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Abstract (Expand)

Macroalgal microbiomes have core functions related to biofilm formation, growth, and morphogenesis of seaweeds. In particular, the growth and development of the sea lettuce Ulva spp. (Chlorophyta) depend on bacteria releasing morphogenetic compounds. Under axenic conditions, the macroalga Ulva mutabilis develops a callus-like phenotype with cell wall protrusions. However, co-culturing with Roseovarius sp. (MS2) and Maribacter sp. (MS6), which produce various stimulatory chemical mediators, completely recovers morphogenesis. This ecological reconstruction forms a tripartite community which can be further studied for its role in cross-kingdom interactions. Hence, our study sought to identify algal growth- and morphogenesis-promoting factors (AGMPFs) capable of phenocopying the activity of Maribacter spp. We performed bioassay-guided solid-phase extraction in water samples collected from U. mutabilis aquaculture systems. We uncovered novel ecophysiological functions of thallusin, a sesquiterpenoid morphogen, identified for the first time in algal aquaculture. Thallusin, released by Maribacter sp., induced rhizoid and cell wall formation at a concentration of 11 pmol l-1. We demonstrated that gametes acquired the iron complex of thallusin, thereby linking morphogenetic processes with intracellular iron homeostasis. Understanding macroalgae-bacteria interactions permits further elucidation of the evolution of multicellularity and cellular differentiation, and development of new applications in microbiome-mediated aquaculture systems.

Authors: T. Alsufyani, G. Califano, M. Deicke, J. Grueneberg, A. Weiss, A. H. Engelen, M. Kwantes, J. F. Mohr, J. F. Ulrich, T. Wichard

Date Published: 11th Jun 2020

Publication Type: Journal

Abstract (Expand)

We report here the 98.5 Mbp haploid genome (12,924 protein coding genes) of Ulva mutabilis, a ubiquitous and iconic representative of the Ulvophyceae or green seaweeds. Ulva's rapid and abundant growth makes it a key contributor to coastal biogeochemical cycles; its role in marine sulfur cycles is particularly important because it produces high levels of dimethylsulfoniopropionate (DMSP), the main precursor of volatile dimethyl sulfide (DMS). Rapid growth makes Ulva attractive biomass feedstock but also increasingly a driver of nuisance "green tides." Ulvophytes are key to understanding the evolution of multicellularity in the green lineage, and Ulva morphogenesis is dependent on bacterial signals, making it an important species with which to study cross-kingdom communication. Our sequenced genome informs these aspects of ulvophyte cell biology, physiology, and ecology. Gene family expansions associated with multicellularity are distinct from those of freshwater algae. Candidate genes, including some that arose following horizontal gene transfer from chromalveolates, are present for the transport and metabolism of DMSP. The Ulva genome offers, therefore, new opportunities to understand coastal and marine ecosystems and the fundamental evolution of the green lineage.

Authors: O. De Clerck, S. M. Kao, K. A. Bogaert, J. Blomme, F. Foflonker, M. Kwantes, E. Vancaester, L. Vanderstraeten, E. Aydogdu, J. Boesger, G. Califano, B. Charrier, R. Clewes, A. Del Cortona, S. D'Hondt, N. Fernandez-Pozo, C. M. Gachon, M. Hanikenne, L. Lattermann, F. Leliaert, X. Liu, C. A. Maggs, Z. A. Popper, J. A. Raven, M. Van Bel, P. K. I. Wilhelmsson, D. Bhattacharya, J. C. Coates, S. A. Rensing, D. Van Der Straeten, A. Vardi, L. Sterck, K. Vandepoele, Y. Van de Peer, T. Wichard, J. H. Bothwell

Date Published: 24th Sep 2018

Publication Type: Journal

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