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Velasquez X, Morov AR, Astrahan P, Tchernov D, Meron D, Almeda R, Rubin-Blum M, Rahav E, Guy-Haim T. Bioconcentration and lethal effects of gas-condensate and crude oil on nearshore copepod assemblages. Mar Pollut Bull 2024; 203:116402. [PMID: 38701601 DOI: 10.1016/j.marpolbul.2024.116402] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/25/2023] [Revised: 04/16/2024] [Accepted: 04/18/2024] [Indexed: 05/05/2024]
Abstract
The progressive establishment of gas platforms and increasing petroleum accidents pose a threat to zooplankton communities and thus to pelagic ecosystems. This study is the first to compare the impacts of gas-condensate and crude oil on copepod assemblages. We conducted microcosm experiments simulating slick scenarios at five different concentrations of gas-condensate and crude oil to determine and compare their lethal effects and the bioconcentration of low molecular weight polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (LMW-PAHs) in eastern Mediterranean coastal copepod assemblages. We found that gas-condensate had a two-times higher toxic effect than crude oil, significantly reducing copepod survival with increased exposure levels. The LMW-PAHs bioconcentration factor was 1-2 orders of magnitude higher in copepods exposed to gas-condensate than in those exposed to crude oil. The median lethal concentration (LC50) was significantly lower in calanoids vs. cyclopoid copepods, suggesting that calanoids are more susceptible to gas-condensate and crude oil pollution, with potential trophic implications.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ximena Velasquez
- National Institute of Oceanography, Israel Oceanographic and Limnological Research (IOLR), Haifa, Israel; Department of Marine Biology, Leon H. Charney School of Marine Sciences, University of Haifa, Israel
| | - Arseniy R Morov
- National Institute of Oceanography, Israel Oceanographic and Limnological Research (IOLR), Haifa, Israel
| | - Peleg Astrahan
- The Yigal Alon Kinneret Limnological Laboratory (KKL), Israel Oceanographic and Limnological Research, Israel
| | - Dan Tchernov
- Department of Marine Biology, Leon H. Charney School of Marine Sciences, University of Haifa, Israel
| | - Dalit Meron
- Department of Marine Biology, Leon H. Charney School of Marine Sciences, University of Haifa, Israel
| | - Rodrigo Almeda
- University of las Palmas of Gran Canaria, 35017 Las Palmas de Gran Canaria, Spain
| | - Maxim Rubin-Blum
- National Institute of Oceanography, Israel Oceanographic and Limnological Research (IOLR), Haifa, Israel; Department of Marine Biology, Leon H. Charney School of Marine Sciences, University of Haifa, Israel
| | - Eyal Rahav
- National Institute of Oceanography, Israel Oceanographic and Limnological Research (IOLR), Haifa, Israel
| | - Tamar Guy-Haim
- National Institute of Oceanography, Israel Oceanographic and Limnological Research (IOLR), Haifa, Israel.
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2
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Morick D, Davidovich N, Zemah-Shamir Z, Kroin Y, Bigal E, Sierra E, Segura-Göthlin S, Wosnick N, Hauser-Davis RA, Tchernov D, Scheinin AP. First description of a Gammaherpesvirus in a common dolphin (Delphinus delphis) from the Eastern Mediterranean Sea. Vet Res Commun 2023; 47:2253-2258. [PMID: 37088865 DOI: 10.1007/s11259-023-10125-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/08/2022] [Accepted: 04/13/2023] [Indexed: 04/25/2023]
Abstract
In September 2020, a male common dolphin (Delphinus delphis) was found dead on a beach near Bat-Yam, Israel. A small, raised, well circumscribed penile lesion (i.e., mass) was identified and removed for histology and molecular characterizations. By histology, the penile mass presented focal keratinization of the squamous epithelium and a mild ballooning of acanthocytes in lower epithelium levels, as well as features compatible with viral plaques, and tested positive for a gammaherpesvirus through molecular characterization analyses. Tissue samples from the lungs, liver, and spleen, however, tested negative for herpesvirus infection. The gammaherpesvirus detected herein is similar to other isolates found in several areas worldwide in different cetacean species. This is the first reported case of gammaherpesvirus infection in dolphins from the eastern Mediterranean Sea, indicative of the need for long-term assessments to create viral infections databases in cetaceans, especially in a climate change context, which is likely to intensify infectious disease outbreaks in marine mammals in the future.
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Affiliation(s)
- Danny Morick
- Morris Kahn Marine Research Station, University of Haifa, 3498838, Haifa, Israel.
- Department of Marine Biology, Leon H. Charney School of Marine Sciences, University of Haifa, 3498838, Haifa, Israel.
- Hong Kong Branch of Southern Marine Science and Engineering, Guangdong Laboratory (Guangzhou), Guangzhou, China.
| | - Nadav Davidovich
- Morris Kahn Marine Research Station, University of Haifa, 3498838, Haifa, Israel
- Department of Marine Biology, Leon H. Charney School of Marine Sciences, University of Haifa, 3498838, Haifa, Israel
- Israeli Veterinary Services, 20250, Bet Dagan, Israel
| | - Ziv Zemah-Shamir
- Morris Kahn Marine Research Station, University of Haifa, 3498838, Haifa, Israel
- Department of Marine Biology, Leon H. Charney School of Marine Sciences, University of Haifa, 3498838, Haifa, Israel
| | - Yael Kroin
- Morris Kahn Marine Research Station, University of Haifa, 3498838, Haifa, Israel
- Department of Marine Biology, Leon H. Charney School of Marine Sciences, University of Haifa, 3498838, Haifa, Israel
| | - Eyal Bigal
- Morris Kahn Marine Research Station, University of Haifa, 3498838, Haifa, Israel
- Department of Marine Biology, Leon H. Charney School of Marine Sciences, University of Haifa, 3498838, Haifa, Israel
| | - Eva Sierra
- Veterinary Histology and Pathology, Atlantic Center for Cetacean Research, University Institute of Animal Health and Food Safety (IUSA), Veterinary School, University of Las Palmas de Gran Canaria (ULPGC), Trasmontaña, s/n, 35413, Las Palmas, Spain
| | - Simone Segura-Göthlin
- Veterinary Histology and Pathology, Atlantic Center for Cetacean Research, University Institute of Animal Health and Food Safety (IUSA), Veterinary School, University of Las Palmas de Gran Canaria (ULPGC), Trasmontaña, s/n, 35413, Las Palmas, Spain
| | - Natascha Wosnick
- Programa de Pós-Graduação em Zoologia, Universidade Federal do Paraná, Curitiba, 81531-980, Brazil
| | - Rachel Ann Hauser-Davis
- Laboratório de Avaliação e Promoção da Saúde Ambiental, Instituto Oswaldo Cruz, Fundação Oswaldo Cruz, Av. Brasil, 4.365Manguinhos, Rio de Janeiro, 21040-360, Brazil
| | - Dan Tchernov
- Morris Kahn Marine Research Station, University of Haifa, 3498838, Haifa, Israel
- Department of Marine Biology, Leon H. Charney School of Marine Sciences, University of Haifa, 3498838, Haifa, Israel
- Hong Kong Branch of Southern Marine Science and Engineering, Guangdong Laboratory (Guangzhou), Guangzhou, China
| | - Aviad P Scheinin
- Morris Kahn Marine Research Station, University of Haifa, 3498838, Haifa, Israel
- Department of Marine Biology, Leon H. Charney School of Marine Sciences, University of Haifa, 3498838, Haifa, Israel
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3
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Morick D, Bachmann VM, Shemesh E, Botero-Anug AM, Zemach-Shamir Z, Aizenberg Z, Davidovich N, Goldberg DW, Kan G, Ofri R, Tchernov D, Levy Y. Case report: Blindness associated with Learedius learedi trematode infection in a green sea turtle, Chelonia mydas, of the northern Red Sea. Front Vet Sci 2023; 10:1258522. [PMID: 37841474 PMCID: PMC10570618 DOI: 10.3389/fvets.2023.1258522] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/14/2023] [Accepted: 08/29/2023] [Indexed: 10/17/2023] Open
Abstract
Spirorchiid blood flukes are widespread in sea turtles, causing disease and mortality in their populations, with high prevalence in several ocean basins. Besides being leading parasitic causes of sea turtle strandings in several parts of the world, these infectious agents can cause endocarditis, vasculitis, thrombosis, miliary egg granulomas, and aneurysms, which ultimately may compromise the survival of green sea turtles. More severe cases may also result in multifocal granulomatous meningitis or pneumonia, both of which can be fatal. Herein, we report the first case of severe trematode infection, Caused by Learedius learedi, in a green sea turtle in the northern Red Sea; this infection is associated with bilateral blindness. Necropsy revealed multiple granulomas with intralesional trematode eggs in the optic nerve, eyes, spleen, heart, and lungs. The parasite was identified as Learedius learedi through specific primers of the ribosomal genome and COI sequences obtained from GenBank. Altogether, these findings emphasize the importance of recognizing the systemic nature of this particular fluke infection to ultimately protect the lives of these marine animals and ensure the sustainability of these species in the wild.
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Affiliation(s)
- Danny Morick
- Morris Kahn Marine Research Station, University of Haifa, Haifa, Israel
- Department of Marine Biology, Leon H. Charney School of Marine Sciences, University of Haifa, Haifa, Israel
- Hong Kong Branch of Southern Marine Science and Engineering, Guangdong Laboratory (Guangzhou), Guangzhou, China
| | - Vanessa M. Bachmann
- Morris Kahn Marine Research Station, University of Haifa, Haifa, Israel
- Department of Marine Biology, Leon H. Charney School of Marine Sciences, University of Haifa, Haifa, Israel
| | - Eli Shemesh
- Morris Kahn Marine Research Station, University of Haifa, Haifa, Israel
- Department of Marine Biology, Leon H. Charney School of Marine Sciences, University of Haifa, Haifa, Israel
| | | | - Ziv Zemach-Shamir
- Morris Kahn Marine Research Station, University of Haifa, Haifa, Israel
- Department of Marine Biology, Leon H. Charney School of Marine Sciences, University of Haifa, Haifa, Israel
| | - Zahi Aizenberg
- Koret School of Veterinary Medicine, Hebrew University of Jerusalem, Rehovot, Israel
| | - Nadav Davidovich
- Department of Marine Biology, Leon H. Charney School of Marine Sciences, University of Haifa, Haifa, Israel
- Israeli Veterinary Services, Bet Dagan, Israel
| | | | - Gaston Kan
- Israeli National Nature and Parks Authority-Israel Sea Turtle Rescue Center, Jerusalem, Israel
| | - Ron Ofri
- Koret School of Veterinary Medicine, Hebrew University of Jerusalem, Rehovot, Israel
| | - Dan Tchernov
- Morris Kahn Marine Research Station, University of Haifa, Haifa, Israel
- Department of Marine Biology, Leon H. Charney School of Marine Sciences, University of Haifa, Haifa, Israel
- Hong Kong Branch of Southern Marine Science and Engineering, Guangdong Laboratory (Guangzhou), Guangzhou, China
| | - Yaniv Levy
- Morris Kahn Marine Research Station, University of Haifa, Haifa, Israel
- Department of Marine Biology, Leon H. Charney School of Marine Sciences, University of Haifa, Haifa, Israel
- Israeli National Nature and Parks Authority-Israel Sea Turtle Rescue Center, Jerusalem, Israel
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Wang C, Zheng X, Kvitt H, Sheng H, Sun D, Niu G, Tchernov D, Shi T. Lineage-specific symbionts mediate differential coral responses to thermal stress. Microbiome 2023; 11:211. [PMID: 37752514 PMCID: PMC10521517 DOI: 10.1186/s40168-023-01653-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/29/2022] [Accepted: 08/23/2023] [Indexed: 09/28/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Ocean warming is a leading cause of increasing episodes of coral bleaching, the dissociation between coral hosts and their dinoflagellate algal symbionts in the family Symbiodiniaceae. While the diversity and flexibility of Symbiodiniaceae is presumably responsible for variations in coral response to physical stressors such as elevated temperature, there is little data directly comparing physiological performance that accounts for symbiont identity associated with the same coral host species. Here, using Pocillopora damicornis harboring genotypically distinct Symbiodiniaceae strains, we examined the physiological responses of the coral holobiont and the dynamics of symbiont community change under thermal stress in a laboratory-controlled experiment. RESULTS We found that P. damicornis dominated with symbionts of metahaplotype D1-D4-D6 in the genus Durusdinium (i.e., PdD holobiont) was more robust to thermal stress than its counterpart with symbionts of metahaplotype C42-C1-C1b-C1c in the genus Cladocopium (i.e., PdC holobiont). Under ambient temperature, however, the thermally sensitive Cladocopium spp. exhibited higher photosynthetic efficiency and translocated more fixed carbon to the host, likely facilitating faster coral growth and calcification. Moreover, we observed a thermally induced increase in Durusdinium proportion in the PdC holobiont; however, this "symbiont shuffling" in the background was overwhelmed by the overall Cladocopium dominance, which coincided with faster coral bleaching and reduced calcification. CONCLUSIONS These findings support that lineage-specific symbiont dominance is a driver of distinct coral responses to thermal stress. In addition, we found that "symbiont shuffling" may begin with stress-forced, subtle changes in the rare biosphere to eventually trade off growth for increased resilience. Furthermore, the flexibility in corals' association with thermally tolerant symbiont lineages to adapt or acclimatize to future warming oceans should be viewed with conservative optimism as the current rate of environmental changes may outpace the evolutionary capabilities of corals. Video Abstract.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chenying Wang
- Key Laboratory of Marine Ecology Conservation and Restoration, Third Institute of Oceanography, Ministry of Natural Resources, Xiamen, 361005, China
- State Key Laboratory of Marine Environmental Science, College of Ocean and Earth Sciences, Xiamen University, Xiamen, 361102, China
| | - Xinqing Zheng
- Key Laboratory of Marine Ecology Conservation and Restoration, Third Institute of Oceanography, Ministry of Natural Resources, Xiamen, 361005, China.
- Observation and Research Station of Wetland Ecosystem in the Beibu Gulf, Ministry of Natural Resources, Beihai, 536015, China.
| | - Hagit Kvitt
- Marine Biology Department, The Leon H. Charney School of Marine Sciences, University of Haifa, 31905, Haifa, Israel
- Israel Oceanographic and Limnological Research, National Center for Mariculture, 88112, Eilat, Israel
| | - Huaxia Sheng
- State Key Laboratory of Marine Environmental Science, College of Ocean and Earth Sciences, Xiamen University, Xiamen, 361102, China
| | - Danye Sun
- State Key Laboratory of Marine Environmental Science, College of Ocean and Earth Sciences, Xiamen University, Xiamen, 361102, China
| | - Gaofeng Niu
- Marine Genomics and Biotechnology Program, Institute of Marine Science and Technology, Shandong University, Qingdao, 266237, China
| | - Dan Tchernov
- Marine Biology Department, The Leon H. Charney School of Marine Sciences, University of Haifa, 31905, Haifa, Israel.
| | - Tuo Shi
- State Key Laboratory of Marine Environmental Science, College of Ocean and Earth Sciences, Xiamen University, Xiamen, 361102, China.
- Marine Genomics and Biotechnology Program, Institute of Marine Science and Technology, Shandong University, Qingdao, 266237, China.
- Southern Marine Science and Engineering Guangdong Laboratory (Zhuhai), Guangzhou, 510000, China.
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Nativ H, Galili O, Almuly R, Einbinder S, Tchernov D, Mass T. New Record of Dendronephthya sp. (Family: Nephtheidae) from Mediterranean Israel: Evidence for Tropicalization? Biology (Basel) 2023; 12:1220. [PMID: 37759619 PMCID: PMC10525964 DOI: 10.3390/biology12091220] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/07/2023] [Revised: 08/27/2023] [Accepted: 09/05/2023] [Indexed: 09/29/2023]
Abstract
Bio-invasions have the potential to provoke cascade effects that can disrupt natural ecosystems and cause ecological regime shifts. The Mediterranean Sea is particularly prone to bio-invasions as the changing water conditions, evoked by climate change, are creating advantageous conditions for Lessepsian migrants from the Red Sea. Recently, in May 2023, a new alien species was documented in the Mediterranean Sea-a soft coral of the genus Dendronephthya. This discovery was made by divers conducting 'Long-Term Ecological Research' surveys, along the coast of Israel, at a depth of 42 m. Genetic and morphological testing suggest that the species identity may be Dendronepthya hemprichi, an Indo-Pacific coral, common in the Red Sea. According to life history traits of this species, such as accelerated attachment to available surfaces and fast growth, we expect it to rapidly expand its distribution and abundance across the Mediterranean Sea.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hagai Nativ
- Department of Marine Biology, The Leon H. Charney School of Marine Sciences, University of Haifa, Haifa 3103301, Israel; (H.N.); (R.A.); (S.E.); (D.T.)
- Morris Kahn Marine Research Station, The Leon H. Charney School of Marine Sciences, University of Haifa, Haifa 3780400, Israel;
| | - Ori Galili
- Morris Kahn Marine Research Station, The Leon H. Charney School of Marine Sciences, University of Haifa, Haifa 3780400, Israel;
| | - Ricardo Almuly
- Department of Marine Biology, The Leon H. Charney School of Marine Sciences, University of Haifa, Haifa 3103301, Israel; (H.N.); (R.A.); (S.E.); (D.T.)
| | - Shai Einbinder
- Department of Marine Biology, The Leon H. Charney School of Marine Sciences, University of Haifa, Haifa 3103301, Israel; (H.N.); (R.A.); (S.E.); (D.T.)
