Review
Microbiology
Amin R. Mohamed, Michael A. Ochsenkuehn, Ahmed M. Kazlak, Ahmed Moustafa, Shady A. Amin
Summary: Understanding the complex interactions between corals and their associated microbiome is essential for coral resilience in a warming ocean. Recent research focuses on manipulating the coral microbiome to enhance their ability to withstand stress. The potential mechanisms through which microbiota communicate with and modify host responses, as well as the power of omics tools in studying corals, are highlighted.
FEMS MICROBIOLOGY REVIEWS
(2023)
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Michael T. Connelly, Grace Snyder, Ana M. Palacio-Castro, Phillip R. Gillette, Andrew C. Baker, Nikki Traylor-Knowles
Summary: This study demonstrated that antibiotics can alter the composition and reduce the diversity of coral-associated bacteria, leading to decreased oxygen consumption and activation of host immunity without directly impairing symbiotic algae photosynthesis. These findings highlight the importance of coral-associated bacteria for holobiont health and provide insights for future experiments.
Review
Environmental Sciences
Moyang Li, Hua-Xia Sheng, Mengyao Dai, Shuh-Ji Kao
Summary: In this study, we synthesized the knowledge advances of different nitrogen processes in coral holobionts from the perspective of the nitrogen cycle. Our analysis revealed significant gaps in our understanding of nitrogen processes in coral holobionts, which hinder our comprehension of nitrogen balance in coral holobionts and, therefore, the coral reef systems. Future research should focus on the application of quantitative research methods to further unravel the nitrogen processes in coral holobionts.
FRONTIERS IN MARINE SCIENCE
(2023)
Article
Biology
Yunqing Liu, Xin Liao, Tingyu Han, Ao Su, Zhuojun Guo, Na Lu, Chunpeng He, Zuhong Lu
Summary: This study obtained relatively complete transcriptome data of Montipora foliosa through PacBio Sequel II sequencing technology, providing valuable resources for the study of coral symbiosis. Analysis of symbiosis-related genes' function and isoforms was conducted, shedding light on the mechanisms behind coral-zooxanthellae symbiosis.
Article
Environmental Sciences
Felicity W. I. Kuek, Cherie A. Motti, Jia Zhang, Ira R. Cooke, Jonathan D. Todd, David J. Miller, David G. Bourne, Jean-Baptiste Raina
Summary: This study reveals that bacteria associated with corals can synthesize DMSP and may contribute to DMSP production by corals.
FRONTIERS IN MARINE SCIENCE
(2022)
Article
Plant Sciences
Sophie Clowez, Christian Renicke, John R. Pringle, Arthur R. Grossman
Summary: The study showed that the growth and photosynthesis of the dinoflagellate Breviolum minutum were compromised at 100 or 300 uM menthol, but the impact gradually decreased under continuous light conditions. Prolonged exposure to 300 uM menthol led to algal death.
JOURNAL OF PHYCOLOGY
(2021)
Article
Microbiology
Aiyou Huang, Hejing Shi, Ruoxuan Cui, Xiaoni Cai, Zhenyu Xie
Summary: A study has found that taurine can significantly promote the growth and photosynthesis efficiency of Symbiodinium sp., as well as positively affect its biomass and major metabolites. Taurine may also influence the metabolic pathways and transcription processes of Symbiodinium sp. through various mechanisms, while controlling the population density and initiating a series of response mechanisms.
FRONTIERS IN MICROBIOLOGY
(2022)
Article
Environmental Sciences
Michael T. Connelly, Crystal J. McRae, Pi-Jen Liu, Cecily E. Martin, Nikki Traylor-Knowles
Summary: This study investigates the impact of coral-associated bacteria communities on the heat tolerance of coral holobionts. The researchers found that antibiotics treatment significantly altered coral-associated bacteria communities and caused major changes in both coral and algal symbiont gene expression. Heat stress impaired protein translation and activated DNA repair processes, while antibiotics treatments caused downregulation of amino acid and ion transport and metabolism genes. Combined antibiotics-heat stress treatments exacerbated the response to heat stress, indicating the importance of coordinated metabolic interactions between corals and their associated microbial communities for coral holobiont health and heat tolerance.
FRONTIERS IN MARINE SCIENCE
(2022)
Article
Ecology
Weiquan Wang, Kaihao Tang, Pengxia Wang, Zhenshun Zeng, Tao Xu, Waner Zhan, Tianlang Liu, Yan Wang, Xiaoxue Wang
Summary: Competition in the coral microbiome plays a significant role in coral health, and a study has found that a pathogen called Vibrio coralliilyticus outcompetes commensal bacteria by inducing prophages. This discovery reveals the molecular mechanism underlying colonization competition in corals and highlights the importance of certain genes used by pathogens to gain a competitive advantage.
NATURE ECOLOGY & EVOLUTION
(2022)
Article
Fisheries
Yanxia Wang, Quanchao Wang, Linlin Chen, Ruxin Ding, Zirui Peng, Baoquan Li
Summary: In this study, a pathogen named Vibrio coralliilyticus G2-37 was isolated from the sea urchin Strongylocentrotus intermedius and confirmed to be able to infect another species of sea urchin, Mesocentrotus nudus. The infection of V. coralliilyticus G2-37 caused severe damage to the intestine, gonad, and perioral membrane of M. nudus, and induced changes in its immune responses.
