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Giannakopoulos C, Panou M, Gkelis S. Phylogenetic analysis of Nostocales (Cyanobacteria) based on two novel molecular markers, implicated in the nitrogenase biosynthesis. FEMS Microbiol Lett 2024; 371:fnad136. [PMID: 38168702 DOI: 10.1093/femsle/fnad136] [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: 09/16/2023] [Revised: 11/21/2023] [Accepted: 12/30/2023] [Indexed: 01/05/2024] Open
Abstract
The characterization of cyanobacteria communities remains challenging, as taxonomy of several cyanobacterial genera is still unresolved, especially within Nostocales taxa. Nostocales cyanobacteria are capable of nitrogen fixation; nitrogenase genes are grouped into operons and are located in the same genetic locus. Structural nitrogenase genes (nifH, nifK and nifD) as well as 16S rRNA have been shown to be adequate genetic markers for distinguishing cyanobacterial genera. However, there is no available information regarding the phylogeny of regulatory genes of the nitrogenase cluster. Aiming to provide a more accurate overview of the evolution of nitrogen fixation, this study analyzed for the first time nifE and nifN genes, which regulate the production of nitrogenase, alongside nifH. Specific primers were designed to amplify nifE and nifN genes, previously not available in literature and phylogenetic analysis was carried out in 13 and 14 TAU-MAC culture collection strains, respectively, of ten Nostocales genera along with other sequences retrieved from cyanobacteria genomes. Phylogenetic analysis showed that these genes seem to follow a common evolutionary pattern with nitrogenase structural genes and 16S rRNA. The classification of cyanobacteria based on these molecular markers seems to distinguish Nostocales strains with common morphological, ecological, and physiological characteristics.
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Affiliation(s)
- Christos Giannakopoulos
- Department of Botany, School of Biology, Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, GR-541 24 Thessaloniki, Greece
| | - Manthos Panou
- Department of Botany, School of Biology, Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, GR-541 24 Thessaloniki, Greece
| | - Spyros Gkelis
- Department of Botany, School of Biology, Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, GR-541 24 Thessaloniki, Greece
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Pappas D, Giannoutsou E, Panteris E, Gkelis S, Adamakis IDS. Microcystin-LR and cyanobacterial extracts alter the distribution of cell wall matrix components in rice root cells. PLANT PHYSIOLOGY AND BIOCHEMISTRY : PPB 2022; 191:78-88. [PMID: 36195035 DOI: 10.1016/j.plaphy.2022.09.020] [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: 04/09/2022] [Revised: 09/16/2022] [Accepted: 09/21/2022] [Indexed: 06/16/2023]
Abstract
Cyanobacterial toxins (known as cyanotoxins) disrupt the plant cytoskeleton (i.e. microtubules and F-actin), which is implicated in the regulation of cell wall architecture. Therefore, cyanotoxins are also expected to affect cell wall structure and composition. However, the effects of cyanobacterial toxicity on plant cell wall have not been yet thoroughly studied. Accordingly, the alterations of cell wall matrix after treatments with pure microcystin-LR (MC-LR), or cell extracts of one MC-producing and one non-MC-producing Microcystis strain were studied in differentiated Oryza sativa (rice) root cells. Semi-thin transverse sections of variously treated LR-White-embedded roots underwent immunostaining for various cell wall epitopes, including homogalacturonans (HGs), arabinogalactan-proteins (AGPs), and hemicelluloses. Homogalacturonan and arabinan distribution patterns were altered in the affected roots, while a pectin methylesterase (PME) activity assay revealed that PMEs were also affected. Elevated intracellular Ca2+ levels, along with increased callose and mixed linkage glucans (MLGs) deposition, were also observed after treatment. Xyloglucans appeared unaffected and lignification was not observed. The exact mechanism of cyanobacterial toxicity against the cell wall is to be further investigated.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dimitris Pappas
- Department of Botany, School of Biology, Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, Thessaloniki, 541 24, Greece
| | - Eleni Giannoutsou
- Section of Botany, Department of Biology, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, Athens, 157 84, Greece
| | - Emmanuel Panteris
- Department of Botany, School of Biology, Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, Thessaloniki, 541 24, Greece
| | - Spyros Gkelis
- Department of Botany, School of Biology, Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, Thessaloniki, 541 24, Greece
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3
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Uncovering New Diversity of Photosynthetic Microorganisms from the Mediterranean Region. Microorganisms 2022; 10:microorganisms10081571. [PMID: 36013989 PMCID: PMC9416340 DOI: 10.3390/microorganisms10081571] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/21/2022] [Revised: 07/29/2022] [Accepted: 08/01/2022] [Indexed: 12/04/2022] Open
Abstract
In the large and morphologically diverse phylum of Chlorophyta, new taxa are discovered every year and their phylogenetic relationships are reconstructed by the incorporation of molecular phylogenetic methods into traditional taxonomy. Herein, we aim to contribute to the photosynthetic microorganisms’ diversity knowledge in the Mediterranean area, a relatively unexplored ecoregion with high diversity. Based on a polyphasic approach, 18 Chlorophyta isolates were investigated and characterized. Morphological characteristics and ultrastructure, the phylogeny based on 18S rRNA gene (small subunit ribosomal RNA), 18S–28S internal transcribed spacer (ITS region), and the ribulose-1,5-bisphosphate carboxylase/oxygenase large subunit region (rbcL gene), support establishing four new genera (Nomia, Ava, Akraea, Lilaea) and five new species (Spongiosarcinopsis limneus, N. picochloropsia, Av. limnothalassea, Ak. chliaropsychia, and L. pamvotia) belonging to orders Sphaeropleales, Chlorellales, and Chlamydomonadales. For some of them, this is the first report of their occurrence in specific aquatic environments.
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Jasser I, Panou M, Khomutovska N, Sandzewicz M, Panteris E, Niyatbekov T, Łach Ł, Kwiatowski J, Kokociński M, Gkelis S. Cyanobacteria in hot pursuit: Characterization of cyanobacteria strains, including novel taxa, isolated from geothermal habitats from different ecoregions of the world. Mol Phylogenet Evol 2022; 170:107454. [PMID: 35341965 DOI: 10.1016/j.ympev.2022.107454] [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: 11/26/2021] [Revised: 01/18/2022] [Accepted: 03/04/2022] [Indexed: 10/18/2022]
Abstract
Well-studied thermal spring microbial mat systems continue to serve as excellent models from which to make discoveries of general importance to microbial community ecology in order to address comprehensively the question of "who is there" in a microbial community. Cyanobacteria are highly adaptable and an integral part of many ecosystems including thermal springs. In this context, we sampled disparate thermal springs, spanning from Iceland and Poland to Greece and Tajikistan. Thirteen (13) strains were isolated and characterised with taxonomic indices and molecular markers (16S-23S rRNA region and cpcBA gene), whilst their thermotolerance was evaluated. Screening for the presence of genes encoding three heat shock proteins, as well as non-ribosomal peptide synthetases (NRPSs) and polyketide synthases (PKSs) was performed. This approach resulted in the description of two new genera (Hillbrichtia and Amphirytos) and their type species (Hillbrichtia pamiria and Amphirytos necridicus) representing Oscillatoriales and Synechococcales orders, respectively. We also found unique lineages inside the genus Thermoleptolyngbya, describing a novel species (T. hindakiae). We described the presence of sub-cosmopolitan taxa (such as Calothrix, Desertifilum, and Trichormus). Strains were diverse concerning their thermophilic ability with the strains well adapted to high temperatures possessing all three investigated genes encoding heat shock proteins as well as studied PKS and NRPS genes. In this work, we show novel cyanobacteria diversity from thermal springs from disparate environments, possible correlation of thermotolerance and their genetic background, which may have implications on strategic focusing of screening programs on underexploited taxa in these habitats.
