Article
Multidisciplinary Sciences
Daniela Basso, Giulia Piazza, Valentina Alice Bracchi
Summary: Calcareous red algae are foundation species and ecosystem engineers with a global distribution. However, the principles governing their calcification pathways are still debated and the morphological characters are frequently unreliable for species segregation. In this study, the researchers described a new species Lithophyllum pseudoracemus, and used high resolution SEM images to explore the effectiveness of microanatomy and ultrastructural calcification traits for species identification. The results showed that different size of the perithallial cells and the features of the asexual conceptacle chambers may contribute to the separation of the two species.
Article
Biology
Iker Irisarri, Tatyana Darienko, Thomas Proschold, Janine M. R. Furst-Jansen, Mahwash Jamy, Jan de Vries
Summary: Streptophytes are a major group within the green lineage, which includes an astonishing diversity of uni- and multicellular green algae as well as land plants. A clade consisting of Mesostigmatophyceae, Spirotaenia spp., and Chlorokybophyceae is most divergent from land plants. Within Chlorokybus, deep genetic structures were uncovered, leading to the description of four new species. Gene expression differences among Chlorokybus species suggest constitutive variability that may impact their response to environmental factors.
PROCEEDINGS OF THE ROYAL SOCIETY B-BIOLOGICAL SCIENCES
(2021)
Article
Ecology
Daniele De Luca, Roberta Piredda, Diana Sarno, Wiebe H. C. F. Kooistra
Summary: Marine protists have traditionally been considered low in diversity and widespread, but recent studies have shown the presence of cryptic species complexes. Overcoming sampling and methodological limitations, global metabarcoding data analysis reveals geographic and ecological differentiation driving speciation among marine protists.
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Simona Streckaite, Manuel J. Llansola-Portoles, Andrew A. Pascal, Cristian Ilioaia, Andrew Gall, Soichiro Seki, Ritsuko Fujii, Bruno Robert
Summary: The siphonaxanthin-siphonein-chlorophyll-a/b-binding protein (SCP) is a trimeric light-harvesting complex isolated from photosystem II of the siphonous green alga Codium fragile, which exhibits higher chlorophyll b content compared to its counterpart in green plants, enhancing the absorption of blue-green light for photosynthesis. SCP contains two non-equivalent siphonaxanthin molecules and multiple distinct chlorophyll b and chlorophyll a populations, revealed through low temperature absorption and resonance Raman spectroscopies.
BIOCHIMICA ET BIOPHYSICA ACTA-BIOENERGETICS
(2021)
Review
Environmental Sciences
Jonas Jourdan, Mirco Bundschuh, Denis Copilas-Ciocianu, Cene Fiser, Michal Grabowski, Kamil Hupalo, Anita Jemec Kokalj, Jana Kabus, Joerg Roembke, Laura J. Soose, Joerg Oehlmann
Summary: The use of genetic methods has allowed the discovery of previously undistinguishable species based on morphology. However, these cryptic species are rarely considered in ecotoxicology, which can lead to false extrapolations and lack of reproducibility in experiments. It is crucial to address the ecological differentiation and sensitivity of closely related cryptic species for evolutionary ecology, conservation biology, and regulatory ecotoxicology.
ENVIRONMENTAL TOXICOLOGY AND CHEMISTRY
(2023)
Article
Biology
Maria Pia Miglietta, Sarah Pruski
Summary: Sampling in multiple localities and molecular barcoding reveal the presence of local cryptic species in allopatry in wide-ranging nominal species. However, cryptic species in sympatry can easily be missed if they have different seasonality and require long-term frequent sampling for identification. This study investigates the presence of cryptic species within a temporal gradient and on a spatial scale in Hydrozoa using mitochondrial sequencing and finds a high number of sympatric cryptic species. The bi-dimensional cryptic diversity highlighted in this study is crucial for understanding evolution processes, biogeography, and biodiversity assessments in the sea.
