Pub Date : 2026-01-20DOI: 10.1016/j.protis.2026.126148
Lucy Gavin, Catherine E. Evans, R. Ellen R. Nisbet
Dinoflagellate algae are an extremely important group of eukaryotic algae, found primarily in marine environments. They are responsible for a significant proportion of global primary productivity. Whilst some species are essential symbionts in coral reefs, others form toxic blooms and ‘red tides’, causing mass fish mortality. Understanding the basic biology of these organisms is therefore important not only for studying ecology and the environment, but also for food safety. Despite the fact that genetic engineering tools are at the cornerstone of modern biological research, the ability of researchers to carry out genetic modification in dinoflagellate algae is limited. Here, we examine the challenges facing molecular research in dinoflagellate algae, showing which genetic transformation techniques have worked and which have been less successful. We suggest that further research into nuclear gene expression in these enigmatic algae would greatly aid genetic engineering endeavours.
{"title":"Genetic modification in dinoflagellate algae: Some successes, many failures","authors":"Lucy Gavin, Catherine E. Evans, R. Ellen R. Nisbet","doi":"10.1016/j.protis.2026.126148","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.protis.2026.126148","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>Dinoflagellate algae are an extremely important group of eukaryotic algae, found primarily in marine environments. They are responsible for a significant proportion of global primary productivity. Whilst some species are essential symbionts in coral reefs, others form toxic blooms and ‘red tides’, causing mass fish mortality. Understanding the basic biology of these organisms is therefore important not only for studying ecology and the environment, but also for food safety. Despite the fact that genetic engineering tools are at the cornerstone of modern biological research, the ability of researchers to carry out genetic modification in dinoflagellate algae is limited. Here, we examine the challenges facing molecular research in dinoflagellate algae, showing which genetic transformation techniques have worked and which have been less successful. We suggest that further research into nuclear gene expression in these enigmatic algae would greatly aid genetic engineering endeavours.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":20781,"journal":{"name":"Protist","volume":"180 ","pages":"Article 126148"},"PeriodicalIF":2.1,"publicationDate":"2026-01-20","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"146066489","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":3,"RegionCategory":"生物学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Pub Date : 2026-01-12DOI: 10.1016/j.protis.2026.126146
James F.E. Vanstone , Jan Janouškovec
Bioluminescence is a striking feature of many dinoflagellates, yet the origin of the luciferin substrate that underlies light emission remains unresolved. Previous studies have noted that luciferin is structurally similar to chlorophyll and related catabolites, but its presence in heterotrophs is puzzling, as such organisms have no need to produce chlorophyll. Hypothetical and sometimes conflicting views on several luciferin biosynthesis reactions have been proposed, but a conclusive template for the pathway is missing. Here, we integrate existing evidence into a model for luciferin biosynthesis based on three testable hypotheses. First, we posit that phototrophic and heterotrophic dinoflagellates are capable of de novo luciferin synthesis through a plastid-derived pathway. Secondly, we surmise that luciferin is derived from a specific pathway for chlorophyll degradation that includes the structurally similar pyropheophorbide a. Finally, we revisit the role of P630 as a likely biosynthetic precursor rather than a mere oxidation artefact. We then outline experimental strategies to test these hypotheses within the broader framework of tetrapyrrole metabolism. Resolving luciferin biosynthesis will elucidate not only the biochemical, spatial, and regulatory underpinning of bioluminescence but also illuminate its evolutionary origins and how ancestral metabolic pathways can be retooled for novel cellular functions.
