed distributions, and employ two other independent causal discovery methods based on nonparametric regression and on information theory, respectively. Contrary to previous work, all three independent methods strongly indicate that generalism drives abundance when applied to datasets on plant-hummingbird communities and reef fishes. Furthermore, we find that selection processes are more important than drift processes in structuring multispecies systems when the environment is variable. Our results showcase the power of the computational causal discovery approach to aid ecological research. Ever since Aristotle, the chicken-or-egg causality dilemma has baffled researchers. Such causality dilemmas are abundant in ecological research, where causal directions are often assumed but not tested. An archetypal example is whether being a generalist causes a species to be more abundant, or whether being more abundant causes a species to be generalists. Without doubt, the gold standard to establish causal directions is controlled experiments. However, controlled experiments that can disentangle the direction of causality in this case are challenging because it involves controlling biotic or abiotic niche breadth. These challenges create an opportunity for computational tools to detect the most likely causal direction. Here, by adapting a set of recently developed computational methods, we provide strong evidence that generalism drives abundance, overturning the previously established direction. We hope our work raises awareness of the potential for computational discovery methods to address long-standing questions in ecology, especially increasingly large datasets become available.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chuliang Song
- Department of Biology, Quebec Centre for Biodiversity Science, McGill University, Montreal, Canada
- Department of Ecology and Evolutionary Biology, University of Toronto, Toronto, Canada
- * E-mail:
| | - Benno I. Simmons
- Department of Ecology and Conservation, University of Exeter, Cornwall Campus, Penryn, United Kingdom
| | - Marie-Josée Fortin
- Department of Ecology and Evolutionary Biology, University of Toronto, Toronto, Canada
| | - Andrew Gonzalez
- Department of Biology, Quebec Centre for Biodiversity Science, McGill University, Montreal, Canada
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de Souza MR, Caruso C, Ruiz-Jones L, Drury C, Gates R, Toonen RJ. Community composition of coral-associated Symbiodiniaceae differs across fine-scale environmental gradients in Kāne'ohe Bay. ROYAL SOCIETY OPEN SCIENCE 2022; 9:212042. [PMID: 36117869 PMCID: PMC9459668 DOI: 10.1098/rsos.212042] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/31/2021] [Accepted: 08/12/2022] [Indexed: 06/04/2023]
Abstract
The survival of most reef-building corals is dependent upon a symbiosis between the coral and the community of Symbiodiniaceae. Montipora capitata, one of the main reef-building coral species in Hawai'i, is known to host a diversity of symbionts, but it remains unclear how they change spatially and whether environmental factors drive those changes. Here, we surveyed the Symbiodiniaceae community in 600 M. capitata colonies from 30 sites across Kāne'ohe Bay and tested for host specificity and environmental gradients driving spatial patterns of algal symbiont distribution. We found that the Symbiodiniaceae community differed markedly across sites, with M. capitata in the most open-ocean (northern) site hosting few or none of the genus Durusdinium, whereas individuals at other sites had a mix of Durusdinium and Cladocopium. Our study shows that the algal symbiont community composition responds to fine-scale differences in environmental gradients; depth and temperature variability were the most significant predictor of Symbiodiniaceae community, although environmental factors measured in the study explained only about 20% of observed variation. Identifying and mapping Symbiodiniaceae community distribution at multiple scales is an important step in advancing our understanding of algal symbiont diversity, distribution and evolution and the potential responses of corals to future environmental change.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mariana Rocha de Souza
- Hawai‘i Institute of Marine Biology, School of Ocean and Earth Science and Technology, University of Hawai‘i at Mānoa, Kāne'ohe, HI 96744, USA
| | - Carlo Caruso
- Hawai‘i Institute of Marine Biology, School of Ocean and Earth Science and Technology, University of Hawai‘i at Mānoa, Kāne'ohe, HI 96744, USA
| | - Lupita Ruiz-Jones
- Chaminade University of Honolulu, 3140 Waialae Ave, Honolulu, HI 96816, USA
| | - Crawford Drury
- Hawai‘i Institute of Marine Biology, School of Ocean and Earth Science and Technology, University of Hawai‘i at Mānoa, Kāne'ohe, HI 96744, USA
| | - Ruth Gates
- Hawai‘i Institute of Marine Biology, School of Ocean and Earth Science and Technology, University of Hawai‘i at Mānoa, Kāne'ohe, HI 96744, USA
| | - Robert J. Toonen
- Hawai‘i Institute of Marine Biology, School of Ocean and Earth Science and Technology, University of Hawai‘i at Mānoa, Kāne'ohe, HI 96744, USA
