CONCLUSIONS: Our multi-omics analyses uncover the molecular response to heat stress in an important bloom-forming algal species, which is driven by complex gene structures in a large, high-G+C genome, combined with multi-level transcriptional regulation. The dynamics and interplay of molecular regulatory mechanisms may explain in part how dinoflagellates diversified to become some of the most ecologically successful organisms on Earth.
Category: Dinoflagellate genomics
Nov 24
Multi-omics analysis reveals the molecular response to heat stress in a “red tide” dinoflagellate
CONCLUSIONS: Our multi-omics analyses uncover the molecular response to heat stress in an important bloom-forming algal species, which is driven by complex gene structures in a large, high-G+C genome, combined with multi-level transcriptional regulation. The dynamics and interplay of molecular regulatory mechanisms may explain in part how dinoflagellates diversified to become some of the most ecologically successful organisms on Earth.
Nov 01
Functional potential and evolutionary response to long-term heat selection of bacterial associates of coral photosymbionts
Corals rely on a wide range of microorganisms for their functioning, including intracellular dinoflagellates (Symbiodiniaceae) and bacteria. Marine heatwaves trigger the loss of Symbiodiniaceae from coral tissues-coral bleaching-often leading to death. While coral-bacteria interactions are widely studied, Symbiodiniaceae-bacteria interactions have remained largely uninvestigated. Here, we provide a genomic analysis of 49 bacteria, spanning 16 genera, that are closely associated with six cultured…
Nov 01
Filamentous virus-like particles are present in coral dinoflagellates across genera and ocean basins
Filamentous viruses are hypothesized to play a role in stony coral tissue loss disease (SCTLD) through infection of the endosymbiotic dinoflagellates (Family Symbiodiniaceae) of corals. To evaluate this hypothesis, it is critical to understand the global distribution of filamentous virus infections across the genetic diversity of Symbiodiniaceae hosts. Using transmission electron microscopy, we demonstrate that filamentous virus-like particles (VLPs) are present in over 60% of Symbiodiniaceae…
Oct 02
Genome-wide distribution of 5-hydroxymethyluracil and chromatin accessibility in the <em>Breviolum minutum</em> genome
In dinoflagellates, a unique and extremely divergent genomic and nuclear organization has evolved. The highly unusual features of dinoflagellate nuclei and genomes include permanently condensed liquid crystalline chromosomes, primarily packaged by proteins other than histones, genes organized in very long unidirectional gene arrays, a general absence of transcriptional regulation, high abundance of the otherwise very rare DNA modification 5-hydroxymethyluracil (5-hmU), and many others. While…
Sep 28
OMICS Approaches to Assess Dinoflagellate Responses to Chemical Stressors
Dinoflagellates are important primary producers known to form Harmful Algae Blooms (HABs). In water, nutrient availability, pH, salinity and anthropogenic contamination constitute chemical stressors for them. The emergence of OMICs approaches propelled our understanding of dinoflagellates’ responses to stressors. However, in dinoflagellates, these approaches are still biased, as transcriptomic approaches are largely conducted compared to proteomic and metabolomic approaches. Furthermore,…
Sep 28
OMICS Approaches to Assess Dinoflagellate Responses to Chemical Stressors
Dinoflagellates are important primary producers known to form Harmful Algae Blooms (HABs). In water, nutrient availability, pH, salinity and anthropogenic contamination constitute chemical stressors for them. The emergence of OMICs approaches propelled our understanding of dinoflagellates’ responses to stressors. However, in dinoflagellates, these approaches are still biased, as transcriptomic approaches are largely conducted compared to proteomic and metabolomic approaches. Furthermore,…
Sep 28
Transcriptomic Analysis of the Response of the Toxic Dinoflagellate <em>Prorocentrum lima</em> to Phosphorous Limitation
Some dinoflagellates cause harmful algal blooms, releasing toxic secondary metabolites, to the detriment of marine ecosystems and human health. Phosphorus (P) is a limiting macronutrient for dinoflagellate growth in the ocean. Previous studies have been focused on the physiological response of dinoflagellates to ambient P changes. However, the whole-genome’s molecular mechanisms are poorly understood. In this study, RNA-Seq was utilized to compare the global gene expression patterns of a marine…
Sep 28
Transcriptomic Analysis of the Response of the Toxic Dinoflagellate <em>Prorocentrum lima</em> to Phosphorous Limitation
Some dinoflagellates cause harmful algal blooms, releasing toxic secondary metabolites, to the detriment of marine ecosystems and human health. Phosphorus (P) is a limiting macronutrient for dinoflagellate growth in the ocean. Previous studies have been focused on the physiological response of dinoflagellates to ambient P changes. However, the whole-genome’s molecular mechanisms are poorly understood. In this study, RNA-Seq was utilized to compare the global gene expression patterns of a marine…
Sep 26
Gene duplication is the primary driver of intraspecific genomic divergence in coral algal symbionts
Dinoflagellates in the order Suessiales include the family Symbiodiniaceae, which have essential roles as photosymbionts in corals, and their cold-adapted sister group, Polarella glacialis. These diverse taxa exhibit extensive genomic divergence, although their genomes are relatively small (haploid size < 3 Gbp) when compared with most other free-living dinoflagellates. Different strains of Symbiodiniaceae form symbiosis with distinct hosts and exhibit different regimes of gene expression, but…
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