{"title":"Tracing the Glow: Rethinking Luciferin Biosynthesis in Dinoflagellates","authors":"James F.E. Vanstone , Jan Janouškovec","doi":"10.1016/j.protis.2026.126146","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.protis.2026.126146","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>Bioluminescence is a striking feature of many dinoflagellates, yet the origin of the luciferin substrate that underlies light emission remains unresolved. Previous studies have noted that luciferin is structurally similar to chlorophyll and related catabolites, but its presence in heterotrophs is puzzling, as such organisms have no need to produce chlorophyll. Hypothetical and sometimes conflicting views on several luciferin biosynthesis reactions have been proposed, but a conclusive template for the pathway is missing. Here, we integrate existing evidence into a model for luciferin biosynthesis based on three testable hypotheses. First, we posit that phototrophic and heterotrophic dinoflagellates are capable of <em>de novo</em> luciferin synthesis through a plastid-derived pathway. Secondly, we surmise that luciferin is derived from a specific pathway for chlorophyll degradation that includes the structurally similar pyropheophorbide <em>a</em>. Finally, we revisit the role of P630 as a likely biosynthetic precursor rather than a mere oxidation artefact. We then outline experimental strategies to test these hypotheses within the broader framework of tetrapyrrole metabolism. Resolving luciferin biosynthesis will elucidate not only the biochemical, spatial, and regulatory underpinning of bioluminescence but also illuminate its evolutionary origins and how ancestral metabolic pathways can be retooled for novel cellular functions.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":20781,"journal":{"name":"Protist","volume":"180 ","pages":"Article 126146"},"PeriodicalIF":2.1,"publicationDate":"2026-01-12","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"146019566","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":3,"RegionCategory":"生物学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Pub Date : 2026-01-08DOI: 10.1016/j.protis.2026.126145
Lara da Mata Aredes Riguetti , Carlos Roberto Alves , Franklin Souza da Silva
Protein transport between the cytoplasm and the nucleus is a fundamental process for the survival and proper functioning of all eukaryotic cells. This transport is regulated by adaptor proteins that recognize nuclear localization signals (NLSs) present in essential nuclear proteins. The data compiled in this review provide an overview of the classification and diversity of NLSs across various organisms. As in all eukaryotes, NLS-mediated transport is essential for Leishmania spp. For this parasite, there is evidence that NLS-mediated transport is essential for its physiology, allowing key proteins to perform crucial functions in maintaining intrinsic nuclear processes. Beyond classical nuclear proteins, this review indicates that some Leishmania proteases also contain NLSs, suggesting that these enzymes may have multifaceted roles: acting within the parasite itself and functioning as a strategy by the parasite to modulate the nuclear dynamics of the host cell. NLS-tagged metalloproteases of the GP63 family are known to interact with host nuclear components and inactivate critical transcription factors, thereby modulating cellular responses and promoting parasite survival. This function persists during the parasite's differentiation from the promastigote to the amastigote form, highlighting a continuous and sophisticated survival strategy. However, this mechanism still requires experimental confirmation. A deeper understanding of these processes offers promising perspectives for the development of novel therapeutic approaches against leishmaniasis.
{"title":"Nuclear localization signal in Leishmania spp.: Implications for parasite physiology and host nucleus hijacking","authors":"Lara da Mata Aredes Riguetti , Carlos Roberto Alves , Franklin Souza da Silva","doi":"10.1016/j.protis.2026.126145","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.protis.2026.126145","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>Protein transport between the cytoplasm and the nucleus is a fundamental process for the survival and proper functioning of all eukaryotic cells. This transport is regulated by adaptor proteins that recognize nuclear localization signals (NLSs) present in essential nuclear proteins. The data compiled in this review provide an overview of the classification and diversity of NLSs across various organisms. As in all eukaryotes, NLS-mediated transport is essential for <em>Leishmania</em> spp. For this parasite, there is evidence that NLS-mediated transport is essential for its physiology, allowing key proteins to perform crucial functions in maintaining intrinsic nuclear processes. Beyond classical nuclear proteins, this review indicates that some <em>Leishmania</em> proteases also contain NLSs, suggesting that these enzymes may have multifaceted roles: acting within the parasite itself and functioning as a strategy by the parasite to modulate the nuclear dynamics of the host cell. NLS-tagged metalloproteases of the GP63 family are known to interact with host nuclear components and inactivate critical transcription factors, thereby modulating cellular responses and promoting parasite survival. This function persists during the parasite's differentiation from the promastigote to the amastigote form, highlighting a continuous and sophisticated survival strategy. However, this mechanism still requires experimental confirmation. A deeper understanding of these processes offers promising perspectives for the development of novel therapeutic approaches against leishmaniasis.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":20781,"journal":{"name":"Protist","volume":"180 ","pages":"Article 126145"},"PeriodicalIF":2.1,"publicationDate":"2026-01-08","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145977374","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":3,"RegionCategory":"生物学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Foraminifera are abundant and widely spread protists that contribute to global biogeochemical cycles and are used as bioindicators of polluted environments. However, their genomic basis remains poorly understood due to technical difficulties such as high genome complexity, microbial contamination, and the lack of axenic cultures. Here, we present the first draft genome of an axenic strain of a benthic foraminifer, Ammonia veneta WYF01. The 433 Mb genome assembly exhibits high completeness (80 % BUSCO score) and reveals a complex genomic landscape with extensive repeat content and 350,650 predicted gene models. Comparative genomic analysis with other rhizarians highlights conserved gene families related to pseudopodial motility and some osmoregulation, and substrate adhesion as species-specific expansions in A. veneta. Notably, we observed remarkable diversification of glutathione S-transferase genes, involved in detoxification of reactive oxygen species and xenobiotics, suggesting a genomic basis for this species' tolerance to polluted environments. Our findings provide valuable insights into the molecular adaptations of benthic Foraminifera and establish A. veneta as a genomic model for future evolutionary and environmental studies.
