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Species specific gene expression dynamics during harmful algal blooms
Gabriel Metegnier1,2, Sauvann Paulino1, Pierre Ramond1,3
1French Research Institute for Exploitation of the Sea, Ifremer DYNECO PELAGOS, 29280, Plouzané, France.
Scientific Reports
|April 12, 2020
Summary
Harmful algal blooms are driven by specific microbes. This study reveals Alexandrium minutum blooms involve unique gene expression, suggesting mixotrophy and motility are key survival strategies.
Area of Science:
- Marine microbiology
- Eukaryotic microbial ecology
- Harmful algal bloom dynamics
Background:
- Harmful algal blooms (HABs) are ecological events driven by specific microbial species.
- Understanding HABs requires comparing the adaptive strategies of bloom-forming species with other community members.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate species-specific gene expression dynamics during Alexandrium minutum blooms.
- To compare the transcriptomic responses of A. minutum to environmental fluctuations with those of other micro-eukaryotes.
Main Methods:
- Meta-transcriptomic sequencing of micro-eukaryote communities over three years during A. minutum blooms.
- Analysis of species-specific gene expression patterns in relation to environmental factors, particularly nutrient concentration.
Main Results:
- Major gene expression shifts were attributed to species succession within the community.
- While expression correlated with environmental fluctuations, nutrient metabolism genes showed limited changes.
- A. minutum exhibited distinct expression patterns, including reduced photosynthesis and central metabolism gene expression, and varied ion transporter activity.
Conclusions:
- A. minutum blooms are characterized by unique gene expression profiles.
- Mixotrophy, cell motility, and cell-to-cell interactions are likely crucial for A. minutum bloom success.
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