Article
Environmental Sciences
Michiko Takahashi, Kei Wada, Yoshihito Takano, Kyouhei Matsuno, Yuichi Masuda, Kazuno Arai, Masafumi Murayama, Yuji Tomaru, Kouki Tanaka, Keizo Nagasaki
Summary: Through studying a marine sediment core sample from Uranouchi Inlet, Kochi, Japan, it was found that HcRNAV had existed in the inlet before its first bloom in 1988. Five phylogenetically distinguishable variants of HcRNAV were identified based on the nucleotide sequence of the major capsid protein gene, suggesting that the sequences in the NCBI database are only a portion of the variants that have emerged in the history of HcRNAV diversification. The study verified the applicability of a retrospective approach for speculating the distribution of algal RNA viruses over time in aquatic environments.
SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT
(2021)
Article
Multidisciplinary Sciences
Natsuko Nakayama, Saho Kitatsuji, Masami Hamaguchi
Summary: Lake Kamo, a famous oyster farming site in Japan, experienced an unexpected outbreak of the dinoflagellate Heterocapsa circularisquama in 2009, which caused selective mortality of bivalve mollusks. The outbreak was believed to be caused by the contamination of purchased seedlings. Environmental data showed that Lake Kamo's environment had not changed significantly, but the water temperature in the surrounding open water had increased, leading to inadequate seawater exchange and nutrient enrichment in the lake. A method using sediment containing the H. circularisquama RNA virus (HcRNAV) was developed and successfully applied in 2019 to mitigate the bloom.
Article
Ecology
Qingsong Yang, Ying Zhang, Manzoor Ahmad, Juan Ling, Weiguo Zhou, Yanying Zhang, Junde Dong
Summary: The study revealed significant changes in the coral microbial community during a natural bleaching event in the South China Sea, highlighting potential roles of specific bacterial groups in association with the symbiotic algae Symbiodinium during coral bleaching process and supporting the beneficial microorganisms theory for corals.
Article
Genetics & Heredity
Georgi K. Marinov, Alexandro E. Trevino, Tingting Xiang, Anshul Kundaje, Arthur R. Grossman, William J. Greenleaf
Summary: Dinoflagellate chromosomes represent a unique evolutionary experiment, existing in a permanently condensed state without histone packaging and minimal transcriptional regulation. Analysis of the three-dimensional genome of Breviolum minutum reveals large topological domains (dinoTADs) demarcated by convergent gene array boundaries, with disruption caused by transcriptional inhibition.
Article
Multidisciplinary Sciences
Robert van Woesik, Chelsey Kratochwill
Summary: Coral reefs, the most diverse marine ecosystems, are facing increased thermal stress events leading to coral bleaching. The severity of bleaching varies depending on species, location, historical conditions, and local/regional influences. The Global Coral-Bleaching Database compiles over 34,000 records from 93 countries, providing crucial information on bleaching presence, site exposure, and environmental factors.
Article
Oceanography
Maria Saburova, Manal Al-Kandari, Igor Polikarpov, Abrar Akbar, Sumaiah Hussain, Rita Rahmeh, Waleed Al-Zakri, Faiza Al-Yamani
Summary: A bloom of non-indigenous dinoflagellate Heterocapsa circularisquama and associated shellfish mortality were detected for the first time in Kuwait's waters. This species, endemic to the Asia Pacific region, caused damage to bivalve aquaculture and economic losses in other areas. The bloom in Kuwait Bay reached proportions of up to 10^8 cells/mL and comprised 72% to 83% of the total phytoplankton population in red tide patches. The study also found the presence of local bloom-forming diatoms.
DEEP-SEA RESEARCH PART II-TOPICAL STUDIES IN OCEANOGRAPHY
(2022)
Review
Agriculture, Dairy & Animal Science
Chandra Segaran Thirukanthan, Mohamad Nor Azra, Fathurrahman Lananan, Gianluca Sara, Inga Grinfelde, Vite Rudovica, Zane Vincevica-Gaile, Juris Burlakovs
Summary: Coral reefs are vital and threatened ecosystems, and their research in relation to climate change has been on the rise. This study analyzed the current trends and identified future directions in the field, including incorporating future scenarios, studying climate-induced temperature changes, and exploring adaptation strategies. The most influential keywords in recent years include coral bleaching, ocean acidification, and sea-level rise.
Article
Environmental Sciences
D. Burn, A. S. Hoey, S. Matthews, H. B. Harrison, M. S. Pratchett
Summary: Climate-induced coral bleaching poses a major threat to coral assemblages worldwide, but susceptibility to bleaching varies among different coral taxa. In this study, we compared bleaching susceptibility among 10 coral morpho-taxa and two colony size classes across 33 reefs in the Great Barrier Reef and Coral Sea Marine Parks. We found that colony size and bleaching severity significantly influenced the hierarchy of bleaching susceptibility among taxa, with massive Porites shifting from being less likely to bleach to becoming highly susceptible as overall bleaching severity increased. Additionally, juvenile corals smaller than 5 cm in diameter were generally more resistant to bleaching, except for Montipora and Pocillopora colonies, which exhibited higher bleaching susceptibility compared to adult corals larger than 5 cm.
MARINE POLLUTION BULLETIN
(2023)
Article
Marine & Freshwater Biology
Yiyang Zou, Yu Chen, Lin Wang, Si Zhang, Jie Li
Summary: This study investigates the relationship between microbial communities in different compartments and the health status of coral hosts. The results show that bacterial communities change in the tissue but remain stable in the mucus layer during coral bleaching. This suggests that the changes in bacterial communities may affect coral health.
Article
Astronomy & Astrophysics
V. H. F. Neo, J. Zinke, T. Fung, C. J. Merchant, K. J. A. Zawada, H. Krawczyk, J. M. Maina
Summary: Coral reefs are at risk of accelerated decline due to climate change-induced changes, and it is uncertain if the Sea Surface Temperature data used for coral reef studies are consistent among different data products. Understanding the consistency among different SST data sources can help improve monitoring and understanding of the impact of global warming on coral reefs. The study compares four types of SST data and highlights the need to compare existing indicators of thermal stress from different data sets. Rating: 8/10
EARTH AND SPACE SCIENCE
(2023)
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Mikihiro Sugiura, Ko Yasumoto, Mariko Iijima, Yuya Oaki, Hiroaki Imai
Summary: The calcareous skeletons of stony corals consist of low-crystalline core and fibrous crystals. The formation of fibrous aragonite around the core is primarily regulated by abiotic environmental parameters. The coral's total mineralization is controlled by biological activities.
Article
Biology
Michael P. Lesser
Summary: Coral reefs are facing extreme environmental pressure from climate change and eutrophication. Changes in nutrient balance may increase coral mortality, while eutrophication can lead to shifts in coral reefs dominated by macroalgae. The effects of eutrophication are compounded by the presence of chemical pollutants, making it difficult to separate their impact from that of climate change on coral reefs.
Article
Environmental Sciences
Hiroshi Ishibashi, Daisuke Takaichi, Ichiro Takeuchi
Summary: The study investigated the transcriptomes of coral and symbiotic dinoflagellates exposed to Irgarol to elucidate the molecular mechanisms underlying bleaching. Different gene expressions, pathways, and protein networks were disrupted by Irgarol exposure, affecting various biological processes in both coral and symbiotic dinoflagellates. This suggests that Irgarol disrupts gene expression and biological processes, leading to bleaching effect on corals and their symbiotic partners.
SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT
(2021)
Article
Ecology
Carsten G. B. Grupstra, Lauren Howe-Kerr, Alex J. Veglia, Reb L. Bryant, Samantha R. Coy, Patricia L. Blackwelder, Adrienne M. S. Correa
Summary: This study provides the first empirical evidence that high temperature exposure triggers some viruses infecting coral symbionts to switch from a persistent infection mode to a productive infection mode. The experiment found that in heat-stressed corals, the production and abundance of certain dinoRNAVs increased.