{"title":"The draft genome of the calcareous foraminifera Ammonia Veneta (rotaliida, globothalamea, foraminifera)","authors":"Yoshiyuki Ishitani , Shunichi Ishii , Yurika Ujiié","doi":"10.1016/j.protis.2025.126144","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.protis.2025.126144","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>Foraminifera are abundant and widely spread protists that contribute to global biogeochemical cycles and are used as bioindicators of polluted environments. However, their genomic basis remains poorly understood due to technical difficulties such as high genome complexity, microbial contamination, and the lack of axenic cultures. Here, we present the first draft genome of an axenic strain of a benthic foraminifer, <em>Ammonia veneta</em> WYF01. The 433 Mb genome assembly exhibits high completeness (80 % BUSCO score) and reveals a complex genomic landscape with extensive repeat content and 350,650 predicted gene models. Comparative genomic analysis with other rhizarians highlights conserved gene families related to pseudopodial motility and some osmoregulation, and substrate adhesion as species-specific expansions in <em>A. veneta</em>. Notably, we observed remarkable diversification of <em>glutathione S-transferase</em> genes, involved in detoxification of reactive oxygen species and xenobiotics, suggesting a genomic basis for this species' tolerance to polluted environments. Our findings provide valuable insights into the molecular adaptations of benthic Foraminifera and establish <em>A. veneta</em> as a genomic model for future evolutionary and environmental studies.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":20781,"journal":{"name":"Protist","volume":"180 ","pages":"Article 126144"},"PeriodicalIF":2.1,"publicationDate":"2025-12-18","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145820401","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":3,"RegionCategory":"生物学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Ciliate invasion in corals is an emerging concern, yet the mechanisms behind their role in disease progression remain unclear. In this study, ciliates were isolated from pigmented lesions of Porites lutea and Acropora muricata and examined for their possible mode of interactions with coral tissues and bacteria. Histopathology revealed active bacterial feeding by ciliates along lesion margins, highlighting their potential role in worsening tissue damage. Microcosm experiments, designed to mimic seasonal conditions at the sampling site, showed that ciliate growth was most favorable during pre-monsoon conditions (32 °C, 36 ‰ salinity), while nutrient-rich post-monsoon environments (25 °C, 32 ‰) also supported proliferation. Importantly, maximum bacterial feeding occurred under pre-monsoon conditions, suggesting that elevated temperatures and mucus release from thermally stressed corals provide ideal resources for ciliates. This feeding may further extend to host-damaged tissue containing Symbiodiniaceae, disrupting coral recovery processes and increasing risks to reef biodiversity. These findings emphasize the importance of environmental factors and microbial interactions in shaping ciliate behaviour and highlight their role as secondary pathogens in coral disease dynamics.