- Morris Kahn Marine Research Station, The Leon H. Charney School of Marine Sciences, University of Haifa, Haifa 3780400, Israel;
| | - Dan Tchernov
- Department of Marine Biology, The Leon H. Charney School of Marine Sciences, University of Haifa, Haifa 3103301, Israel; (H.N.); (R.A.); (S.E.); (D.T.)
- Morris Kahn Marine Research Station, The Leon H. Charney School of Marine Sciences, University of Haifa, Haifa 3780400, Israel;
| | - Tali Mass
- Department of Marine Biology, The Leon H. Charney School of Marine Sciences, University of Haifa, Haifa 3103301, Israel; (H.N.); (R.A.); (S.E.); (D.T.)
- Morris Kahn Marine Research Station, The Leon H. Charney School of Marine Sciences, University of Haifa, Haifa 3780400, Israel;
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Davidovich N, Makhon A, Zizelski Valenci G, Dveyrin Z, Yahav T, Pretto T, Tchernov D, Morick D. Identification of Mycobacterium pseudoshottsii in the Eastern Mediterranean. Microbiol Spectr 2023; 11:e0085623. [PMID: 37272844 PMCID: PMC10434243 DOI: 10.1128/spectrum.00856-23] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/27/2023] [Accepted: 05/18/2023] [Indexed: 06/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Among the numerous pathogenic nontuberculous mycobacteria (NTM), which may cause disease in both poikilothermic and homoeothermic organisms, members of the unique clade Mycobacterium ulcerans/Mycobacterium marinum (MuMC) may cause disease in both fish and humans. Here, we describe the emergence of Mycobacterium pseudoshottsii, one of the four MuMC members, in Israel. For many years, M. marinum was the dominant NTM that was diagnosed in Israel as a fish pathogen. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first isolation and genomic characterization of M. pseudoshottsii infecting edible fish from two different fish species farmed in offshore sea cages in the eastern Mediterranean as well as in a recirculating aquaculture system in Israel. We compared the M. pseudoshottsii whole-genome sequences to all available genomic sequences of MuMC in free, publicly accessible databases. IMPORTANCE Mycobacterium pseudoshottsii was first detected in 1997 in the USA, infecting wild striped bass (Morone saxatilis). Since then, several reports from different countries worldwide have shown its capacity to become established in new regions as well as its pathogenicity to saltwater and euryhaline finfish of different genera. Our phylogenetic analysis revealed that the Mycobacterium ulcerans/Mycobacterium marinum clade (MuMC) is divided into two main branches: one that includes M. marinum and M. pseudoshottsii, and the second, which includes other M. marinum isolates as well as two isolates of M. shottsii. Our results reinforce the proposition that the geographical distribution of M. pseudoshottsii is much more extensive than is commonly believed. The emergence of M. pseudoshottsii in different parts of the world and its pathogenic traits that affect finfish of different genera may be a cause for concern among fish farmers, researchers, and environmental organizations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nadav Davidovich
- Morris Kahn Marine Research Station, University of Haifa, Haifa, Israel
- Israeli Veterinary Services, Bet Dagan, Israel
| | - Andrei Makhon
- National Public Health Laboratory, Public Health Directorate, Ministry of Health, Tel Aviv, Israel
| | - Gal Zizelski Valenci
- National Public Health Laboratory, Public Health Directorate, Ministry of Health, Tel Aviv, Israel
| | - Zeev Dveyrin
- National Public Health Laboratory, Public Health Directorate, Ministry of Health, Tel Aviv, Israel
| | - Tal Yahav
- Bioinformatics Services Unit, University of Haifa, Haifa, Israel
| | - Tobia Pretto
- Istituto Zooprofilattico Sperimentale delle Venezie, Legnaro, Padua, Italy
| | - Dan Tchernov
- Morris Kahn Marine Research Station, University of Haifa, Haifa, Israel
| | - Danny Morick
- Morris Kahn Marine Research Station, University of Haifa, Haifa, Israel
- Hong Kong Branch of Southern Marine Science and Engineering Guangdong Laboratory (Guangzhou), Hong Kong, China
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Yuval M, Pearl N, Tchernov D, Martinez S, Loya Y, Bar-Massada A, Treibitz T. Assessment of storm impact on coral reef structural complexity. Sci Total Environ 2023:164493. [PMID: 37286001 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2023.164493] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/18/2023] [Revised: 05/03/2023] [Accepted: 05/24/2023] [Indexed: 06/09/2023]
Abstract
Extreme weather events are increasing in frequency and magnitude. Consequently, it is important to understand their effects and remediation. Resilience reflects the ability of an ecosystem to absorb change, which is important for understanding ecological dynamics and trajectories. To describe the impact of a powerful storm on coral reef structural complexity, we used novel computational tools and detailed 3D reconstructions captured at three time points over three years. Our data-set Reefs4D of 21 co-registered image-based models enabled us to calculate the differences at seven sites over time and is released with the paper. We employed six geometrical metrics, two of which are new algorithms for calculating fractal dimension of reefs in full 3D. We conducted a multivariate analysis to reveal which sites were affected the most and their relative recovery. We also explored the changes in fractal dimension per size category using our cube-counting algorithm. Three metrics showed a significant difference between time points, i.e., decline and subsequent recovery in structural complexity. The multivariate analysis and the results per size category showed a similar trend. Coral reef resilience has been the subject of seminal studies in ecology. We add important information to the discussion by focusing on 3D structure through image-based modeling. The full picture shows resilience in structural complexity, suggesting that the reef has not gone through a catastrophic phase shift. Our novel analysis framework is widely transferable and useful for research, monitoring, and management.
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Affiliation(s)
- Matan Yuval
- Marine Imaging Lab, Hatter Department of Marine Technologies, University of Haifa, Haifa 3498838, Israel; Department of Marine Biology, University of Haifa, Haifa 3498838, Israel; The Interuniversity Institute for Marine Sciences of Eilat, Eilat 8810302, Israel.
| | - Naama Pearl
- Marine Imaging Lab, Hatter Department of Marine Technologies, University of Haifa, Haifa 3498838, Israel
| | - Dan Tchernov
- Department of Marine Biology, University of Haifa, Haifa 3498838, Israel
| | - Stephane Martinez
- Department of Marine Biology, University of Haifa, Haifa 3498838, Israel
| | - Yossi Loya
- School of Zoology, Tel-Aviv University, Tel Aviv 6997801, Israel
| | - Avi Bar-Massada
- Department of Biology and Environment, University of Haifa at Oranim, Kiryat Tivon 36006, Israel
| | - Tali Treibitz
- Marine Imaging Lab, Hatter Department of Marine Technologies, University of Haifa, Haifa 3498838, Israel
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Starostinetsky-Malonek T, Scheinin A, Aroch I, Davidovich N, Bigal E, Livne L, Hauser-Davis RA, Wosnick N, Tchernov D, Morick D. First report on the serum chemistry and haematology of free-ranging dusky ( Carcharhinus obscurus) and sandbar ( Carcharhinus plumbeus) sharks in the eastern Mediterranean Sea. Conserv Physiol 2023; 11:coad037. [PMID: 37266517 PMCID: PMC10230282 DOI: 10.1093/conphys/coad037] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/05/2023] [Revised: 04/30/2023] [Accepted: 05/28/2023] [Indexed: 06/03/2023]
Abstract
Shark assessments in the Mediterranean Sea are still scarce, and serum chemistry and haematological data have yet to be reported for wild dusky (Carcharhinus obscurus) or sandbar (Carcharhinus plumbeus) shark populations in the Mediterranean Sea. Herein, blood samples were obtained from adult dusky (n = 23) and sandbar (n = 14) sharks from an aggregation site near the Hadera power and desalination plants in Israel in the winters of 2016-20. Several serum chemistry analytes were characterized with relation to stress, body size and environmental conditions. Glucose concentrations were higher, while total cholesterol concentrations were lower in dusky sharks than in sandbar sharks, potentially due to distinct metabolic pathways utilized during the capture-related activity by both species. However, differences in sex and size are noted and should be considered. The blood cell morphology of both species was consistent with previous findings for sandbar sharks. Atypical monocytes were noted in one dusky shark. Preliminary and exploratory reference intervals for female dusky sharks were calculated for glucose, triglycerides, total cholesterol, total protein and creatine kinase. These data must be viewed with caution due to the potential influence of capture-related stress on analyte concentrations and activities and the fact that only females were employed in the calculations. Moreover, the sampling site is adjacent to coastal power and desalination plants, which may significantly affect shark physiology. Although limited, this novel database on dusky and sandbar shark serum chemistry and haematology aspects is essential as a first attempt to obtain data on these species in the eastern Mediterranean Sea and for future conservation and long-term biomonitoring efforts.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Itamar Aroch
- School of Veterinary Medicine, Hebrew University of Jerusalem, PO Box 12, Rehovot 7610001, Israel
| | - Nadav Davidovich
- Morris Kahn Marine Research Station, Leon H Charney School of Marine Sciences, University of Haifa, Sdot Yam 3780400, Israel
- Israeli Veterinary Services, Bet Dagan 5025001, Israel
| | - Eyal Bigal
- Morris Kahn Marine Research Station, Leon H Charney School of Marine Sciences, University of Haifa, Sdot Yam 3780400, Israel
| | - Leigh Livne
- Morris Kahn Marine Research Station, Leon H Charney School of Marine Sciences, University of Haifa, Sdot Yam 3780400, Israel
| | - Rachel Ann Hauser-Davis
- Laboratório de Avaliação e Promoção da Saúde Ambiental, Instituto Oswaldo Cruz, Fundação Oswaldo Cruz, Av. Brasil, 4.365, Manguinhos, Rio de Janeiro 21040-360, Brazil
| | - Natascha Wosnick
- Programa de Pós-Graduação em Zoologia, Universidade Federal do Paraná, Caixa Postal 19031, Curitiba, Paraná 81531-980, Brazil
| | - Dan Tchernov
- Morris Kahn Marine Research Station, Leon H Charney School of Marine Sciences, University of Haifa, Sdot Yam 3780400, Israel
| | - Danny Morick
- Corresponding author: Morris Kahn Marine Research Station, Leon H Charney School of Marine Sciences, University of Haifa, Sdot Yam 3780400, Israel.
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Zvi-Kedem T, Vintila S, Kleiner M, Tchernov D, Rubin-Blum M. Metabolic handoffs between multiple symbionts may benefit the deep-sea bathymodioline mussels. ISME Commun 2023; 3:48. [PMID: 37210404 PMCID: PMC10199937 DOI: 10.1038/s43705-023-00254-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/18/2023] [Revised: 04/25/2023] [Accepted: 05/11/2023] [Indexed: 05/22/2023]
Abstract
Bathymodioline mussels rely on thiotrophic and/or methanotrophic chemosynthetic symbionts for nutrition, yet, secondary heterotrophic symbionts are often present and play an unknown role in the fitness of the organism. The bathymodioline Idas mussels that thrive in gas seeps and on sunken wood in the Mediterranean Sea and the Atlantic Ocean, host at least six symbiont lineages that often co-occur. These lineages include the primary symbionts chemosynthetic methane- and sulfur-oxidizing gammaproteobacteria, and the secondary symbionts, Methylophagaceae, Nitrincolaceae and Flavobacteriaceae, whose physiology and metabolism are obscure. Little is known about if and how these symbionts interact or exchange metabolites. Here we curated metagenome-assembled genomes of Idas modiolaeformis symbionts and used genome-centered metatranscriptomics and metaproteomics to assess key symbiont functions. The Methylophagaceae symbiont is a methylotrophic autotroph, as it encoded and expressed the ribulose monophosphate and Calvin-Benson-Bassham cycle enzymes, particularly RuBisCO. The Nitrincolaceae ASP10-02a symbiont likely fuels its metabolism with nitrogen-rich macromolecules and may provide the holobiont with vitamin B12. The Urechidicola (Flavobacteriaceae) symbionts likely degrade glycans and may remove NO. Our findings indicate that these flexible associations allow for expanding the range of substrates and environmental niches, via new metabolic functions and handoffs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tal Zvi-Kedem
- Biology Department, National Institute of Oceanography, Israel Oceanographic and Limnological Research (IOLR), Haifa, 3108000, Israel
- Morris Kahn Marine Research Station, Department of Marine Biology, Leon H. Charney School of Marine Sciences, University of Haifa, Haifa, 3498838, Israel
| | - Simina Vintila
- Department of Plant and Microbial Biology, North Carolina State University, Raleigh, NC, 27695, USA
| | - Manuel Kleiner
- Department of Plant and Microbial Biology, North Carolina State University, Raleigh, NC, 27695, USA
| | - Dan Tchernov
- Morris Kahn Marine Research Station, Department of Marine Biology, Leon H. Charney School of Marine Sciences, University of Haifa, Haifa, 3498838, Israel
| | - Maxim Rubin-Blum
- Biology Department, National Institute of Oceanography, Israel Oceanographic and Limnological Research (IOLR), Haifa, 3108000, Israel.
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10
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Zuriel YE, Levi Avshalom N, van Rijn I, Livne L, Galili O, Tchernov D, Scheinin AP, Kerem D. Multi-year passive acoustic monitoring of coastal dolphins along the Israeli Mediterranean shallow shelf reveals the impact of marine fish farms and trawling patterns on their habitat utilization. Mar Environ Res 2023; 188:106014. [PMID: 37148717 DOI: 10.1016/j.marenvres.2023.106014] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/16/2023] [Revised: 04/25/2023] [Accepted: 04/29/2023] [Indexed: 05/08/2023]
Abstract
Dolphin preference and usage of various habitats along the Israeli shallow coastal shelf were investigated between 2019 and 2021 with passive acoustic monitoring devices. A hurdle model was used to examine the dolphins' visiting probability (chance of detection) and visit duration (length of stay once detected) across habitats, with diel cycle and season as explanatory variables. The influence of spatiotemporal prohibitions placed on trawler activity was also examined. It was found that dolphins exhibited higher presence in the vicinity of fish farms, up to three orders of magnitude, and even more so during periods when trawler activity was halted. The study also found a higher presence during the winter season and nighttime. Modeling did not find significant differences in the visiting probability or the visit duration between any non-farm-associated sites, including areas where trawling is prohibited. Further restrictions on the fishing industry may induce recovery of the benthic ecosystem and lower competition for resources, thus promoting higher dolphin presence in natural habitats along the shelf.