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Affiliation(s)
- Iwona Jasser
- Institute of Environmental Biology, Faculty of Biology, Biological and Chemical Research Centre, University of Warsaw, Żwirki i Wigury 101, 02-089 Warsaw, Poland
| | - Manthos Panou
- Department of Botany, School of Biology, Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, 54124 Thessaloniki, Greece
| | - Nataliia Khomutovska
- Institute of Environmental Biology, Faculty of Biology, Biological and Chemical Research Centre, University of Warsaw, Żwirki i Wigury 101, 02-089 Warsaw, Poland
| | - Małgorzata Sandzewicz
- Institute of Environmental Biology, Faculty of Biology, Biological and Chemical Research Centre, University of Warsaw, Żwirki i Wigury 101, 02-089 Warsaw, Poland
| | - Emmanuel Panteris
- Department of Botany, School of Biology, Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, 54124 Thessaloniki, Greece
| | - Toirbek Niyatbekov
- Institute of Botany, Plant Physiology and Genetics, Academy Science Republic of Tajikistan, 27 Karamov Str., Dushanbe 734017, Tajikistan
| | - Łukasz Łach
- Institute of Environmental Biology, Faculty of Biology, Biological and Chemical Research Centre, University of Warsaw, Żwirki i Wigury 101, 02-089 Warsaw, Poland
| | - Jan Kwiatowski
- Institute of Environmental Biology, Faculty of Biology, Biological and Chemical Research Centre, University of Warsaw, Żwirki i Wigury 101, 02-089 Warsaw, Poland
| | - Mikołaj Kokociński
- Department of Hydrobiology, Institute of Environmental Biology, Faculty of Biology, Adam Mickiewicz University in Poznań, Uniwersytetu Poznańskiego 6, 61-614 Poznań, Poland
| | - Spyros Gkelis
- Department of Botany, School of Biology, Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, 54124 Thessaloniki, Greece.
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5
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Assessment of Nutrients Recovery Capacity and Biomass Growth of Four Microalgae Species in Anaerobic Digestion Effluent. WATER 2022. [DOI: 10.3390/w14020221] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/27/2023]
Abstract
Four microalgae species were evaluated for their bioremediation capacity of anaerobic digestion effluent (ADE) rich in ammonium nitrogen, derived from a biogas plant. Chlorella vulgaris, Chlorella sorokiniana, Desmodesmus communis and Stichococcus sp. were examined for their nutrient assimilation efficiency, biomass production and composition through their cultivation in 3.7% v/v ADE; their performance was compared with standard cultivation media which consisted in different nitrogen sources, i.e., BG-11NO3 and BG-11ΝH4 where N-NO3 was replaced by N-NH4. The results justified ammonium as the most preferable source of nitrogen for microalgae growth. Although Stichococcus sp. outperformed the other 3 species in N-NH4 removal efficiency both in BG-11NH4 and in 3.7% ADE (reaching up to 90.79% and 69.69% respectively), it exhibited a moderate biomass production when it was cultivated in diluted ADE corresponding to 0.59 g/L, compared to 0.89 g/L recorded by C. vulgaris and 0.7 g/L by C. sorokiniana and D. communis. Phosphorus contained in the effluent and in the control media was successfully consumed by all of the species, although its removal rate was found to be affected by the type of nitrogen source used and the particular microalgae species. The use of ADE as cultivation medium resulted in a significant increase in carbohydrates content in all investigated species.
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Zervou SK, Kaloudis T, Gkelis S, Hiskia A, Mazur-Marzec H. Anabaenopeptins from Cyanobacteria in Freshwater Bodies of Greece. Toxins (Basel) 2021; 14:4. [PMID: 35050981 PMCID: PMC8781842 DOI: 10.3390/toxins14010004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/12/2021] [Revised: 12/06/2021] [Accepted: 12/15/2021] [Indexed: 12/27/2022] Open
Abstract
Cyanobacteria are photosynthetic microorganisms that are able to produce a large number of secondary metabolites. In freshwaters, under favorable conditions, they can rapidly multiply, forming blooms, and can release their toxic/bioactive metabolites in water. Among them, anabaenopeptins (APs) are a less studied class of cyclic bioactive cyanopeptides. The occurrence and structural variety of APs in cyanobacterial blooms and cultured strains from Greek freshwaters were investigated. Cyanobacterial extracts were analyzed with LC-qTRAP MS/MS using information-dependent acquisition in enhanced ion product mode in order to obtain the fragmentation mass spectra of APs. Thirteen APs were detected, and their possible structures were annotated based on the elucidation of fragmentation spectra, including three novel ones. APs were present in the majority of bloom samples (91%) collected from nine Greek lakes during different time periods. A large variety of APs was observed, with up to eight congeners co-occurring in the same sample. AP F (87%), Oscillamide Y (87%) and AP B (65%) were the most frequently detected congeners. Thirty cyanobacterial strain cultures were also analyzed. APs were only detected in one strain (Microcystis ichtyoblabe). The results contribute to a better understanding of APs produced by freshwater cyanobacteria and expand the range of structurally characterized APs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sevasti-Kiriaki Zervou
- Laboratory of Photo-Catalytic Processes and Environmental Chemistry, Institute of Nanoscience & Nanotechnology, National Centre for Scientific Research “Demokritos”, Patriarchou Grigoriou E & 27 Neapoleos Str., 15310 Athens, Greece; (T.K.); (A.H.)
| | - Triantafyllos Kaloudis
- Laboratory of Photo-Catalytic Processes and Environmental Chemistry, Institute of Nanoscience & Nanotechnology, National Centre for Scientific Research “Demokritos”, Patriarchou Grigoriou E & 27 Neapoleos Str., 15310 Athens, Greece; (T.K.); (A.H.)
| | - Spyros Gkelis
- Department of Botany, School of Biology, Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, 54124 Thessaloniki, Greece;
| | - Anastasia Hiskia
- Laboratory of Photo-Catalytic Processes and Environmental Chemistry, Institute of Nanoscience & Nanotechnology, National Centre for Scientific Research “Demokritos”, Patriarchou Grigoriou E & 27 Neapoleos Str., 15310 Athens, Greece; (T.K.); (A.H.)
