Time‐series metatranscriptomes reveal conserved patterns between phototrophic and heterotrophic microbes in diverse freshwater systems

Year: 2019

Type: article

Abstract: Microbial communities form the base of food webs in freshwater ecosystems, yet the interactions within these diverse assemblages are poorly understood. Based on evidence showing that primary production and respiration follow diurnal trends in lakes, we hypothesized that gene expression in freshwater microbes would have similar diel cycles. We used three 2‐d time series of metatranscriptomes to test this hypothesis in a eutrophic lake, an oligotrophic lake, and a humic lake. We identified prominent diel cycles in all three lakes, particularly in genes related to photosynthesis, sugar transport, and carbon fixation. The maximal time of expression for sugar transport genes tended to trail that of photosynthesis genes by several hours, indicating possible metabolic exchange between co‐occurring microbial lineages. These results provide an initial step in understanding sophisticated multispecies transcriptional organization within freshwater microbial communities.

Source: Limnology and Oceanography

DOI: 10.1002/lno.11306

Authors: Alexandra M. Linz, Frank O. Aylward, Stefan Bertilsson, Katherine D. McMahon

Institutions: University of Wisconsin–Madison, Great Lakes Bioenergy Research Center, Virginia Tech, Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences

Language: English

Topic: Microbial Community Ecology and Physiology

Subfield: Ecology

Field: Environmental Science

Domain: Physical Sciences

Open Access status: hybrid

Estimated APC paid: $2,500

Funders: National Science Foundation, U.S. Department of Energy, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Joint Genome Institute, Inspire Foundation, Office of Science

OpenAlex ID: W2971015496