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Affiliation(s)
- Y E Zuriel
- Morris Kahn Marine Research Station, Department of Marine Biology, Leon H. Charney School of Marine Sciences, University of Haifa, Haifa, Israel.
| | - N Levi Avshalom
- Morris Kahn Marine Research Station, Department of Marine Biology, Leon H. Charney School of Marine Sciences, University of Haifa, Haifa, Israel
| | - I van Rijn
- Morris Kahn Marine Research Station, Department of Marine Biology, Leon H. Charney School of Marine Sciences, University of Haifa, Haifa, Israel
| | - L Livne
- Morris Kahn Marine Research Station, Department of Marine Biology, Leon H. Charney School of Marine Sciences, University of Haifa, Haifa, Israel
| | - O Galili
- Morris Kahn Marine Research Station, Department of Marine Biology, Leon H. Charney School of Marine Sciences, University of Haifa, Haifa, Israel
| | - D Tchernov
- Morris Kahn Marine Research Station, Department of Marine Biology, Leon H. Charney School of Marine Sciences, University of Haifa, Haifa, Israel
| | - A P Scheinin
- Morris Kahn Marine Research Station, Department of Marine Biology, Leon H. Charney School of Marine Sciences, University of Haifa, Haifa, Israel
| | - D Kerem
- Morris Kahn Marine Research Station, Department of Marine Biology, Leon H. Charney School of Marine Sciences, University of Haifa, Haifa, Israel
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11
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Lalzar M, Zvi-Kedem T, Kroin Y, Martinez S, Tchernov D, Meron D. Sediment Microbiota as a Proxy of Environmental Health: Discovering Inter- and Intrakingdom Dynamics along the Eastern Mediterranean Continental Shelf. Microbiol Spectr 2023; 11:e0224222. [PMID: 36645271 PMCID: PMC9927165 DOI: 10.1128/spectrum.02242-22] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/17/2023] Open
Abstract
Sedimentary marine habitats are the largest ecosystem on our planet in terms of area. Marine sediment microbiota govern most of the benthic biological processes and therefore are responsible for much of the global biogeochemical activity. Sediment microbiota respond, even rapidly, to natural change in environmental conditions as well as disturbances of anthropogenic sources. The latter greatly impact the continental shelf. Characterization and monitoring of the sediment microbiota may serve as an important tool for assessing environmental health and indicate changes in the marine ecosystem. This study examined the suitability of marine sediment microbiota as a bioindicator for environmental health in the eastern Mediterranean Sea. Integration of information from Bacteria, Archaea, and Eukaryota enabled robust assessment of environmental factors controlling sediment microbiota composition: seafloor-depth (here representing sediment grain size and total organic carbon), core depth, and season (11%, 4.2%, and 2.5% of the variance, respectively). Furthermore, inter- and intrakingdom cooccurrence patterns indicate that ecological filtration as well as stochastic processes may control sediment microbiota assembly. The results show that the sediment microbiota was robust over 3 years of sampling, in terms of both representation of region (outside the model sites) and robustness of microbial markers. Furthermore, anthropogenic disturbance was reflected by significant transformations in sediment microbiota. We therefore propose sediment microbiota analysis as a sensitive approach to detect disturbances, which is applicable for long-term monitoring of marine environmental health. IMPORTANCE Analysis of data, curated over 3 years of sediment sampling, improves our understanding of microbiota assembly in marine sediment. Furthermore, we demonstrate the importance of cross-kingdom integration of information in the study of microbial community ecology. Finally, the urgent need to propose an applicable approach for environmental health monitoring is addressed here by establishment of sediment microbiota as a robust and sensitive model.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maya Lalzar
- Bioinformatics Services Unit, University of Haifa, Haifa, Israel
| | - Tal Zvi-Kedem
- Morris Kahn Marine Research Station, Faculty of Marine Biology, Leon H. Charney School of Marine Sciences, University of Haifa, Haifa, Israel
| | - Yael Kroin
- Morris Kahn Marine Research Station, Faculty of Marine Biology, Leon H. Charney School of Marine Sciences, University of Haifa, Haifa, Israel
| | - Stephane Martinez
- Morris Kahn Marine Research Station, Faculty of Marine Biology, Leon H. Charney School of Marine Sciences, University of Haifa, Haifa, Israel
| | - Dan Tchernov
- Morris Kahn Marine Research Station, Faculty of Marine Biology, Leon H. Charney School of Marine Sciences, University of Haifa, Haifa, Israel
| | - Dalit Meron
- Morris Kahn Marine Research Station, Faculty of Marine Biology, Leon H. Charney School of Marine Sciences, University of Haifa, Haifa, Israel
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12
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Bregman G, Lalzar M, Livne L, Bigal E, Zemah-Shamir Z, Morick D, Tchernov D, Scheinin A, Meron D. Preliminary study of shark microbiota at a unique mix-species shark aggregation site, in the Eastern Mediterranean Sea. Front Microbiol 2023; 14:1027804. [PMID: 36910211 PMCID: PMC9996248 DOI: 10.3389/fmicb.2023.1027804] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/25/2022] [Accepted: 01/16/2023] [Indexed: 02/25/2023] Open
Abstract
Sharks, as apex predators, play an essential ecological role in shaping the marine food web and maintaining healthy and balanced marine ecosystems. Sharks are sensitive to environmental changes and anthropogenic pressure and demonstrate a clear and rapid response. This designates them a "keystone" or "sentinel" group that may describe the structure and function of the ecosystem. As a meta-organism, sharks offer selective niches (organs) for microorganisms that can provide benefits for their hosts. However, changes in the microbiota (due to physiological or environmental changes) can turn the symbiosis into a dysbiosis and may affect the physiology, immunity and ecology of the host. Although the importance of sharks within the ecosystem is well known, relatively few studies have focused on the microbiome aspect, especially with long-term sampling. Our study was conducted at a site of coastal development in Israel where a mixed-species shark aggregation (November-May) is observed. The aggregation includes two shark species, the dusky (Carcharhinus obscurus) and sandbar (Carcharhinus plumbeus) which segregate by sex (females and males, respectively). In order to characterize the bacterial profile and examine the physiological and ecological aspects, microbiome samples were collected from different organs (gills, skin, and cloaca) from both shark species over 3 years (sampling seasons: 2019, 2020, and 2021). The bacterial composition was significantly different between the shark individuals and the surrounding seawater and between the shark species. Additionally, differences were apparent between all the organs and the seawater, and between the skin and gills. The most dominant groups for both shark species were Flavobacteriaceae, Moraxellaceae, and Rhodobacteraceae. However, specific microbial biomarkers were also identified for each shark. An unexpected difference in the microbiome profile and diversity between the 2019-2020 and 2021 sampling seasons, revealed an increase in the potential pathogen Streptococcus. The fluctuations in the relative abundance of Streptococcus between the months of the third sampling season were also reflected in the seawater. Our study provides initial information on shark microbiome in the Eastern Mediterranean Sea. In addition, we demonstrated that these methods were also able to describe environmental episodes and the microbiome is a robust measure for long-term ecological research.
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Affiliation(s)
- Goni Bregman
- Morris Kahn Marine Research Station, Department of Marine Biology, Leon H. Charney School of Marine Sciences, University of Haifa, Haifa, Israel
| | - Maya Lalzar
- Bioinformatics Services Unit, University of Haifa, Haifa, Israel
| | - Leigh Livne
- Morris Kahn Marine Research Station, Department of Marine Biology, Leon H. Charney School of Marine Sciences, University of Haifa, Haifa, Israel
| | - Eyal Bigal
- Morris Kahn Marine Research Station, Department of Marine Biology, Leon H. Charney School of Marine Sciences, University of Haifa, Haifa, Israel
| | - Ziv Zemah-Shamir
- Morris Kahn Marine Research Station, Department of Marine Biology, Leon H. Charney School of Marine Sciences, University of Haifa, Haifa, Israel
| | - Danny Morick
- Morris Kahn Marine Research Station, Department of Marine Biology, Leon H. Charney School of Marine Sciences, University of Haifa, Haifa, Israel
| | - Dan Tchernov
- Morris Kahn Marine Research Station, Department of Marine Biology, Leon H. Charney School of Marine Sciences, University of Haifa, Haifa, Israel
| | - Aviad Scheinin
- Morris Kahn Marine Research Station, Department of Marine Biology, Leon H. Charney School of Marine Sciences, University of Haifa, Haifa, Israel
| | - Dalit Meron
- Morris Kahn Marine Research Station, Department of Marine Biology, Leon H. Charney School of Marine Sciences, University of Haifa, Haifa, Israel
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13
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Morick D, Blum SE, Davidovich N, Zemah-Shamir Z, Bigal E, Itay P, Rokney A, Nasie I, Feldman N, Flecker M, Roditi-Elasar M, Aharoni K, Zuriel Y, Wosnick N, Tchernov D, Scheinin AP. Photobacterium damselae subspecies damselae Pneumonia in Dead, Stranded Bottlenose Dolphin, Eastern Mediterranean Sea. Emerg Infect Dis 2023; 29:179-183. [PMID: 36573620 PMCID: PMC9796189 DOI: 10.3201/eid2901.221345] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/29/2022] Open
Abstract
Photobacterium damselae subspecies damselae, an abundant, generalist marine pathogen, has been reported in various cetaceans worldwide. We report a bottlenose dolphin in the eastern Mediterranean Sea that was found stranded and dead. The dolphin had a severe case of chronic suppurative pneumonia and splenic lymphoid depletion caused by this pathogen.
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14
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Andreas J, Beguš G, Bronstein MM, Diamant R, Delaney D, Gero S, Goldwasser S, Gruber DF, de Haas S, Malkin P, Pavlov N, Payne R, Petri G, Rus D, Sharma P, Tchernov D, Tønnesen P, Torralba A, Vogt D, Wood RJ. Toward understanding the communication in sperm whales. iScience 2022; 25:104393. [PMID: 35663036 PMCID: PMC9160774 DOI: 10.1016/j.isci.2022.104393] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/01/2022] Open
Abstract
Machine learning has been advancing dramatically over the past decade. Most strides are human-based applications due to the availability of large-scale datasets; however, opportunities are ripe to apply this technology to more deeply understand non-human communication. We detail a scientific roadmap for advancing the understanding of communication of whales that can be built further upon as a template to decipher other forms of animal and non-human communication. Sperm whales, with their highly developed neuroanatomical features, cognitive abilities, social structures, and discrete click-based encoding make for an excellent model for advanced tools that can be applied to other animals in the future. We outline the key elements required for the collection and processing of massive datasets, detecting basic communication units and language-like higher-level structures, and validating models through interactive playback experiments. The technological capabilities developed by such an undertaking hold potential for cross-applications in broader communities investigating non-human communication and behavioral research.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jacob Andreas
- MIT CSAIL, Cambridge, MA, USA
- Project CETI, New York, NY, USA
| | - Gašper Beguš
- Department of Linguistics, University of California, Berkeley, CA, USA
- Project CETI, New York, NY, USA
| | - Michael M. Bronstein
- Department of Computer Science, University of Oxford, Oxford, UK
- IDSIA, University of Lugano, Lugano, Switzerland
- Twitter, London, UK
- Project CETI, New York, NY, USA
| | - Roee Diamant
- Leon H. Charney School of Marine Sciences, University of Haifa, Haifa, Israel
- Project CETI, New York, NY, USA
| | - Denley Delaney
- Exploration Technology Lab, National Geographic Society, Washington DC, USA
- Project CETI, New York, NY, USA
| | - Shane Gero
- Dominica Sperm Whale Project, Roseau, Commonwealth of Dominica
- Department of Biology, Carleton University, Ottawa, ON, Canada
- Project CETI, New York, NY, USA
| | - Shafi Goldwasser
- Simons Institute for the Theory of Computing, University of California, Berkeley, CA, USA
| | - David F. Gruber
- Department of Natural Sciences, Baruch College and The Graduate Center, PhD Program in Biology, City University of New York, New York, NY, USA
- Project CETI, New York, NY, USA
| | - Sarah de Haas
- Google Research, Mountain View, CA USA
- Project CETI, New York, NY, USA
| | - Peter Malkin
- Google Research, Mountain View, CA USA
- Project CETI, New York, NY, USA
| | | | | | - Giovanni Petri
- ISI Foundation, Turin, Italy
- Project CETI, New York, NY, USA
| | - Daniela Rus
- MIT CSAIL, Cambridge, MA, USA
- Project CETI, New York, NY, USA
| | | | - Dan Tchernov
- Leon H. Charney School of Marine Sciences, University of Haifa, Haifa, Israel
- Project CETI, New York, NY, USA
| | - Pernille Tønnesen
- Marine Bioacoustics Lab, Zoophysiology, Department of Biology, Aarhus University, Aarhus, Denmark
- Project CETI, New York, NY, USA
| | | | - Daniel Vogt
- School of Engineering and Applied Sciences, Harvard University, Cambridge, MA, USA
- Project CETI, New York, NY, USA
| | - Robert J. Wood
- School of Engineering and Applied Sciences, Harvard University, Cambridge, MA, USA
- Project CETI, New York, NY, USA
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15
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Tadmor Y, Raz A, Reikin-Barak S, Ambastha V, Shemesh E, Leshem Y, Crane O, Stern RA, Goldway M, Tchernov D, Liran O. Metamitron, a Photosynthetic Electron Transport Chain Inhibitor, Modulates the Photoprotective Mechanism of Apple Trees. Plants (Basel) 2021; 10:plants10122803. [PMID: 34961274 PMCID: PMC8707989 DOI: 10.3390/plants10122803] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/18/2021] [Revised: 12/14/2021] [Accepted: 12/15/2021] [Indexed: 05/17/2023]
Abstract
Chemical thinning of apple fruitlets is an important practice as it reduces the natural fruit load and, therefore, increases the size of the final fruit for commercial markets. In apples, one chemical thinner used is Metamitron, which is sold as the commercial product Brevis® (Adama, Ashdod, Israel). This thinner inhibits the electron transfer between Photosystem II and Quinone-b within light reactions of photosynthesis. In this study, we investigated the responses of two apple cultivars-Golden Delicious and Top Red-and photosynthetic light reactions after administration of Brevis®. The analysis revealed that the presence of the inhibitor affects both cultivars' energetic status. The kinetics of the photoprotective mechanism's sub-processes are attenuated in both cultivars, but this seems more severe in the Top Red cultivar. State transitions of the antenna and Photosystem II repair cycle are decreased substantially when the Metamitron concentration is above 0.6% in the Top Red cultivar but not in the Golden Delicious cultivar. These attenuations result from a biased absorbed energy distribution between photochemistry and photoprotection pathways in the two cultivars. We suggest that Metamitron inadvertently interacts with photoprotective mechanism-related enzymes in chloroplasts of apple tree leaves. Specifically, we hypothesize that it may interact with the kinases responsible for the induction of state transitions and the Photosystem II repair cycle.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yuval Tadmor
- Group of Agrophysics Studies, MIGAL—Galilee Research Institute, Kiryat Shemona, Upper Galilee 11016, Israel;
| | - Amir Raz
- Group of Molecular Genetics in Agriculture, MIGAL—Galilee Research Institute, Kiryat Shemona, Upper Galilee 11016, Israel; (A.R.); (M.G.)
- Faculty of Sciences and Technology, Tel-Hai Academic College, Kiryat-Shemona, Upper Galilee 12208, Israel; (Y.L.); (R.A.S.)
| | - Shira Reikin-Barak
- Northern R&D, Kiryat Shemona, Upper Galilee 11016, Israel; (S.R.-B.); (O.C.)
| | - Vivek Ambastha
- Group of Plant Development and Adaptation, MIGAL—Galilee Research Institute, Kiryat Shemona, Upper Galilee 11016, Israel;
| | - Eli Shemesh
- Morris Kahn Marine Research Station, Department of Marine Biology, Leon H. Charney School of Marine Sciences, University of Haifa, Mt. Carmel, Haifa 3498838, Israel; (E.S.); (D.T.)
| | - Yehoram Leshem
- Faculty of Sciences and Technology, Tel-Hai Academic College, Kiryat-Shemona, Upper Galilee 12208, Israel; (Y.L.); (R.A.S.)
- Group of Plant Development and Adaptation, MIGAL—Galilee Research Institute, Kiryat Shemona, Upper Galilee 11016, Israel;
| | - Omer Crane
- Northern R&D, Kiryat Shemona, Upper Galilee 11016, Israel; (S.R.-B.); (O.C.)
| | - Raphael A. Stern
- Faculty of Sciences and Technology, Tel-Hai Academic College, Kiryat-Shemona, Upper Galilee 12208, Israel; (Y.L.); (R.A.S.)
- Northern R&D, Kiryat Shemona, Upper Galilee 11016, Israel; (S.R.-B.); (O.C.)
| | - Martin Goldway
- Group of Molecular Genetics in Agriculture, MIGAL—Galilee Research Institute, Kiryat Shemona, Upper Galilee 11016, Israel; (A.R.); (M.G.)
- Faculty of Sciences and Technology, Tel-Hai Academic College, Kiryat-Shemona, Upper Galilee 12208, Israel; (Y.L.); (R.A.S.)
| | - Dan Tchernov
- Morris Kahn Marine Research Station, Department of Marine Biology, Leon H. Charney School of Marine Sciences, University of Haifa, Mt. Carmel, Haifa 3498838, Israel; (E.S.); (D.T.)
| | - Oded Liran
- Group of Agrophysics Studies, MIGAL—Galilee Research Institute, Kiryat Shemona, Upper Galilee 11016, Israel;
- Morris Kahn Marine Research Station, Department of Marine Biology, Leon H. Charney School of Marine Sciences, University of Haifa, Mt. Carmel, Haifa 3498838, Israel; (E.S.); (D.T.)
