Every refuge has its price: Ostreobium as a model for understanding how algae can live in rock and stay in business. (30th January 2023)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Tandon, Kshitij; Pasella, Marisa M.; Iha, Cintia; Ricci, Francesco; Hu, Juntong; O'Kelly, Charles J.; Medina, Mónica; Kühl, Michael; Verbruggen, Heroen
• Is Part Of: Seminars in cell & developmental biology. Volume 134(2023)
• Page Start: 27
• Page End: 36
• Publication Date: 2023-01-30
• Subjects: Ostreobium -- Endolith -- Siphonous green algae -- Bioerosion -- Corals -- Low-light photosynthesis; Cytology -- Periodicals; Developmental biology -- Periodicals; 571.6
• DOI: 10.1016/j.semcdb.2022.03.010
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 1084-9521

Abstract

Abstract: Ostreobium is a siphonous green alga in the Bryopsidales (Chlorophyta) that burrows into calcium carbonate (CaCO3 ) substrates. In this habitat, it lives under environmental conditions unusual for an alga (i.e., low light and low oxygen) and it is a major agent of carbonate reef bioerosion. In coral skeletons, Ostreobium can form conspicuous green bands recognizable by the naked eye and it is thought to contribute to the coral's nutritional needs. With coral reefs in global decline, there is a renewed focus on understanding Ostreobium biology and its roles in the coral holobiont. This review summarizes knowledge on Ostreobium 's morphological structure, biodiversity and evolution, photosynthesis, mechanism of bioerosion and its role as a member of the coral holobiont. We discuss the resources available to study Ostreobium biology, lay out some of the uncharted territories in Ostreobium biology and offer perspectives for future research. Highlights: Ostreobium is a siphonous endolithic green alga that forms conspicuous green bands in the coral skeleton. It photosynthesizes in extreme low light conditions and can utilize near-infrared light, which is unusual for a green alga. Photosynthates produced by Ostreobium could potentially benefit coral host during stress-induced coral bleaching. Ostreobium biodiversity is underestimated and its biology largely remains unexplored owing to difficulties in culturing. Ostreobium 's genome has shed light on its adaptations to low light environment.