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Research Article
- A tufA reference sequence library for the green algal genus Caulerpa (Bryopsidales)
- Stefano G.A. Draisma, Thomas Sauvage
- The circumtropical, multinucleate, siphonous, green algal genus Caulerpa is the single genus in the family Caulerpaceae and exhibits a remarkably high morphological …
- The circumtropical, multinucleate, siphonous, green algal genus Caulerpa is the single genus in the family Caulerpaceae and exhibits a remarkably high morphological variability. Morphological plasticity, overlapping morphological species boundaries, and the occurrence of cryptic species, has led several scientists to advocate the use of DNA barcodes for reliable species identification. The chloroplast-encoded tufA gene has been the DNA barcode marker of choice for Caulerpa, in particular the 820 nucleotides central region. Molecular identification through DNA barcodes depends on the availability of a curated reference library with pre-defined species. However, currently there are many incorrect Caulerpa species names in the GenBank sequence data base, potentially causing error propagation. This complicates species identification by researchers who are not familiar with Caulerpa. The present study reviewed the published Caulerpa tufA sequences, generated new tufA sequences for four species, and selected reference sequences for ¾ of the currently accepted Caulerpa species. Reference sequences were primarily selected based on geographic proximity to the type location. This resulted in a tufA sequence alignment of 89 Caulerpa taxa of which four remained unnamed. Caulerpa ambigua, C. verticillata, and C. lanuginosa represent cryptic species complexes of, respectively, nine, three, and two species. The tufA sequences of C. macra, C. manorensis, and C. veravalensis were compared for the first time and the small sequence difference suggests that these could represent a single variable species. - COLLAPSE
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Review
- Cold shock proteins: Orchestrating cellular defense in response to low temperatures
- Mrinmoy Ghosh, Myeongyeon Shin, Young-Ok Son
- Living organisms face formidable challenges in frigid environments, such as the cryosphere, where temperature variations significantly impact their survival. Psychrophiles, resilient microorganisms …
- Living organisms face formidable challenges in frigid environments, such as the cryosphere, where temperature variations significantly impact their survival. Psychrophiles, resilient microorganisms inhabiting frozen realms, have evolved adaptive strategies to thrive in these harsh conditions. Furthermore, both other prokaryotic and eukaryotic cells also display an adaptive cold shock response when exposed to a sudden decrease in temperature. The cellular response to sudden temperature decreases involves the induction of cold shock proteins (CSPs). CSPs, recognized for their pivotal role in cellular adaptation to cold stress, exhibit structural characteristics that make them intriguing subjects for study. This analysis delves into the conformational stability, folding kinetics, and functional aspects of CSPss, emphasizing their unique cold shock domain (CSD). CSPs lack disulfide bonds and cis-peptides, simplifying the study of their folding mechanisms. The CspA, a major contributor to protein synthesis during cold stress. The CSP family's genetic manipulations underscore their critical role in bacterial adaptation to cold environments. The CSD, a hallmark of CSPs, forms an antiparallel five-stranded β-barrel, retaining nucleic acid-binding capabilities crucial for cold adaptation. The RNA-binding site within the CSD plays a pivotal role in stable RNA-protein complex formation. CSPs’ flexibility contributes to functional versatility, enabling them to act as RNA chaperones, aiding in proper RNA folding. Oligomeric structures formed by CSPs, varying in states such as dimers or trimers, are associated with their functional activities, particularly in RNA chaperone functions. This comprehensive analysis provides insights into the biophysical properties of CSPs, shedding light on their structural features, RNA interactions, and functional adaptability. Understanding the adaptive mechanisms of microorganisms in extremely cold environments and towards the cold shock response, particularly the role of CSPs, contributes to our knowledge of cellular homeostasis in such conditions. - COLLAPSE
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Review
- Overview of the systematics of the brown algal family Scytosiphonaceae (Ectocarpales, Phaeophyceae)
- Wilfred John E. Santiañez, Michael J. Wynne
- Members of the benthic marine brown macroalgal family Scytosiphonaceae are widely distributed in the tropical to warm temperate coasts and offshore reefs …
- Members of the benthic marine brown macroalgal family Scytosiphonaceae are widely distributed in the tropical to warm temperate coasts and offshore reefs of major ocean basins. As ecologically important components of shallow intertidal down to mesophotic depths, scytosiphonacean taxa contribute to primary production and serve as food and habitat to other marine organisms. As economically important seaweeds, some Scytosiphonaceae can be consumed as food, used as feed additives, and as source of commercially important fucoidan and alginates. Despite these facts, the diversity, systematics, and molecular phylogenetic relationships of members of the Scytosiphonaceae remain understudied and among the most challenging to resolve. Recent approaches integrating molecular tools with traditional morpho-anatomical and life history observations have ushered in significant changes to the systematics of this complex group, including descriptions of new species and genera, and dividing the family into two tribes. Consequently, our understanding of the phylogenetic relationships within the Scytosiphonaceae has also improved. We provide here an overview of the challenges and opportunities in the study of the systematics and molecular phylogenetics of the Scytosiphonaceae, emphasizing the need to integrate multiple lines of evidence to resolve the persistent taxonomic problems within the group. We anticipate that the natural classification of the family Scytosiphonaceae will be achieved as we continue actively and collaboratively working towards the understanding of this complex yet interesting brown seaweeds. - COLLAPSE