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Al-Hammady MA, Silva TF, Hussein HN, Saxena G, Modolo LV, Belasy MB, Westphal H, Farag MA. How do algae endosymbionts mediate for their coral host fitness under heat stress? A comprehensive mechanistic overview. ALGAL RES 2022. [DOI: 10.1016/j.algal.2022.102850] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
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Coffroth MA, Leigh NJ, McIlroy SE, Miller MW, Sheets HD. Genetic structure of dinoflagellate symbionts in coral recruits differs from that of parental or local adults. Ecol Evol 2022; 12:e9312. [PMID: 36188517 PMCID: PMC9484304 DOI: 10.1002/ece3.9312] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/17/2021] [Revised: 08/09/2022] [Accepted: 08/22/2022] [Indexed: 11/24/2022] Open
Abstract
The symbiotic relationship between dinoflagellate algae in the family Symbiodiniaceae and scleractinian corals forms the base of the tropical reef ecosystem. In scleractinian corals, recruits acquire symbionts either “vertically” from the maternal colony or initially lack symbionts and acquire them “horizontally” from the environment. Regardless of the mode of acquisition, coral species and individual colonies harbor only a subset of the highly diverse complex of species/taxa within the Symbiodiniaceae. This suggests a genetic basis for specificity, but local environmental conditions and/or symbiont availability may also play a role in determining which symbionts within the Symbiodiniaceae are initially taken up by the host. To address the relative importance of genetic and environmental drivers of symbiont uptake/establishment, we examined the acquisition of these dinoflagellate symbionts in one to three‐month‐old recruits of Orbicella faveolata to compare symbiont types present in recruits to those of parental populations versus co‐occurring adults in their destination reef. Variation in chloroplast 23S ribosomal DNA and in three polymorphic microsatellite loci was examined. We found that, in general, symbiont communities within adult colonies differed between reefs, suggesting that endemism is common among symbiont populations of O. faveolata on a local scale. Among recruits, initial symbiont acquisition was selective. O. faveolata recruits only acquired a subset of locally available symbionts, and these generally did not reflect symbiont populations in adults at either the parental or the outplant reef. Instead, symbiont communities within new recruits at a given outplant site and region tended to be similar to each other, regardless of parental source population. These results suggest temporal variation in the local symbiont source pool, although other possible drivers behind the distinct difference between symbionts within O. faveolata adults and new generations of recruits may include different ontogenetic requirements and/or reduced host selectivity in early ontogeny.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Noel J. Leigh
- Graduate Program in Evolution, Ecology and Behavior University at Buffalo Buffalo New York USA
| | - Shelby E. McIlroy
- Graduate Program in Evolution, Ecology and Behavior University at Buffalo Buffalo New York USA
| | | | - H. David Sheets
- Department of Geology University at Buffalo Buffalo New York USA
- Graduate Program in Data Analytics Canisius College Buffalo New York USA
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48
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Oliveira CYB, Abreu JL, Santos EP, Matos ÂP, Tribuzi G, Oliveira CDL, Veras BO, Bezerra RS, Müller MN, Gálvez AO. Light induces peridinin and docosahexaenoic acid accumulation in the dinoflagellate Durusdinium glynnii. Appl Microbiol Biotechnol 2022; 106:6263-6276. [PMID: 35972515 DOI: 10.1007/s00253-022-12131-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/28/2022] [Revised: 08/02/2022] [Accepted: 08/03/2022] [Indexed: 11/02/2022]
Abstract
Peridinin is a light-harvesting carotenoid present in phototrophic dinoflagellates and has great potential for new drug applications and cosmetics development. Herein, the effects of irradiance mediated by light-emitting diodes on growth performance, carotenoid and fatty acid profiles, and antioxidant activity of the endosymbiotic dinoflagellate Durusdinium glynnii were investigated. The results demonstrate that D. glynnii is particularly well adapted to low-light conditions; however, it can be high-light-tolerant. In contrast to other light-harvesting carotenoids, the peridinin accumulation in D. glynnii occurred during high-light exposure. The peridinin to chlorophyll-a ratio varied as a function of irradiance, while the peridinin to total carotenoids ratio remained stable. Under optimal irradiance for growth, there was a peak in docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) bioaccumulation. This study contributes to the understanding of the photoprotective role of peridinin in endosymbiont dinoflagellates and highlights the antioxidant activity of peridinin-rich extracts. KEY POINTS: • Peridinin has a protective role against chlorophyll photo-oxidation • High light conditions induce cellular peridinin accumulation • D. glynnii accumulates high amounts of DHA under optimal light supply.
