THE UTILITY OF PROTEOMICS IN ALGAL TAXONOMY: BOSTRYCHIA RADICANS/B. MORITZIANA (RHODOMELACEAE, RHODOPHYTA) AS A MODEL STUDY¹

Abstract

A comparison of the proteome of eight genetically well-characterized isolates of the Bostrychia radicans (Mont.) Mont./B. moritziana (Sond. ex Kütz.) J. Agardh species complex was undertaken to establish if genetic relationships among them can be determined using proteome data. Genetic distances were calculated on the basis of common and distinct spots in two-dimensional gel electrophoresis (2-DE). Proteomes of the male and female plants of each population were compared to analyze the range of genetic difference within an isolate. Haploid male and female plants of the same species had 3.7%-7.1% sex-specific proteins. The degree of similarity of the proteome was consistent with previous DNA sequence data and sexual compatibility studies between the isolates. Two sexually compatible isolates from Venezuela showed a pair-wise distance ranging from 0.14 to 0.21. The isolates from Mexico and Venezuela, which were partially compatible, showed a maximum pair-wise distance of 0.26. A high level of genetic difference was found among isolates that were sexually incompatible. The isolate from Brazil was reproductively isolated from the Mexico and Venezuela isolates and showed a maximum pair-wise distance of 0.65 and 0.58, respectively. Comparative proteomics may be helpful for studying genetic distances among algal samples, if intraisolate variation (gene expression) can be minimized or tested.

Investigations on Reproductive Affinities in Red Algae

“…Although these glycoproteins must be important for fertilization, which can be blocked by adding the complimentary sugars or lectins, it is still uncertain whether these glycoproteins are responsible for species recognition. Quite recently, Kim et al (2008) undertook a comparison of the proteome among eight isolates of the Bostrychia radicans/moritziana species complex showing various reproductive reactions with each other. The male and female isolates had 3.7-7.1% sex-specific proteins, and the lack of any shared sex-specific proteins across all isolates may suggest rapid evolution of these proteins (Kim et al, 2008).…”

“…Quite recently, Kim et al (2008) undertook a comparison of the proteome among eight isolates of the Bostrychia radicans/moritziana species complex showing various reproductive reactions with each other. The male and female isolates had 3.7-7.1% sex-specific proteins, and the lack of any shared sex-specific proteins across all isolates may suggest rapid evolution of these proteins (Kim et al, 2008). Such a proteome analysis is expected to become an important cue for the elucidation of the molecular mechanisms of sex as well as species recognition in red algae.…”

Proteomics in Seaweeds: Ecological Interpretations

“…Bostrychia radicans / B. moritziana (Plantae, Rhodophyta) (Kim et al, 2008). The figure correspond to B. moritziana.…”

“…In another important proteomic work with macroalgae developed by Kim et al (2008) and published contemporarily with the Contreras et al (2008) work, using as models the red algae Bostrychia radicans and B. moritziana (Plantae, Rhodophyta), used a lysis buffer comprised principally by urea and thiourea (detailed protocol in Appendix B). Although these species belong to the same group of red algae like G. changii, the simplicity of this method utilized in comparison with the phenol one (Wong et al, 2006) is due to the morphological characteristics of this species (see image in Appendix B).…”

Chemical constituents from red algae Bostrychia radicans (Rhodomelaceae): new amides and phenolic compounds

“…1,3 Moreover, these species have received considerable molecular attention, leading to insights into its evolution, and nomenclatural revision. 4,5 Concerning the chemical composition of Bostrychia species, previous studies have only reported the occurrence and chemotaxonomic implications of its polyols and low-molecular-mass carbohydrates. [6][7][8][9] In this context, polysaccharides isolated from Bostrychia montagnei Harvey were characterized 10 while the antiherpetic and anticoagulant activities of these compounds were reported by Duarte. 11 Moreover, two aromatic compounds were isolated from the alga Bostrychia tenella, namely, the new sulfated metabolite potassium 4-(hydroxymethyl)-benzenesulfonate and the compound 1-methoxyphenethyl alcohol.…”