PROCEEDINGS OF THE ROYAL SOCIETY B-BIOLOGICAL SCIENCES
(2023)
Article
Environmental Sciences
Elena Kezlya, Anton Glushchenko, Yevhen Maltsev, Evgeniy Gusev, Sergey Genkal, John Patrick Kociolek, Maxim Kulikovskiy
Summary: Three new species of the diatom genus Placoneis were described using genetic markers and morphological investigation, originating from Russia and Vietnam. The phylogenetic independence of Placoneis, Paraplaconeis, and Geissleria was examined within the Cymbellales. The study emphasizes the importance of accurate strain identification in phylogenetic analysis and discusses the presence of cryptic or pseudocryptic species.
Article
Paleontology
Jozef Kazmierczak, Barbara Kremer
Summary: This study suggests that the skeletons previously attributed to archaeocyath organisms are actually calcareous crusts precipitated by epibiontic cyanobacteria-like microbes. It indicates a possible affinity between archaeocyaths and early algae. The study also found morphological similarities between well-preserved archaeocyaths and modern siphonous green algae.
Article
Plant Sciences
Elena Varela-Alvarez, Patrick G. Meirmans, Michael D. Guiry, Ester A. Serrao
Summary: This study aims to understand the biogeographic population structure of two abundant Porphyra species in the Northeast Atlantic. The genetic analysis revealed strong genetic differentiation between P. linearis populations in the north-central eastern Atlantic and southern populations, while P. dioica populations showed weaker differentiation. Furthermore, the study also found introgressed individuals with hybridization between P. linearis and P. dioica in the southern cluster of P. linearis.
FRONTIERS IN PLANT SCIENCE
(2022)
Article
Ecology
Crawford Drury, Roberta E. Martin, David E. Knapp, Joseph Heckler, Joshua Levy, Ruth D. Gates, Gregory P. Asner
Summary: To improve coral conservation and management, we used historical bleaching phenotypes, imaging spectroscopy, and temperature stress to map coral species composition and thermal tolerance. Spectral data accurately distinguished benthic composition and coral species and showed potential for mapping thermal tolerance. Additionally, we strengthened the relationship between predictions and conserved tolerance phenotypes through a study of a marine heatwave in 2019.
FRONTIERS IN ECOLOGY AND THE ENVIRONMENT
(2022)
Article
Biology
Saumya Gupta, Rishi K. Alluri, Gary J. Rose, Mark A. Bee
Summary: Sexual traits that promote species recognition play a crucial role in reproductive isolation, especially among closely related species. Temporal patterns are important features in species recognition and are widely used in various taxa, including anurans. Recent advances in understanding temporal processing by the anuran auditory system provide insights into the neural basis of species-specific recognition.
JOURNAL OF EXPERIMENTAL BIOLOGY
(2021)
Article
Plant Sciences
Nikita Martynenko, Evgeniy Gusev, Dmitry Kapustin, Maxim Kulikovskiy
Summary: A new species of green coccoid algae, named Mychonastes hindakii sp. nov., was discovered in the River Moscow. It was described using morphological and molecular methods and found to belong to the species group of the genus Mychonastes, characterized by spherical single cells joined with mucilaginous, irregularly shaped stalks. Comparison of DNA sequences and structures confirmed the distinctiveness of Mychonastes hindakii from other species in the genus, suggesting that molecular data is necessary for reliable identification of this cryptic species.
Article
Biology
Noah H. Rose, Rachael A. Bay, Megan K. Morikawa, Luke Thomas, Elizabeth A. Sheets, Stephen R. Palumbi
Summary: Reef-building coral species are experiencing a significant decline due to increasing heatwaves and bleaching-induced mortality. Differences in heat tolerance and symbiont associations exist among closely related species within the Acropora hyacinthus species complex, with genetic differences observed among cryptic species during the 2015 bleaching event. Strong differences in single nucleotide polymorphisms and specific genetic regions contribute to the resilience to bleaching, with host cryptic species playing a key role in determining bleaching susceptibility during global events.
PROCEEDINGS OF THE ROYAL SOCIETY B-BIOLOGICAL SCIENCES
(2021)
Article
Plant Sciences
Luana Miranda Coutinho, Fernanda Penelas Gomes, Marina Nasri Sissini, Talita Vieira-Pinto, Maria Carolina Muller de Oliveira Henriques, Mariana Cabral Oliveira, Paulo Antunes Horta, Maria Beatriz Barbosa de Barros Barreto
Summary: The molecular studies revealed hidden diversity within the genus Lithothamnion, leading to the proposal of a new genus Roseolithon based on phylogenetic analysis. The integrative taxonomic approach helped identifying distinct morphological features characterizing the new genus.