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Review
- Algal resource distribution and restoration of algal beds in islands on the western coasts of Japan
- Daisuke Fujita
- In the western prefectures of Japan from Kagoshima to Hokkaido, 146 populated islands are present (82% of these islands are in Kyushu), …
- In the western prefectures of Japan from Kagoshima to Hokkaido, 146 populated islands are present (82% of these islands are in Kyushu), which are under the influence of the Tsushima Warm Current. This review synthesized multidimensional information on macroalgal flora, biogeographically characteristic and commercially important species, vegetational status and restoration of algal beds on the western islands. Floristic studies are limited to some major islands in Kyushu and southwestern Honshu, but cover most islands in northern Honshu and Hokkaido; 36 species were described from the western islands. As algal beds are important components of seascapes, some areas were selected as marine parks since 1970s and as ‘ecologically or biologically significant marine areas’ due to their high biodiversity since 2011. In spite of these passive conservation, algal beds have declined primarily caused by the increase of seawater temperature and of herbivorous animals. Therefore, fishermen have challenged the maintenance and restoration of algal beds. From these islands, unique ideas such as paid removal of sea urchins and cage-trapping of herbivorous fishes were developed to control herbivores, while chain-swinging and sheet-covering of soft corals were invented to remove competitors. Such activities have been assisted by technical supporters, volunteers and/or researchers, and financially supported by funds to revitalize fisheries in remote islands or to promote Fisheries Multiple functions Demonstration. Serious problems are the further warming and shortage of manpower due to aging of fishermen and depopulation in islands. - COLLAPSE
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Review
- A mini-review of the taxonomy, distribution, and phylogeny of the genus Laurencia J.V. Lamouroux (Ceramiales, Rhodomelaceae) in the Asia North-Pacific region
- Prismabella Wilis Andiska, Myung Sook Kim
- Laurencia J.V. Lamouroux is a globally distributed genus of red algae found in temperate to tropical waters, currently comprising 144 recognized species. …
- Laurencia J.V. Lamouroux is a globally distributed genus of red algae found in temperate to tropical waters, currently comprising 144 recognized species. Owing to its morphological plasticity, Laurencia was subdivided into eight subgenera within the complex. Over the past two decades, molecular approaches have proven invaluable for resolving the taxonomic positions and unraveling phylogenetic relationships within Laurencia, however, research on this taxon still predominantly relies on morphology, and only few phylogenetic studies have been conducted. Considering this gap, and the fact that the type locality of several Laurencia species is in the Asia-Pacific region, further molecular-genetic research on Laurencia in the Asia-Pacific region is needed to provide data on diversity and resolve its phylogenetics. - COLLAPSE
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Review
- Diversity of marine macroalgae species from Hai Van - Son Cha MPA (Thua Thien Hue province) in Central Vietnam: A historical overview of research and publications
- Manh Linh Nguyen, Xuan Vy Nguyen, Christophe Vieira, Van Quan Nguyen, Ngoc Lam Nguyen, Myung-Sook Kim
- This study provides the first systematic overview of the marine algal diversity reported from field surveys along the Hai Van - Son …
- This study provides the first systematic overview of the marine algal diversity reported from field surveys along the Hai Van - Son Cha coastline in Central Vietnam. The updated checklist includes a total of 134 species belonging to 22 orders, 36 families, 63 genera of 4 phyla, providing an important baseline for future monitoring and research. The taxonomic adjustments reflect the need to periodically review the nomenclature to track the changes in the classification. The differences in the species reported in each survey indicate the need to expand the field surveys. The biodiversity models provide clues about the factors affecting the marine algal diversity along this coastal area. The application of emerging molecular tools can significantly enhance the inventory of the marine algal diversity of Hai Van - Son Cha in the future. The updated checklist can serve as a useful reference for future research and conservation actions for the marine biology of Hai Van - Son Cha and other areas of Vietnam. - COLLAPSE
Jeju Journal of Island Sciences
Jeju Journal of Island Sciences
제주섬과학회지
102, Jejudaehak-ro, Jeju-si, Jeju-do, Republic of Korea
Tel: +82-64-754-8308 / E-mail: myyang@jejunu.ac.kr Copyright© Jeju Journal of Island Sciences. Powered by APUB
Tel: +82-64-754-8308 / E-mail: myyang@jejunu.ac.kr Copyright© Jeju Journal of Island Sciences. Powered by APUB