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Phylogenetic aspects of the sulfate assimilation genes from Thalassiosira pseudonana

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Abstract

Diatoms are unicellular algae responsible for approximately 20 % of global carbon fixation. Their evolution by secondary endocytobiosis resulted in a complex cellular structure and metabolism compared to algae with primary plastids. In the last years the interest on unicellular algae increased. On the one hand assessments suggest that diatom-mediated export production can influence climate change through uptake and sequestration of atmospheric CO2. On the other hand diatoms are in focus because they are discussed as potential producer of biofuels. To follow the one or other idea it is necessary to investigate the diatoms biochemistry in order to understand the cellular regulatory mechanisms. The sulfur assimilation and methionine synthesis pathways provide S-containing amino acids for the synthesis of proteins and a range of metabolites such as dimethylsulfoniopropionate (DMSP) in order to provide basic metabolic precursors needed for the diatoms metabolism. To obtain an insight into the localization and organization of the sulfur metabolism pathways, the genome of Thalassiosira pseudonana—a model organism for diatom research—might help to understand the fundamental questions on adaptive responses of diatoms to dynamic environmental conditions such as nutrient availability in a broader context.

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Acknowledgments

Prof. Dr. Lothar Willmitzer and Dr. Stefanie Hartmann are acknowledged for help and support in conducting the research. Financial support was provided by Max‐Planck Society and Deutsche Forschungsgemeinschaft (HE 3088/4) and is greatly acknowledged.

Conflict of interest

  The authors declare that the research was conducted in the absence of any commercial or financial relationships that could be construed as a potential conflict of interest.

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  1. Max Planck Institute of Molecular Plant Physiology, Wissenschaftspark Potsdam/Golm, Am Mühlenberg 1, 14476, Potsdam, Germany

    Mariusz A. Bromke, Rainer Hoefgen & Holger Hesse

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  1. Mariusz A. Bromke
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  2. Rainer Hoefgen
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Correspondence to Holger Hesse.

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Bromke, M.A., Hoefgen, R. & Hesse, H. Phylogenetic aspects of the sulfate assimilation genes from Thalassiosira pseudonana . Amino Acids 44, 1253–1265 (2013). https://doi.org/10.1007/s00726-013-1462-8

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