{"title":"Environmental regulation of ciliates in corals: A secondary pathogen in coral disease","authors":"Lawrance Irudayarajan , Chinnarajan Ravindran , Haritha Parekkattumalayil Raveendran","doi":"10.1016/j.protis.2025.126135","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.protis.2025.126135","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>Ciliate invasion in corals is an emerging concern, yet the mechanisms behind their role in disease progression remain unclear. In this study, ciliates were isolated from pigmented lesions of <em>Porites lutea</em> and <em>Acropora muricata</em> and examined for their possible mode of interactions with coral tissues and bacteria. Histopathology revealed active bacterial feeding by ciliates along lesion margins, highlighting their potential role in worsening tissue damage. Microcosm experiments, designed to mimic seasonal conditions at the sampling site, showed that ciliate growth was most favorable during pre-monsoon conditions (32 °C, 36 ‰ salinity), while nutrient-rich post-monsoon environments (25 °C, 32 ‰) also supported proliferation. Importantly, maximum bacterial feeding occurred under pre-monsoon conditions, suggesting that elevated temperatures and mucus release from thermally stressed corals provide ideal resources for ciliates. This feeding may further extend to host-damaged tissue containing <em>Symbiodiniaceae</em>, disrupting coral recovery processes and increasing risks to reef biodiversity. These findings emphasize the importance of environmental factors and microbial interactions in shaping ciliate behaviour and highlight their role as secondary pathogens in coral disease dynamics.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":20781,"journal":{"name":"Protist","volume":"179 ","pages":"Article 126135"},"PeriodicalIF":2.1,"publicationDate":"2025-12-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145620173","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":3,"RegionCategory":"生物学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Pub Date : 2025-11-30DOI: 10.1016/j.protis.2025.126136
Crislaine Cochak , Andy J. Green , Marta I. Sánchez , Alfonso Pineda , Matheus Henrique de Oliveira de Matos , Luiz Felipe Machado Velho
Temporary aquatic ecosystems in Mediterranean regions rely on passive dispersal to maintain connectivity among isolated habitats. In Doñana National Park, Spain, aquatic birds enhance this connectivity by dispersing microbial propagules via endozoochory. We tested whether ciliate dispersal through bird feces facilitates community assembly and ecological succession in disconnected aquatic systems. Bird feces were incubated in aquatic microcosms for 42 days, and 39 ciliate morphospecies emerged. Species richness and abundance increased steadily, peaking between days 21 and 35. Functional succession started with small filter-feeders, followed by predators and mixotrophs. Despite taxonomic changes, ciliate body size remained stable, suggesting dispersal success depended more on cyst resistance than on morphological traits. The emergence of structured, functionally diverse communities confirms that waterbirds not only transport viable propagules but also actively enhance microbial connectivity and drive successional dynamics in temporary wetlands. These results reinforce endozoochory as a key mechanism shaping microbial metacommunities and supporting biodiversity in fragmented aquatic landscapes. Given that species were identified in vivo observation without molecular or staining confirmation, our results should be interpreted as community-level patterns rather than precise species-specific dynamics.
{"title":"Experimental evidence of ciliate dispersal and successional patterns via endozoochory in temporary aquatic systems","authors":"Crislaine Cochak , Andy J. Green , Marta I. Sánchez , Alfonso Pineda , Matheus Henrique de Oliveira de Matos , Luiz Felipe Machado Velho","doi":"10.1016/j.protis.2025.126136","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.protis.2025.126136","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>Temporary aquatic ecosystems in Mediterranean regions rely on passive dispersal to maintain connectivity among isolated habitats. In Doñana National Park, Spain, aquatic birds enhance this connectivity by dispersing microbial propagules via endozoochory. We tested whether ciliate dispersal through bird feces facilitates community assembly and ecological succession in disconnected aquatic systems. Bird feces were incubated in aquatic microcosms for 42 days, and 39 ciliate morphospecies emerged. Species richness and abundance increased steadily, peaking between days 21 and 35. Functional succession started with small filter-feeders, followed by predators and mixotrophs. Despite taxonomic changes, ciliate body size remained stable, suggesting dispersal success depended more on cyst resistance than on morphological traits. The emergence of structured, functionally diverse communities confirms that waterbirds not only transport viable propagules but also actively enhance microbial connectivity and drive successional dynamics in temporary wetlands. These results reinforce endozoochory as a key mechanism shaping microbial metacommunities and supporting biodiversity in fragmented aquatic landscapes. Given that species were identified <em>in vivo</em> observation without molecular or staining confirmation, our results should be interpreted as community-level patterns rather than precise species-specific dynamics.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":20781,"journal":{"name":"Protist","volume":"180 ","pages":"Article 126136"},"PeriodicalIF":2.1,"publicationDate":"2025-11-30","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145665548","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":3,"RegionCategory":"生物学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Ceratium rhomvoides Hickel is a freshwater photosynthetic dinoflagellate characterised by a robust theca having a blunt-tipped apical horn, one sharply pointed antapical horn and a short, but sharply pointed, postcingular horn. Its Kofoidian plate formula is 4′, 6′′, 6c, 6′′′, 2′′′′, with the fourth apical plate shortened, not reaching the apex. This species was found in freshwater samples from the Limpopo Province (South Africa). Although the species is reported frequently in the rest of the world, it was found only once in Africa, dating from more than a century ago. This study provides a detailed morphological and taxonomical description, distinguishing C. rhomvoides from closely related species, and correcting several historical taxonomical inaccuracies. High-resolution light and scanning electron microscope images of the species are presented, together with an updated record of its geographical distribution. The paper also presents the first record of its presence in southern Africa.