| | - Hanna Mazur-Marzec
- Division of Marine Biotechnology, University of Gdansk, Al. Marszałka Piłsudskiego 46, 81-378 Gdynia, Poland;
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Unravelling unknown cyanobacteria diversity linked with HCN production. Mol Phylogenet Evol 2021; 166:107322. [PMID: 34626811 DOI: 10.1016/j.ympev.2021.107322] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/04/2021] [Revised: 09/16/2021] [Accepted: 10/04/2021] [Indexed: 11/20/2022]
Abstract
Cyanobacteria are ecologically versatile microorganisms, occupying diverse habitats, from terrestrial caves to coastal shores and from brackish lakes to thermal springs. Cyanobacteria have also been linked with hydrogen cyanide (HCN), mainly for their ability to catabolize HCN by the nitrogenase enzyme. In this context, we sampled disparate environments, spanning from Canary Islands and Iceland to Estonia and Cyprus. Eighty-one (81) strains were isolated and characterised with taxonomic indices and molecular markers (16S-23S rRNA region and cpcBA region), whilst their ability to produce HCN was evaluated. This approach resulted in the description of five new genera (Speleotes, Haliplanktos, Olisthonema, Speos, and Iphianassa) and their type species (S. anchialus, H. antonyquinny, O. eestii, S. fyssassi, I. zackieohae) representing Chroococcales, Chroococcidiopsales, Oscillatoriales, Synechococcales, and Nostocales orders, respectively. We also found unique lineages inside the genera Komarekiella, Stenomitos, Cyanocohniella, and Nodularia, describing four new species (K. chia, S. pantisii, C. hyphalmyra, N. mediterannea). We report for the first time a widespread production of HCN amongst different taxa and habitats. Epilithic lifestyle, where cyanobacteria are more vulnerable to grazers, had the largest relative frequency in HCN production. In this work, we show novel cyanobacteria diversity from various habitats, including an unexplored anchialine cave, and possible correlation of cyanobacteria chemo- with species diversity, which may have implications on strategic focusing of screening programs on underexploited taxa and/or habitats.
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Genome Reduction and Secondary Metabolism of the Marine Sponge-Associated Cyanobacterium Leptothoe. Mar Drugs 2021; 19:md19060298. [PMID: 34073758 PMCID: PMC8225149 DOI: 10.3390/md19060298] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/30/2021] [Revised: 05/20/2021] [Accepted: 05/21/2021] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Sponges form symbiotic relationships with diverse and abundant microbial communities. Cyanobacteria are among the most important members of the microbial communities that are associated with sponges. Here, we performed a genus-wide comparative genomic analysis of the newly described marine benthic cyanobacterial genus Leptothoe (Synechococcales). We obtained draft genomes from Le. kymatousa TAU-MAC 1615 and Le. spongobia TAU-MAC 1115, isolated from marine sponges. We identified five additional Leptothoe genomes, host-associated or free-living, using a phylogenomic approach, and the comparison of all genomes showed that the sponge-associated strains display features of a symbiotic lifestyle. Le. kymatousa and Le. spongobia have undergone genome reduction; they harbored considerably fewer genes encoding for (i) cofactors, vitamins, prosthetic groups, pigments, proteins, and amino acid biosynthesis; (ii) DNA repair; (iii) antioxidant enzymes; and (iv) biosynthesis of capsular and extracellular polysaccharides. They have also lost several genes related to chemotaxis and motility. Eukaryotic-like proteins, such as ankyrin repeats, playing important roles in sponge-symbiont interactions, were identified in sponge-associated Leptothoe genomes. The sponge-associated Leptothoe stains harbored biosynthetic gene clusters encoding novel natural products despite genome reduction. Comparisons of the biosynthetic capacities of Leptothoe with chemically rich cyanobacteria revealed that Leptothoe is another promising marine cyanobacterium for the biosynthesis of novel natural products.
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Pappas D, Panou M, Adamakis IDS, Gkelis S, Panteris E. Beyond Microcystins: Cyanobacterial Extracts Induce Cytoskeletal Alterations in Rice Root Cells. Int J Mol Sci 2020; 21:ijms21249649. [PMID: 33348912 PMCID: PMC7766381 DOI: 10.3390/ijms21249649] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/24/2020] [Revised: 12/09/2020] [Accepted: 12/15/2020] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
Microcystins (MCs) are cyanobacterial toxins and potent inhibitors of protein phosphatases 1 (PP1) and 2A (PP2A), which are involved in plant cytoskeleton (microtubules and F-actin) organization. Therefore, studies on the toxicity of cyanobacterial products on plant cells have so far been focused on MCs. In this study, we investigated the effects of extracts from 16 (4 MC-producing and 12 non-MC-producing) cyanobacterial strains from several habitats, on various enzymes (PP1, trypsin, elastase), on the plant cytoskeleton and H2O2 levels in Oryza sativa (rice) root cells. Seedling roots were treated for various time periods (1, 12, and 24 h) with aqueous cyanobacterial extracts and underwent either immunostaining for α-tubulin or staining of F-actin with fluorescent phalloidin. 2,7-dichlorofluorescein diacetate (DCF-DA) staining was performed for H2O2 imaging. The enzyme assays confirmed the bioactivity of the extracts of not only MC-rich (MC+), but also MC-devoid (MC−) extracts, which induced major time-dependent alterations on both components of the plant cytoskeleton. These findings suggest that a broad spectrum of bioactive cyanobacterial compounds, apart from MCs or other known cyanotoxins (such as cylindrospermopsin), can affect plants by disrupting the cytoskeleton.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dimitris Pappas
- Department of Botany, School of Biology, Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, 54124 Thessaloniki, Greece; (M.P.); (S.G.)
- Correspondence: (D.P.); (E.P.); Tel.: +30-2310-998908 (E.P.)
| | - Manthos Panou
- Department of Botany, School of Biology, Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, 54124 Thessaloniki, Greece; (M.P.); (S.G.)
| | | | - Spyros Gkelis
- Department of Botany, School of Biology, Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, 54124 Thessaloniki, Greece; (M.P.); (S.G.)
| | - Emmanuel Panteris
- Department of Botany, School of Biology, Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, 54124 Thessaloniki, Greece; (M.P.); (S.G.)
- Correspondence: (D.P.); (E.P.); Tel.: +30-2310-998908 (E.P.)
