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Photoreceptor Diversification Accompanies the Evolution of Anthozoa
Sebastian G Gornik1, Bruno Gideon Bergheim1, Benoit Morel2
1Centre for Organismal Studies, Heidelberg University, Heidelberg, Germany.
Molecular Biology and Evolution
|November 23, 2020
Summary
Coral photoreceptor evolution reveals a diverse repertoire of opsins and cryptochromes (CRYs) in Anthozoa, unlike Medusozoa. This diversification is linked to adaptation to challenging shallow-water photic environments.
Area of Science:
- Marine Biology
- Evolutionary Biology
- Genomics
Background:
- Anthozoan corals are vital to reef ecosystems, relying on light for reproduction and symbiosis.
- High sunlight exposure poses UV-induced DNA damage risks.
- Understanding photoreceptor evolution is key to coral adaptation.
Purpose of the Study:
- Investigate photoreceptor evolution in Anthozoa.
- Compare Anthozoa and Medusozoa photoreceptor repertoires.
- Explore photoreceptor function in the coral model Aiptasia.
Main Methods:
- Broad-scale evolutionary analysis of cnidarian transcriptomic data (>36 species).
- Identification and classification of opsin and cryptochrome (CRY) classes and subtypes.
- Gene expression analysis in Exaiptasia diaphana (Aiptasia).
Main Results:
- Anthozoa possess a more diverse opsin repertoire (at least six subtypes) than Medusozoa (one subtype).
- Anthozoa have three photolyase and two CRY classes; Medusozoa lack CRYs.
- CRYs in Anthozoa show unique tandem duplications; opsin and CRY genes are differentially expressed and light-regulated in Aiptasia.
Conclusions:
- Coral photoreceptor evolution is marked by significant diversification, particularly in opsins and CRYs.
- This diversification likely facilitates adaptation to diverse photic environments.
- Findings link coral evolution to the expansion of light-sensing mechanisms.
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