{"title":"Ceratium rhomvoides Hickel (Dinophyceae): Morphology, taxonomic implications, and expanded distribution","authors":"Daniël Erasmus , Andrés Boltovskoy , Sanet Janse van Vuuren , Anatoliy Levanets","doi":"10.1016/j.protis.2025.126133","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.protis.2025.126133","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div><em>Ceratium rhomvoides</em> Hickel is a freshwater photosynthetic dinoflagellate characterised by a robust theca having a blunt-tipped apical horn, one sharply pointed antapical horn and a short, but sharply pointed, postcingular horn. Its Kofoidian plate formula is 4′, 6′′, 6c, 6′′′, 2′′′′, with the fourth apical plate shortened, not reaching the apex. This species was found in freshwater samples from the Limpopo Province (South Africa). Although the species is reported frequently in the rest of the world, it was found only once in Africa, dating from more than a century ago. This study provides a detailed morphological and taxonomical description, distinguishing <em>C. rhomvoides</em> from closely related species, and correcting several historical taxonomical inaccuracies. High-resolution light and scanning electron microscope images of the species are presented, together with an updated record of its geographical distribution. The paper also presents the first record of its presence in southern Africa.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":20781,"journal":{"name":"Protist","volume":"179 ","pages":"Article 126133"},"PeriodicalIF":2.1,"publicationDate":"2025-11-02","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145466295","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":3,"RegionCategory":"生物学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Pub Date : 2025-10-30DOI: 10.1016/j.protis.2025.126134
Xiaochen Feng , Ran Li , Wenbao Zhuang , Xiaozhong Hu
Although their ecological and evolutionary significance has been demonstrated very recently, ciliates belonging to the anaerobic class Plagiopylea have never been investigated adequately in terms of diversity, phylogeny, and in particular ontogeny. Here, morphological, ontogenetic and molecular characterization are documented for the type species Plagiopyla nasuta and one common form P. frontata, by the use of state-of-art techniques for ciliates. The genus Plagiopyla was first found to have a stable divisional mode, and showed the following characteristics: (1) Holotelokinetal stomatogenesis, i.e., all somatic kineties are involved in the development of the opisthe's oral apparatus. (2) Several parental kinetal rows near striated band proliferate, and form the anlagen of compact kinetids (CK) and internal buccal kinetids (IBK) in the opisthe. (3) Parental oral lip kineties and CK dedifferentiate and reorganize in situ, and parental IBK seem to be retained by the proter. Phylogenetic analyses corroborate the monophyly of the family Plagiopylidae. The newly obtained sequences of P. frontata and P. nasuta cluster together with sequences of other populations of each species with high to full support. Additionally, the IBK, a conserved but long-overlooked component of the oral apparatus, are revealed for the first time in the genus Plagiopyla. The origin, structure and position of CK together suggest that the structure might be homologous to brosse, a characteristic feature of the class Prostomatea.
{"title":"Characterizing the divisional mode of anaerobic genus Plagiopyla (Alveolata, Ciliophora, Plagiopylea), with notes on morphology and phylogeny of the type and one common species","authors":"Xiaochen Feng , Ran Li , Wenbao Zhuang , Xiaozhong Hu","doi":"10.1016/j.protis.2025.126134","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.protis.2025.126134","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>Although their ecological and evolutionary significance has been demonstrated very recently, ciliates belonging to the anaerobic class Plagiopylea have never been investigated adequately in terms of diversity, phylogeny, and in particular ontogeny. Here, morphological, ontogenetic and molecular characterization are documented for the type species <em>Plagiopyla nasuta</em> and one common form <em>P. frontata,</em> by the use of state-of-art techniques for ciliates. The genus <em>Plagiopyla</em> was first found to have a stable divisional mode, and showed the following characteristics: (1) Holotelokinetal stomatogenesis, <em>i.e.