GPCR Genes as Activators of Surface Colonization Pathways in a Model Marine Diatom

Abstract

Summary Surface colonization allows diatoms, a dominant group of phytoplankton in oceans, to adapt to harsh marine environments while mediating biofoulings to human-made underwater facilities. The regulatory pathways underlying diatom surface colonization, which involves morphotype switching in some species, remain mostly unknown. Here, we describe the identification of 61 signaling genes, including G-protein-coupled receptors (GPCRs) and protein kinases, which are differentially regulated during surface colonization in the model diatom species, Phaeodactylum tricornutum . We show that the transformation of P . tricornutum with constructs expressing individual GPCR genes induces cells to adopt the surface colonization morphology. P . tricornutum cells transformed to express GPCR1A display 30% more resistance to UV light exposure than their non-biofouling wild-type counterparts, consistent with increased silicification of cell walls associated with the oval biofouling morphotype. Our results provide a mechanistic definition of morphological shifts during surface colonization and identify candidate target proteins for the screening of eco-friendly, anti-biofouling molecules.

Genome analysis of Parmales, a sister group of diatoms, reveals the evolutionary specialization of diatoms from phago-mixotrophs to photoautotrophs

“…2a). G protein-coupled receptors were involved in responses to sexual cues in the planktonic diatom Pseudo-nitzschia multistriata 17 , and to colonization in Phaeodactylum tricornutum , a planktonic diatom that also has a benthic morphotype 21 . Diatoms also exhibit action potential signalling to modulate their cellular motility 22,23 .…”

Protocol to generate and characterize biofouling transformants of a model marine diatom

“…This protocol was used in a recent publication ( Fu et al., 2020 ) to generate and characterize biofouling transformants of a model marine diatom Phaeodactylum tricornutum . While this protocol should be thoroughly followed and may take several months to complete, there are three major steps in the whole process with three corresponding stopping points that allow the experiment to be suspended if needed.…”

“…By using this protocol, gene targets such as GPCR signaling genes could be identified and manipulated to turn off diatom biofouling. For complete information on the generation and use of this protocol, please refer to Fu et al. (2020) .…”

“…For complete information on the generation and use of this protocol, please refer to Fu et al. (2020) .…”

Innovative approach for the protection of recycled concrete by biogenic silica biodeposition

“…In general, it appears to be the diatoms that initiate surface colonization and biofilm formation, although the exact mechanisms involved are not fully understood [24]. What has been determined are that biofilm formation includes several distinct phases.…”