Description: We analysed the molecular and morphological features of strains of Chattonella subsalsa isolated from the western Adriatic coast (Mediterranean Sea), with the aim of confirming their classification and elucidating their phylogenetic positions within the Raphidophyceae. We sequenced parts of the ribosomal operon, including the small subunit (SSU), the internal transcribed spacer region (ITS) and the large subunit (LSU) of the rDNA. Additionally, we analysed sequences of the chloroplast-encoded subunit psaA of Photosystem I (PSI) and rbcL, encoding the large subunit of the Rubisco gene. For three phylogenetic markers (LSU, ITS, rbcL), the sequences of the strains from the Adriatic Sea were identical and for two markers (SSU, psaA) only minor differences occurred. All strains were sister to, but well separated from, sequences from isolates in culture collections and from GenBank, thus far classified as belonging to C. subsalsa. Light and electron microscopy provided evidence for morphological differences between a strain of C. subsalsa (CCMP217) from the Gulf of Mexico and the isolates from the Adriatic Sea. Differences concerned the shape and arrangement of chloroplasts and the presence of mucocysts and other surface microstructures, which were only observed in isolates from the Adriatic Sea. This is the first evidence for two different taxa classified as C. subsalsa, which are clearly separated on the basis of several genetic markers and also show morphological differences. As compared with strains assigned to C. subsalsa from the NCMA (formerly CCMP) culture collection, the Adriatic strains more closely match the original species description. This would imply that strain CCMP217 and other genetically similar strains should be described under a new species name. Nevertheless, given the high morphological plasticity of Chattonella species, the definition of the true C. subsalsa must be decided based on detailed morphological and molecular analysis of more strains from other geographical areas.

Description: This study aimed to reveal the dynamics of inducible anti-herbivory traits in the brown seaweed Fucus vesiculosus, in response to grazing by the isopod Idotea baltica. As the molecular basis of defence induction in seaweeds is poorly understood, a transcriptomic approach was used to gain insight into cellular processes underlying defence induction and thus promote the mechanistic understanding of anti-herbivory responses in seaweeds. In a 27 day feeding-assayed induction experiment, temporal patterns of the induced anti-herbivory resistance of F. vesiculosus were assessed under laboratory conditions. Feeding assays were performed at three day intervals, using fresh and reconstituted food. Microarray hybridizations investigating the expression of genes 3 days before, as well as at the same time as, feeding assays revealed a decreased palatability of previously grazed F. vesiculosus pieces compared with non-grazed control pieces. Despite permanent exposure to grazers, F. vesiculosus palatability varied over time. Non-grazed F. vesiculosus pieces were significantly preferred to grazed pieces after 18 and again after 27 days of previous grazing, while their relative palatability for isopods was comparable at all other times during the experiment. Relative to controls, 562/402 genes were ≥ 1.5-fold up-/down-regulated in seaweed pieces that were grazed for 18 days, i.e. when induction of defences was detected in feeding assays. Massive reprogramming of the regulatory expression orchestra (translation, transcription) as well as up-regulation of genes involved in lipid and carbohydrate metabolism, intracellular trafficking, defence and stress response was found. At the same time, down-regulation of photosynthesis was observed in grazed seaweed pieces. This study suggests a high level of temporal variability in induced anti-herbivory traits of F. vesiculosus and reveals increased expression of genes with putative defensive functions in conjunction with the reallocation of resources from primary to secondary metabolism.

Description: This study aimed to reveal the dynamics of inducible anti-herbivory traits in the brown seaweed Fucus vesiculosus, in response to grazing by the isopod Idotea baltica. As the molecular basis of defence induction in seaweeds is poorly understood, a transcriptomic approach was used to gain insight into cellular processes underlying defence induction and thus promote the mechanistic understanding of anti-herbivory responses in seaweeds. In a 27 day feeding-assayed induction experiment, temporal patterns of the induced anti-herbivory resistance of F. vesiculosus were assessed under laboratory conditions. Feeding assays were performed at three day intervals, using fresh and reconstituted food. Microarray hybridizations investigating the expression of genes 3 days before, as well as at the same time as, feeding assays revealed a decreased palatability of previously grazed F. vesiculosus pieces compared with non-grazed control pieces. Despite permanent exposure to grazers, F. vesiculosus palatability varied over time. Non-grazed F. vesiculosus pieces were significantly preferred to grazed pieces after 18 and again after 27 days of previous grazing, while their relative palatability for isopods was comparable at all other times during the experiment. Relative to controls, 562/402 genes were ≥ 1.5-fold up-/down-regulated in seaweed pieces that were grazed for 18 days, i.e. when induction of defences was detected in feeding assays. Massive reprogramming of the regulatory expression orchestra (translation, transcription) as well as up-regulation of genes involved in lipid and carbohydrate metabolism, intracellular trafficking, defence and stress response was found. At the same time, down-regulation of photosynthesis was observed in grazed seaweed pieces. This study suggests a high level of temporal variability in induced anti-herbivory traits of F. vesiculosus and reveals increased expression of genes with putative defensive functions in conjunction with the reallocation of resources from primary to secondary metabolism.