Genome-resolved biogeography of Phaeocystales, cosmopolitan bloom-forming algae

Journal Article · Wed Jan 01 00:00:00 EST 2025 · Nature Communications

DOI:https://doi.org/10.1038/s41467-025-63565-1· OSTI ID:3008175

Füssy, Zoltán; Lampe, Robert H; Arrigo, Kevin R; Barry, Kerrie; Brisbin, Margaret M; Brussaard, Corina P D; Decelle, Johan; de Vargas, Colomban; DiTullio, Giacomo R; Elbourne, Liam D H; Frischer, Marc E; Goodstein, David M; Grigoriev, Igor V; Hayes, Richard D; Healey, Adam L; James, Chase C; Jenkins, Jerry W; Juery, Caroline; Kumar, Manish; Kustka, Adam B ; Maumus, Florian; Novák Vanclová, Anna M G; Oborník, Miroslav; Paulsen, Ian T; Probert, Ian; Saito, Mak A; Schmutz, Jeremy; Skalický, Tomáš; Tec-Campos, Diego; Tomelka, Hannah; Věchtová, Pavlína; Venepally, Pratap; Wilson-Mortier, Brendan; Zengler, Karsten; Zheng, Hong; Allen, Andrew E

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 B12 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.

• Research Organization: Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory (LBNL), Berkeley, CA (United States)
• Sponsoring Organization: US Department of Energy; USDOE Office of Science (SC), Biological and Environmental Research (BER) (SC-23), Biological Systems Science Division (SC-23.2 )
• Grant/Contract Number: AC02-05CH11231
• OSTI ID: 3008175
• Journal Information: Nature Communications, Journal Name: Nature Communications Journal Issue: 1 Vol. 16
• Country of Publication: United States
• Language: English