- Correspondence:
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16
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Zvi-Kedem T, Shemesh E, Tchernov D, Rubin-Blum M. The worm affair: fidelity and environmental adaptation in symbiont species that co-occur in vestimentiferan tubeworms. Environ Microbiol Rep 2021; 13:744-752. [PMID: 34374209 DOI: 10.1111/1758-2229.12994] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/02/2021] [Revised: 06/20/2021] [Accepted: 07/19/2021] [Indexed: 06/13/2023]
Abstract
The symbioses between the vestimentiferan tubeworms and their chemosynthetic partners (Gammaproteobacteria, Chromatiales and Sedimenticolaceae) hallmark the success of these organisms in hydrothermal vent and hydrocarbon seep deep-sea habitats. The fidelity of these associations varies, as both the hosts and the symbionts can be loose in partner choice. Some tubeworms may host distinct symbiont phylotypes, which often co-occur in a single host individual. To better understand the genetic basis for the promiscuity of tubeworm symbioses, we assembled and investigated metagenome-assembled genomes of two symbiont phylotypes (species, based on the average nucleotide identity < 95%) in Lamellibrachia anaximandri, a vestimentiferan endemic to the Mediterranean Sea, in individuals collected from Palinuro hydrothermal vents (Italy) and hydrocarbon seeps (Eratosthenes seamount and Palmahim disturbance). Using comparative genomics, we show that mainly mobilome and genes involved in defence mechanisms distinguish the symbiont genotypes. While many central metabolic functions are conserved in the tubeworm symbionts, nitrate respiration (Nar, Nap and Nas proteins) is modular, yet this modularity is not linked to phylotype, but rather to geographic location, potentially implying adaptation to the local environment. Our results hint that variation in a single moonlighting protein may be responsible for the fidelity of these symbioses.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tal Zvi-Kedem
- Morris Kahn Marine Research Station, Department of Marine Biology, Leon H. Charney School of Marine Sciences, University of Haifa, Haifa, 3498838, Israel
| | - Eli Shemesh
- Morris Kahn Marine Research Station, Department of Marine Biology, Leon H. Charney School of Marine Sciences, University of Haifa, Haifa, 3498838, Israel
| | - Dan Tchernov
- Morris Kahn Marine Research Station, Department of Marine Biology, Leon H. Charney School of Marine Sciences, University of Haifa, Haifa, 3498838, Israel
| | - Maxim Rubin-Blum
- Israel Oceanographic and Limnological Research, Haifa, 3108000, Israel
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17
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Mizrahi GA, Shemesh E, Mizrachi A, Tchernov D. Comparative genetics of scyphozoan species reveals the geological history and contemporary processes of the Mediterranean Sea. Ecol Evol 2021; 11:10303-10319. [PMID: 34367576 PMCID: PMC8328420 DOI: 10.1002/ece3.7834] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/19/2021] [Revised: 06/05/2021] [Accepted: 06/07/2021] [Indexed: 11/08/2022] Open
Abstract
Jellyfish are useful genetic indicators for aquatic ecosystems as they have limited mobility and are highly exposed to the water column. By using comparative genomics and the molecular clock (timetree) of Rhizostoma pulmo, we revealed a divergence point between the East and West Mediterranean Sea (MS) populations that occurred 4.59 million years ago (mya). It is suggested that the two distinct ecological environments we know today were formed at this time. We propose that before this divergence, the highly mixed Atlantic and Mediterranean waters led to the wide dispersal of different species including R. pulmo. At 4.59 mya, the Western and Eastern MS were formed, indicating the possibility of a dramatic environmental event. For the first time, we find that for the jellyfish we examined, the division of the MS in east and west is not at the Straits of Sicily as generally thought, but significantly to the east. Using genomics of the Aurelia species, we examined contemporary anthropogenic impacts with a focus on migration of scyphozoa across the Suez Canal (Lessepsian migration). Aurelia sp. is among the few scyphozoa we find in both the MS and the Red Sea, but our DNA analysis revealed that the Red Sea Aurelia sp. did not migrate or mix with MS species. Phyllorhiza punctata results showed that this species was only recently introduced to the MS as a result of anthropogenic transportation activity, such as ballast water discharge, and revealed a migration vector from Australia to the MS. Our findings demonstrate that jellyfish genomes can be used as a phylogeographic molecular tool to trace past events across large temporal scales and reveal invasive species introduction due to human activity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gur A. Mizrahi
- Department of Marine BiologyThe Leon H. Charney School of Marine SciencesUniversity of HaifaHaifaIsrael
- Morris Kahn Marine Research StationEnvironmental Geochemistry Lab.Leon H. Charney School of Marine SciencesHaifa UniversityHaifaIsrael
| | - Eli Shemesh
- Department of Marine BiologyThe Leon H. Charney School of Marine SciencesUniversity of HaifaHaifaIsrael
- Morris Kahn Marine Research StationEnvironmental Geochemistry Lab.Leon H. Charney School of Marine SciencesHaifa UniversityHaifaIsrael
| | - Avia Mizrachi
- Plant and Environmental Sciences DepartmentWeizmann Institute of ScienceRehovotIsrael
| | - Dan Tchernov
- Department of Marine BiologyThe Leon H. Charney School of Marine SciencesUniversity of HaifaHaifaIsrael
- Morris Kahn Marine Research StationEnvironmental Geochemistry Lab.Leon H. Charney School of Marine SciencesHaifa UniversityHaifaIsrael
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18
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Gefen-Treves S, Bartholomäus A, Horn F, Zaborowski AB, Tchernov D, Wagner D, Oren A, Kaplan A. The Microbiome Associated with the Reef Builder Neogoniolithon sp. in the Eastern Mediterranean. Microorganisms 2021; 9:microorganisms9071374. [PMID: 34202696 PMCID: PMC8306765 DOI: 10.3390/microorganisms9071374] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/02/2021] [Revised: 06/15/2021] [Accepted: 06/17/2021] [Indexed: 01/04/2023] Open
Abstract
The development of coastal vermetid reefs and rocky shores depends on the activity of several reef builders, including red crustose coralline algae (CCA) such as Neogoniolithon sp. To initiate studies on the interaction between Neogoniolithon sp. and its associated bacteria, and their impact on the algae physiological performance, we characterized the bacterial community by 16S rRNA gene sequencing. These were extracted from the algal tissue and adjacent waters along two sampling campaigns (during winter and spring), in three study regions along a reef in the east Mediterranean Israeli coast and from laboratory-grown algae. The analysis revealed that aquaria and field communities differ substantially, suggesting that future research on Neogoniolithon sp. interaction with its microbiome must rest on aquaria that closely simulate coastal conditions. Some prokaryote classes found associated with the alga tissue were hardly detected or absent from surrounding water. Further, bacterial populations differed between sampling campaigns. One example is the presence of anaerobic bacteria and archaea families in one of the campaigns, correlating with the weaker turbulence in the spring season, probably leading to the development of local anoxic conditions. A better understanding of reef-building activity of CCA and their associated bacteria is necessary for assessment of their resilience to climate change and may support coastal preservation efforts.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shany Gefen-Treves
- Department of Plant and Environmental Sciences, Edmond J. Safra Campus, The Hebrew University of Jerusalem, Givat Ram, Jerusalem 9190401, Israel; (S.G.-T.); (A.O.)
- GFZ German Research Centre for Geosciences, Section Geomicrobiology, 14473 Potsdam, Germany; (A.B.); (F.H.); (D.W.)
| | - Alexander Bartholomäus
- GFZ German Research Centre for Geosciences, Section Geomicrobiology, 14473 Potsdam, Germany; (A.B.); (F.H.); (D.W.)
| | - Fabian Horn
- GFZ German Research Centre for Geosciences, Section Geomicrobiology, 14473 Potsdam, Germany; (A.B.); (F.H.); (D.W.)
| | - Adam Boleslaw Zaborowski
- Bioinformatics Group, Max Planck Institute for Molecular Plant Physiology, 14476 Potsdam-Golm, Germany;
| | - Dan Tchernov
- Leon H. Charney School of Marine Sciences, University of Haifa, Haifa 3498838, Israel;
| | - Dirk Wagner
- GFZ German Research Centre for Geosciences, Section Geomicrobiology, 14473 Potsdam, Germany; (A.B.); (F.H.); (D.W.)
- Institute of Geosciences, University of Potsdam, 14476 Potsdam, Germany
| | - Aharon Oren
- Department of Plant and Environmental Sciences, Edmond J. Safra Campus, The Hebrew University of Jerusalem, Givat Ram, Jerusalem 9190401, Israel; (S.G.-T.); (A.O.)
| | - Aaron Kaplan
- Department of Plant and Environmental Sciences, Edmond J. Safra Campus, The Hebrew University of Jerusalem, Givat Ram, Jerusalem 9190401, Israel; (S.G.-T.); (A.O.)
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +972-2-658-5234
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19
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Ramon D, Morick D, Croot P, Berzak R, Scheinin A, Tchernov D, Davidovich N, Britzi M. A survey of arsenic, mercury, cadmium, and lead residues in seafood (fish, crustaceans, and cephalopods) from the south-eastern Mediterranean Sea. J Food Sci 2021; 86:1153-1161. [PMID: 33580563 DOI: 10.1111/1750-3841.15627] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/20/2020] [Revised: 01/05/2021] [Accepted: 01/10/2021] [Indexed: 12/20/2022]
Abstract
Seafood is capable of bioaccumulating heavy metals (HM), making it a potentially major dietary source of HM for humans. Presently, little data exists on seafood from the eastern-most boundary of the Mediterranean Sea. This study aims to provide exposure insight of the Israeli population to HM through the consumption of locally caught seafood by assessing the levels of arsenic, mercury, cadmium, and lead in raw tissues of seafood. A wide survey of local fisheries was conducted providing 296 samples from 11 different species, including seven fish, two crustacean, and two cephalopod species. Total arsenic, cadmium, and lead were analyzed by graphite-furnace atomic absorption. Total mercury was measured by cold-vapor mercury analyzer. Arsenic speciation was performed by anion chromatography-inductively coupled plasma sector field mass spectrometry. Results suggested that the total arsenic concentrations were significantly higher in crustaceans and cephalopods than fish. Arsenic speciation revealed two samples that exceed 1 mg/kg of inorganic arsenic, whereas methylated arsenic was below the detection limit. Elevated mercury levels were detected in the commercial benthic species Mullus barbatus (red mullet), cadmium was detected in one-third of the samples, and lead detected in eight samples. Comparing the results to health guidelines, 99.4% of seafood tested in this study abide with acceptable levels of heavy metals in seafood, as defined by both Israeli and European Union guidelines.
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Affiliation(s)
- Debra Ramon
- Department of Marine Biology, Leon H. Charney School of Marine Sciences, University of Haifa, Haifa, 3498838, Israel.,Morris Kahn Marine Research Station, University of Haifa, Haifa, 3498838, Israel
| | - Danny Morick
- Department of Marine Biology, Leon H. Charney School of Marine Sciences, University of Haifa, Haifa, 3498838, Israel.,Morris Kahn Marine Research Station, University of Haifa, Haifa, 3498838, Israel.,Hong Kong Branch of Southern Marine Science and Engineering Guangdong Laboratory (Guangzhou), Hong Kong, China
| | - Peter Croot
- Earth and Ocean Sciences, School of Natural Science and Ryan Institute, National University of Ireland, Galway, H91 TK33, Ireland
| | - Ran Berzak
- Department of Marine Biology, Leon H. Charney School of Marine Sciences, University of Haifa, Haifa, 3498838, Israel.,Morris Kahn Marine Research Station, University of Haifa, Haifa, 3498838, Israel
| | - Aviad Scheinin
- Department of Marine Biology, Leon H. Charney School of Marine Sciences, University of Haifa, Haifa, 3498838, Israel.,Morris Kahn Marine Research Station, University of Haifa, Haifa, 3498838, Israel
| | - Dan Tchernov
- Department of Marine Biology, Leon H. Charney School of Marine Sciences, University of Haifa, Haifa, 3498838, Israel.,Morris Kahn Marine Research Station, University of Haifa, Haifa, 3498838, Israel.,Hong Kong Branch of Southern Marine Science and Engineering Guangdong Laboratory (Guangzhou), Hong Kong, China
| | | | - Malka Britzi
- National Residue Control Laboratory, Kimron Veterinary Institute, Bet Dagan, 5025001, Israel
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20
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Martinez S, Kolodny Y, Shemesh E, Scucchia F, Nevo R, Levin-Zaidman S, Paltiel Y, Keren N, Tchernov D, Mass T. Energy Sources of the Depth-Generalist Mixotrophic Coral Stylophora pistillata. Front Mar Sci 2020; 7:988. [PMID: 33409285 PMCID: PMC7116548 DOI: 10.3389/fmars.2020.566663] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/06/2023]
Abstract
Energy sources of corals, ultimately sunlight and plankton availability, change dramatically from shallow to mesophotic (30-150 m) reefs. Depth-generalist corals, those that occupy both of these two distinct ecosystems, are adapted to cope with such extremely diverse conditions. In this study, we investigated the trophic strategy of the depth-generalist hermatypic coral Stylophora pistillata and the ability of mesophotic colonies to adapt to shallow reefs. We compared symbiont genera composition, photosynthetic traits and the holobiont trophic position and carbon sources, calculated from amino acids compound-specific stable isotope analysis (AA-CSIA), of shallow, mesophotic and translocated corals. This species harbors different Symbiodiniaceae genera at the two depths: Cladocopium goreaui (dominant in mesophotic colonies) and Symbiodinium microadriaticum (dominant in shallow colonies) with a limited change after transplantation. This allowed us to determine which traits stem from hosting different symbiont species compositions across the depth gradient. Calculation of holobiont trophic position based on amino acid δ15N revealed that heterotrophy represents the same portion of the total energy budget in both depths, in contrast to the dogma that predation is higher in corals growing in low light conditions. Photosynthesis is the major carbon source to corals growing at both depths, but the photosynthetic rate is higher in the shallow reef corals, implicating both higher energy consumption and higher predation rate in the shallow habitat. In the corals transplanted from deep to shallow reef, we observed extensive photo-acclimation by the Symbiodiniaceae cells, including substantial cellular morphological modifications, increased cellular chlorophyll a, lower antennae to photosystems ratios and carbon signature similar to the local shallow colonies. In contrast, non-photochemical quenching remains low and does not increase to cope with the high light regime of the shallow reef. Furthermore, host acclimation is much slower in these deep-to-shallow transplanted corals as evident from the lower trophic position and tissue density compared to the shallow-water corals, even after long-term transplantation (18 months). Our results suggest that while mesophotic reefs could serve as a potential refuge for shallow corals, the transition is complex, as even after a year and a half the acclimation is only partial.
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Affiliation(s)
- Stephane Martinez
- Department of Marine Biology, The Leon H. Charney School of Marine
Sciences, University of Haifa, Haifa, Israel
- Morris Kahn Marine Research Station, The Leon H. Charney School of
Marine Sciences, University of Haifa, Sdot Yam, Israel
| | - Yuval Kolodny
- Applied Physics Department, The Hebrew University of Jerusalem,
Jerusalem, Israel
- The Center for Nanoscience and Nanotechnology, The Hebrew University
of Jerusalem, Jerusalem, Israel
| | - Eli Shemesh
- Department of Marine Biology, The Leon H. Charney School of Marine
Sciences, University of Haifa, Haifa, Israel
| | - Federica Scucchia
- Department of Marine Biology, The Leon H. Charney School of Marine
Sciences, University of Haifa, Haifa, Israel
- The Interuniversity Institute of Marine Sciences, Eilat,
Israel
| | - Reinat Nevo
- Department of Biomolecular Sciences, Weizmann Institute of Science,
Rehovot, Israel
| | - Smadar Levin-Zaidman
- Department of Chemical Research Support, Weizmann Institute of
Science, Rehovot, Israel
| | - Yossi Paltiel
- Applied Physics Department, The Hebrew University of Jerusalem,
Jerusalem, Israel
- The Center for Nanoscience and Nanotechnology, The Hebrew University
of Jerusalem, Jerusalem, Israel
| | - Nir Keren
- Department of Plant and Environmental Sciences, The Alexander
Silberman Institute of Life Sciences, The Hebrew University of Jerusalem, Jerusalem,
Israel
| | - Dan Tchernov
- Department of Marine Biology, The Leon H. Charney School of Marine
Sciences, University of Haifa, Haifa, Israel
- Morris Kahn Marine Research Station, The Leon H. Charney School of
Marine Sciences, University of Haifa, Sdot Yam, Israel
| | - Tali Mass
- Department of Marine Biology, The Leon H. Charney School of Marine
Sciences, University of Haifa, Haifa, Israel
- Morris Kahn Marine Research Station, The Leon H. Charney School of
Marine Sciences, University of Haifa, Sdot Yam, Israel
- Correspondence: Tali Mass,
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21
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Shi T, Niu G, Kvitt H, Zheng X, Qin Q, Sun D, Ji Z, Tchernov D. Untangling ITS2 genotypes of algal symbionts in zooxanthellate corals. Mol Ecol Resour 2020; 21:137-152. [PMID: 32876380 DOI: 10.1111/1755-0998.13250] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/09/2020] [Revised: 08/10/2020] [Accepted: 08/17/2020] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Abstract
Collectively called zooxanthellae, photosynthetic dinoflagellates in the family Symbiodiniaceae are typical endosymbionts that unequivocally mediate coral responses to environmental changes. Symbiodiniaceae are genetically diverse, encompassing at least nine phylogenetically distinct genera (clades A-I). The ribosomal internal transcribed spacer 2 (ITS2) region is commonly utilized for determining Symbiodiniaceae diversity within clades. However, ITS2 is often inadvertently interpreted together with the tailing part of the ribosomal RNA genes (5.8S and 28S or equivalent), leading to unresolved taxonomy and equivocal annotations. To overcome this hurdle, we mined in GenBank and expert reference databases for ITS2 sequences of Symbiodiniaceae having explicit boundaries with adjacent rRNAs. We profiled a Hidden Markov Model of the ITS2-proximal 5.8S-28S rRNA interaction, which was shown to facilitate the delimitation of Symbiodiniaceae ITS2 from GenBank, while considerably reducing sequence ambiguity and redundancy in reference databases. The delineation of ITS2 sequences unveiled intra-clade sequence diversity and inter-clade secondary structure conservation. We compiled the clean data into a non-redundant database that archives the largest number of Symbiodiniaceae ITS2 sequences known to date with definite genotype/subclade representations and well-defined secondary structures. This database provides a fundamental reference catalog for consistent and precise genotyping of Symbiodiniaceae and a tool for automated annotation of user-supplied sequences.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tuo Shi
- Marine Genomics and Biotechnology Program, Institute of Marine Science and Technology, Shandong University, Qingdao, P. R. China.,State Key Laboratory of Marine Environmental Science, College of Ocean and Earth Sciences, Xiamen University, Xiamen, P. R. China
| | - Gaofeng Niu
- Marine Genomics and Biotechnology Program, Institute of Marine Science and Technology, Shandong University, Qingdao, P. R. China.,Third Institute of Oceanography, Ministry of Natural Resources, Xiamen, P. R. China
| | - Hagit Kvitt
- Marine Biology Department, The Leon H. Charney School of Marine Sciences, University of Haifa, Haifa, Israel.,Israel Oceanographic and Limnological Research, National Center for Mariculture, Eilat, Israel
| | - Xinqing Zheng
- Third Institute of Oceanography, Ministry of Natural Resources, Xiamen, P. R. China
| | - Qiaoyun Qin
- State Key Laboratory of Marine Environmental Science, College of Ocean and Earth Sciences, Xiamen University, Xiamen, P. R. China
| | - Danye Sun
- State Key Laboratory of Marine Environmental Science, College of Ocean and Earth Sciences, Xiamen University, Xiamen, P. R. China
| | - Zhiliang Ji
- School of Life Sciences, Xiamen University, Xiamen, P. R. China
| | - Dan Tchernov
- Marine Biology Department, The Leon H. Charney School of Marine Sciences, University of Haifa, Haifa, Israel
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22
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Regev Y, Davidovich N, Berzak R, Lau SCK, Scheinin AP, Tchernov D, Morick D. Correction: Regev, Y., et al. Molecular Identification and Characterization of Vibrio Species and Mycobacterium Species in Wild and Cultured Marine Fish from the Eastern Mediterranean Sea. Microorganisms 2020, 8, 863. Microorganisms 2020; 8:microorganisms8081153. [PMID: 32751418 PMCID: PMC7463610 DOI: 10.3390/microorganisms8081153] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/29/2020] [Accepted: 07/29/2020] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
We would like to change the authors' affiliation of paper [...].
