Data from: Whole transcriptome analysis reveals changes in expression of immune related genes during and after bleaching in a reef-building coral

Climate change is negatively affecting the stability of natural ecosystems, especially coral reefs. The dissociation of the symbiosis between reef-building corals and their algal symbiont, or coral bleaching, has been linked to increased sea surface temperatures. Coral bleaching has significant impacts on corals, including an increase in disease outbreaks that can permanently change the entire reef ecosystem. Yet, little is known about the impacts of coral bleaching on the coral immune system. In this study, whole transcriptome analysis of the coral holobiont and each of the associate components (i.e. coral host, algal symbiont and other associated microorganisms) was used to determine changes in gene expression in corals affected by a natural bleaching event as well as during the recovery phase. The main findings include evidence that the coral holobiont and the coral host have different responses to bleaching, and the host immune system appears suppressed even a year after a bleaching event. These results support the hypothesis that coral bleaching changes the expression of innate immune genes of corals, and these effects can last even after recovery of symbiont populations. Research on the role of immunity on coral's resistance to stressors can help make informed predictions on the future of corals and coral reefs.

气候变化正对自然生态系统的稳定性造成负面影响，其中珊瑚礁所受冲击尤为显著。造礁珊瑚与其藻类共生体之间的共生关系解离（即珊瑚白化（Coral Bleaching）），已被证实与海表温度升高存在关联。珊瑚白化会对珊瑚造成严重危害，其中包括疾病暴发频次增加，甚至可能永久性改变整个珊瑚礁生态系统。然而，学界对于珊瑚白化对珊瑚免疫系统的影响仍知之甚少。本研究通过对珊瑚共生体（coral holobiont）及其各组成组分（即珊瑚宿主、藻类共生体及其他关联微生物）开展全转录组分析，旨在探明受自然白化事件影响的珊瑚以及处于恢复阶段的珊瑚的基因表达变化。本研究的主要发现包括：珊瑚共生体与珊瑚宿主对珊瑚白化的响应存在显著差异，且即便在白化事件发生一年后，珊瑚宿主的免疫系统仍处于抑制状态。上述结果佐证了以下假说：珊瑚白化会改变珊瑚的先天免疫基因表达，且此类影响甚至会在共生体种群恢复后仍持续存在。针对免疫系统在珊瑚抗胁迫过程中所发挥作用的研究，有助于学界对珊瑚及珊瑚礁的未来做出合理预判。