Symbiont population control by host-symbiont metabolic interaction in Symbiodiniaceae-cnidarian associations

Tingting Xiang (), Erik Lehnert, Robert E. Jinkerson, Sophie Clowez, Rick G. Kim, Jan C. DeNofrio, John R. Pringle and Arthur R. Grossman
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Tingting Xiang: Carnegie Institution for Science
Erik Lehnert: Stanford University School of Medicine
Robert E. Jinkerson: University of California
Sophie Clowez: Carnegie Institution for Science
Rick G. Kim: Carnegie Institution for Science
Jan C. DeNofrio: Stanford University School of Medicine
John R. Pringle: Stanford University School of Medicine
Arthur R. Grossman: Carnegie Institution for Science

Nature Communications, 2020, vol. 11, issue 1, 1-9

Abstract: Abstract In cnidarian-Symbiodiniaceae symbioses, algal endosymbiont population control within the host is needed to sustain a symbiotic relationship. However, the molecular mechanisms that underlie such population control are unclear. Here we show that a cnidarian host uses nitrogen limitation as a primary mechanism to control endosymbiont populations. Nitrogen acquisition and assimilation transcripts become elevated in symbiotic Breviolum minutum algae as they reach high-densities within the sea anemone host Exaiptasia pallida. These same transcripts increase in free-living algae deprived of nitrogen. Symbiotic algae also have an elevated carbon-to-nitrogen ratio and shift metabolism towards scavenging nitrogen from purines relative to free-living algae. Exaiptasia glutamine synthetase and glutamate synthase transcripts concomitantly increase with the algal endosymbiont population, suggesting an increased ability of the host to assimilate ammonium. These results suggest algal growth and replication in hospite is controlled by access to nitrogen, which becomes limiting for the algae as their population within the host increases.

Date: 2020
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DOI: 10.1038/s41467-019-13963-z

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