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Affiliation(s)
- Yael Regev
- Department of Marine Biology, Leon H. Charney School of Marine Sciences, University of Haifa, Haifa 3498838, Israel; (Y.R.); (R.B.); (A.P.S.); (D.T.)
- Morris Kahn Marine Research Station, University of Haifa, Haifa 3498838, Israel
| | | | - Ran Berzak
- Department of Marine Biology, Leon H. Charney School of Marine Sciences, University of Haifa, Haifa 3498838, Israel; (Y.R.); (R.B.); (A.P.S.); (D.T.)
- Morris Kahn Marine Research Station, University of Haifa, Haifa 3498838, Israel
| | - Stanley C. K. Lau
- Department of Ocean Science, The Hong Kong University of Science and Technology, Clear Water Bay, Kowloon, Hong Kong;
| | - Aviad P. Scheinin
- Department of Marine Biology, Leon H. Charney School of Marine Sciences, University of Haifa, Haifa 3498838, Israel; (Y.R.); (R.B.); (A.P.S.); (D.T.)
- Morris Kahn Marine Research Station, University of Haifa, Haifa 3498838, Israel
| | - Dan Tchernov
- Department of Marine Biology, Leon H. Charney School of Marine Sciences, University of Haifa, Haifa 3498838, Israel; (Y.R.); (R.B.); (A.P.S.); (D.T.)
- Morris Kahn Marine Research Station, University of Haifa, Haifa 3498838, Israel
| | - Danny Morick
- Department of Marine Biology, Leon H. Charney School of Marine Sciences, University of Haifa, Haifa 3498838, Israel; (Y.R.); (R.B.); (A.P.S.); (D.T.)
- Morris Kahn Marine Research Station, University of Haifa, Haifa 3498838, Israel
- Correspondence:
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23
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Grossowicz M, Bialik OM, Shemesh E, Tchernov D, Vonhof HB, Sisma-Ventura G. Ocean warming is the key filter for successful colonization of the migrant octocoral Melithaea erythraea (Ehrenberg, 1834) in the Eastern Mediterranean Sea. PeerJ 2020; 8:e9355. [PMID: 32612887 PMCID: PMC7320722 DOI: 10.7717/peerj.9355] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/21/2020] [Accepted: 05/24/2020] [Indexed: 11/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Climate, which sets broad limits for migrating species, is considered a key filter to species migration between contrasting marine environments. The Southeast Mediterranean Sea (SEMS) is one of the regions where ocean temperatures are rising the fastest under recent climate change. Also, it is the most vulnerable marine region to species introductions. Here, we explore the factors which enabled the colonization of the endemic Red Sea octocoral Melithaea erythraea (Ehrenberg, 1834) along the SEMS coast, using sclerite oxygen and carbon stable isotope composition (δ 18OSC and δ 13CSC), morphology, and crystallography. The unique conditions presented by the SEMS include a greater temperature range (∼15 °C) and ultra-oligotrophy, and these are reflected by the lower δ 13CSCvalues. This is indicative of a larger metabolic carbon intake during calcification, as well as an increase in crystal size, a decrease of octocoral wart density and thickness of the migrating octocoral sclerites compared to the Red Sea samples. This suggests increased stress conditions, affecting sclerite deposition of the SEMS migrating octocoral. The δ 18Osc range of the migrating M. erythraea indicates a preference for warm water sclerite deposition, similar to the native depositional temperature range of 21-28 °C. These findings are associated with the observed increase of minimum temperatures in winter for this region, at a rate of 0.35 ± 0.27 °C decade-1 over the last 30 years, and thus the region is becoming more hospitable to the Indo-Pacific M. erythraea. This study shows a clear case study of "tropicalization" of the Mediterranean Sea due to recent warming.
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Affiliation(s)
- Michal Grossowicz
- Department of Marine Biology, L.H. Charney School of Marine Sciences, University of Haifa, Haifa, Israel.,Yigal Allon Kinneret Limnological Laboratory, Israel Oceanographic and Limnological Research, Haifa, Israel.,Biogeochemical Modelling, GEOMAR Helmholtz Centre for Ocean Research Kiel, Kiel, Germany
| | - Or M Bialik
- Department of Marine Geosciences, L.H. Charney School of Marine Sciences, University of Haifa, Haifa, Israel.,Institute of Geology, CEN, Universität Hamburg, Hamburg, Germany
| | - Eli Shemesh
- Department of Marine Biology, L.H. Charney School of Marine Sciences, University of Haifa, Haifa, Israel
| | - Dan Tchernov
- Department of Marine Biology, L.H. Charney School of Marine Sciences, University of Haifa, Haifa, Israel
| | | | - Guy Sisma-Ventura
- National Oceanography Institute, Israel Oceanographic and Limnological Research, Haifa, Israel
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24
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Meron D, Davidovich N, Ofek‐Lalzar M, Berzak R, Scheinin A, Regev Y, Diga R, Tchernov D, Morick D. Specific pathogens and microbial abundance within liver and kidney tissues of wild marine fish from the Eastern Mediterranean Sea. Microb Biotechnol 2020; 13:770-780. [PMID: 32059079 PMCID: PMC7111072 DOI: 10.1111/1751-7915.13537] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/01/2019] [Revised: 12/09/2019] [Accepted: 01/06/2020] [Indexed: 11/26/2022] Open
Abstract
This study is an initial description and discussion of the kidney and liver microbial communities of five common fish species sampled from four sites along the Eastern Mediterranean Sea shoreline. The goals of the present study were to establish a baseline dataset of microbial communities associated with the tissues of wild marine fish, in order to examine species-specific microbial characteristics and to screen for candidate pathogens. This issue is especially relevant due to the development of mariculture farms and the possible transmission of pathogens from wild to farmed fish and vice versa. Although fish were apparently healthy, 16S rRNA NGS screening identified three potential fish bacterial pathogens: Photobacterium damselae, Vibrio harveyi and Streptococcus iniae. Based on the distribution patterns and relative abundance, 16 samples were classified as potential pathogenic bacteria-infected samples (PPBIS). Hence, PPBIS prevalence was significantly higher in kidneys than in liver samples and variation was found between the fish species. Significant differences were observed between fish species, organs and sites, indicating the importance of the environmental conditions on the fish microbiome. We applied a consistent sampling and analytical method for monitoring in long-term surveys which may be incorporated within other marine fish pathogens surveys around the world.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dalit Meron
- Morris Kahn Marine Research StationDepartment of Marine BiologyLeon H. Charney School of Marine SciencesUniversity of HaifaHaifaIsrael
| | | | | | - Ran Berzak
- Morris Kahn Marine Research StationDepartment of Marine BiologyLeon H. Charney School of Marine SciencesUniversity of HaifaHaifaIsrael
| | - Aviad Scheinin
- Morris Kahn Marine Research StationDepartment of Marine BiologyLeon H. Charney School of Marine SciencesUniversity of HaifaHaifaIsrael
| | - Yael Regev
- Morris Kahn Marine Research StationDepartment of Marine BiologyLeon H. Charney School of Marine SciencesUniversity of HaifaHaifaIsrael
| | - Rei Diga
- Morris Kahn Marine Research StationDepartment of Marine BiologyLeon H. Charney School of Marine SciencesUniversity of HaifaHaifaIsrael
| | - Dan Tchernov
- Morris Kahn Marine Research StationDepartment of Marine BiologyLeon H. Charney School of Marine SciencesUniversity of HaifaHaifaIsrael
| | - Danny Morick
- Morris Kahn Marine Research StationDepartment of Marine BiologyLeon H. Charney School of Marine SciencesUniversity of HaifaHaifaIsrael
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25
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Dishon G, Grossowicz M, Krom M, Guy G, Gruber DF, Tchernov D. Evolutionary Traits that Enable Scleractinian Corals to Survive Mass Extinction Events. Sci Rep 2020; 10:3903. [PMID: 32127555 PMCID: PMC7054358 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-020-60605-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/02/2019] [Accepted: 02/14/2020] [Indexed: 11/09/2022] Open
Abstract
Scleractinian “stony” corals are major habitat engineers, whose skeletons form the framework for the highly diverse, yet increasingly threatened, coral reef ecosystem. Fossil coral skeletons also present a rich record that enables paleontological analysis of coral origins, tracing them back to the Triassic (~241 Myr). While numerous invertebrate lineages were eradicated at the last major mass extinction boundary, the Cretaceous-Tertiary/K-T (66 Myr), a number of Scleractinian corals survived. We review this history and assess traits correlated with K-T mass extinction survival. Disaster-related “survival” traits that emerged from our analysis are: (1) deep water residing (>100 m); (2) cosmopolitan distributions, (3) non-symbiotic, (4) solitary or small colonies and (5) bleaching-resistant. We then compared these traits to the traits of modern Scleractinian corals, using to IUCN Red List data, and report that corals with these same survival traits have relatively stable populations, while those lacking them are presently decreasing in abundance and diversity. This shows corals exhibiting a similar dynamic survival response as seen at the last major extinction, the K-T. While these results could be seen as promising, that some corals may survive the Anthropocene extinction, they also highlight how our relatively-fragile Primate order does not possess analogous “survival” characteristics, nor have a record of mass extinction survival as some corals are capable.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gal Dishon
- Department of Marine Biology, The Leon H. Charney School of Marine Sciences, University of Haifa, Mount Carmel, Haifa, 31905, Israel. .,Scripps Institution of Oceanography, University of California, San Diego, La Jolla, CA, 92093, USA.
| | | | - Michael Krom
- Morris Kahn Marine Research Station, Environmental Geochemistry Lab., Leon H. Charney School of Marine Sciences, Haifa University, Mount Carmel, Israel.,School of Earth and Environment, University of Leeds, Leeds, LS2 9JT, United Kingdom
| | - Gilad Guy
- Department of Marine Biology, The Leon H. Charney School of Marine Sciences, University of Haifa, Mount Carmel, Haifa, 31905, Israel
| | - David F Gruber
- Department of Natural Sciences, Baruch College, City University of New York, New York, NY, 10010, USA. .,PhD Program in Biology, The Graduate Center City University of New York, New York, NY, 10010, USA.
| | - Dan Tchernov
- Department of Marine Biology, The Leon H. Charney School of Marine Sciences, University of Haifa, Mount Carmel, Haifa, 31905, Israel.,Morris Kahn Marine Research Station, Environmental Geochemistry Lab., Leon H. Charney School of Marine Sciences, Haifa University, Mount Carmel, Israel
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26
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Morick D, Davidovich N, Bigal E, Rosenbluth E, Bouznach A, Rokney A, Ron M, Wosnick N, Tchernov D, Scheinin AP. Fatal Infection in a Wild Sandbar Shark ( Carcharhinus plumbeus), Caused by Streptococcus agalactiae, Type Ia-ST7. Animals (Basel) 2020; 10:ani10020284. [PMID: 32059433 PMCID: PMC7070436 DOI: 10.3390/ani10020284] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/20/2020] [Revised: 02/06/2020] [Accepted: 02/08/2020] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Simple Summary Streptococcus agalactiae (group B Streptococcus, GBS) is a major fish pathogenic bacterium. In this study, we describe a fatal infection of a stranded wild sandbar shark (Carcharhinus plumbeus) by a post-mortem examination, histopathology, classical bacteriology and advanced molecular methods. The bacterial agent was characterized as S. agalactiae, type Ia-ST7. Abstract Streptococcus agalactiae is one of the most important fish pathogenic bacteria as it is responsible for epizootic mortalities in both wild and farmed species. S. agalactiae is also known as a zoonotic agent. In July 2018, a stranded wild sandbar shark (Carcharhinus plumbeus), one of the most common shark species in the Mediterranean Sea, was found moribund on the seashore next to Netanya, Israel, and died a few hours later. A post-mortem examination, histopathology, classical bacteriology and advanced molecular techniques revealed a bacterial infection caused by S. agalactiae, type Ia-ST7. Available sequences publicly accessible databases and phylogenetic analysis suggest that the S. agalactiae isolated in this case is closely related to fish and human isolates. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first description of a fatal streptococcosis in sandbar sharks.
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Affiliation(s)
- Danny Morick
- Department of Marine Biology, Leon H. Charney School of Marine Sciences, University of Haifa, Haifa 3498838, Israel; (E.B.); (D.T.); (A.P.S.)
- Morris Kahn Marine Research Station, University of Haifa, Haifa 3498838, Israel
- Correspondence:
| | | | - Eyal Bigal
- Department of Marine Biology, Leon H. Charney School of Marine Sciences, University of Haifa, Haifa 3498838, Israel; (E.B.); (D.T.); (A.P.S.)
- Morris Kahn Marine Research Station, University of Haifa, Haifa 3498838, Israel
| | - Ezra Rosenbluth
- Kimron Veterinary Institute, Bet Dagan 5025001, Israel; (E.R.); (A.B.)
| | - Arieli Bouznach
- Kimron Veterinary Institute, Bet Dagan 5025001, Israel; (E.R.); (A.B.)
| | - Assaf Rokney
- Government Central Laboratories, Ministry of Health, Jerusalem 91342, Israel; (A.R.); (M.R.)
| | - Merav Ron
- Government Central Laboratories, Ministry of Health, Jerusalem 91342, Israel; (A.R.); (M.R.)
| | - Natascha Wosnick
- Departamento de Fisiologia, Centro Politécnico, Universidade Federal do Paraná, Curitiba 80060-000, Brazil;
| | - Dan Tchernov
- Department of Marine Biology, Leon H. Charney School of Marine Sciences, University of Haifa, Haifa 3498838, Israel; (E.B.); (D.T.); (A.P.S.)
- Morris Kahn Marine Research Station, University of Haifa, Haifa 3498838, Israel
| | - Aviad P. Scheinin
- Department of Marine Biology, Leon H. Charney School of Marine Sciences, University of Haifa, Haifa 3498838, Israel; (E.B.); (D.T.); (A.P.S.)