EUROPEAN JOURNAL OF PHYCOLOGY
(2022)
Article
Biotechnology & Applied Microbiology
Prateek Shetty, Attila Farkas, Bernadett Pap, Bettina Hupp, Vince Ordog, Tibor Biro, Torda Varga, Gergely Maroti
Summary: The study sequenced, assembled, and annotated the nuclear, chloroplast, and mitochondrial genomes of a unicellular green algal species of the Coelastrella genus, shedding light on interesting metabolic and sexual breeding features of this algae.
ALGAL RESEARCH-BIOMASS BIOFUELS AND BIOPRODUCTS
(2021)
Review
Cell Biology
Kshitij Tandon, Marisa M. Pasella, Cintia Iha, Francesco Ricci, Juntong Hu, Charles J. O'Kelly, Monica Medina, Michael Kuhl, Heroen Verbruggen
Summary: Ostreobium is a siphonous green alga that burrows into calcium carbonate substrates and forms green bands on coral skeletons. It plays a major role in carbonate reef bioerosion and contributes to the coral's nutritional needs. This review summarizes knowledge on Ostreobium's biology, including its morphology, biodiversity, photosynthesis, bioerosion mechanisms, and its role in the coral holobiont.
SEMINARS IN CELL & DEVELOPMENTAL BIOLOGY
(2023)
Article
Plant Sciences
Richard Wetherbee, Trevor T. Bringloe, Allison van de Meene, Robert A. Andersen, Heroen Verbruggen
Summary: Through the study of marine heterokont algae collected from intertidal pools in Australia, we discovered seven new genera of algae, including three new scientific species. By analyzing the genetic sequences, we identified three new species. This study provides evidence for the diversity of heterokont algae and supports the use of an external membrane as a defining morphological feature.
JOURNAL OF PHYCOLOGY
(2023)
Article
Microbiology
Francesco Ricci, Kshitij Tandon, Maria Mosshammer, Ellie H. -J. Cho, Linda L. Blackall, Michael Kuhl, Heroen Verbruggen
Summary: In this study, the researchers used chemical imaging and microbiome characterization to investigate the impact of physicochemical gradients on the coral skeleton microbiome. They found that the microbial community in the coral skeleton was influenced by the physicochemical environment, and the microbiome composition was linked to the abiotic conditions.
ENVIRONMENTAL MICROBIOLOGY
(2023)
Article
Plant Sciences
Pilar Diaz-Tapia, Wendy A. Nelson, Heroen Verbruggen
Summary: DNA sequencing was used to study the taxonomy of two Australian red algal species, one of which was found to be identical to the European Aphanocladia stichidiosa. However, it was unexpectedly classified in the Lophurella genus rather than Aphanocladia. Another Australian species was described as L. pseudocorticata sp. nov. The study highlights the importance of using phylogenetic approaches to identify and determine the native ranges of introduced species.
JOURNAL OF PHYCOLOGY
(2023)
Article
Ecology
B. L. D. Uthpala Pushpakumara, Kshitij Tandon, Anusuya Willis, Heroen Verbruggen
Summary: This study focuses on the bacterial communities associated with cultured strains of 5 Ostreobium clades using 16S rRNA sequencing. The research reveals the preferential associations between Ostreobium and 34 bacterial taxa, which are also present in their natural environment. The study also shows a significant congruence between the Ostreobium phylogeny and the community composition of its tightly associated microbiome.
Article
Multidisciplinary Sciences
B. L. D. Uthpala Pushpakumara, Kshitij Tandon, Anusuya Willis, Heroen Verbruggen
Summary: Interactions between microalgae and bacteria play a direct role in global biogeochemical cycles, but many of these interactions are still unknown. In this study, the potential microalgal-bacterial associations in aquatic ecosystems were identified using 16S rRNA gene-based co-occurrence networks. The results showed that there were densely connected neighborhoods in microalgal-bacterial modules, with Proteobacteria and Bacteroidetes representing the main hubs. The study also found species-specificity as a global feature of microalgal associated microbiomes. The findings demonstrate the potential of using 16S rRNA gene-based co-occurrence networks to guide research on microalgal-bacterial associations.