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10
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Konstantinou D, Kakakiou RV, Panteris E, Voultsiadou E, Gkelis S. Photosynthetic Sponge-associated Eukaryotes in the Aegean Sea: A Culture-dependent Approach. J Eukaryot Microbiol 2020; 67:660-670. [PMID: 32682339 DOI: 10.1111/jeu.12818] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/01/2020] [Revised: 06/04/2020] [Accepted: 07/10/2020] [Indexed: 12/31/2022]
Abstract
Symbioses between sponges and photosynthetic organisms are very diverse regarding the taxonomy and biogeography of both hosts and symbionts; to date, most research has focused on the exploration of bacterial diversity. The present study aims to characterize the culturable diversity of photosynthetic eukaryotes associated with sponges in the Aegean Sea, on which no information exists. Five microalgae strains were isolated from marine sponges; the strains were characterized by morphological features, and the 18S rRNA, 18S-28S Internal Transcribed Spacer, and ribulose-bisphosphate carboxylase large chain (rbcL) sequences. Our polyphasic approach showed that the strains belonged to the green-alga Acrochaete leptochaete, the diatom Nanofrustulum cf. shiloi, the rhodophyte Acrochaetium spongicola, and the chlorachniophyte Lotharella oceanica. A. leptochaete is reported for the first time in sponges, even though green algae are known to be associated with sponges. Nanofrustulum shiloi was found in association with the sponges Agelas oroides and Chondrilla nucula, whereas information existed only for its association with the species Aplysina aerophoba. Acrochaetium spongicola was found for the first time in association with sponges in the eastern Mediterranean. Moreover, we report herein for the first time a sponge-chlorarachniophycean association. Our research revealed new diversity of microalgae associated with sponges and added new records of sponge species, previously unknown for their association with microalgae.
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Affiliation(s)
- Despoina Konstantinou
- Department of Botany, School of Biology, Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, Thessaloniki, 54124, Greece.,Department of Zoology, School of Biology, Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, Thessaloniki, 54124, Greece
| | - Rafaela V Kakakiou
- Department of Botany, School of Biology, Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, Thessaloniki, 54124, Greece
| | - Emmanuel Panteris
- Department of Botany, School of Biology, Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, Thessaloniki, 54124, Greece
| | - Eleni Voultsiadou
- Department of Zoology, School of Biology, Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, Thessaloniki, 54124, Greece
| | - Spyros Gkelis
- Department of Botany, School of Biology, Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, Thessaloniki, 54124, Greece
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Konstantinou D, Voultsiadou E, Panteris E, Gkelis S. Revealing new sponge-associated cyanobacterial diversity: Novel genera and species. Mol Phylogenet Evol 2020; 155:106991. [PMID: 33098986 DOI: 10.1016/j.ympev.2020.106991] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/17/2020] [Revised: 10/09/2020] [Accepted: 10/14/2020] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
Cyanobacteria are often reported as abundant components of the sponge microbiome; however their diversity below the phylum level is still underestimated. Aiming to broaden our knowledge of sponge-cyanobacteria association, we isolated cyanobacterial strains from Aegean Sea sponges in previous research, which revealed high degree of novel cyanobacterial diversity. Herein, we aim to further characterize sponge-associated cyanobacteria and re-evaluate their classification based on an extensive polyphasic approach, i.e. a combination of molecular, morphological and ecological data. This approach resulted in the description of five new genera (Rhodoploca, Cymatolege, Metis, Aegeococcus, and Thalassoporum) and seven new species (R. sivonenia, C. spiroidea, C. isodiametrica, M. fasciculata, A. anagnostidisi, A. thureti, T. komareki) inside the order Synechococcales, and a new pleurocapsalean species (Xenococcus spongiosum). X. spongiosum is a baeocyte-producing species that shares some morphological features with other Xenococcus species, but has distinct phylogenetic and ecological identity. Rhodoploca, Cymatolege, Metis and Thalassoporum are novel well supported linages of filamentous cyanobacteria that possess distinct characters compared to their sister taxa. Aegeococcus is a novel monophyletic linage of Synechococcus-like cyanobacteria exhibiting a unique ecology, as sponge-dweller. The considerable number of novel taxa characterized in this study highlights the importance of employing polyphasic culture-dependent approaches in order to reveal the true cyanobacterial diversity associated with sponges.
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Affiliation(s)
- Despoina Konstantinou
- Department of Botany, School of Biology, Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, Thessaloniki GR-541 24, Greece; Department of Zoology, School of Biology, Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, Thessaloniki GR-541 124, Greece
| | - Eleni Voultsiadou
- Department of Zoology, School of Biology, Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, Thessaloniki GR-541 124, Greece
| | - Emmanuel Panteris
- Department of Botany, School of Biology, Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, Thessaloniki GR-541 24, Greece
| | - Spyros Gkelis
- Department of Botany, School of Biology, Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, Thessaloniki GR-541 24, Greece.
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Pappas D, Gkelis S, Panteris E. The effects of microcystin-LR in Oryza sativa root cells: F-actin as a new target of cyanobacterial toxicity. PLANT BIOLOGY (STUTTGART, GERMANY) 2020; 22:839-849. [PMID: 32268449 DOI: 10.1111/plb.13120] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/19/2020] [Accepted: 03/26/2020] [Indexed: 05/26/2023]
Abstract
Microcystins are toxins produced by cyanobacteria, notorious for negatively affecting a wide range of living organisms, among which several plant species. Although microtubules are a well-established target of microcystin toxicity, its effect on filamentous actin (F-actin) in plant cells has not yet been studied. Τhe effects of microcystin-LR (MC-LR) and an extract of a microcystin-producing freshwater cyanobacterial strain (Microcystis flos-aquae TAU-MAC 1510) on the cytoskeleton (F-actin and microtubules) of Oryza sativa (rice) root cells were studied with light, confocal, and transmission electron microscopy. Considering the role of F-actin in endomembrane system distribution, the endoplasmic reticulum and the Golgi apparatus in extract-treated cells were also examined. F-actin in both MC-LR- and extract-treated meristematic and differentiating root cells exhibited time-dependent alterations, ranging from disorientation and bundling to the formation of ring-like structures, eventually resulting in a collapse of the F-actin network after longer treatments. Disorganization and eventual depolymerization of microtubules, as well as abnormal chromatin condensation were observed following treatment with the extract, effects which could be attributed to microcystins and other bioactive compounds. Moreover, cell cycle progression was inhibited in extract-treated roots, specifically affecting the mitotic events. As a consequence of F-actin network disorganization, endoplasmic reticulum elements appeared stacked and diminished, while Golgi dictyosomes appeared aggregated. These results support that F-actin is a prominent target of MC-LR, both in pure form and as an extract ingredient. Endomembrane system alterations can also be attributed to the effects of cyanobacterial bioactive compounds (including microcystins) on the F-actin cytoskeleton.
