Life cannot exist in isolation. Living organisms co-exist through vast and complex interactions that sustain ecosystems. Symbiosis refers to the close relationship between two species and includes mutualism, to commensalism, and parasitism. Symbiotic interactions are common and widespread, and it is probable that all organisms depend on symbiont relationships for the warranty of optimal health and function. The study of these interactions provides fundamental insights into their biology, however, our knowledge about symbiosis in algae is scarce and remains mainly descriptive.
Several evolutionary and ecological innovations have been determined by symbiotic relationships with phototrophs i.e. the acquisition of plastids and mitochondria, or the evolution of sophisticated mutualisms such as lichens, and corals. Algal symbioses allow the survival of several species in oligotrophic environments (high UV irradiance, low nutrients) making them important factors in the aquatic environments.
This Research Topic welcomes Original Research, Reviews, Mini Reviews, and Methods articles aiming to attract outstanding research that provides functional and mechanistic insights on symbiosis in algae (model and non-model systems) across different scales from ecosystems to populations and individuals.
Topics can include:
• The application of chemical, metabolic, and genetic studies to identify the chemistry of signaling molecules, metabolites, and genes, involved in algal symbiosis.
• Studies using bioinformatics for developing new tools and algorithms to dissect the complexity of symbiotic interactions
Please note that descriptive studies, including those using 'omics approaches, defining gene families, or descriptive collections of transcripts, proteins, or metabolites will not be considered for review unless they are expanded and provide mechanistic and/or physiological insights into the algal symbiotic interaction.
Life cannot exist in isolation. Living organisms co-exist through vast and complex interactions that sustain ecosystems. Symbiosis refers to the close relationship between two species and includes mutualism, to commensalism, and parasitism. Symbiotic interactions are common and widespread, and it is probable that all organisms depend on symbiont relationships for the warranty of optimal health and function. The study of these interactions provides fundamental insights into their biology, however, our knowledge about symbiosis in algae is scarce and remains mainly descriptive.
Several evolutionary and ecological innovations have been determined by symbiotic relationships with phototrophs i.e. the acquisition of plastids and mitochondria, or the evolution of sophisticated mutualisms such as lichens, and corals. Algal symbioses allow the survival of several species in oligotrophic environments (high UV irradiance, low nutrients) making them important factors in the aquatic environments.
This Research Topic welcomes Original Research, Reviews, Mini Reviews, and Methods articles aiming to attract outstanding research that provides functional and mechanistic insights on symbiosis in algae (model and non-model systems) across different scales from ecosystems to populations and individuals.
Topics can include:
• The application of chemical, metabolic, and genetic studies to identify the chemistry of signaling molecules, metabolites, and genes, involved in algal symbiosis.
• Studies using bioinformatics for developing new tools and algorithms to dissect the complexity of symbiotic interactions
Please note that descriptive studies, including those using 'omics approaches, defining gene families, or descriptive collections of transcripts, proteins, or metabolites will not be considered for review unless they are expanded and provide mechanistic and/or physiological insights into the algal symbiotic interaction.