Article
Environmental Sciences
Melissa S. Naugle, Thomas A. Oliver, Daniel J. Barshis, Ruth D. Gates, Cheryl A. Logan
Summary: The study found that coral thermotolerance varied among sites in 2014, with differences correlated to symbiont communities and gene expression patterns. By 2019, thermotolerance differences decreased, and were no longer associated with pollution or symbiont communities. The shift in thermotolerance coincided with a shift toward Durusdinium symbionts across all sites.
FRONTIERS IN MARINE SCIENCE
(2021)
Article
Biology
N. G. Kriefall, M. R. Kanke, G. Aglyamova, S. W. Davies
Summary: There is increasing evidence that the composition of microorganisms within a host plays a crucial role in the overall health of the holobiont. This study used sequencing techniques to analyze the coral host and its associated algal and bacterial communities. The results showed that reef zones have an impact on the structure of these communities at different scales, and there may be genotype by genotype interactions between the host and bacteria in the coral. These findings highlight the importance of local reef conditions in shaping the unique combinations of host-microbial partnerships.
PROCEEDINGS OF THE ROYAL SOCIETY B-BIOLOGICAL SCIENCES
(2022)
Article
Multidisciplinary Sciences
Kate Quigley, Nicholas Carey, Carlos Alvarez Roa
Summary: Metabolic activity is crucial for understanding life on earth, and measuring organismal metabolic rates is essential for explaining physiological states, ecological roles, and the impact of environmental change on species. However, there is a lack of methods and data regarding metabolic rate measurements in coral offspring. To address this gap, this study aimed to develop a custom setup for measuring the respiration of small marine animal ecologies, allowing for improved measurement of metabolic rate.
JOVE-JOURNAL OF VISUALIZED EXPERIMENTS
(2023)
Article
Biodiversity Conservation
Z. B. Randolph Quek, Jani T. I. Tanzil, Sudhanshi S. Jain, Wei Long Ow Yong, Denise Ching Yi Yu, Zen Soh, Yan Xiang Ow, Karenne Tun, Danwei Huang, Benjamin J. Wainwright
Summary: The study found that coral-associated bacteria and Symbiodiniaceae are crucial for the health of coral hosts. The bacterial communities showed high dynamics over time and space, but were not affected by monsoon seasons, while the Symbiodiniaceae communities remained consistent. Both bacteria and Symbiodiniaceae played important roles in supporting the functioning of the coral holobiont.
ECOLOGICAL INDICATORS
(2023)
Article
Biology
Nicholas J. MacKnight, Kathryn Cobleigh, Danielle Lasseigne, Andia Chaves-Fonnegra, Alexandra Gutting, Bradford Dimos, Jendahye Antoine, Lauren Fuess, Contessa Ricci, Caleb Butler, Erinn M. Muller, Laura D. Mydlarz, Marilyn Brandt
Summary: The study compared the phenotypic and microbial responses of seven Caribbean coral species after exposure to white plague disease, showing a spectrum of disease susceptibility corresponding to microbial dysbiosis. This suggests that coral disease and microbial dysbiosis may ultimately shape reef ecosystems.
COMMUNICATIONS BIOLOGY
(2021)
Article
Ecology
Hillary A. Smith, Tara Prenzlau, Taylor Whitman, Stella E. Fulton, Stefano Borghi, Murray Logan, Scott F. Heron, David G. Bourne
Summary: The interaction between macroalgae and corals plays a crucial role in coral bleaching and recovery. Upright macroalgae can provide some refuge, reducing coral bleaching and mortality. However, the protection effect of macroalgae on branching and encrusting corals is limited during severe heat stress events.
JOURNAL OF EXPERIMENTAL MARINE BIOLOGY AND ECOLOGY
(2022)
Article
Microbiology
Madeleine J. H. van Oppen, Jean-Baptiste Raina
ENVIRONMENTAL MICROBIOLOGY
(2023)
Article
Biodiversity Conservation
Magena R. Marzonie, Line K. Bay, David G. Bourne, Andrew S. Hoey, Samuel Matthews, Josephine J. Nielsen, Hugo B. Harrison
Summary: Scleractinian coral populations are facing increasing exposure to temperatures above their upper limits, leading to declines in coral reef ecosystem health. Variations in thermal tolerance exist among species, individual coral colonies, and populations. This study conducted heat stress experiments to assess heat tolerance across a large environmental gradient. The results showed variations in heat tolerance among species and within reefs, with mild heatwave exposure positively correlated with heat tolerance over the past 35 years, but recent severe heatwaves showing a negative relationship. These findings suggest that marine heatwaves are selecting for tolerant individuals and populations, but recent severe heatwaves may compromise this adaptive potential.