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Affiliation(s)
- D Pappas
- Department of Botany, School of Biology, Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, Thessaloniki, Greece
| | - S Gkelis
- Department of Botany, School of Biology, Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, Thessaloniki, Greece
| | - E Panteris
- Department of Botany, School of Biology, Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, Thessaloniki, Greece
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13
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β-Ν-Methylamino-L-alanine interferes with nitrogen assimilation in the cyanobacterium, non-BMAA producer, Synechococcus sp. TAU-MAC 0499. Toxicon 2020; 185:147-155. [PMID: 32687889 DOI: 10.1016/j.toxicon.2020.07.013] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/25/2020] [Revised: 05/18/2020] [Accepted: 07/13/2020] [Indexed: 02/08/2023]
Abstract
The production of β-Ν-methylamino-L-alanine (BMAA) in cyanobacteria is triggered by nitrogen-starvation conditions and its biological role, albeit unknown, is associated with nitrogen assimilation. In the present study, the effect of BMAA (773 μg L-1) on nitrogen metabolism and physiology of the non-diazotrophic cyanobacterium and non-BMAA producer, Synechococcus sp. TAU-MAC 0499, was investigated. In order to study the combined effect of nitrogen availability and BMAA, nitrogen-starvation conditions were induced by transferring cells in nitrogen-free medium and subsequently exposing the cultures to BMAA. After short-term treatment (180 min) and in the presence of nitrogen, BMAA inhibited glutamine synthetase, which resulted in low concentration of glutamine. In the absence of nitrogen, although there was no effect on glutamine synthetase, a possible perturbation in nitrogen assimilation is reflected on the significant decrease in glutamate levels. During the long-term exposure (24-96 h), growth, photosynthetic pigments and total protein were not affected by BMAA exposure, except for an increase in protein and phycocyanin levels at 48 h in nitrogen replete conditions. Results suggest that BMAA interferes with nitrogen assimilation, in a different way, depending on the presence or absence of combined nitrogen, providing novel data on the potential biological role of BMAA.
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Konstantinou D, Mavrogonatou E, Zervou SK, Giannogonas P, Gkelis S. Bioprospecting Sponge-Associated Marine Cyanobacteria to Produce Bioactive Compounds. Toxins (Basel) 2020; 12:toxins12020073. [PMID: 31979262 PMCID: PMC7076795 DOI: 10.3390/toxins12020073] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/19/2019] [Revised: 01/20/2020] [Accepted: 01/21/2020] [Indexed: 12/23/2022] Open
Abstract
Marine cyanobacteria are considered a prolific source of bioactive natural products with a range of biotechnological and pharmacological applications. However, data on the production of natural compounds from sponge-associated cyanobacteria are scarce. This study aimed to assess the potential of sponge-associated cyanobacteria strains representing different taxonomic groups for the production of bioactive compounds and the biological activity of their extracts. Phylogenetic analysis of sponge-associated cyanobacteria and screening for the presence of genes encoding non-ribosomal peptide synthetases (NRPSs) and polyketide synthases (PKSs) were performed. Methanol extracts of the sponge-associated strains were analyzed for cyanotoxin production and tested for antioxidant activity and cytotoxic activity against several human cancer cell lines and pathogenic bacteria. PKS were detected in all sponge-associated strains examined, indicating the metabolic potential of the isolates. PKS genes were more ubiquitous than NRPS genes. Cyanotoxins (i.e., cylindrospermopsin, anatoxin-a, nodularin, and microcystins) were not detected in any of the sponge-associated cyanobacterial strains. Strains belonging to Leptothoe, Pseudanabaena, and Synechococcus were found to have activity mainly against Staphylococcus aureus. In addition, sponge-associated Leptothoe strains (TAU-MAC 0915, 1015, 1115, and 1215) were found to be highly cytotoxic and in most cases more effective against human cancer cell lines than against normal cells. Extracts with the most promising bioactivity deserve further investigation in order to isolate and identify the bioactive molecule(s).
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Affiliation(s)
- Despoina Konstantinou
- Department of Botany, School of Biology, Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, GR-541 24 Thessaloniki, Greece; (D.K.); (E.M.); (S.-K.Z.); (P.G.)
| | - Eleni Mavrogonatou
- Department of Botany, School of Biology, Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, GR-541 24 Thessaloniki, Greece; (D.K.); (E.M.); (S.-K.Z.); (P.G.)
- Laboratory of Cell Proliferation and Ageing, Institute of Biosciences & Applications, National Centre for Scientific Research “Demokritos”, Patriarchou Grigoriou & Neapoleos, Agia Paraskevi, 15341 Athens, Greece
| | - Sevasti-Kiriaki Zervou
- Department of Botany, School of Biology, Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, GR-541 24 Thessaloniki, Greece; (D.K.); (E.M.); (S.-K.Z.); (P.G.)
- Laboratory of Photo-Catalytic Processes and Environmental Chemistry, Institute of Nanoscience & Nanotechnology, National Centre for Scientific Research “Demokritos”, Patriarchou Grigoriou & Neapoleos, Agia Paraskevi, 15341 Athens, Greece
| | - Panagiotis Giannogonas
- Department of Botany, School of Biology, Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, GR-541 24 Thessaloniki, Greece; (D.K.); (E.M.); (S.-K.Z.); (P.G.)
- Laboratory of Cell Proliferation and Ageing, Institute of Biosciences & Applications, National Centre for Scientific Research “Demokritos”, Patriarchou Grigoriou & Neapoleos, Agia Paraskevi, 15341 Athens, Greece
| | - Spyros Gkelis
- Department of Botany, School of Biology, Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, GR-541 24 Thessaloniki, Greece; (D.K.); (E.M.); (S.-K.Z.); (P.G.)
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +30-231-099-8083
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15
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Lortou U, Gkelis S. Polyphasic taxonomy of green algae strains isolated from Mediterranean freshwaters. ACTA ACUST UNITED AC 2019; 26:11. [PMID: 31696064 PMCID: PMC6822476 DOI: 10.1186/s40709-019-0105-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/26/2019] [Accepted: 10/18/2019] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Abstract
Background Terrestrial, freshwater and marine green algae constitute the large and morphologically diverse phylum of Chlorophyta, which gave rise to the core chlorophytes. Chlorophyta are abundant and diverse in freshwater environments where sometimes they form nuisance blooms under eutrophication conditions. The phylogenetic relationships among core chlorophyte clades (Chlorodendrophyceae, Ulvophyceae, Trebouxiophyceae and Chlorophyceae), are of particular interest as it is a species-rich phylum with ecological importance worldwide, but are still poorly understood. In the Mediterranean ecoregion, data on molecular characterization of eukaryotic microalgae strains are limited and current knowledge is based on ecological studies of natural populations. In the present study we report the isolation and characterization of 11 green microalgae strains from Greece contributing more information for the taxonomy of Chlorophyta. The study combined morphological and molecular data. Results Phylogenetic analysis based on 18S rRNA, internal transcribed spacer (ITS) region and the large subunit of the ribulose-bisphosphate carboxylase (rbcL) gene revealed eight taxa. Eleven green algae strains were classified in four orders (Sphaeropleales, Chlorellales, Chlamydomonadales and Chaetophorales) and were represented by four genera; one strain was not assigned to any genus. Most strains (six) were classified to the genus Desmodesmus, two strains to genus Chlorella, one to genus Spongiosarcinopsis and one filamentous strain to genus Uronema. One strain is placed in a separate independent branch within the Chlamydomonadales and deserves further research. Conclusions Our study reports, for the first time, the presence of Uronema in an aquatic environment up to 40 °C and reveals new diversity within the Chlamydomonadales. The results from the ITS region and the rbcL gene corroborated those obtained from 18S rRNA without providing further information or resolving the phylogenetic relationships within certain genera, due to the limited number of ITS and rbcL sequences available. The comparison of molecular and morphological data showed that they were congruent. Cosmopolitan genera with high worldwide distribution inhabit Greek freshwaters.
