A mutualistic bacterium rescues a green alga from an antagonist.

Photosynthetic protists, known as microalgae, are key contributors to primary production on Earth. Since early in evolution, they coexist with bacteria in nature, and their mode of interaction shapes ecosystems. We have recently shown that the bacterium acts algicidal on the microalga It secretes a cyclic lipopeptide and a polyyne that deflagellate, blind, and lyse the algae [P.

A cyclic lipopeptide produced by an antagonistic bacterium relies on its tail and transient receptor potential-type Ca channels to immobilize a green alga.

The antagonistic bacterium Pseudomonas protegens secretes the cyclic lipopeptide (CLiP) orfamide A, which triggers a Ca signal causing rapid deflagellation of the microalga Chlamydomonas reinhardtii. We performed chemical synthesis of orfamide A derivatives and used an aequorin reporter line to measure their Ca responses. Immobilization of algae was studied using a modulator and mutants of transient receptor potential (TRP)-type channels.

A marine Chlamydomonas sp. emerging as an algal model.

The freshwater microalga Chlamydomonas reinhardtii, which lives in wet soil, has served for decades as a model for numerous biological processes, and many tools have been introduced for this organism. Here, we have established a stable nuclear transformation for its marine counterpart, Chlamydomonas sp. SAG25.

A Musashi Splice Variant and Its Interaction Partners Influence Temperature Acclimation in .

Microalgae contribute significantly to carbon fixation on Earth. Global warming influences their physiology and growth rates. To understand algal short-term acclimation and adaptation to changes in ambient temperature, it is essential to identify and characterize the molecular components that sense small temperature changes as well as the downstream signaling networks and physiological responses.

Antagonistic bacteria disrupt calcium homeostasis and immobilize algal cells.

Photosynthetic unicellular organisms, known as microalgae, are key contributors to carbon fixation on Earth. Their biotic interactions with other microbes shape aquatic microbial communities and influence the global photosynthetic capacity. So far, limited information is available on molecular factors that govern these interactions.