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Affiliation(s)
- Carlos Yure B Oliveira
- Department of Fishing and Aquaculture, Federal Rural University of Pernambuco, St. Dom Manuel de Medeiros, Dois Irmãos, Recife, 52171-900, Brazil.
| | - Jéssika L Abreu
- Department of Fishing and Aquaculture, Federal Rural University of Pernambuco, St. Dom Manuel de Medeiros, Dois Irmãos, Recife, 52171-900, Brazil
| | - Elizabeth P Santos
- Department of Fishing and Aquaculture, Federal Rural University of Pernambuco, St. Dom Manuel de Medeiros, Dois Irmãos, Recife, 52171-900, Brazil
| | - Ângelo P Matos
- Center of Agricultural Sciences, Federal University of Santa Catarina, Florianópolis, 88034-001, Brazil
| | - Giustino Tribuzi
- Department of Food Science and Technology, Federal University of Santa Catarina, Florianopolis, 88034-801, Brazil
| | - Cicero Diogo L Oliveira
- Institute of Biological Sciences and Health, Federal University of Alagoas, Maceio, 57072-900, Brazil
| | - Bruno O Veras
- Department of Biochemistry, Federal University of Pernambuco, Recife, 50740-550, Brazil
| | - Railson S Bezerra
- Department of Biochemistry, Federal University of Pernambuco, Recife, 50740-550, Brazil
| | - Marius N Müller
- Department of Oceanography, Federal University of Pernambuco, Recife, 50740-550, Brazil
| | - Alfredo O Gálvez
- Department of Fishing and Aquaculture, Federal Rural University of Pernambuco, St. Dom Manuel de Medeiros, Dois Irmãos, Recife, 52171-900, Brazil
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Varasteh T, Salazar V, Tschoeke D, Francini-Filho RB, Swings J, Garcia G, Thompson CC, Thompson FL. Breviolum and Cladocopium Are Dominant Among Symbiodiniaceae of the Coral Holobiont Madracis decactis. MICROBIAL ECOLOGY 2022; 84:325-335. [PMID: 34561754 DOI: 10.1007/s00248-021-01868-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/29/2021] [Accepted: 09/10/2021] [Indexed: 06/13/2023]
Abstract
The scleractinian reef building coral Madracis decactis is a cosmopolitan species. Understanding host-symbiont associations is critical for assessing coral's habitat requirements and its response to environmental changes. In this study, we performed a fine grained phylogenetic analyses of Symbiodiniaceae associated with Madracis in two locations in the Southwest Atlantic Ocean (Abrolhos Bank and St. Peter and St. Paul Archipelago). Previous studies have argued that Madracis is a specialist coral, with colonies harboring a single symbiont from the genus Breviolum (formerly clade B). However, these previous studies have not precisely addressed if Madracis is colonized by several types of Symbiodiniaceae simultaneously or whether this coral is a specialist. The hypothesis that Madracis is a generalist coral host was evaluated in the present study. A total of 1.9 million reads of ITS2 nuclear ribosomal DNA were obtained by Illumina MiSeq sequencing. While Symbiodiniaceae ITS2 sequences between two sampling depths were almost entirely (62%) from the genus Breviolum (formerly clade B), shallow (10-15 m) populations in Abrolhos had a greater diversity of ITS2 sequences in comparison to deeper (25-35 m) populations of St. Peter and St. Paul Archipelago. Cladocopium (formerly clade C) and Symbiodinium (formerly clade A) were also found in Abrolhos. A single Madracis colony can host different symbiont types with > 30 Symbiodiniaceae ITS2-type profiles. Abrolhos corals presented a higher photosynthetic potential as a possible result of co-occurrence of multiple Symbiodiniaceae in a single coral colony. Multiple genera/clades of Symbiodiniaceae possibly confer coral hosts with broader environmental tolerance and ability to occupy diverse or changing habitats.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tooba Varasteh
- Institute of Biology and Coppe, Federal University of Rio de Janeiro, Rio de Janeiro, RJ, 21941-599, Brazil.