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Affiliation(s)
- Urania Lortou
- Department of Botany, Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, P.O. Box 109, 541 24 Thessaloniki, Greece
| | - Spyros Gkelis
- Department of Botany, Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, P.O. Box 109, 541 24 Thessaloniki, Greece
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Konstantinou D, Voultsiadou E, Panteris E, Zervou SK, Hiskia A, Gkelis S. Leptothoe, a new genus of marine cyanobacteria (Synechococcales) and three new species associated with sponges from the Aegean Sea. JOURNAL OF PHYCOLOGY 2019; 55:882-897. [PMID: 31001838 DOI: 10.1111/jpy.12866] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/08/2018] [Accepted: 03/27/2019] [Indexed: 06/09/2023]
Abstract
Cyanobacterial diversity associated with sponges remains underestimated, though it is of great scientific interest in order to understand the ecology and evolutionary history of the symbiotic relationships between the two groups. Of the filamentous cyanobacteria, the genus Leptolyngbya is the most frequently found in association with sponges as well as the largest and obviously polyphyletic group. In this study, five Leptolyngbya-like sponge-associated isolates were investigated using a combination of molecular, chemical, and morphological approach and revealed a novel marine genus herein designated Leptothoe gen. nov. In addition, three new species of Leptothoe, Le. sithoniana, Le. kymatousa, and Le. spongobia, are described based on a suite of distinct characters compared to other marine Leptolyngbyaceae species/strains. The three new species, hosted by four sponge species, showed different degrees of host specificity. Leptothoe sithoniana and Le. kymatousa hosted by the sponges Petrosia ficiformis and Chondrilla nucula, respectively, seem to be more specialized than Le. spongobia, which was hosted by the sponges Dysidea avara and Acanthella acuta. All three species contained nitrogen-fixing genes and may contribute to the nitrogen budget of sponges. Leptothoe spongobia TAU-MAC 1115 isolated from Acanthella acuta was shown to produce microcystin-RR indicating that microcystin production among marine cyanobacteria could be more widespread than previously determined.
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Affiliation(s)
- Despoina Konstantinou
- Department of Botany, School of Biology, Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, Thessaloniki, GR-541 24, Greece
- Department of Zoology, School of Biology, Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, Thessaloniki, GR-541 124, Greece
| | - Eleni Voultsiadou
- Department of Zoology, School of Biology, Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, Thessaloniki, GR-541 124, Greece
| | - Emmanuel Panteris
- Department of Botany, School of Biology, Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, Thessaloniki, GR-541 24, Greece
| | - Sevasti-Kiriaki Zervou
- Institute of Nanoscience and Nanotechnology, NCSR "Demokritos", Athens, GR-153 10, Greece
| | - Anastasia Hiskia
- Institute of Nanoscience and Nanotechnology, NCSR "Demokritos", Athens, GR-153 10, Greece
| | - Spyros Gkelis
- Department of Botany, School of Biology, Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, Thessaloniki, GR-541 24, Greece
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17
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Gkelis S, Panou M, Konstantinou D, Apostolidis P, Kasampali A, Papadimitriou S, Kati D, Di Lorenzo GM, Ioakeim S, Zervou SK, Christophoridis C, Triantis TM, Kaloudis T, Hiskia A, Arsenakis M. Diversity, Cyanotoxin Production, and Bioactivities of Cyanobacteria Isolated from Freshwaters of Greece. Toxins (Basel) 2019; 11:toxins11080436. [PMID: 31349572 PMCID: PMC6723990 DOI: 10.3390/toxins11080436] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/24/2019] [Revised: 07/12/2019] [Accepted: 07/23/2019] [Indexed: 12/28/2022] Open
Abstract
Cyanobacteria are a diverse group of photosynthetic Gram-negative bacteria that produce an array of secondary compounds with selective bioactivity against a broad spectrum of organisms and cell lines. In this study, 29 strains isolated from freshwaters in Greece were classified using a polyphasic approach and assigned to Chroococcales, Synechococcales, and Nostocales, representing 11 genera and 17 taxa. There were good agreements between 16S ribosomal RNA (rRNA)-cpcBA-internal genetic spacer (IGS) characterization and morphological features, except for the Jaaginema-Limnothrix group which appears intermixed and needs further elucidation. Methanol extracts of the strains were analyzed for cyanotoxin production and tested against pathogenic bacteria species and several cancer cell lines. We report for the first time a Nostoc oryzae strain isolated from rice fields capable of producing microcystins (MCs) and a Chlorogloeopsis fritschii strain isolated from the plankton of a lake, suggesting that this species may also occur in freshwater temperate habitats. Strains with very high or identical 16S rRNA gene sequences displayed different antibacterial and cytotoxic activities. Extracts from Synechococcus cf. nidulans showed the most potent antibacterial activity against Staphylococcus aureus, whereas Jaaginema sp. strains exhibited potent cytotoxic activities against human colorectal adenocarcinoma and hepatocellular carcinoma cells. Jaaginema Thessaloniki Aristotle University Microalgae and Cyanobacteria (TAU-MAC) 0110 and 0210 strains caused pronounced changes in the actin network and triggered the formation of numerous lipid droplets in hepatocellular carcinoma and green monkey kidney cells, suggesting oxidative stress and/or mitochondrial damage leading to apoptosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Spyros Gkelis
- Department of Botany, School of Biology, Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, GR-541 24 Thessaloniki, Greece.
