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...

气候变化正对自然生态系统的稳定性产生负面影响，尤其是珊瑚礁生态系统。造礁珊瑚与其藻类共生体之间共生关系的解离（即珊瑚白化）已被证实与海水表面温度升高相关。珊瑚白化对珊瑚具有显著影响，包括疾病暴发频率上升——这可能永久性改变整个珊瑚礁生态系统。然而，目前人们对珊瑚白化对珊瑚免疫系统的影响知之甚少。本研究通过对珊瑚共生功能体（coral holobiont）及其各关联组分（即珊瑚宿主、藻类共生体及其他相关微生物）进行全转录组分析，旨在确定自然白化事件影响下及恢复阶段珊瑚的基因表达变化。主要研究结果包括：珊瑚共生功能体与珊瑚宿主对白化的响应存在差异；即使在白化事件发生一年后，宿主免疫系统仍呈现受抑制状态……