Transcriptome, Biochemical and Growth Responses of the Marine Phytoplankter Phaeodactylum Tricornutum Bohlin (Bacillariophyta) to Copepod Grazer Presence

Cellular Physiology and Biochemistry

Si Li¹ 

关键词: Essential nutrient content;    Grazing stress;    Phaeodactylum tricornutum;    Marine phytoplankton;    RNA sequencing;    Transcriptome;   

DOI  :  10.1159/000488839

学科分类：分子生物学，细胞生物学和基因

来源: S Karger AG

【 摘 要 】

Background/Aims As a model organism for a pleiomorphic marine planktonic primary producer, Phaeodactylum tricornutum has been studied on a molecular level under diverse cultural conditions. But little is known about its morphological, nutritional or transcriptomic responses under grazing stress. Methods To assess microalgal molecular and cellular responses to grazer presence, we conducted transcriptome profiling in combination with growth rate, biovolume, fatty acid content, carbon and nitrogen content measurements in the model diatom Phaeodactylum tricornutum. RNA-sequencing was used to evaluate the transcriptomic response to grazing stress for P. tricornutum strain CCAP 1055/1. Results Among the differentially expressed genes, we found down-regulation of genes involved in pathogen resistance, and in fatty acid biosynthesis pathways, while mitosis-involved genes were up-regulated. Experimentally testing morphological and biochemical responses in five strains of the species, we detected strain-specific significant effects of simulated grazing pressure in altered growth rates, biovolume and nutritional composition. Conclusion Our research reveals the associated molecular and cellular responses to grazing effects in P. tricornutum and extends the understanding of co-evolutionary roles in regulating grazing defence between P. tricornutum and its grazer.

【 授权许可】

CC BY-NC-ND