| | - Manthos Panou
- Department of Botany, School of Biology, Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, GR-541 24 Thessaloniki, Greece
| | - Despoina Konstantinou
- Department of Botany, School of Biology, Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, GR-541 24 Thessaloniki, Greece
| | - Panagiotis Apostolidis
- Department of Botany, School of Biology, Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, GR-541 24 Thessaloniki, Greece
- Department of Genetics, Development and Molecular Biology, School of Biology, Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, GR-541 24 Thessaloniki, Greece
| | - Antonia Kasampali
- Department of Botany, School of Biology, Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, GR-541 24 Thessaloniki, Greece
- Department of Genetics, Development and Molecular Biology, School of Biology, Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, GR-541 24 Thessaloniki, Greece
| | - Sofia Papadimitriou
- Department of Botany, School of Biology, Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, GR-541 24 Thessaloniki, Greece
| | - Dominiki Kati
- Department of Botany, School of Biology, Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, GR-541 24 Thessaloniki, Greece
| | - Giorgia Maria Di Lorenzo
- Department of Botany, School of Biology, Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, GR-541 24 Thessaloniki, Greece
- Department of Genetics, Development and Molecular Biology, School of Biology, Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, GR-541 24 Thessaloniki, Greece
| | - Stamatia Ioakeim
- Department of Botany, School of Biology, Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, GR-541 24 Thessaloniki, Greece
- Department of Genetics, Development and Molecular Biology, School of Biology, Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, GR-541 24 Thessaloniki, Greece
| | - Sevasti-Kiriaki Zervou
- Laboratory of Photo-Catalytic Processes and Environmental Chemistry, Institute of Nanoscience & Nanotechnology, National Center for Scientific Research "Demokritos", Patriarchou Grigoriou & Neapoleos, Agia Paraskevi, 15341 Athens, Greece
| | - Christophoros Christophoridis
- Laboratory of Photo-Catalytic Processes and Environmental Chemistry, Institute of Nanoscience & Nanotechnology, National Center for Scientific Research "Demokritos", Patriarchou Grigoriou & Neapoleos, Agia Paraskevi, 15341 Athens, Greece
| | - Theodoros M Triantis
- Laboratory of Photo-Catalytic Processes and Environmental Chemistry, Institute of Nanoscience & Nanotechnology, National Center for Scientific Research "Demokritos", Patriarchou Grigoriou & Neapoleos, Agia Paraskevi, 15341 Athens, Greece
| | - Triantafyllos Kaloudis
- Laboratory of Photo-Catalytic Processes and Environmental Chemistry, Institute of Nanoscience & Nanotechnology, National Center for Scientific Research "Demokritos", Patriarchou Grigoriou & Neapoleos, Agia Paraskevi, 15341 Athens, Greece
| | - Anastasia Hiskia
- Laboratory of Photo-Catalytic Processes and Environmental Chemistry, Institute of Nanoscience & Nanotechnology, National Center for Scientific Research "Demokritos", Patriarchou Grigoriou & Neapoleos, Agia Paraskevi, 15341 Athens, Greece
| | - Minas Arsenakis
- Department of Genetics, Development and Molecular Biology, School of Biology, Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, GR-541 24 Thessaloniki, Greece
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18
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Budzyńska A, Rosińska J, Pełechata A, Toporowska M, Napiórkowska-Krzebietke A, Kozak A, Messyasz B, Pęczuła W, Kokociński M, Szeląg-Wasielewska E, Grabowska M, Mądrecka B, Niedźwiecki M, Alcaraz Parraga P, Pełechaty M, Karpowicz M, Pawlik-Skowrońska B. Environmental factors driving the occurrence of the invasive cyanobacterium Sphaerospermopsis aphanizomenoides (Nostocales) in temperate lakes. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2019; 650:1338-1347. [PMID: 30308820 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2018.09.144] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/07/2018] [Revised: 09/06/2018] [Accepted: 09/10/2018] [Indexed: 05/13/2023]
Abstract
Cyanobacterial blooms are an increasing threat worldwide. Invasions of certain cyanobacterial species, mainly towards higher latitudes, add to this concern as they enrich the pool of potential bloom-formers in the invaded region. Among the numerous causes of this escalating process, climate warming is commonly considered the most crucial factor, but empirical studies of this issue are lacking. The aim of our study was to identify physical, chemical and biological factors related to the occurrence of an invasive cyanobacterium at the northern border of its putative current range, and thus enabling its expansion. This study focuses on the relatively little studied species Sphaerospermopsis aphanizomenoides (Nostocales, Cyanobacteria; synonyms: Aphanizomenon aphanizomenoides, Anabaena aphanizomenoides), which is predicted to become one of the main nuisance species of the future. Forty-nine freshwater lakes located between latitudes 51° and 55°N were examined for the presence of S. aphanizomenoides, and environmental factors that could drive its occurrence were studied simultaneously. To identify factors correlated with the presence of the species, principal component analysis (PCA) and Mann-Whitney U test were performed. Water temperature did not differentiate lakes with or without S. aphanizomenoides, however the study was conducted in a particularly hot summer. Total phosphorus concentration was identified as the primary driving factor of the occurrence of S. aphanizomenoides. The species grew in poor light conditions and high phytoplankton biomass, mainly in shallow lakes. As shown by detrended correspondence analysis (DCA), the species accompanied shade tolerant, eutrophic species of native and invasive cyanobacteria as well as eukaryotic algae. Our results indicate that eutrophication may be the primary factor enabling the increasing occurrence of S. aphanizomenoides in temperate environments, and suggest that this process may stimulate expansion of cyanobacterial species towards high latitudes.
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Affiliation(s)
- A Budzyńska
- Adam Mickiewicz University in Poznań, Faculty of Biology, Department of Water Protection, Umultowska 89, 61-614 Poznań, Poland.
| | - J Rosińska
- Adam Mickiewicz University in Poznań, Faculty of Biology, Department of Water Protection, Umultowska 89, 61-614 Poznań, Poland; Poznan University of Medical Sciences, Faculty of Health Sciences, Department of Environmental Medicine, Rokietnicka 8, 60-806 Poznań, Poland
| | - A Pełechata
- Adam Mickiewicz University in Poznań, Faculty of Biology, Department of Hydrobiology, Umultowska 89, 61-614 Poznań, Poland
| | - M Toporowska
- University of Life Sciences in Lublin, Department of Hydrobiology and Protection of Ecosystems, Dobrzańskiego 37, 20-262 Lublin, Poland
| | - A Napiórkowska-Krzebietke
- Inland Fisheries Institute, Department of Ichthyology, Hydrobiology and Aquatic Ecology, Oczapowskiego 10, 10-719 Olsztyn, Poland
| | - A Kozak
- Adam Mickiewicz University in Poznań, Faculty of Biology, Department of Water Protection, Umultowska 89, 61-614 Poznań, Poland
| | - B Messyasz
- Adam Mickiewicz University in Poznań, Faculty of Biology, Department of Hydrobiology, Umultowska 89, 61-614 Poznań, Poland
| | - W Pęczuła
- University of Life Sciences in Lublin, Department of Hydrobiology and Protection of Ecosystems, Dobrzańskiego 37, 20-262 Lublin, Poland
| | - M Kokociński
- Adam Mickiewicz University in Poznań, Faculty of Biology, Department of Hydrobiology, Umultowska 89, 61-614 Poznań, Poland
| | - E Szeląg-Wasielewska
- Adam Mickiewicz University in Poznań, Faculty of Biology, Department of Water Protection, Umultowska 89, 61-614 Poznań, Poland
| | - M Grabowska
- University of Białystok, Department of Hydrobiology, Ciołkowskiego 1J, 15-245 Białystok, Poland
| | - B Mądrecka