- Morris Kahn Marine Research Station, University of Haifa, Haifa 3498838, Israel
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Berzak R, Scheinin A, Davidovich N, Regev Y, Diga R, Tchernov D, Morick D. Prevalence of nervous necrosis virus (NNV) and Streptococcus species in wild marine fish and crustaceans from the Levantine Basin, Mediterranean Sea. Dis Aquat Organ 2019; 133:7-17. [PMID: 30997880 DOI: 10.3354/dao03339] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/09/2023]
Abstract
Infectious diseases in marine animals have ecological, socio-economic and environmental impacts. Nervous necrosis virus (NNV) and Streptococcus iniae have become major threats to marine aquaculture and have been detected in morbid marine organisms worldwide. However, despite their importance, there is a lack of knowledge regarding the prevalence of these pathogens in wild fish species. Here we sampled indigenous and Lessepsian species from different trophic levels and different biological niches in the eastern Mediterranean. A total of 174 fish and 32 crustaceans were tested for S. iniae and a total of 195 fish and 33 crustaceans were tested for NNV. We found an overall prevalence of 9.71% Streptococcus spp. and 21.49% NNV in selected marine fish and crustaceans by PCR and qPCR. In fish, the zoonotic agent S. iniae was detected at a higher prevalence in kidney compared to liver tissue. Co-infection by both pathogens was detected only in 5 specimens. We also examined gilthead sea bream Sparus aurata from an Israeli offshore marine farm during the grow-out period, in order to assess the possibility of horizontal pathogen transmission from wild to maricultured fish. Three out of 15 (20%) fish were found to be NNV positive after 120 d in the sea, suggesting spontaneous transmission from wild to farmed fish. Our findings suggest that more surveys should be conducted, especially in areas were mariculture farms are planned to be established.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ran Berzak
- Morris Kahn Marine Research Station, Department of Marine Biology, Leon H. Charney School of Marine Sciences, University of Haifa, 3498838, Israel
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Kahng SE, Akkaynak D, Shlesinger T, Hochberg EJ, Wiedenmann J, Tamir R, Tchernov D. Light, Temperature, Photosynthesis, Heterotrophy, and the Lower Depth Limits of Mesophotic Coral Ecosystems. Coral Reefs of the World 2019. [DOI: 10.1007/978-3-319-92735-0_42] [Citation(s) in RCA: 48] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/25/2022]
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Bigal E, Morick D, Scheinin AP, Salant H, Berkowitz A, King R, Levy Y, Melero M, Sánchez-Vizcaíno JM, Goffman O, Hadar N, Roditi-Elasar M, Tchernov D. Detection of Toxoplasma gondii in three common bottlenose dolphins (Tursiops truncatus); A first description from the Eastern Mediterranean Sea. Vet Parasitol 2018; 258:74-78. [DOI: 10.1016/j.vetpar.2018.06.009] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/15/2018] [Revised: 06/08/2018] [Accepted: 06/09/2018] [Indexed: 10/14/2022]
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Liran O, Shemesh E, Tchernov D. Investigation into the CO2 concentrating step rates within the carbon concentrating mechanism of Synechocystis sp. PCC6803 at various pH and light intensities reveal novel mechanistic properties. ALGAL RES 2018. [DOI: 10.1016/j.algal.2018.06.020] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
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31
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Smith EG, D'Angelo C, Sharon Y, Tchernov D, Wiedenmann J. Acclimatization of symbiotic corals to mesophotic light environments through wavelength transformation by fluorescent protein pigments. Proc Biol Sci 2017; 284:20170320. [PMID: 28679724 PMCID: PMC5524488 DOI: 10.1098/rspb.2017.0320] [Citation(s) in RCA: 44] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/15/2017] [Accepted: 06/22/2017] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
The depth distribution of reef-building corals exposes their photosynthetic symbionts of the genus Symbiodinium to extreme gradients in the intensity and spectral quality of the ambient light environment. Characterizing the mechanisms used by the coral holobiont to respond to the low intensity and reduced spectral composition of the light environment in deeper reefs (greater than 20 m) is fundamental to our understanding of the functioning and structure of reefs across depth gradients. Here, we demonstrate that host pigments, specifically photoconvertible red fluorescent proteins (pcRFPs), can promote coral adaptation/acclimatization to deeper-water light environments by transforming the prevalent blue light into orange-red light, which can penetrate deeper within zooxanthellae-containing tissues; this facilitates a more homogeneous distribution of photons across symbiont communities. The ecological importance of pcRFPs in deeper reefs is supported by the increasing proportion of red fluorescent corals with depth (measured down to 45 m) and increased survival of colour morphs with strong expression of pcRFPs in long-term light manipulation experiments. In addition to screening by host pigments from high light intensities in shallow water, the spectral transformation observed in deeper-water corals highlights the importance of GFP-like protein expression as an ecological mechanism to support the functioning of the coral-Symbiodinium association across steep environmental gradients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Edward G Smith
- Coral Reef Laboratory, Ocean and Earth Science, University of Southampton, European Way, Southampton SO14 3ZH, UK
- Marine Biology Laboratory/Centre for Genomics and Systems Biology, New York University Abu Dhabi, Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates
| | - Cecilia D'Angelo
- Coral Reef Laboratory, Ocean and Earth Science, University of Southampton, European Way, Southampton SO14 3ZH, UK
- IfLS, Institute for Life Sciences, University of Southampton, Life Sciences Building 85, Highfield, Southampton SO17 1BJ, UK
| | - Yoni Sharon
- The Interuniversity Institute for Marine Sciences of Eilat, Eilat, Israel
| | - Dan Tchernov
- The Interuniversity Institute for Marine Sciences of Eilat, Eilat, Israel
- Department of Marine Biology, University of Haifa, 31905 Mt Carmel, Israel
| | - Joerg Wiedenmann
- Coral Reef Laboratory, Ocean and Earth Science, University of Southampton, European Way, Southampton SO14 3ZH, UK
- IfLS, Institute for Life Sciences, University of Southampton, Life Sciences Building 85, Highfield, Southampton SO17 1BJ, UK
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Kvitt H, Rosenfeld H, Tchernov D. The regulation of thermal stress induced apoptosis in corals reveals high similarities in gene expression and function to higher animals. Sci Rep 2016; 6:30359. [PMID: 27460544 PMCID: PMC4961959 DOI: 10.1038/srep30359] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/23/2016] [Accepted: 07/04/2016] [Indexed: 12/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Recent studies suggest that controlled apoptotic response provides an essential mechanism, enabling corals to respond to global warming and ocean acidification. However, the molecules involved and their functions are still unclear. To better characterize the apoptotic response in basal metazoans, we studied the expression profiles of selected genes that encode for putative pro- and anti-apoptotic mediators in the coral Stylophora pistillata under thermal stress and bleaching conditions. Upon thermal stress, as attested by the elevation of the heat-shock protein gene HSP70’s mRNA levels, the expression of all studied genes, including caspase, Bcl-2, Bax, APAF-1 and BI-1, peaked at 6–24 h of thermal stress (hts) and declined at 72 hts. Adversely, the expression levels of the survivin gene showed a shifted pattern, with elevation at 48–72 hts and a return to basal levels at 168 hts. Overall, we show the quantitative anti-apoptotic traits of the coral Bcl-2 protein, which resemble those of its mammalian counterpart. Altogether, our results highlight the similarities between apoptotic networks operating in simple metazoans and in higher animals and clearly demonstrate the activation of pro-cell survival regulators at early stages of the apoptotic response, contributing to the decline of apoptosis and the acclimation to chronic stress.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hagit Kvitt
- Marine Biology Department, The Leon H. Charney School of Marine Sciences, University of Haifa, Mount Carmel, Haifa 31905, Israel.,The Interuniversity Institute for Marine Science P.O.B 469, Eilat 88103, Israel
| | - Hanna Rosenfeld
- Israel Oceanographic and Limnological Research, National Center for Mariculture, P.O.B. 1212, Eilat 88112, Israel
| | - Dan Tchernov
- Marine Biology Department, The Leon H. Charney School of Marine Sciences, University of Haifa, Mount Carmel, Haifa 31905, Israel
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Bhattacharya D, Agrawal S, Aranda M, Baumgarten S, Belcaid M, Drake JL, Erwin D, Foret S, Gates RD, Gruber DF, Kamel B, Lesser MP, Levy O, Liew YJ, MacManes M, Mass T, Medina M, Mehr S, Meyer E, Price DC, Putnam HM, Qiu H, Shinzato C, Shoguchi E, Stokes AJ, Tambutté S, Tchernov D, Voolstra CR, Wagner N, Walker CW, Weber AP, Weis V, Zelzion E, Zoccola D, Falkowski PG. Comparative genomics explains the evolutionary success of reef-forming corals. eLife 2016; 5. [PMID: 27218454 PMCID: PMC4878875 DOI: 10.7554/elife.13288] [Citation(s) in RCA: 118] [Impact Index Per Article: 14.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/24/2015] [Accepted: 04/20/2016] [Indexed: 12/30/2022] Open
Abstract
Transcriptome and genome data from twenty stony coral species and a selection of reference bilaterians were studied to elucidate coral evolutionary history. We identified genes that encode the proteins responsible for the precipitation and aggregation of the aragonite skeleton on which the organisms live, and revealed a network of environmental sensors that coordinate responses of the host animals to temperature, light, and pH. Furthermore, we describe a variety of stress-related pathways, including apoptotic pathways that allow the host animals to detoxify reactive oxygen and nitrogen species that are generated by their intracellular photosynthetic symbionts, and determine the fate of corals under environmental stress. Some of these genes arose through horizontal gene transfer and comprise at least 0.2% of the animal gene inventory. Our analysis elucidates the evolutionary strategies that have allowed symbiotic corals to adapt and thrive for hundreds of millions of years. DOI:http://dx.doi.org/10.7554/eLife.13288.001 For millions of years, reef-building stony corals have created extensive habitats for numerous marine plants and animals in shallow tropical seas. Stony corals consist of many small, tentacled animals called polyps. These polyps secrete a mineral called aragonite to create the reef – an external ‘skeleton’ that supports and protects the corals. Photosynthesizing algae live inside the cells of stony corals, and each species depends on the other to survive. The algae produce the coral’s main source of food, although they also produce some waste products that can harm the coral if they build up inside cells. If the oceans become warmer and more acidic, the coral are more likely to become stressed and expel the algae from their cells in a process known as coral bleaching. This makes the coral more likely to die or become diseased. Corals have survived previous periods of ocean warming, although it is not known how they evolved to do so. The evolutionary history of an organism can be traced by studying its genome – its complete set of DNA – and the RNA molecules encoded by these genes. Bhattacharya et al. performed this analysis for twenty stony coral species, and compared the resulting genome and RNA sequences with the genomes of other related marine organisms, such as sea anemones and sponges. In particular, Bhattacharya et al. examined “ortholog” groups of genes, which are present in different species and evolved from a common ancestral gene. This analysis identified the genes in the corals that encode the proteins responsible for constructing the aragonite skeleton. The coral genome also encodes a network of environmental sensors that coordinate how the polyps respond to temperature, light and acidity. Bhattacharya et al. also uncovered a variety of stress-related pathways, including those that detoxify the polyps of the damaging molecules generated by algae, and the pathways that enable the polyps to adapt to environmental stress. Many of these genes were recruited from other species in a process known as horizontal gene transfer. The oceans are expected to become warmer and more acidic in the coming centuries. Provided that humans do not physically destroy the corals’ habitats, the evidence found by Bhattacharya et al. suggests that the genome of the corals contains the diversity that will allow them to adapt to these new conditions. DOI:http://dx.doi.org/10.7554/eLife.13288.002
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Affiliation(s)
- Debashish Bhattacharya
- Department of Ecology, Evolution and Natural Resources, Rutgers University, New Brunswick, United States.,Department of Marine and Coastal Sciences, Rutgers University, New Brunswick, United States
| | - Shobhit Agrawal
- Red Sea Research Center, Biological and Environmental Sciences and Engineering Division, King Abdullah University of Science and Technology (KAUST), Thuwal, Saudi Arabia
| | - Manuel Aranda
- Red Sea Research Center, Biological and Environmental Sciences and Engineering Division, King Abdullah University of Science and Technology (KAUST), Thuwal, Saudi Arabia
| | - Sebastian Baumgarten
- Red Sea Research Center, Biological and Environmental Sciences and Engineering Division, King Abdullah University of Science and Technology (KAUST), Thuwal, Saudi Arabia
| | - Mahdi Belcaid
- Hawaii Institute of Marine Biology, Kaneohe, United States
| | - Jeana L Drake
- Environmental Biophysics and Molecular Ecology Program, Department of Marine and Coastal Sciences, Rutgers University, New Brunswick, United States
| | - Douglas Erwin
- Smithsonian Institution, National Museum of Natural History, Washington, United States
| | - Sylvian Foret
- ARC Centre of Excellence for Coral Reef Studies, James Cook University, Townsville, Australia.,Research School of Biology, Australian National University, Canberra, Australia
| | - Ruth D Gates
- Hawaii Institute of Marine Biology, Kaneohe, United States
| | - David F Gruber
- American Museum of Natural History, Sackler Institute for Comparative Genomics, New York, United States.,Department of Natural Sciences, City University of New York, Baruch College and The Graduate Center, New York, United States
| | - Bishoy Kamel
- Department of Biology, Mueller Lab, Penn State University, University Park, United States
| | - Michael P Lesser
- School of Marine Science and Ocean Engineering, University of New Hampshire, Durham, United States
| | - Oren Levy
- The Mina and Everard Goodman Faculty of Life Sciences, Bar-Ilan University, Ramat Gam, Israel
| | - Yi Jin Liew
- Red Sea Research Center, Biological and Environmental Sciences and Engineering Division, King Abdullah University of Science and Technology (KAUST), Thuwal, Saudi Arabia
| | - Matthew MacManes
- Department of Molecular, Cellular and Biomedical Sciences, University of New Hampshire, Durham, United States
| | - Tali Mass
- Environmental Biophysics and Molecular Ecology Program, Department of Marine and Coastal Sciences, Rutgers University, New Brunswick, United States.,Marine Biology Department, The Leon H. Charney School of Marine Sciences, University of Haifa, Mt. Carmel, Israel
| | - Monica Medina
- Department of Biology, Mueller Lab, Penn State University, University Park, United States
| | - Shaadi Mehr
- American Museum of Natural History, Sackler Institute for Comparative Genomics, New York, United States.,Biological Science Department, State University of New York, College at Old Westbury, New York, United States
| | - Eli Meyer
- Department of Integrative Biology, Oregon State University, Corvallis, United States
| | - Dana C Price
- Department of Plant Biology and Pathology, Rutgers University, New Brunswick, United States
| | | | - Huan Qiu
- Department of Ecology, Evolution and Natural Resources, Rutgers University, New Brunswick, United States
| | - Chuya Shinzato
- Marine Genomics Unit, Okinawa Institute of Science and Technology Graduate University, Okinawa, Japan
| | - Eiichi Shoguchi
- Marine Genomics Unit, Okinawa Institute of Science and Technology Graduate University, Okinawa, Japan
| | - Alexander J Stokes
- Laboratory of Experimental Medicine and Department of Cell and Molecular Biology, John A. Burns School of Medicine, Honolulu, United States.,Chaminade University, Honolulu, United States
| | | | - Dan Tchernov
- Marine Biology Department, The Leon H. Charney School of Marine Sciences, University of Haifa, Mt. Carmel, Israel
| | - Christian R Voolstra
- Red Sea Research Center, Biological and Environmental Sciences and Engineering Division, King Abdullah University of Science and Technology (KAUST), Thuwal, Saudi Arabia
| | - Nicole Wagner
- Department of Ecology, Evolution and Natural Resources, Rutgers University, New Brunswick, United States
| | - Charles W Walker
- Department of Molecular, Cellular and Biomedical Sciences, University of New Hampshire, Durham, United States
| | - Andreas Pm Weber
- Institute of Plant Biochemistry, Heinrich-Heine-Universität, Düsseldorf, Germany
| | - Virginia Weis
- Department of Integrative Biology, Oregon State University, Corvallis, United States
| | - Ehud Zelzion
- Department of Ecology, Evolution and Natural Resources, Rutgers University, New Brunswick, United States
| | | | - Paul G Falkowski
- Environmental Biophysics and Molecular Ecology Program, Department of Marine and Coastal Sciences, Rutgers University, New Brunswick, United States.,Department of Earth and Planetary Sciences, Rutgers University, New Jersey, United States
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Abstract
This article presents the development of an underwater gripper that utilizes soft robotics technology to delicately manipulate and sample fragile species on the deep reef. Existing solutions for deep sea robotic manipulation have historically been driven by the oil industry, resulting in destructive interactions with undersea life. Soft material robotics relies on compliant materials that are inherently impedance matched to natural environments and to soft or fragile organisms. We demonstrate design principles for soft robot end effectors, bench-top characterization of their grasping performance, and conclude by describing in situ testing at mesophotic depths. The result is the first use of soft robotics in the deep sea for the nondestructive sampling of benthic fauna.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kevin C. Galloway
- Wyss Institute for Biologically Inspired Engineering, Harvard University, Cambridge, Massachusetts
| | - Kaitlyn P. Becker
- Harvard John A. Paulson School of Engineering and Applied Sciences, Harvard University, Cambridge, Massachusetts
| | - Brennan Phillips
- Department of Ocean Engineering, University of Rhode Island, Narragansett, Rhode Island
| | - Jordan Kirby
- Department of Ocean Engineering, University of Rhode Island, Narragansett, Rhode Island
| | - Stephen Licht
- Department of Ocean Engineering, University of Rhode Island, Narragansett, Rhode Island
| | - Dan Tchernov
- Leon Charney School of Marine Sciences, Haifa University, Haifa, Israel
| | - Robert J. Wood
- Wyss Institute for Biologically Inspired Engineering, Harvard University, Cambridge, Massachusetts
- Harvard John A. Paulson School of Engineering and Applied Sciences, Harvard University, Cambridge, Massachusetts
| | - David F. Gruber
- Department of Natural Sciences, Baruch College, City University of New York, New York, New York
- American Museum of Natural History, Sackler Institute of Comparative Genomics, New York, New York
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Levy Y, Frid O, Weinberger A, Sade R, Adam Y, Kandanyan U, Berkun V, Perry N, Edelist D, Goren M, Bat-Sheva Rothman S, Stern N, Tchernov D, Gil R. A small fishery with a high impact on sea turtle populations in the eastern Mediterranean. Zoology in the Middle East 2015. [DOI: 10.1080/09397140.2015.1101906] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/22/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Yaniv Levy
- Marine Biology Department, Leon H. Charney School of Marine Sciences, University of Haifa, Haifa, Israel
- Israel's Sea Turtle Rescue Center, Nature & Parks Authority, Mikhmoret, Israel
- School for Maritime Sciences, Ruppin Academic Center, Mikhmoret, Israel
| | - Ori Frid
- Israel's Sea Turtle Rescue Center, Nature & Parks Authority, Mikhmoret, Israel
- School for Maritime Sciences, Ruppin Academic Center, Mikhmoret, Israel
| | - Adi Weinberger
- Israel's Sea Turtle Rescue Center, Nature & Parks Authority, Mikhmoret, Israel
- School for Maritime Sciences, Ruppin Academic Center, Mikhmoret, Israel
| | - Rotem Sade
- Israel's Sea Turtle Rescue Center, Nature & Parks Authority, Mikhmoret, Israel
- School for Maritime Sciences, Ruppin Academic Center, Mikhmoret, Israel
| | - Yoav Adam
- Israel's Sea Turtle Rescue Center, Nature & Parks Authority, Mikhmoret, Israel