</em>, all somatic kineties are involved in the development of the opisthe's oral apparatus. (2) Several parental kinetal rows near striated band proliferate, and form the anlagen of compact kinetids (CK) and internal buccal kinetids (IBK) in the opisthe. (3) Parental oral lip kineties and CK dedifferentiate and reorganize <em>in situ</em>, and parental IBK seem to be retained by the proter. Phylogenetic analyses corroborate the monophyly of the family Plagiopylidae. The newly obtained sequences of <em>P. frontata</em> and <em>P. nasuta</em> cluster together with sequences of other populations of each species with high to full support. Additionally, the IBK, a conserved but long-overlooked component of the oral apparatus, are revealed for the first time in the genus <em>Plagiopyla</em>. The origin, structure and position of CK together suggest that the structure might be homologous to brosse, a characteristic feature of the class Prostomatea.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":20781,"journal":{"name":"Protist","volume":"179 ","pages":"Article 126134"},"PeriodicalIF":2.1,"publicationDate":"2025-10-30","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145506177","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":3,"RegionCategory":"生物学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Pub Date : 2025-10-09DOI: 10.1016/j.protis.2025.126130
Pauline Hampe , Ángela López-Villalba , Maho Inoue , Oleg N. Shchepin , Jan Woyzichovski , Flavius Popa , Martin Schnittler
We report a systematic survey for nivicolous myxomycetes (Amoebozoa, Myxomycetes) carried out between April 30 and May 6 in the French Pyrenees (Hautes-Pyrénées, 900–2000 m). The 738 specimens were barcoded for the nuclear small subunit ribosomal gene (nucSSU, 652, 88.3 % successful). Trichia alpina, the only bright-spored species found, was not sequenced. Additionally, a section of the translation elongation factor 1-alpha gene (EF1A) was successfully sequenced for 496 specimens (67.2 %). The nucSSU phylogeny showed 31 dark-spored species as genetically distinct, yet not always monophyletic lineages. Two species, Polyschismium fallax and P. peyerimhoffii, were grouped in one clade, although differing in barcode sequences. These separations were confirmed by EF1A in all cases except Didymium pseudodecipiens, where EF1A sequences could not be obtained. The resolution for the species pair P. fallax and P. peyerimhoffii increased, and for Polyschismium chailletii two distinct clades were found, indicating a cryptic species complex. Based on the molecular clades, we describe in detail the corresponding morphological differences in four taxa (Didymium dubium and Didymium pseudodecipiens; Polyschismium chailletii groups a and C). The study confirms the reliability of barcoding via nucSSU with an independent second marker and delivers a barcoded, quality-checked comprehensive data set for the Pyrenees
{"title":"Nivicolous myxomycetes in the French Pyrenees – A biodiversity study aided by two molecular markers","authors":"Pauline Hampe , Ángela López-Villalba , Maho Inoue , Oleg N. Shchepin , Jan Woyzichovski , Flavius Popa , Martin Schnittler","doi":"10.1016/j.protis.2025.126130","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.protis.2025.126130","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>We report a systematic survey for nivicolous myxomycetes (Amoebozoa, Myxomycetes) carried out between April 30 and May 6 in the French Pyrenees (Hautes-Pyrénées, 900–2000 m). The 738 specimens were barcoded for the nuclear small subunit ribosomal gene (nucSSU, 652, 88.3 % successful). <em>Trichia alpina</em>, the only bright-spored species found, was not sequenced. Additionally, a section of the translation elongation factor 1-alpha gene (<em>EF1A</em>) was successfully sequenced for 496 specimens (67.2 %). The nucSSU phylogeny showed 31 dark-spored species as genetically distinct, yet not always monophyletic lineages. Two species, <em>Polyschismium fallax</em> and <em>P. peyerimhoffii</em>, were grouped in one clade, although differing in barcode sequences. These separations were confirmed by <em>EF1A</em> in all cases except <em>Didymium pseudodecipiens</em>, where <em>EF1A</em> sequences could not be obtained. The resolution for the species pair <em>P. fallax</em> and <em>P. peyerimhoffii</em> increased, and for <em>Polyschismium chailletii</em> two distinct clades were found, indicating a cryptic species complex. Based on the molecular clades, we describe in detail the corresponding morphological differences in four taxa (<em>Didymium dubium</em> and <em>Didymium pseudodecipiens</em>; <em>Polyschismium chailletii</em> groups a and C). The study confirms the reliability of barcoding via nucSSU with an independent second marker and delivers a barcoded, quality-checked comprehensive data set for the Pyrenees</div></div>","PeriodicalId":20781,"journal":{"name":"Protist","volume":"179 ","pages":"Article 126130"},"PeriodicalIF":2.1,"publicationDate":"2025-10-09","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145266359","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":3,"RegionCategory":"生物学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
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