GLOBAL CHANGE BIOLOGY
(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
Biology
Trent D. D. Haydon, Jennifer L. L. Matthews, Justin R. R. Seymour, Jean-Baptiste Raina, Jamie E. E. Seymour, Kathryn Chartrand, Emma F. F. Camp, David J. J. Suggett
Summary: Anthropogenic stressors lead to declines in reef conditions and coral health. Studying coral populations in extreme habitats can provide insights into their future functionality. By comparing the metabolite profiles of Pocillopora acuta colonies in mangrove and adjacent reef environments, we found that mangrove populations exhibit metabolic plasticity to resist high-temperature exposure. Specific metabolites may serve as biomarkers of heat tolerance, providing novel insight into adaptive coral resilience to elevated temperatures.
PROCEEDINGS OF THE ROYAL SOCIETY B-BIOLOGICAL SCIENCES
(2023)
Article
Microbiology
Jean-Baptiste Raina, Marco Giardina, Douglas R. R. Brumley, Peta L. L. Clode, Mathieu Pernice, Paul Guagliardo, Jeremy Bougoure, Himasha Mendis, Steven Smriga, Eva C. C. Sonnenschein, Matthias S. S. Ullrich, Roman Stocker, Justin R. R. Seymour
Summary: Behaviors such as chemotaxis play an important role in metabolic exchanges between phytoplankton and bacteria, regulating oceanic productivity and biogeochemistry. This study reveals that chemotaxis increases nutrient uptake and provides a competitive advantage for bacteria in transient interactions with picophytoplankton. These findings highlight the significance of chemotactic interactions in shaping metabolic relationships among abundant microorganisms in the ocean.
NATURE MICROBIOLOGY
(2023)
Article
Multidisciplinary Sciences
Guoxin Cui, Migle K. Konciute, Lorraine Ling, Luke Esau, Jean -Baptiste Raina, Baoda Han, Octavio R. Salazar, Jason S. Presnell, Nils Raedecker, Huawen Zhong, Jessica Menzies, Phillip A. Cleves, Yi Jin Liew, Cory J. Krediet, Val Sawiccy, Maha J. Cziesielski, Paul Guagliardo, Jeremy Bougoure, Mathieu Pernice, Heribert Hirt, Christian R. Voolstra, Virginia M. Weis, John R. Pringle, Manuel Aranda
Summary: Symbiotic cnidarians, such as corals and anemones, have evolved efficient molecular mechanisms for nutrient distribution and recycling in order to thrive in nutrient-poor ocean environments. Using the sea anemone Aiptasia, researchers have discovered that glucose and the presence of algae induce the up-regulation and relocalization of glucose and ammonium transporters, which are critical for symbiont functioning and organism-wide nitrogen assimilation. These findings provide insight into the molecular mechanisms underlying nitrogen conservation and recycling in symbiotic cnidarians.
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
Biotechnology & Applied Microbiology
Nerissa L. Fisher, Kimberly H. Halsey, David J. Suggett, Michelle Pombrol, Peter J. Ralph, Adrian Lutz, E. Maggie Sogin, Jean-Baptiste Raina, Jennifer L. Matthews
Summary: This study used transcriptomic and metabolomic approaches to study the mechanisms underlying diatom acclimation and growth under different light intensities. The results showed that diatoms shift their carbon and energy fluxes depending on the growth rate driven by light. Under high light conditions, diatoms upregulate metabolic pathways for fatty acid, glycolic acid, and carbohydrate production to support fast growth. Under low light conditions, diatoms conserve energy through upregulation of carbon retention pathways and regulate metabolites associated with light harvesting, energy storage, and signaling. These findings provide important insights for predicting and manipulating diatom growth and bio-production.
ALGAL RESEARCH-BIOMASS BIOFUELS AND BIOPRODUCTS
(2023)
Article
Microbiology
Nine Le Reun, Anna Bramucci, Penelope Ajani, Abeeha Khalil, Jean-Baptiste Raina, Justin R. Seymour
Summary: Reciprocal metabolite exchanges between diatoms and bacteria can enhance the growth of both partners and therefore fundamentally influence aquatic ecosystem productivity. We studied the growth-promoting capabilities of 15 different bacterial isolates from the bacterial community associated with the marine diatom Actinocyclus sp. and found that co-culture with these isolates increased the growth of the diatom host, with different bacteria showing varying effects at different stages of the diatom's life cycle.
FRONTIERS IN MICROBIOLOGY
(2023)
Article
Genetics & Heredity
Romie Tignat-Perrier, Jeroen A. J. M. Van de Water, Denis Allemand, Christine Ferrier-Pages
Summary: Marine heat waves (MHWs) have resulted in mass mortality of benthic organisms and loss of biodiversity in shallow waters, including the Mediterranean Sea. The mesophotic zone, less affected by MHWs, may play a crucial role in conserving species like the red coral Corallium rubrum. However, the response of these mesophotic octocoral holobionts to changes in seawater temperature remains limited. In this study, we found that C. rubrum exhibits high tolerance to a range of temperatures (12-21°C) but showed negative responses at extremely high temperatures (24°C), indicating the potential impact of MHWs on mesophotic coralligenous reefs and their dependent biodiversity.
ENVIRONMENTAL MICROBIOME
(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)