Polyploidization in diatoms accelerates adaptation to warming

Zhengke Li (), Yong Zhang, Andrew J. Irwin and Zoe V. Finkel
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Zhengke Li: Shannxi University of Science and Technology
Yong Zhang: Dalhousie University
Andrew J. Irwin: Dalhousie University
Zoe V. Finkel: Dalhousie University

Nature Climate Change, 2025, vol. 15, issue 11, 1241-1248

Abstract: Abstract Marine diatoms are responsible for about 20% of global primary productivity, yet their capability to adapt to long-term climate warming remains uncertain. Here we show that thermal stress induces polyploidization in the model diatom Thalassiosira pseudonana, and the polyploids (having more than two sets of chromosomes) adapt faster to elevated temperature compared with their diploid ancestor. Common molecular signatures underlying thermal adaptation in the polyploids included differential regulation of the cell cycle, responses to oxidative stress, cell wall biosynthesis and nutrient assimilation. Our findings indicate that polyploidization in diatoms may occur under thermal stress, triggering diverse changes in differential expression and accelerating evolutionary responses to temperature shifts. Polyploidization may be partially responsible for the past evolutionary success of diatoms and may provide an advantage to diatoms in a rapidly changing climate.

Date: 2025
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DOI: 10.1038/s41558-025-02464-1

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