Transformation of the symbiotic alga Oophila amblystomatis : a new toolbox for animal-algae symbiosis studies.

Abstract

The ability to conduct reverse genetic studies in symbiotic systems is enabled by transgene expression and transformation of at least one partner. The symbiotic relationship between the yellow spotted salamander, Ambystoma maculatum, and the green alga, Oophila amblystomatis, is a unique model of vertebrate-algae symbiosis. Despite over 130 years of scientific study, there are still many open questions in this symbiosis. Transgene expression in one partner will accelerate research into the symbiotic relationship. In this paper we describe a tool and method for expression of foreign DNA in, and presumed transformation of, the alga O. amblystomatis. We successfully introduced heritable antibiotic resistance to algal cultures, and observed expression of a green fluorescent reporter protein in all transfected and presumably transformed algal populations. The outcomes of this work enable genetic manipulation of the symbiotic alga Oophila amblystomatis, allowing direct testing of hypotheses derived from gene expression or genomic studies that will usher in a deeper understanding of the A. maculatum-O. amblystomatis symbiotic system. Summary statementGenetic tools stimulate new possibilities for research in living systems. This work describes a new tool for transformation of a symbiotic alga that enters vertebrate tissues and cells.