Exploring the Thermal Sensitivity of Mitochondrial Function of a Model Cnidarian: Developing Approaches to Evaluate Metabolic Disruption Between Host and Symbiont
Location
HCAS Guy Harvey Oceanographic Center, Nova Southeastern University
Start
2-13-2025 4:00 PM
End
2-13-2025 4:15 PM
Type of Presentation
Oral Presentation
Abstract
Symbiotic relationships, particularly endosymbioses, involve a complex suite of interactions between host and symbiont. In the anemone A. pallida, symbiont-host interactions occur in specialized gastrodermal host cells known as symbiosomes, which house endosymbiotic algae. Our current understanding of symbiont-dependent energetics relies heavily on analyses of carbon flux and whole-organism performance. However, the influence of environmental temperature on energy transfer efficiency and the performance of symbiotic partners under thermal stress is poorly resolved. Studies of ectotherms across various taxa indicate that substrate flux and oxygen consumption rates poorly estimate energy balance and flow in organisms whose body temperature fluctuate on a frequent basis, as is the case with any organism living in coastal ecosystems. More accurate indicators are needed to assess cellular energy transduction in these organisms.
Since oxygen-driven energy transfer relies on the efficiency of mitochondrial ATP production, a detailed analysis of mitochondrial performance can provide a more appropriate and accurate indicator of energy flow and balance in these organisms. The primary objectives of our project is to assess the mitochondrial energetics of A. pallida as a function of temperature. To our knowledge, this study represents the first attempt to address specific hypotheses about the consequences of changes in body temperature to the mitochondrial energy transduction efficiency in cnidarians and will provide the basis for predicting effects for other biotrophic symbioses such as reef-building corals, where the consequences of climate change on host energy budget are unknown and potentially significant.
Exploring the Thermal Sensitivity of Mitochondrial Function of a Model Cnidarian: Developing Approaches to Evaluate Metabolic Disruption Between Host and Symbiont
HCAS Guy Harvey Oceanographic Center, Nova Southeastern University
Symbiotic relationships, particularly endosymbioses, involve a complex suite of interactions between host and symbiont. In the anemone A. pallida, symbiont-host interactions occur in specialized gastrodermal host cells known as symbiosomes, which house endosymbiotic algae. Our current understanding of symbiont-dependent energetics relies heavily on analyses of carbon flux and whole-organism performance. However, the influence of environmental temperature on energy transfer efficiency and the performance of symbiotic partners under thermal stress is poorly resolved. Studies of ectotherms across various taxa indicate that substrate flux and oxygen consumption rates poorly estimate energy balance and flow in organisms whose body temperature fluctuate on a frequent basis, as is the case with any organism living in coastal ecosystems. More accurate indicators are needed to assess cellular energy transduction in these organisms.
Since oxygen-driven energy transfer relies on the efficiency of mitochondrial ATP production, a detailed analysis of mitochondrial performance can provide a more appropriate and accurate indicator of energy flow and balance in these organisms. The primary objectives of our project is to assess the mitochondrial energetics of A. pallida as a function of temperature. To our knowledge, this study represents the first attempt to address specific hypotheses about the consequences of changes in body temperature to the mitochondrial energy transduction efficiency in cnidarians and will provide the basis for predicting effects for other biotrophic symbioses such as reef-building corals, where the consequences of climate change on host energy budget are unknown and potentially significant.