Project description:Investigation of the genetic diversity of Emiliania huxleyi, genomic DNA from 15 different strains were compared with the genomic DNA of the sequenced E. huxleyi strain CCMP1516. Gephyrocapsa oceanica and Isochrysis galbana as phylogenetic closely related taxa were used as out-groups.
Project description:An essential interaction between sunlight and eukaryotes involves the production of vitamin D through exposure to ultraviolet (UV) radiation. While extensively studied in vertebrates, the role of vitamin D in non-animal eukaryotes like microalgae remains unclear. To investigate the potential involvement of vitamin D in the response of microalgae to UV, we focus on Emiliania huxleyi, a microalga found in shallow ocean depths that are exposed to UV radiation. Our results show that E. huxleyi algae produce vitamin D2 and D3 in response to UV irradiation. We further demonstrate that E. huxleyi algae respond to external administration of vitamin D at the transcriptional level, regulating the expression of protective mechanisms that are also regulated in response to UV. Our data reveal that addition of vitamin D enhances the algal photosynthetic performance while reducing harmful reactive oxygen species buildup. This study contributes to understanding the function of vitamin D in E. huxleyi and sheds light on its role in non-animal eukaryotes, as well as its potential importance in marine ecosystems.
Project description:We performed single-cell transcriptome analysis (using MARS-seq) for the worldwide-distributed microalga Emiliania huxleyi during infection by its specific coccolithovirus. Our results provide insights into the expression programs and infection strategies of the large virus, and highlight the potential of single-cell RNA-sequencing for microbial eukaryotes in the lab and in the field.
