Genome-powered classification of microbial eukaryotes: focus on coral algal symbionts. Issue 9 (September 2022)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Dougan, Katherine E.; González-Pech, Raúl A.; Stephens, Timothy G.; Shah, Sarah; Chen, Yibi; Ragan, Mark A.; Bhattacharya, Debashish; Chan, Cheong Xin
• Is Part Of: Trends in microbiology. Volume 30:Issue 9(2022)
• Page Start: 831
• Page End: 840
• Publication Date: 2022-09
• Subjects: algal genomics -- dinoflagellates -- coral symbionts -- Symbiodiniaceae -- taxonomy; Microbiology -- Periodicals; Infection -- Periodicals; Virulence (Microbiology) -- Periodicals; Infection -- Periodicals; Microbiology -- Periodicals; Virulence -- Periodicals; Microbiologie -- Périodiques; Infection -- Périodiques; Virulence (Microbiologie) -- Périodiques; Infection; Microbiology; Virulence (Microbiology); 579
• DOI: 10.1016/j.tim.2022.02.001
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0966-842X

Abstract

Abstract : Modern microbial taxonomy generally relies on the use of single marker genes or sets of concatenated genes to generate a framework for the delineation and classification of organisms at different taxonomic levels. However, given that DNA is the 'blueprint of life', and hence the ultimate arbiter of taxonomy, classification systems should attempt to use as much of the blueprint as possible to capture a comprehensive phylogenetic signal. Recent analysis of whole-genome sequences from coral reef symbionts (dinoflagellates of the family Symbiodiniaceae) and other microalgal groups has uncovered extensive divergence not recognised by current algal taxonomic approaches. In the era of 'sequence everything', we argue that whole-genome data are pivotal to guide informed taxonomic inference, particularly for microbial eukaryotes. Highlights: Whole-genome sequences are increasingly used as molecular evidence for classifying microbial lineages. Dinoflagellate microalgae of the family Symbiodiniaceae are critical symbionts in coral reefs. Recent studies of symbiodiniacean whole-genome sequences reveal extensive divergence and phylogenetic diversity hidden behind subtly different morphology. Divergence of whole-genome sequences can be used to inform taxonomic classification of microbial eukaryotes. Alignment-free methods capture comprehensive, more-informative phylogenetic signal from whole-genome sequences, compared to phylogenetic analysis using conventional marker genes.