SCIENTIFIC REPORTS
(2023)
Article
Genetics & Heredity
Emily L. Gulliver, Vicki Adams, Vanessa Rossetto Marcelino, Jodee Gould, Emily L. Rutten, David R. Powell, Remy B. Young, Gemma L. D'Adamo, Jamia Hemphill, Sean M. Solari, Sarah A. Revitt- Mills, Samantha Munn, Thanavit Jirapanjawat, Chris Greening, Jennifer C. Boer, Katie L. Flanagan, Magne Kaldhusdal, Magdalena Plebanski, Katherine B. Gibney, Robert J. Moore, Julian I. Rood, Samuel C. Forster
Summary: This study analyzed 464 Clostridium perfringens genomes and identified the first putative non-conjugative enterotoxin (CPE)-encoding plasmids and a putative novel conjugative locus (Bcp). Additionally, 102 new C. perfringens genomes were sequenced and archived, including rarely sequenced toxinotype B, C, D, and E isolates. The study revealed the essential role of plasmids and plasmid diversity in C. perfringens pathogenicity and broader biology.
MICROBIAL GENOMICS
(2023)
Editorial Material
Microbiology
Vanessa R. Marcelino, Christina Birnbaum
MICROBIOLOGY AUSTRALIA
(2023)
Article
Plant Sciences
Maren Preuss, Pilar Diaz-Tapia, Heroen Verbruggen, Giuseppe C. Zuccarello
Summary: This study assembled and annotated plastid genomes from parasitic red algae and found similar plastid genomes to free-living host species, possible gene loss patterns, and the subsumption of the genus.
JOURNAL OF PHYCOLOGY
(2023)
Article
Plant Sciences
Pilar Diaz-Tapia, Heroen Verbruggen
Summary: Cryptic diversity is common among marine macroalgae, and the use of molecular tools has led to the discovery of many new species. This study aimed to resolve the taxonomy of a complex of species within the turf-forming red alga Polysiphonia scopulorum, as well as related species, using both molecular and morphological information. The researchers found multiple new species and genus assignments within this complex, highlighting the importance of molecular tools in accurately identifying and classifying marine macroalgae.
JOURNAL OF PHYCOLOGY
(2023)
Article
Food Science & Technology
Sarah A. Marshall, Remy B. Young, Jessica M. Lewis, Emily L. Rutten, Jodee Gould, Christopher K. Barlow, Cristina Giogha, Vanessa R. Marcelino, Neville Fields, Ralf B. Schittenhelm, Elizabeth L. Hartland, Nichollas E. Scott, Samuel C. Forster, Emily L. Gulliver
Summary: Sulforaphane promotes the growth of specific gut microbiota and produces anti-inflammatory metabolites, providing a new mechanism for treating inflammatory states.
JOURNAL OF FUNCTIONAL FOODS
(2023)
Editorial Material
Biology
Vanessa Rossetto Marcelino
Review
Cell Biology
Kshitij Tandon, Marisa M. Pasella, Cintia Iha, Francesco Ricci, Juntong Hu, Charles J. O'Kelly, Monica Medina, Michael Kuehl, Heroen Verbruggen
Summary: Ostreobium is a green alga that lives in calcium carbonate substrates and can survive in low light and low oxygen conditions. It is a major contributor to the erosion of coral reefs and plays a role in the nutrition of corals. Understanding the biology of Ostreobium and its role in coral reefs is important for the study and conservation of these ecosystems.
SEMINARS IN CELL & DEVELOPMENTAL BIOLOGY
(2023)
Article
Biology
Vinicius W. Salazar, Babak Shaban, Maria del Mar Quiroga, Robert Turnbull, Edoardo Tescari, Vanessa Rossetto Marcelino, Heroen Verbruggen, Kim-Anh LeCao
Summary: Recent advances in bioinformatics and high-throughput sequencing have enabled the recovery of genomes from environmental samples. Metaphor is a fully automated workflow for genome-resolved metagenomics, offering flexible approaches for assembly and binning, and generating performance evaluation reports.