Regulation of Gene Expression in Cnidarian-Algal Associations

摘要

Symbiotic associations are prevalent in all environments and are thought to be a driving force in evolution. These relationships encompass a spectrum of lifestyles, ranging from mutualistic to parasitic, and from extracellular to intracellular. This research was aimed at understanding the initiation, establishment and maintenance of cnidarian-algal-algal associations. These associations are of global significance as corals and other related organisms form the foundation of coral reef ecosystems. These studies were among the first describe to examine the biochemical and molecular mechanisms underlying the establishment of the cnidarian-algal partnership, Further, the work described the natural life history of two associations, chosen for their amenability to laboratory manipulation and study. We accomplished two major objectives: Examination of changes in patterns of protein synthesis and gene expression that occur in host tissues during the initiation and establishment of symbiosis. Comparative techniques were be used to identify proteins and their encoding genes that are turned on by the onset of symbiosis. Using both comparative 2D protein profiles and subtracted libraries, we identified 4 symbiosis-enhanced genes that were expressed as a function of symbiosis. Description of the role of algal infection in the early life histories of two cnidarians (hosts), a tropical coral Fungia scutaria and a temperate anemone Anthopleura elegantissima. We examined symbiosis onset in both species and also looked for the onset of symbiosis-specific gene expression.