Metabolic co-dependence drives the evolutionarily ancient Hydra-Chlorella symbiosis.

ABSTRACT: Many multicellular organisms rely on symbiotic associations for support of metabolic activity, protection, or energy. Understanding the mechanisms involved in controlling such interactions remains a major challenge. In an unbiased approach we identified key players that control the symbiosis between Hydra viridissima and its photosynthetic symbiont Chlorella sp. A99. We discovered significant up-regulation of Hydra genes encoding a phosphate transporter and glutamine synthetase suggesting regulated nutrition supply between host and symbionts. Interestingly, supplementing the medium with glutamine temporarily supports in vitro growth of the otherwise obligate symbiotic Chlorella, indicating loss of autonomy and dependence on the host. Genome sequencing of Chlo

SUBMITTER: Hamada M 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC6019070 | biostudies-literature | 2018 May

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature