A new flavor of synthetic yeast communities sees the light

mBio, Journal Year: 2025, Volume and Issue: unknown

Published: Feb. 6, 2025

ABSTRACT No organism is an island: organisms of varying taxonomic complexity, including genetic variants a single species, can coexist in particular niches, cooperating for survival while simultaneously competing environmental resources. In recent years, synthetic biology strategies have witnessed surge efforts focused on creating artificial microbial communities to tackle pressing questions about the complexity natural systems and interactions that underpin them. These engineered ecosystems depend number nature their members, allowing complex cell communication designs recreate create diverse interest. Due its experimental simplicity, budding yeast Saccharomyces cerevisiae has been harnessed establish mixture varied populations with potential explore ecology, metabolic bioprocessing, biosensing, pattern formation. Indeed, enable advanced molecule detection dynamics logic operations. Here, we present concise overview state-of-the-art, highlighting examples exploit optogenetics manipulate, through light stimulation, key phenotypes at community level, unprecedented spatial temporal regulation. Hence, envision bright future where application optogenetic approaches (optoecology) illuminates intricate drives innovations engineering strategies.

Language: Английский

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Lichen ecophysiology in a changing climate

American Journal of Botany, Journal Year: 2023, Volume and Issue: 110(2)

Published: Feb. 1, 2023

Abstract Lichens are one of the most iconic and ubiquitous symbioses known, widely valued as indicators environmental quality and, more recently, climate change. Our understanding lichen responses to has greatly expanded in recent decades, but some biases constraints have shaped our present knowledge. In this review we focus on ecophysiology a key predicting future climates, highlighting advances remaining challenges. Lichen is best understood through complementary whole‐thallus within‐thallus scales. Water content form (vapor or liquid) central perspectives, making vapor pressure differential (VPD) particularly informative driver. Responses water further modulated by photobiont physiology phenotype, providing clear links functional trait framework. However, thallus‐level perspective incomplete without also considering dynamics, such changing proportions even identities symbionts response climate, nutrients, other stressors. These changes provide pathways for acclimation, their currently limited large gaps carbon allocation symbiont turnover lichens. Lastly, study mainly prioritized larger lichens at high latitudes, producing valuable insights underrepresenting range lichenized lineages ecologies. Key areas work include improving geographic phylogenetic coverage, greater emphasis VPD climatic factor, turnover, incorporation physiological theory traits predictive models.

Language: Английский

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The Arctic Plant Aboveground Biomass Synthesis Dataset

Scientific Data, Journal Year: 2024, Volume and Issue: 11(1)

Published: March 20, 2024

Abstract Plant biomass is a fundamental ecosystem attribute that sensitive to rapid climatic changes occurring in the Arctic. Nevertheless, measuring plant Arctic logistically challenging and resource intensive. Lack of accessible field data hinders efforts understand amount, composition, distribution, these northern ecosystems. Here, we present The aboveground synthesis dataset , which includes measurements lichen, bryophyte, herb, shrub, and/or tree (g m −2 ) on 2,327 sample plots from 636 sites seven countries. We created by assembling harmonizing 32 individual datasets. Aboveground was primarily quantified harvesting during mid- late-summer, though often tall shrub were using surveys allometric models. Each measurement associated with metadata including date, location, method, source, other information. This unique can be leveraged monitor, map, model across rapidly warming

Language: Английский

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The disadvantages of current proposals to redefine lichens

New Phytologist, Journal Year: 2023, Volume and Issue: 241(3), P. 969 - 971

Published: Nov. 29, 2023

Lichen-forming fungi and their algal symbionts together produce composite thalli that often have the appearance properties of unitary organisms. Although exact contours concept may vary according to viewpoint, lichens been commonly distinguished from other fungal–algal symbioses by a useful widely cited definition (Hawksworth, 1988; Hawksworth & Honegger, 1994), wherein mycobiont comprises external component (exhabitant) houses interior but extracellular symbiont(s). More recently, increased attention has focused on additional microorganisms, particularly bacteria, form part lichen thallus microbiome (Grube et al., 2015; Spribille 2016; Cernava 2017; Smith 2020; Tzovaras Cometto 2022). This revealed new dimension biology, similar recognizable in plants animals as diverse microbial inhabitants internal surfaces are explored (Porras-Alfaro Bayman, 2011; Ezenwa 2012; Gilbert 2018). Such research highlights degree which biological communities coexist at very different scales. A plant, an animal, all components broader community interacting macro-organisms, while finer level organization, each individually harbor its own or communities. changed how we think about animals, it not resulted any effort redefine them. By contrast, number biologists recently proposed expanding include microorganisms colonize thallus. These proposals, indeed question whether is warranted desirable, ought be considered critically. Grube (2020) ecosystem formed interaction exhabitant fungus, photosynthetic partners, indeterminate microorganisms. interpretation elevates defining status equivalent photobiont(s), even though roles significance still poorly understood critical importance symbiosis far proven. It merges into one same concept, treatment suffered plant animal. Of course, Lücking al. (2021) point out, lichen's relationship might viewed differently, since, unlike already defined partnership But consider mycorrhiza, frequently compared. The rhizosphere/hyphosphere likewise harbors can make significant contributions (e.g. Wang 2023) yet do figure mycorrhiza. omission these associates does imply they unimportant. merely indicates core between fungus photoautotroph remains meaningful itself, prefer lose. Structurally physiologically, quite intimately associated; photobionts induced release massive amounts carbohydrate (Richardson 1968; Smith, 1980), channeled apoplastically pathways sealed with fungus-derived hydrophobic materials (Honegger, 1991; Trembley 2002). At present, there no reason believe inhabitant comparable integration, if some provide important services. structure photobiont create physical habitat within associated dwell. If demonstrated essential transformative development thallus, then inclusion justified. argument was for cyphobasidialean yeasts associate certain macrolichens (Spribille 2016), follow-up studies found low co-occurrence (Lendemer 2019; 2020) lower specificity proper than shown (Mark 2020). appropriately cautious claims members co-equal partners symbiosis. therefore comes surprise feel needs amended. In redefining ecosystem, implicitly expand further. proposal ecosystems appears originated Farrar (1976), although author did evidence organisms were besides principal fungal symbionts. recent years, application term individual become more common diversity increasingly appreciated 2009; Cardinale Pankratov Škvorová this usage seem take account refers organization above community. coined (by founder New Phytologist) explicitly key chemical environment biotic sustain (Tansley, 1935). Contemporary ecology textbooks maintain Ricklefs, 2008). To define – micro-ecosystem would require mineral, soil substratum upon grows, least. While such elements clearly relevant utility making them features questionable. For most biologists, removed lichen. Other modifications (2021), who summary previously published definitions extensive discussion criteria. Their makes reference ecosystems, add limited those bacteria regarded ‘obligately associated’. obligate whom: organism symbiosis? Most, all, themselves obligately lichen-forming fungi, improves odds survival many microhabitats. Without them, however, you On hand, mycobiont–photobiont unresolved present. also primary fungus-like organism, apparently deference theoretical possibility oomycete–algal exist existed could conceivably fit criteria lichenhood. extensions plausible entirely hypothetical cases integrate With risk circular reasoning. intend critically examine involve indispensable participants, mycobionts true counterproductive work recognized hypotheticals features. further ‘reconceptualize symbioses’ (Allen Lendemer, 2022), authors suggest changes Because myriad variations every theme natural world rarely neatly human conceptual schemes, imperfect, arbitrary, and/or amended exceptions. what matters. so proven distinguish macrostructure creates redefined broadly encompass microbiome, mention factors support community, refer specifically symbiotic photobiont. Before dissolve fundamental nebulous boundaries, should first convincing indications obsolete. new, always accommodated holobiome); need replace current one. fact lichens, like mycorrhizas, whose symbiosis, itself mean All minuscule fraction healthy biomass (excepting embedded substratum) consists produce. Just sorts comprise remainder, play, currently subjects much interesting research. present element components. Subtract photobiont, identity lost. They elements, least now. thanks Drs Sergio Pérez Ortega Raquel Pino Bodas helpful topic. manuscript benefited review two anonymous referees. None declared.

Language: Английский

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Damaging and protective interactions of lichens and biofilms on ceramic dolia and sculptures of the International Museum of Ceramics, Faenza, Italy

The Science of The Total Environment, Journal Year: 2023, Volume and Issue: 877, P. 162607 - 162607