- Poznan University of Technology, Faculty of Civil and Environmental Engineering, Institute of Environmental Engineering, Berdychowo 4, 60-965 Poznań, Poland
| | - M Niedźwiecki
- University of Life Sciences in Lublin, Department of Hydrobiology and Protection of Ecosystems, Dobrzańskiego 37, 20-262 Lublin, Poland
| | - P Alcaraz Parraga
- University of Jaén, Department of Animal Biology, Plant Biology and Ecology, Campus Las Lagunillas, 23071 Jaén, Spain
| | - M Pełechaty
- Adam Mickiewicz University in Poznań, Faculty of Biology, Department of Hydrobiology, Umultowska 89, 61-614 Poznań, Poland
| | - M Karpowicz
- University of Białystok, Department of Hydrobiology, Ciołkowskiego 1J, 15-245 Białystok, Poland
| | - B Pawlik-Skowrońska
- University of Life Sciences in Lublin, Department of Hydrobiology and Protection of Ecosystems, Dobrzańskiego 37, 20-262 Lublin, Poland
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Panou M, Zervou SK, Kaloudis T, Hiskia A, Gkelis S. A Greek Cylindrospermopsis raciborskii strain: Missing link in tropic invader's phylogeography tale. HARMFUL ALGAE 2018; 80:96-106. [PMID: 30502817 DOI: 10.1016/j.hal.2018.10.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/09/2018] [Revised: 10/02/2018] [Accepted: 10/07/2018] [Indexed: 06/09/2023]
Abstract
The cyanobacterium Cylindrospermopsis raciborskii represents a challenge for researchers and it is extensively studied for its toxicity and invasive behaviour, which is presumably enhanced by global warming. Biogeography studies indicate a tropical origin for this species, with Greece considered as the expansion route of C. raciborskii in Europe. The widening of its geographic distribution and the isolation of strains showing high optimum growth temperature underline its ecological heterogeneity, suggesting the existence of different ecotypes. The dominance of species like C. raciborskii along with their ecotoxicology and potential human risk related problems, render the establishment of a clear phylogeography model essential. In the context of the present study, the characterization of Cylindrospermopsis raciborskii TAU-MAC 1414 strain, isolated from Lake Karla, with respect to its phylogeography and toxic potential, is attempted. Our research provides new insights on the origin of C. raciborskii in the Mediterranean region; C. raciborskii expanded in Mediterranean from North America, whilst the rest of the European strains may originate from Asia and Australia. Microcystin synthetase genes, phylogenetic closely related with Microcystis strains, were also present in C. raciborskii TAU-MAC 1414. We were unable to unambiguously confirm the presence of MC-LR, using LC-MS/MS. Our results are shedding light on the expansion and distribution of C. raciborskii, whilst they pose further questions on the toxic capacity of this species.
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Affiliation(s)
- Manthos Panou
- Department of Botany, School of Biology, Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, GR-541 24 Thessaloniki, Greece
| | - Sevasti-Kiriaki Zervou
- Laboratory of Catalytic-Photocatalytic Processes and Environmental Analysis, Institute of Nanoscience & Nanotechnology, National Center for Scientific Research "Demokritos", Patriarchou Grigoriou & Neapoleos, 15310 Agia Paraskevi, Athens, Greece
| | - Triantafyllos Kaloudis
- Water Quality Department, Athens Water Supply and Sewerage Company (EYDAP SA), 156 Oropou Str., 11146 Athens, Greece
| | - Anastasia Hiskia
- Laboratory of Catalytic-Photocatalytic Processes and Environmental Analysis, Institute of Nanoscience & Nanotechnology, National Center for Scientific Research "Demokritos", Patriarchou Grigoriou & Neapoleos, 15310 Agia Paraskevi, Athens, Greece
| | - Spyros Gkelis
- Department of Botany, School of Biology, Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, GR-541 24 Thessaloniki, Greece.
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20
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Sponges-Cyanobacteria associations: Global diversity overview and new data from the Eastern Mediterranean. PLoS One 2018; 13:e0195001. [PMID: 29596453 PMCID: PMC5875796 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0195001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/14/2017] [Accepted: 03/14/2018] [Indexed: 11/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Sponge-cyanobacteria associations have attracted research interest from an ecological, evolutionary and biotechnological perspective. Current knowledge is, in its majority, “hidden” in metagenomics research studying the entire microbial communities of sponges, while knowledge on these associations is totally missing for certain geographic areas. In this study, we (a) investigated the occurrence of cyanobacteria in 18 sponge species, several of which are studied for the first time for their cyanobionts, from a previously unexplored eastern Mediterranean ecoregion, the Aegean Sea, (b) isolated sponge-associated cyanobacteria, and characterized them based on a polyphasic (morphological-morphometric and molecular phylogenetic analysis) approach, and (c) conducted a meta-analysis on the global diversity of sponge species hosting cyanobacteria, as well as the diversity of cyanobacterial symbionts. Our research provided new records for nine sponge species, previously unknown for this association, while the isolated cyanobacteria were found to form novel clades within Synechococcus, Leptolyngbyaceae, Pseudanabaenaceae, and Schizotrichaceae, whose taxonomic status requires further investigation; this is the first report of a Schizotrichaceae cyanobacterium associated with sponges. The extensive evaluation of the literature along with the new data from the Aegean Sea raised the number of sponge species known for hosting cyanobacteria to 320 and showed that the cyanobacterial diversity reported from sponges is yet underestimated.
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21
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Gkelis S, Ourailidis I, Panou M, Pappas N. Cyanobacteria of Greece: an annotated checklist. Biodivers Data J 2016:e10084. [PMID: 27956851 PMCID: PMC5139134 DOI: 10.3897/bdj.4.e10084] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/04/2016] [Accepted: 08/24/2016] [Indexed: 01/17/2023] Open
Abstract
Background The checklist of Greek Cyanobacteria was created in the framework of the Greek Taxon Information System (GTIS), an initiative of the LifeWatchGreece Research Infrastructure (ESFRI) that has resumed efforts to compile a complete checklist of species reported from Greece. This list was created from exhaustive search of the scientific literature of the last 60 years. All records of taxa known to occur in Greece were taxonomically updated. New information The checklist of Greek Cyanobacteria comprises 543 species, classified in 130 genera, 41 families, and 8 orders. The orders Synechococcales and Oscillatoriales have the highest number of species (158 and 153 species, respectively), whereas these two orders along with Nostocales and Chroococcales cover 93% of the known Greek cyanobacteria species. It is worth mentioning that 18 species have been initially described from Greek habitats. The marine epilithic Ammatoideaaegea described from Saronikos Gulf is considered endemic to this area. Our bibliographic review shows that Greece hosts a high diversity of cyanobacteria, suggesting that the Mediterranean area is also a hot spot for microbes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Spyros Gkelis
- Department of Botany, School of Biology, Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, Thessaloniki, Greece
| | - Iordanis Ourailidis
- Department of Botany, School of Biology, Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, Thessaloniki, Greece
| | - Manthos Panou
- Department of Botany, School of Biology, Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, Thessaloniki, Greece
| | - Nikos Pappas
- Department of Botany, School of Biology, Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, Thessaloniki, Greece
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