Assessing Molecular Localization of Symbiont Microalgae in Coral Branches Through Mass Spectrometry Imaging.
Mar Biotechnol (NY)
; 26(2): 223-229, 2024 Apr.
Article
em En
| MEDLINE
| ID: mdl-38345665
ABSTRACT
Reef-building corals are a fundamental pillar of coral reef ecosystems in tropical and subtropical shallow environments. Corals harbor symbiotic dinoflagellates belonging to the family Symbiodiniaceae, commonly known as zooxanthellae. Extensive research has been conducted on this symbiotic relationship, yet the fundamental information about the distribution and localization of Symbiodiniaceae cells in corals is still limited. This information is crucial to understanding the mechanism underlying the metabolite exchange between corals and their algal symbionts, as well as the metabolic flow within holobionts. To examine the distribution of Symbiodiniaceae cells within corals, in this study, we used fluorescence imaging and matrix-assisted laser desorption/ionization (MALDI) mass spectrometry imaging (MS-Imaging) on branches of the Acropora tenuis coral. We successfully prepared frozen sections of the coral for molecular imaging without fixing or decalcifying the coral branches. By combining the results of MS-Imaging with that of the fluorescence imaging, we determined that the algal Symbiodiniaceae symbionts were not only localized in the tentacle and surface region of the coral branches but also inhabited the in inner parts. Therefore, the molecular imaging technique used in this study could be valuable to further investigate the molecular dynamics between corals and their symbionts.
Palavras-chave
Texto completo:
1
Coleções:
01-internacional
Base de dados:
MEDLINE
Assunto principal:
Simbiose
/
Dinoflagellida
/
Espectrometria de Massas por Ionização e Dessorção a Laser Assistida por Matriz
/
Antozoários
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Microalgas
Limite:
Animals
Idioma:
En
Revista:
Mar Biotechnol (NY)
Assunto da revista:
BIOLOGIA
/
BIOTECNOLOGIA
Ano de publicação:
2024
Tipo de documento:
Article
País de afiliação:
Japão