Article
Ecology
Ty N. F. Roach, Jenna Dilworth, Christian H. Martin, A. Daniel Jones, Robert A. Quinn, Crawford Drury
Summary: This study demonstrates a stable impact of coral bleaching on the metabolomics of both the coral host and algal symbiont, leading to different physiological responses to temperature stress. Metabolomic differences help predict bleaching phenotype and offer new insights into the biochemical mechanisms of coral bleaching.
NATURE ECOLOGY & EVOLUTION
(2021)
Article
Ecology
Giada Tortorelli, Carsten Rautengarten, Antony Bacic, Gabriela Segal, Berit Ebert, Simon K. Davy, Madeleine J. H. van Oppen, Geoffrey McFadden
Summary: This study compared the surface glycomes of three symbiotic algae and explored the role of glycan-lectin interactions in host-symbiont recognition and establishment of symbiosis. The study found variations in the cell-surface glycome among different algal species and showed that trypsin treatment of algae altered the uptake rate of symbionts.
Review
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Justin Maire, Madeleine J. H. van Oppen
Summary: Coral reefs are declining rapidly due to widespread coral bleaching caused by elevated seawater temperatures. Experimental evolution of coral-associated bacteria can be used to enhance coral thermal tolerance, providing a valuable approach for coral reef conservation and restoration efforts.
TRENDS IN MICROBIOLOGY
(2022)
Article
Biodiversity Conservation
Shayle B. Matsuda, Leela J. Chakravarti, Ross Cunning, Ariana S. Huffmyer, Craig E. Nelson, Ruth D. Gates, Madeleine J. H. van Oppen
Summary: This study examined the ability of horizontally transmitting coral larvae to establish symbioses with Symbiodiniaceae species from four genera with varying thermal thresholds. Results showed that Gerakladium outcompeted Durusdinium at high temperatures, while Fugacium performed best at 27 and 30 degrees Celsius.
GLOBAL CHANGE BIOLOGY
(2022)
Article
Ecology
Hugo J. Scharfenstein, Wing Yan Chan, Patrick Buerger, Craig Humphrey, Madeleine J. H. van Oppen
Summary: This study reveals that adult corals can acquire symbionts from the environment and demonstrates the feasibility of manipulating the symbiont communities of adult corals through chemical bleaching and reinoculation. This innovative approach could be highly relevant to coral reef restoration efforts.
Article
Microbiology
Samuel Namonyo, Gilda Carvalho, Jianhua Guo, Karen D. Weynberg
Summary: This study isolated and characterized four novel phages against multi-drug resistant Pseudomonas aeruginosa clinical strains from Australia, and proposed their potential use as phage therapy candidates.
Article
Zoology
Justin Maire, Patrick Buerger, Wing Yan Chan, Pranali Deore, Ashley M. Dungan, Matthew R. Nitschke, Madeleine J. H. van Oppen
Summary: The climate crisis poses a significant threat to marine ecosystems, particularly coral reef ecosystems. Rising sea surface temperatures and more frequent and intense marine heatwaves are directly impacting coral-associated microorganisms, including symbionts such as microalgae. While there is extensive research on the effects of climate change on coral-associated microorganisms, data on other microorganisms and their response to climate change are limited. This review highlights the importance of studying understudied microorganisms, such as archaea, fungi, viruses, and protists, and their interactions with coral in the context of climate change.
INTEGRATIVE AND COMPARATIVE BIOLOGY
(2022)
Article
Microbiology
Madeleine J. H. van Oppen, Jean-Baptiste Raina
ENVIRONMENTAL MICROBIOLOGY
(2023)
Article
Plant Sciences
Caleb C. Butler, Kira E. Turnham, Allison M. Lewis, Matthew R. Nitschke, Mark E. Warner, Dustin W. Kemp, Ove Hoegh-Guldberg, William K. Fitt, Madeleine J. H. van Oppen, Todd C. LaJeunesse
Summary: This study identified five new species in the genus Cladocopium, which are widespread and have diverse hosts. These findings are important for understanding ecological research, genetic research, and conservation efforts in the face of environmental changes.
JOURNAL OF PHYCOLOGY
(2023)
Article
Environmental Sciences
Patrick Buerger, Marcin Buler, Heng L. Yeap, Owain R. Edwards, Madeleine J. H. van Oppen, John G. Oakeshott, Leon Court
Summary: Corals' tolerance to high temperature stress largely depends on their symbiotic microalgae (Symbiodiniaceae). However, the contributing microalgal traits and their relationships to one another are largely unclear. In this study, the cellular profiles of seven Cladocopium C1(acro) microalgal strains were compared during exposure to different temperatures, revealing the influence of temperature on microalgal characteristics and their correlations with other parameters, such as reactive oxygen species (ROS) and reduced glutathione (rGSH) levels.
FRONTIERS IN MARINE SCIENCE
(2023)
Article
Biology
Wing Yan Chan, David Rudd, Madeleine J. H. van Oppen
Summary: Microbial symbionts in multicellular hosts often localize within specific body structures or cell types, playing critical roles in host health and nutrient exchange. However, conventional methods for measuring host-microbe metabolite exchange have limitations. In this study, we developed a mass spectrometry imaging workflow that allows for in situ analysis of host and symbiont metabolomes in a cnidarian animal without the need for isotopic labeling or skeleton decalcification. Our findings reveal the importance of specific lipids in regulating symbiont acquisition and distribution, and demonstrate the impact of symbiont identity on host metabolism.
LIFE SCIENCE ALLIANCE
(2023)
Article
Evolutionary Biology
Hugo J. Scharfenstein, Carlos Alvarez-Roa, Lesa M. Peplow, Patrick Buerger, Wing Yan Chan, Madeleine J. H. van Oppen
Summary: Through chemical mutagenesis and thermal selection, Durusdinium trenchii, Fugacium kawagutii, and Symbiodinium pilosum strains of Symbiodiniaceae showed increased photosynthetic efficiency under thermal stress. However, there were trade-offs in the growth rates of the heat-evolved D. trenchii lineage at both ambient and elevated temperatures. Reduced nutrient uptake rates in F. kawagutii and S. pilosum heat-evolved lineages suggest changes in nutrition resource usage and allocation processes. These findings enhance our understanding of the physiological responses and adaptive capacity of Symbiodiniaceae cultures to thermal selection.
EVOLUTIONARY APPLICATIONS
(2023)
Article
Biodiversity Conservation
Wing Yan Chan, Luka Meyers, David Rudd, Sanjida H. Topa, Madeleine J. H. van Oppen
Summary: Experimental evolution of coral microalgal symbionts can enhance the thermotolerance of adult corals without trade-off against growth under ambient temperature. This study demonstrates that heat-evolved symbionts can persist in corals for a long time and potentially provide long-term benefits to coral thermotolerance.
GLOBAL CHANGE BIOLOGY
(2023)
Article
Ecology
Keren Maor-Landaw, Marion Eisenhut, Giada Tortorelli, Allison van de Meene, Samantha Kurz, Gabriela Segal, Madeleine J. H. van Oppen, Andreas P. M. Weber, Geoffrey I. McFadden
Summary: The symbiotic partnership between corals and dinoflagellate algae is crucial for coral reefs. The transporter protein BmSWEET1 in dinoflagellate cells is responsible for transferring glucose from algae to the host coral tissue, providing the necessary energy for coral reefs. This study provides insights into the mechanism of nutrient exchange in coral-algae symbiosis.
ISME COMMUNICATIONS
(2023)
