Genome-resolved biogeography of Phaeocystales, cosmopolitan bloom-forming algae
Abstract
Abstract Phaeocystales, comprising the genus Phaeocystis and an uncharacterized sister lineage, are nanoplanktonic haptophytes widespread in the global ocean. Several species form mucilaginous colonies and influence key biogeochemical cycles, yet their underlying diversity and ecological strategies remain underexplored. Here, we present new genomic data from 13 strains, including three high-quality reference genomes (N50 > 30 kbp), and integrate previous metagenome-assembled genomes to resolve a robust phylogeny. Divergence timing of P. antarctica aligns with Miocene cooling and Southern Ocean isolation. Genomic traits reveal metabolic flexibility, including mixotrophic nitrogen acquisition in temperate waters and gene expansions linked to polar nutrient adaptation. Concordantly, transcriptomic comparisons between temperate and polar Phaeocystis suggest Southern Ocean populations experience iron and B 12 limitation. We also identify signatures of horizontal gene transfer and endogenous giant virus/virophage insertions. Together, these findings highlight Phaeocystales as an ecologically versatile and geographically widespread lineage shaped by evolutionary innovation and adaptation to contrasting environmental stressors.
Article Details
Authors (36)
Zoltán Füssy
Robert H. Lampe
Kevin R. Arrigo
Department of Earth System Science
Kerrie Barry
Margaret M. Brisbin
Corina P. D. Brussaard
Johan Decelle
Cell and Plant Physiology Laboratory, CNRS, CEA, INRAE, IRIG, Université Grenoble Alpes
Colomban de Vargas
Giacomo R. DiTullio
Liam D. H. Elbourne
Marc E. Frischer
David M. Goodstein
Igor V. Grigoriev
Department of Energy, Joint Genome Institute, Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory
Richard D. Hayes
Adam L. Healey
Chase C. James
Jerry W. Jenkins
Caroline Juery
Cell and Plant Physiology Laboratory, CNRS, CEA, INRAE, IRIG, Université Grenoble Alpes
Manish Kumar
Adam B. Kustka
Florian Maumus
Anna M. G. Novák Vanclová
Miroslav Oborník
Ian T. Paulsen
Ian Probert
Mak A. Saito
Department of Marine Chemistry and Geochemistry, Woods Hole Oceanographic Institution
Jeremy Schmutz
Tomáš Skalický
Diego Tec-Campos
Department of Pediatrics, University of California
Hannah Tomelka
Pavlína Věchtová
Pratap Venepally
Brendan Wilson-Mortier
Karsten Zengler
Department of Pediatrics, University of California
Hong Zheng
Center of Nanomaterials for Renewable Energy, State Key Laboratory of Electrical Insulation and Power Equipment, School of Electrical Engineering
Andrew E. Allen