| | - Vinícius Salazar
- Institute of Biology and Coppe, Federal University of Rio de Janeiro, Rio de Janeiro, RJ, 21941-599, Brazil
| | - Diogo Tschoeke
- Institute of Biology and Coppe, Federal University of Rio de Janeiro, Rio de Janeiro, RJ, 21941-599, Brazil
| | | | - Jean Swings
- Institute of Biology and Coppe, Federal University of Rio de Janeiro, Rio de Janeiro, RJ, 21941-599, Brazil
| | - Gizele Garcia
- Institute of Biology and Coppe, Federal University of Rio de Janeiro, Rio de Janeiro, RJ, 21941-599, Brazil
- Departamento de Ensino de Graduação, Universidade Federal Do Rio de Janeiro - Campus UFRJ - Macaé Professor Aloisio Teixeira, Macaé, Rio de Janeiro, RJ, 27930-480, Brazil
| | - Cristiane C Thompson
- Institute of Biology and Coppe, Federal University of Rio de Janeiro, Rio de Janeiro, RJ, 21941-599, Brazil
| | - Fabiano L Thompson
- Institute of Biology and Coppe, Federal University of Rio de Janeiro, Rio de Janeiro, RJ, 21941-599, Brazil.
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50
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Shaver EC, McLeod E, Hein MY, Palumbi SR, Quigley K, Vardi T, Mumby PJ, Smith D, Montoya‐Maya P, Muller EM, Banaszak AT, McLeod IM, Wachenfeld D. A roadmap to integrating resilience into the practice of coral reef restoration. GLOBAL CHANGE BIOLOGY 2022; 28:4751-4764. [PMID: 35451154 PMCID: PMC9545251 DOI: 10.1111/gcb.16212] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/05/2021] [Revised: 04/19/2022] [Accepted: 04/19/2022] [Indexed: 05/26/2023]
Abstract
Recent warm temperatures driven by climate change have caused mass coral bleaching and mortality across the world, prompting managers, policymakers, and conservation practitioners to embrace restoration as a strategy to sustain coral reefs. Despite a proliferation of new coral reef restoration efforts globally and increasing scientific recognition and research on interventions aimed at supporting reef resilience to climate impacts, few restoration programs are currently incorporating climate change and resilience in project design. As climate change will continue to degrade coral reefs for decades to come, guidance is needed to support managers and restoration practitioners to conduct restoration that promotes resilience through enhanced coral reef recovery, resistance, and adaptation. Here, we address this critical implementation gap by providing recommendations that integrate resilience principles into restoration design and practice, including for project planning and design, coral selection, site selection, and broader ecosystem context. We also discuss future opportunities to improve restoration methods to support enhanced outcomes for coral reefs in response to climate change. As coral reefs are one of the most vulnerable ecosystems to climate change, interventions that enhance reef resilience will help to ensure restoration efforts have a greater chance of success in a warming world. They are also more likely to provide essential contributions to global targets to protect natural biodiversity and the human communities that rely on reefs.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Margaux Y. Hein
- Marine Ecosystem Restoration Research and ConsultingMonacoMonaco
| | | | - Kate Quigley
- Minderoo FoundationPerthWestern AustraliaAustralia
| | - Tali Vardi
- ECS for NOAA Fisheries Office of Science & TechnologySilver SpringMarylandUSA
| | - Peter J. Mumby
- Marine Spatial Ecology Lab, School of Biological Sciences, University of QueenslandSt LuciaQueenslandAustralia
| | - David Smith
- Coral Reef Research UnitSchool of Life SciencesEssexUK
- Mars IncorporatedLondonUK
| | | | | | | | - Ian M. McLeod
- TropWATER, The Centre for Tropical Water and Aquatic Ecosystem Research, James Cook UniversityTownsvilleQueenslandAustralia
| | - David Wachenfeld
- Great Barrier Reef Marine Park AuthorityTownsvilleQueenslandAustralia
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