Published: March 10, 2023

Although ceramic objects are an important part of the worldwide cultural heritage, few investigations on effects lithobiontic growth their outdoor conservation available in literature. Many aspects interaction between lithobionts and stones still unknown or strongly debated, as case equilibria biodeterioration bioprotection. This paper describes research colonization by Roman dolia contemporary sculptures International Museum Ceramics, Faenza (Italy). Accordingly, study i) characterized mineralogical composition petrographic structure artworks, ii) performed porosimetric measurements, iii) identified lichen microbial diversity, iv) elucidated with substrates. Moreover, v) measurements variability stone surface hardness water absorption colonized uncolonized areas were collected to assess damaging and/or protective lithobionts. The investigation showed how biological depends physical properties substrates well climatic conditions environments which artworks located. results indicated that lichens Protoparmeliopsis muralis Lecanora campestris may have a bioprotective effect ceramics high total porosity pores very small diameters, they poorly penetrate substrate, do not negatively affect able reduce amount absorbed limiting ingress. By contrast, Verrucaria nigrescens, here widely found association rock-dwelling fungi, deeply terracotta causing substrate disaggregation, negative consequences absorption. careful evaluation positive must be carried out before deciding removal. Regarding biofilms, barrier efficacy is related thickness composition. Even if thin, can impact enhancing comparison parts.

Language: Английский

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Trebouxia lynnae sp. nov. (Former Trebouxia sp. TR9): Biology and Biogeography of an Epitome Lichen Symbiotic Microalga

Biology, Journal Year: 2022, Volume and Issue: 11(8), P. 1196 - 1196

Published: Aug. 10, 2022

Two microalgal species, Trebouxia jamesii and sp. TR9, were detected as the main photobionts coexisting in thalli of lichen Ramalina farinacea. TR9 emerged a new taxon symbioses was successfully isolated propagated vitro culture thoroughly investigated. Several years research have confirmed to be model/reference organism for studying mycobiont–photobiont association patterns symbioses. is first symbiotic, lichen-forming microalga which an exhaustive characterization cellular ultrastructure, physiological traits, genetic genomic diversity available. The ultrastructure studied by light, electron confocal microscopy; traits responses different abiotic stresses. previously analyzed at both nuclear organelle levels using chloroplast, mitochondrial, genome data, multiplicity phylogenetic analyses carried out study its intraspecific biogeographical level specificity with mycobiont. Here, formally described applying integrative taxonomic approach presented science lynnae, honor Lynn Margulis, who primary modern proponent significance symbiosis evolution. complete set that provided.

Language: Английский

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The coming golden age for lichen biology

Current Biology, Journal Year: 2023, Volume and Issue: 33(11), P. R512 - R518

Published: June 1, 2023

Language: Английский

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DNA metabarcoding of biocrust lichen-forming fungi detects responses to disturbance and invasion

The Bryologist, Journal Year: 2025, Volume and Issue: 128(1)

Published: Jan. 10, 2025

Biocrusts dominated by bryophytes and lichens perform important functions in dryland ecosystems but monitoring these communities can be cost prohibitive over broad scales. We explored DNA metabarcoding as a potential tool for biocrust lichen at site Washington (U.S.A.) that had already been surveyed diversity community composition. developed reference library using the internal transcribed spacer (ITS) region from specimens collected study area. also visually estimated abundance of species or groups 22 plots spanning range wildfire history invasion exotic annual grass Bromus tectorum. At plots, we bulk samples two approaches: small sample dishes combined fragments tweezers all observed. used PacBio sequencing to simultaneously generate ITS barcode sequences lichen-forming fungi (LFF) present samples, clustering similar into operational taxonomic units (OTUs). Lichen detected both captured reduction change composition related B. tectorum, suggesting was able identify same dominant ecological pattern visual sampling. The tweezer sampling approach on average 12.3 more OTUs than dish some taxa were consistently one other. After specimen associated with LFF OTUs, determined overlapping different species. Metabarcoding failed detect common taxa, including: Arthonia glebosa, Candelariella spp., Enchylium tenax, Lecanora muralis, Lecidella Leptochidium albociliatum, Massalongia carnosa, Trapeliopsis glaucopholis. However, not observed genera Elixia, Lecanora, Lecanoropsis, Bacidina, Pyrenodesmia, Xanthocarpia, Trapelia, Verrucaria, Verruculopsis. Furthermore, identified greater OTU expected within Diploschistes muscorum, bisorediata, steppica. Our results suggest alone methods could useful their response disturbance, invasion, restoration.

Language: Английский

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Genomics: A window into the molecular mystery box of lichen symbiosis

Current Biology, Journal Year: 2025, Volume and Issue: 35(4), P. R139 - R141

Published: Feb. 1, 2025

Language: Английский

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Lichens are a treasure chest of bioactive compounds: fact or fake?

New Phytologist, Journal Year: 2025, Volume and Issue: unknown

Published: Feb. 27, 2025

Language: Английский

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