Coral Disease Linked to Chimerism
Author Information
Author(s): Thierry M. Work, Zac H. Forsman, Zoltán Szabó, Teresa D. Lewis, Greta S. Aeby, Robert J. Toonen
Primary Institution: Hawai'i Institute of Marine Biology
Hypothesis
Are invasive gastrovascular multicellular structures (IGMS) a parasitic cellular lineage resulting from chimeric fusion between Montipora capitata and Montipora flabellata larvae?
Conclusion
The study suggests that IGMS are harmful to Montipora capitata and are associated with tissue loss.
Supporting Evidence
- IGMS were found in significantly greater densities in coral fragments with tissue loss compared to normal fragments.
- Distinct mitochondrial haplotypes were identified in IGMS compared to mesenterial filaments from the same colony.
- Microsatellite analysis showed genetic differences between IGMS and mesenterial filaments.
Takeaway
Some corals can get sick because of a mix-up with cells from different coral species, which can hurt them.
Methodology
Coral fragments were collected, fixed, and analyzed for the presence of IGMS and their densities compared between normal and lesion tissues.
Potential Biases
Potential bias in sampling locations and the limited geographic scope of the study.
Limitations
The study does not confirm the exact triggers for tissue loss in M. capitata.
Participant Demographics
Coral samples were taken from 46 colonies in Kane'ohe Bay, Oahu, Hawai'i.
Statistical Information
P-Value
0.004
Statistical Significance
p<0.05
Digital Object Identifier (DOI)
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