RNAi & Single-Cell RNA-seq in Coral-Algal Symbiosis

In this study, researchers focused on understanding the coral-algae endosymbiotic relationship and its vulnerability to ocean warming and coral bleaching. They used an RNA interference method to investigate the genes involved in the early stages of endosymbiosis in a soft coral species called Xenia sp.

The study identified a host endosymbiotic cell marker called LePin, which is a secreted lectin (a type of protein that binds to carbohydrates) in Xenia. LePin was found to bind to the algae, initiating the process of phagocytosis (cellular engulfment) of the algae by the coral. Additionally, LePin was found to modulate the coral's immune response.

The presence of evolutionary-conserved domains in LePin among various marine anthozoans suggests that it plays a general role in recognizing and interacting with algae during coral-algal endosymbiosis.

The findings contribute to our understanding of the phagocytic mechanism and propose a mechanism for symbiosome formation, offering insights into preserving coral-algal relationships in the face of climate change.