- School for Maritime Sciences, Ruppin Academic Center, Mikhmoret, Israel
| | - Uria Kandanyan
- Israel's Sea Turtle Rescue Center, Nature & Parks Authority, Mikhmoret, Israel
- School for Maritime Sciences, Ruppin Academic Center, Mikhmoret, Israel
| | - Victoria Berkun
- Israel's Sea Turtle Rescue Center, Nature & Parks Authority, Mikhmoret, Israel
- School for Maritime Sciences, Ruppin Academic Center, Mikhmoret, Israel
| | - Noga Perry
- Israel's Sea Turtle Rescue Center, Nature & Parks Authority, Mikhmoret, Israel
- Department of Zoology and The Steinhardt Museum of Natural History, Tel Aviv University, Tel Aviv, Israel
| | - Dor Edelist
- National Institute of Oceanography, Israel Oceanographic and Limnological Research, Haifa, Israel
| | - Menachem Goren
- Department of Zoology and The Steinhardt Museum of Natural History, Tel Aviv University, Tel Aviv, Israel
| | - Shevy Bat-Sheva Rothman
- Department of Zoology and The Steinhardt Museum of Natural History, Tel Aviv University, Tel Aviv, Israel
| | - Nir Stern
- Department of Zoology and The Steinhardt Museum of Natural History, Tel Aviv University, Tel Aviv, Israel
| | - Dan Tchernov
- Marine Biology Department, Leon H. Charney School of Marine Sciences, University of Haifa, Haifa, Israel
| | - Rilov Gil
- Marine Biology Department, Leon H. Charney School of Marine Sciences, University of Haifa, Haifa, Israel
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Mizrahi G, Shemesh E, van Ofwegen L, Tchernov D. First record of Aequorea macrodactyla (Cnidaria, Hydrozoa) from the Israeli coast of the eastern Mediterranean Sea, an alien species indicating invasive pathways. NB 2015. [DOI: 10.3897/neobiota.26.8278] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/12/2022]
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Stokes KL, Broderick AC, Canbolat AF, Candan O, Fuller WJ, Glen F, Levy Y, Rees AF, Rilov G, Snape RT, Stott I, Tchernov D, Godley BJ. Migratory corridors and foraging hotspots: critical habitats identified for Mediterranean green turtles. DIVERS DISTRIB 2015. [DOI: 10.1111/ddi.12317] [Citation(s) in RCA: 47] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/30/2022] Open
Affiliation(s)
- K. L. Stokes
- Centre for Ecology and Conservation; University of Exeter; Penryn Campus Cornwall TR10 9FE UK
| | - A. C. Broderick
- Centre for Ecology and Conservation; University of Exeter; Penryn Campus Cornwall TR10 9FE UK
| | - A. F. Canbolat
- Department of Biology; Faculty of Science; Hacettepe University; 06532 Beytepe Ankara Turkey
| | - O. Candan
- Department of Biology; Faculty of Sciences and Arts; Ordu University; Cumhuriyet Campus 52200 Ordu Turkey
| | - W. J. Fuller
- Centre for Ecology and Conservation; University of Exeter; Penryn Campus Cornwall TR10 9FE UK
- Faculty of Veterinary Medicine; Near East University; Nicosia North Cyprus Mersin 10 Turkey
- Society for Protection of Turtles; PK65 Kyrenia North Cyprus Mersin 10 Turkey
| | - F. Glen
- 16 Eshton Terrace; Clitheroe Lancashire BB7 1BQ UK
| | - Y. Levy
- Marine Biology Department; Leon H. Charney School of Marine Sciences; University of Haifa; Haifa 31905 Israel
- Israel's Sea Turtle Rescue Centre; Nature & Parks Authority; Mevoot Yam Michmoret 40297 Israel
| | - A. F. Rees
- Centre for Ecology and Conservation; University of Exeter; Penryn Campus Cornwall TR10 9FE UK
- ARCHELON; The Sea Turtle Protection Society of Greece; Solomon S7 GR 104 32 Athens Greece
| | - G. Rilov
- Marine Biology Department; Leon H. Charney School of Marine Sciences; University of Haifa; Haifa 31905 Israel
- National Institute of Oceanography; Israel Oceanographic and Limnological Research; PO Box 8030 Haifa 31080 Israel
| | - R. T. Snape
- Centre for Ecology and Conservation; University of Exeter; Penryn Campus Cornwall TR10 9FE UK
- Society for Protection of Turtles; PK65 Kyrenia North Cyprus Mersin 10 Turkey
| | - I. Stott
- Environmental & Sustainability Institute; University of Exeter; Penryn Campus Cornwall TR10 9FE UK
| | - D. Tchernov
- Marine Biology Department; Leon H. Charney School of Marine Sciences; University of Haifa; Haifa 31905 Israel
| | - B. J. Godley
- Centre for Ecology and Conservation; University of Exeter; Penryn Campus Cornwall TR10 9FE UK
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Rubin-Blum M, Antler G, Tsadok R, Shemesh E, Austin JA, Coleman DF, Goodman-Tchernov BN, Ben-Avraham Z, Tchernov D. First evidence for the presence of iron oxidizing zetaproteobacteria at the Levantine continental margins. PLoS One 2014; 9:e91456. [PMID: 24614177 PMCID: PMC3948872 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0091456] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/28/2013] [Accepted: 02/11/2014] [Indexed: 02/01/2023] Open
Abstract
During the 2010–2011 E/V Nautilus exploration of the Levantine basin’s sediments at the depth of 300–1300 m, densely patched orange-yellow flocculent mats were observed at various locations along the continental margin of Israel. Cores from the mat and the control locations were collected by remotely operated vehicle system (ROV) operated by the E/V Nautilus team. Microscopic observation and phylogenetic analysis of microbial 16S and 23S rRNA gene sequences indicated the presence of zetaproteobacterial stalk forming Mariprofundus spp. – like prokaryotes in the mats. Bacterial tag-encoded FLX amplicon pyrosequencing determined that zetaproteobacterial populations were a dominant fraction of microbial community in the biofilm. We show for the first time that zetaproteobacterial may thrive at the continental margins, regardless of crustal iron supply, indicating significant fluxes of ferrous iron to the sediment-water interface. In light of this discovery, we discuss the potential bioavailability of sediment-water interface iron for organisms in the overlying water column.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maxim Rubin-Blum
- The Leon H. Charney School of Marine Sciences, University of Haifa, Haifa, Israel
- * E-mail:
| | - Gilad Antler
- Department of Earth Sciences, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, United Kingdom
| | - Rami Tsadok
- The Leon H. Charney School of Marine Sciences, University of Haifa, Haifa, Israel
| | - Eli Shemesh
- The Leon H. Charney School of Marine Sciences, University of Haifa, Haifa, Israel
| | - James A. Austin
- Institute for Geophysics, Jackson School of Geosciences, University of Texas at Austin, Austin, Texas, United States of America
| | - Dwight F. Coleman
- Graduate School of Oceanography, The University of Rhode Island, Narragansett, Rhode Island, United States of America
| | | | - Zvi Ben-Avraham
- The Leon H. Charney School of Marine Sciences, University of Haifa, Haifa, Israel
- Department of Geophysical, Atmospheric and Planetary Sciences, Faculty of Exact Sciences, Tel Aviv University, Ramat Aviv, Israel
| | - Dan Tchernov
- The Leon H. Charney School of Marine Sciences, University of Haifa, Haifa, Israel
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Nir O, Gruber DF, Shemesh E, Glasser E, Tchernov D. Seasonal mesophotic coral bleaching of Stylophora pistillata in the Northern Red Sea. PLoS One 2014; 9:e84968. [PMID: 24454772 PMCID: PMC3893136 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0084968] [Citation(s) in RCA: 38] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/27/2013] [Accepted: 11/25/2013] [Indexed: 11/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Coral bleaching occurs when environmental stress induces breakdown of the coral-algae symbiosis and the host initiates algae expulsion. Two types of coral bleaching had been thoroughly discussed in the scientific literature; the first is primarily associated with mass coral bleaching events; the second is a seasonal loss of algae and/or pigments. Here, we describe a phenomenon that has been witnessed for repeated summers in the mesophotic zone (40-63 m) in the northern Red Sea: seasonal bleaching and recovery of several hermatypic coral species. In this study, we followed the recurring bleaching process of the common coral Stylophora pistillata. Bleaching occurred from April to September with a 66% decline in chlorophyll a concentration, while recovery began in October. Using aquarium and transplantation experiments, we explored environmental factors such as temperature, photon flux density and heterotrophic food availability. Our experiments and observations did not yield one single factor, alone, responsible for the seasonal bleaching. The dinoflagellate symbionts (of the genus Symbiodinium) in shallow (5 m) Stylophora pistillata were found to have a net photosynthetic rate of 56.98-92.19 µmol O2 cm(-2) day(-1). However, those from mesophotic depth (60 m) during months when they are not bleached are net consumers of oxygen having a net photosynthetic rate between -12.86 - (-10.24) µmol O2 cm(-2) day(-1). But during months when these mesophotic corals are partially-bleached, they yielded higher net production, between -2.83-0.76 µmol O2 cm(-2) day(-1). This study opens research questions as to why mesophotic zooxanthellae are more successfully meeting the corals metabolic requirements when Chl a concentration decreases by over 60% during summer and early fall.
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Affiliation(s)
- Orit Nir
- Marine Biology Department, The Leon H. Charney School of Marine Sciences, University of Haifa, Haifa, Israel
| | - David F. Gruber
- Department of Natural Sciences, City University of New York, Baruch College, New York, New York, United States of America
- American Museum of Natural History, Sackler Institute of Comparative Genomics, New York, New York, United States of America
| | - Eli Shemesh
- Marine Biology Department, The Leon H. Charney School of Marine Sciences, University of Haifa, Haifa, Israel
| | - Eliezra Glasser
- Marine Biology Department, The Leon H. Charney School of Marine Sciences, University of Haifa, Haifa, Israel
| | - Dan Tchernov
- Marine Biology Department, The Leon H. Charney School of Marine Sciences, University of Haifa, Haifa, Israel
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Sparks JS, Schelly RC, Smith WL, Davis MP, Tchernov D, Pieribone VA, Gruber DF. The covert world of fish biofluorescence: a phylogenetically widespread and phenotypically variable phenomenon. PLoS One 2014; 9:e83259. [PMID: 24421880 PMCID: PMC3885428 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0083259] [Citation(s) in RCA: 81] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/28/2013] [Accepted: 10/31/2013] [Indexed: 12/30/2022] Open
Abstract
The discovery of fluorescent proteins has revolutionized experimental biology. Whereas the majority of fluorescent proteins have been identified from cnidarians, recently several fluorescent proteins have been isolated across the animal tree of life. Here we show that biofluorescence is not only phylogenetically widespread, but is also phenotypically variable across both cartilaginous and bony fishes, highlighting its evolutionary history and the possibility for discovery of numerous novel fluorescent proteins. Fish biofluorescence is especially common and morphologically variable in cryptically patterned coral-reef lineages. We identified 16 orders, 50 families, 105 genera, and more than 180 species of biofluorescent fishes. We have also reconstructed our current understanding of the phylogenetic distribution of biofluorescence for ray-finned fishes. The presence of yellow long-pass intraocular filters in many biofluorescent fish lineages and the substantive color vision capabilities of coral-reef fishes suggest that they are capable of detecting fluoresced light. We present species-specific emission patterns among closely related species, indicating that biofluorescence potentially functions in intraspecific communication and evidence that fluorescence can be used for camouflage. This research provides insight into the distribution, evolution, and phenotypic variability of biofluorescence in marine lineages and examines the role this variation may play.
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Affiliation(s)
- John S. Sparks
- Department of Ichthyology, American Museum of Natural History, Division of Vertebrate Zoology, New York, New York United States of America
- Sackler Institute for Comparative Genomics, American Museum of Natural History, New York, New York, United States of America
| | - Robert C. Schelly
- Department of Ichthyology, American Museum of Natural History, Division of Vertebrate Zoology, New York, New York United States of America
- Sackler Institute for Comparative Genomics, American Museum of Natural History, New York, New York, United States of America
| | - W. Leo Smith
- Biodiversity Institute, University of Kansas, Lawrence, Kansas, United States of America
| | - Matthew P. Davis
- Biodiversity Institute, University of Kansas, Lawrence, Kansas, United States of America
| | - Dan Tchernov
- Marine Biology Department, The Leon H. Charney School of Marine Sciences, University of Haifa, Mount Carmel, Haifa, Israel
| | - Vincent A. Pieribone
- Department of Ichthyology, American Museum of Natural History, Division of Vertebrate Zoology, New York, New York United States of America
- Department of Cellular and Molecular Physiology, The John B. Pierce Laboratory, Inc., Yale University, New Haven, Connecticut, United States of America
| | - David F. Gruber
- Sackler Institute for Comparative Genomics, American Museum of Natural History, New York, New York, United States of America
- Department of Natural Sciences, Baruch College, City University of New York, New York, New York, United States of America
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Rubin-Blum M, Antler G, Turchyn AV, Tsadok R, Goodman-Tchernov BN, Shemesh E, Austin JA, Coleman DF, Makovsky Y, Sivan O, Tchernov D. Hydrocarbon-related microbial processes in the deep sediments of the Eastern Mediterranean Levantine Basin. FEMS Microbiol Ecol 2013; 87:780-96. [DOI: 10.1111/1574-6941.12264] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/08/2013] [Revised: 11/08/2013] [Accepted: 11/20/2013] [Indexed: 11/28/2022] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Maxim Rubin-Blum
- The Leon H. Charney School of Marine Sciences; University of Haifa; Haifa Israel
| | - Gilad Antler
- Department of Earth Sciences; University of Cambridge; Cambridge UK
| | | | - Rami Tsadok
- The Leon H. Charney School of Marine Sciences; University of Haifa; Haifa Israel
| | | | - Eli Shemesh
- The Leon H. Charney School of Marine Sciences; University of Haifa; Haifa Israel
| | - James A. Austin
- Institute for Geophysics; Jackson School of Geosciences; University of Texas at Austin; Austin TX USA
| | - Dwight F. Coleman
- Graduate School of Oceanography; The University of Rhode Island; Narragansett RI USA
| | - Yizhaq Makovsky
- The Leon H. Charney School of Marine Sciences; University of Haifa; Haifa Israel
| | - Orit Sivan
- Department of Geological and Environmental Sciences; Ben-Gurion University of the Negev; Beer-Sheva Israel
| | - Dan Tchernov
- The Leon H. Charney School of Marine Sciences; University of Haifa; Haifa Israel
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Pooyaei Mehr SF, DeSalle R, Kao HT, Narechania A, Han Z, Tchernov D, Pieribone V, Gruber DF. Transcriptome deep-sequencing and clustering of expressed isoforms from Favia corals. BMC Genomics 2013; 14:546. [PMID: 23937070 PMCID: PMC3751062 DOI: 10.1186/1471-2164-14-546] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/12/2012] [Accepted: 08/03/2013] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Genomic and transcriptomic sequence data are essential tools for tackling ecological problems. Using an approach that combines next-generation sequencing, de novo transcriptome assembly, gene annotation and synthetic gene construction, we identify and cluster the protein families from Favia corals from the northern Red Sea. RESULTS We obtained 80 million 75 bp paired-end cDNA reads from two Favia adult samples collected at 65 m (Fav1, Fav2) on the Illumina GA platform, and generated two de novo assemblies using ABySS and CAP3. After removing redundancy and filtering out low quality reads, our transcriptome datasets contained 58,268 (Fav1) and 62,469 (Fav2) contigs longer than 100 bp, with N50 values of 1,665 bp and 1,439 bp, respectively. Using the proteome of the sea anemone Nematostella vectensis as a reference, we were able to annotate almost 20% of each dataset using reciprocal homology searches. Homologous clustering of these annotated transcripts allowed us to divide them into 7,186 (Fav1) and 6,862 (Fav2) homologous transcript clusters (E-value ≤ 2e(-30)). Functional annotation categories were assigned to homologous clusters using the functional annotation of Nematostella vectensis. General annotation of the assembled transcripts was improved 1-3% using the Acropora digitifera proteome. In addition, we screened these transcript isoform clusters for fluorescent proteins (FPs) homologs and identified seven potential FP homologs in Fav1, and four in Fav2. These transcripts were validated as bona fide FP transcripts via robust fluorescence heterologous expression. Annotation of the assembled contigs revealed that 1.34% and 1.61% (in Fav1 and Fav2, respectively) of the total assembled contigs likely originated from the corals' algal symbiont, Symbiodinium spp. CONCLUSIONS Here we present a study to identify the homologous transcript isoform clusters from the transcriptome of Favia corals using a far-related reference proteome. Furthermore, the symbiont-derived transcripts were isolated from the datasets and their contribution quantified. This is the first annotated transcriptome of the genus Favia, a major increase in genomics resources available in this important family of corals.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shaadi F Pooyaei Mehr
- The Graduate Center, Molecular, Cellular and Developmental Biology, City University of New York, New York, NY 10065, USA
- American Museum of Natural History, Sackler Institute of Comparative Genomics, New York, NY 10024, USA
| | - Rob DeSalle
- American Museum of Natural History, Sackler Institute of Comparative Genomics, New York, NY 10024, USA
| | - Hung-Teh Kao
- Department of Psychiatry and Human Behavior, Division of Biology and Medicine, Warren Alpert Medical School, Brown University, Providence RI 02912, USA
| | - Apurva Narechania
- American Museum of Natural History, Sackler Institute of Comparative Genomics, New York, NY 10024, USA
| | - Zhou Han
- John B. Pierce Laboratory, Cellular and Molecular Physiology, Yale University, New Haven, CT 06519, USA
| | - Dan Tchernov
- Marine Biology Department, The Leon H. Charney School of Marine Sciences, University of Haifa, Mount Carmel, Haifa 31905, Israel
| | - Vincent Pieribone
- John B. Pierce Laboratory, Cellular and Molecular Physiology, Yale University, New Haven, CT 06519, USA
| | - David F Gruber
- The Graduate Center, Molecular, Cellular and Developmental Biology, City University of New York, New York, NY 10065, USA
- American Museum of Natural History, Sackler Institute of Comparative Genomics, New York, NY 10024, USA
- Department of Natural Sciences, City University of New York, Baruch College, Box A-0506, 17 Lexington Avenue, New York, NY 10010, USA
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Kvitt H, Rosenfeld H, Zandbank K, Tchernov D. Regulation of apoptotic pathways by Stylophora pistillata (Anthozoa, Pocilloporidae) to survive thermal stress and bleaching. PLoS One 2011; 6:e28665. [PMID: 22194880 PMCID: PMC3237478 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0028665] [Citation(s) in RCA: 41] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/24/2011] [Accepted: 11/12/2011] [Indexed: 11/25/2022] Open
Abstract
Elevated seawater temperatures are associated with coral bleaching events and related mortality. Nevertheless, some coral species are able to survive bleaching and recover. The apoptotic responses associated to this ability were studied over 3 years in the coral Stylophora pistillata from the Gulf of Eilat subjected to long term thermal stress. These include caspase activity and the expression profiles of the S. pistillata caspase and Bcl-2 genes (StyCasp and StyBcl-2-like) cloned in this study. In corals exposed to thermal stress (32 or 34°C), caspase activity and the expression levels of the StyBcl-2-like gene increased over time (6–48 h) and declined to basal levels within 72 h of thermal stress. Distinct transcript levels were obtained for the StyCasp gene, with stimulated expression from 6 to 48 h of 34°C thermal stress, coinciding with the onset of bleaching. Increased cell death was detected in situ only between 6 to 48 h of stress and was limited to the gastroderm. The bleached corals survived up to one month at 32°C, and recovered back symbionts when placed at 24°C. These results point to a two-stage response in corals that withstand thermal stress: (i) the onset of apoptosis, accompanied by rapid activation of anti-oxidant/anti-apoptotic mediators that block the progression of apoptosis to other cells and (ii) acclimatization of the coral to the chronic thermal stress alongside the completion of symbiosis breakdown. Accordingly, the coral's ability to rapidly curb apoptosis appears to be the most important trait affecting the coral's thermotolerance and survival.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hagit Kvitt
- Marine Biology Department, The Leon H. Charney School of Marine Sciences, University of Haifa, Mount Carmel, Haifa, Israel.
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Tchernov D, Mass T, Gruber DF. Symbiotic transition of algae-coral triggered by paleoclimatic events? Trends Ecol Evol 2011; 27:194-5. [PMID: 22129973 DOI: 10.1016/j.tree.2011.11.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/15/2011] [Revised: 10/26/2011] [Accepted: 11/01/2011] [Indexed: 10/15/2022]
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Veal CJ, Carmi M, Dishon G, Sharon Y, Michael K, Tchernov D, Hoegh-Guldberg O, Fine M. Shallow-water wave lensing in coral reefs: a physical and biological case study. J Exp Biol 2010; 213:4304-12. [DOI: 10.1242/jeb.044941] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/20/2022]
Abstract
SUMMARY
Wave lensing produces the highest level of transient solar irradiances found in nature, ranging in intensity over several orders of magnitude in just a few tens of milliseconds. Shallow coral reefs can be exposed to wave lensing during light-wind, clear-sky conditions, which have been implicated as a secondary cause of mass coral bleaching through light stress. Management strategies to protect small areas of high-value reef from wave-lensed light stress were tested using seawater irrigation sprinklers to negate wave lensing by breaking up the water surface. A series of field and tank experiments investigated the physical and photophysiological response of the shallow-water species Stylophora pistillata and Favites abdita to wave lensing and sprinkler conditions. Results show that the sprinkler treatment only slightly reduces the total downwelling photosynthetically active and ultraviolet irradiance (∼5.0%), whereas it dramatically reduces, by 460%, the irradiance variability caused by wave lensing. Despite this large reduction in variability and modest reduction in downwelling irradiance, there was no detectable difference in photophysiological response of the corals between control and sprinkler treatments under two thermal regimes of ambient (27°C) and heated treatment (31°C). This study suggests that shallow-water coral species are not negatively affected by the strong flashes that occur under wave-lensing conditions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Cameron James Veal
- Global Change Institute, Coral Reef Ecosystem Laboratory, The University of Queensland, St Lucia, Brisbane, Queensland 4072, Australia
- The Interuniversity Institute for Marine Science, Eilat 88103, Israel
| | - Maya Carmi
- The Interuniversity Institute for Marine Science, Eilat 88103, Israel
| | - Gal Dishon
- The Interuniversity Institute for Marine Science, Eilat 88103, Israel
| | - Yoni Sharon
- The Interuniversity Institute for Marine Science, Eilat 88103, Israel
| | - Kelvin Michael
- Institute for Marine and Antarctic Studies, University of Tasmania, Sandy Bay, Tasmania 7001, Australia
| | - Dan Tchernov
- The Interuniversity Institute for Marine Science, Eilat 88103, Israel
- The Alexander Silberman Institute of Life Sciences, The Hebrew University of Jerusalem, Jerusalem 91904, Israel
- Marine Biology Department, The Leon H. Charney School of Marine Sciences, University of Haifa, Mount Carmel, Haifa 31905, Israel
| | - Ove Hoegh-Guldberg
- Global Change Institute, Coral Reef Ecosystem Laboratory, The University of Queensland, St Lucia, Brisbane, Queensland 4072, Australia
| | - Maoz Fine
- The Interuniversity Institute for Marine Science, Eilat 88103, Israel
- The Mina and Everard Goodman Faculty of Life Science, Bar-Ilan University, Ramat Gan 52900, Israel
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Saragosti E, Tchernov D, Katsir A, Shaked Y. Extracellular production and degradation of superoxide in the coral Stylophora pistillata and cultured Symbiodinium. PLoS One 2010; 5:e12508. [PMID: 20856857 PMCID: PMC2939047 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0012508] [Citation(s) in RCA: 59] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/20/2010] [Accepted: 07/28/2010] [Indexed: 11/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Reactive oxygen species (ROS) are thought to play a major role in cell death pathways and bleaching in scleractinian corals. Direct measurements of ROS in corals are conspicuously in short supply, partly due to inherent problems with ROS quantification in cellular systems. Methodology/Principal Findings In this study we characterized the dynamics of the reactive oxygen species superoxide anion radical (O2−) in the external milieu of the coral Stylophora pistillata. Using a sensitive, rapid and selective chemiluminesence-based technique, we measured extracellular superoxide production and detoxification activity of symbiont (non-bleached) and aposymbiont (bleached) corals, and of cultured Symbiodinium (from clades A and C). Bleached and non-bleached Stylophora fragments were found to produce superoxide at comparable rates of 10−11–10−9 mol O2− mg protein−1 min−1 in the dark. In the light, a two-fold enhancement in O2− production rates was observed in non-bleached corals, but not in bleached corals. Cultured Symbiodinium produced superoxide in the dark at a rate of . Light was found to markedly enhance O2− production. The NADPH Oxidase inhibitor Diphenyleneiodonium chloride (DPI) strongly inhibited O2− production by corals (and more moderately by algae), possibly suggesting an involvement of NADPH Oxidase in the process. An extracellular O2− detoxifying activity was found for bleached and non-bleached Stylophora but not for Symbiodinium. The O2− detoxifying activity was partially characterized and found to resemble that of the enzyme superoxide dismutase (SOD). Conclusions/Significance The findings of substantial extracellular O2− production as well as extracellular O2− detoxifying activity may shed light on the chemical interactions between the symbiont and its host and between the coral and its environment. Superoxide production by Symbiodinium possibly implies that algal bearing corals are more susceptible to an internal build-up of O2−, which may in turn be linked to oxidative stress mediated bleaching.
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Affiliation(s)
- Eldad Saragosti
- Interuniversity Institute for Marine Sciences, Eilat, Israel
- Department of Evolution, Systematics and Ecology, Alexander Silberman Institute of Life Sciences, Hebrew University of Jerusalem, Eilat, Israel
| | - Dan Tchernov
- Interuniversity Institute for Marine Sciences, Eilat, Israel
- Department of Evolution, Systematics and Ecology, Alexander Silberman Institute of Life Sciences, Hebrew University of Jerusalem, Eilat, Israel
| | - Adi Katsir
- Department of Life Sciences, Ben Gurion University of the Negev, Beer Sheva, Israel
| | - Yeala Shaked
- Interuniversity Institute for Marine Sciences, Eilat, Israel
- Fredy & Nadine Herrmann Institute of Earth Sciences, Hebrew University of Jerusalem, Eilat, Israel
- * E-mail:
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Ohad I, Raanan H, Keren N, Tchernov D, Kaplan A. Light-induced changes within photosystem II protects Microcoleus sp. in biological desert sand crusts against excess light. PLoS One 2010; 5:e11000. [PMID: 20544016 PMCID: PMC2882322 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0011000] [Citation(s) in RCA: 46] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/25/2010] [Accepted: 05/16/2010] [Indexed: 12/16/2022] Open
Abstract
The filamentous cyanobacterium Microcoleus vaginatus, a major primary producer in desert biological sand crusts, is exposed to frequent hydration (by early morning dew) followed by desiccation during potentially damaging excess light conditions. Nevertheless, its photosynthetic machinery is hardly affected by high light, unlike “model” organisms whereby light-induced oxidative stress leads to photoinactivation of the oxygen-evolving photosystem II (PSII). Field experiments showed a dramatic decline in the fluorescence yield with rising light intensity in both drying and artificially maintained wet plots. Laboratory experiments showed that, contrary to “model” organisms, photosynthesis persists in Microcoleus sp. even at light intensities 2–3 times higher than required to saturate oxygen evolution. This is despite an extensive loss (85–90%) of variable fluorescence and thermoluminescence, representing radiative PSII charge recombination that promotes the generation of damaging singlet oxygen. Light induced loss of variable fluorescence is not inhibited by the electron transfer inhibitors 3-(3,4-dichlorophenyl)-1,1-dimethylurea (DCMU), 2,5-dibromo-3-methyl-6-isopropylbenzoquinone (DBMIB), nor the uncoupler carbonyl cyanide-p-trifluoromethoxyphenylhydrazone (FCCP), thus indicating that reduction of plastoquinone or O2, or lumen acidification essential for non-photochemical quenching (NPQ) are not involved. The rate of QA− re-oxidation in the presence of DCMU is enhanced with time and intensity of illumination. The difference in temperatures required for maximal thermoluminescence emissions from S2/QA− (Q band, 22°C) and S2,3/QB− (B band, 25°C) charge recombinations is considerably smaller in Microcoleus as compared to “model” photosynthetic organisms, thus indicating a significant alteration of the S2/QA− redox potential. We propose that enhancement of non-radiative charge recombination with rising light intensity may reduce harmful radiative recombination events thereby lowering 1O2 generation and oxidative photodamage under excess illumination. This effective photo-protective mechanism was apparently lost during the evolution from the ancestor cyanobacteria to the higher plant chloroplast.
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Affiliation(s)
- Itzhak Ohad
- Department of Biological Chemistry, The Hebrew University of Jerusalem, Jerusalem, Irael
| | - Hagai Raanan
- Department of Plant and Environmental Sciences, The Hebrew University of Jerusalem, Jerusalem, Israel
| | - Nir Keren
- Department of Plant and Environmental Sciences, The Hebrew University of Jerusalem, Jerusalem, Israel
| | - Dan Tchernov
- The Interuniversity Institute for Marine Sciences in Eilat, The Hebrew University of Jerusalem, Jerusalem, Israel
| | - Aaron Kaplan
- Department of Plant and Environmental Sciences, The Hebrew University of Jerusalem, Jerusalem, Israel
- * E-mail:
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48
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Gruber DF, DeSalle R, Lienau EK, Tchernov D, Pieribone VA, Kao HT. Novel internal regions of fluorescent proteins undergo divergent evolutionary patterns. Mol Biol Evol 2009; 26:2841-8. [PMID: 19770223 DOI: 10.1093/molbev/msp194] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/29/2022] Open
Abstract
Over the past decade, fluorescent proteins (FPs) have become ubiquitous tools in biological research. Yet, little is known about the natural function or evolution of this superfamily of proteins that originate from marine organisms. Using molecular phylogenetic analyses of 102 naturally occurring cyan fluorescent proteins, green fluorescent proteins, red fluorescent proteins, as well as the nonfluorescent (purple-blue) protein sequences (including new FPs from Lizard Island, Australia) derived from organisms with known geographic origin, we show that FPs consist of two distinct and novel regions that have evolved under opposite and sharply divergent evolutionary pressures. A central region is highly conserved, and although it contains the residues that form the chromophore, its evolution does not track with fluorescent color and evolves independently from the rest of the protein. By contrast, the regions enclosing this central region are under strong positive selection pressure to vary its sequence and yet segregate well with fluorescence color emission. We did not find a significant correlation between geographic location of the organism from which the FP was isolated and molecular evolution of the protein. These results define for the first time two distinct regions based on evolution for this highly compact protein. The findings have implications for more sophisticated bioengineering of this molecule as well as studies directed toward understanding the natural function of FPs.
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Affiliation(s)
- David F Gruber
- Department of Natural Sciences, Baruch College, City University of New York, USA.
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Abstract
Anthropogenic-driven accumulation of carbon dioxide in the atmosphere and projected ocean acidification have raised concerns regarding the eventual impact on coral reefs. This study demonstrates that skeleton-producing corals grown in acidified experimental conditions are able to sustain basic life functions, including reproductive ability, in a sea anemone-like form and will resume skeleton building when reintroduced to normal modern marine conditions. These results support the existence of physiological refugia, allowing corals to alternate between nonfossilizing soft-body ecophenotypes and fossilizing skeletal forms in response to changes in ocean chemistry. This refugia, however, does not undermine the threats to reef ecosystems in a high carbon dioxide world.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maoz Fine
- Faculty of Life Sciences, Bar-Ilan University, Ramat-Gan, 52900, Israel.
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50
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Tchernov D, Gorbunov MY, de Vargas C, Narayan Yadav S, Milligan AJ, Häggblom M, Falkowski PG. Membrane lipids of symbiotic algae are diagnostic of sensitivity to thermal bleaching in corals. Proc Natl Acad Sci U S A 2004; 101:13531-5. [PMID: 15340154 PMCID: PMC518791 DOI: 10.1073/pnas.0402907101] [Citation(s) in RCA: 270] [Impact Index Per Article: 13.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/27/2004] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Over the past three decades, massive bleaching events of zooxanthellate corals have been documented across the range of global distribution. Although the phenomenon is correlated with relatively small increases in sea-surface temperature and enhanced light intensity, the underlying physiological mechanism remains unknown. In this article we demonstrate that thylakoid membrane lipid composition is a key determinate of thermal-stress sensitivity in symbiotic algae of cnidarians. Analyses of thylakoid membranes reveal that the critical threshold temperature separating thermally tolerant from sensitive species of zooxanthellae is determined by the saturation of the lipids. The lipid composition is potentially diagnostic of the differential nature of thermally induced bleaching found in scleractinian corals. Measurements of variable chlorophyll fluorescence kinetic transients indicate that thermally damaged membranes are energetically uncoupled but remain capable of splitting water. Consequently, a fraction of the photosynthetically produced oxygen is reduced by photosystem I through the Mehler reaction to form reactive oxygen species, which rapidly accumulate at high irradiance levels and trigger death and expulsion of the endosymbiotic algae. Differential sensitivity to thermal stress among the various species of Symbiodinium seems to be distributed across all clades. A clocked molecular phylogenetic analysis suggests that the evolutionary history of symbiotic algae in cnidarians selected for a reduced tolerance to elevated temperatures in the latter portion of the Cenozoic.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dan Tchernov
- Environmental Biophysics and Molecular Ecology Program, Institute of Marine and Coastal Sciences, Rutgers, The State University of New Jersey, 71 Dudley Road, New Brunswick, NJ 08901, USA
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