Elucidation of morphogenetic mechanisms based on RNA and protein localization profiles in the giant unicellular alga, Caulerpa lentillifera

2021 Fiscal Year Final Research Report

• Project/Area Number: 19K16134
• Research Category: Grant-in-Aid for Early-Career Scientists
• Allocation Type: Multi-year Fund
• Review Section: Basic Section 44010:Cell biology-related
• Research Institution: Hiroshima University
• Principal Investigator: Arimoto Asuka 広島大学, 統合生命科学研究科(理), 助教 (00794603)
• Project Period (FY): 2019-04-01 – 2022-03-31
• Keywords: 形態形成 / 緑藻 / 多核嚢状体 / セントラルドグマ / RNA局在 / タンパク質局在

Outline of Final Research Achievements

Some unicellular organisms reach meters in size and possess complex shapes analogous to land plants. In this study, we compared mRNA and protein profiles in the siphonous macroalga, Caulerpa lentillifera. The comparison between two different structures was expected to address the molecular mechanisms regulating morphogenesis of the giant unicellular organism. We developed a cultivation method to suppress unintentional morphological changes of the alga. The method enables to improve experimental reproducibility of the study. The results from our analysis showed a limited correspondence between profiles of mRNA and protein even in the same part.

Free Research Field

ゲノム生物学

Academic Significance and Societal Importance of the Research Achievements

巨大単細胞生物であるクビレズタは、複雑な形態の体を多細胞生物とは全く異なる機構で作り上げていると考えられる。本研究により、クビレズタの形態が異なる各部位（粒状構造のある直立枝、茎状の匍匐枝）におけるRNAとタンパク質の局在について、ある程度の網羅的な情報が得られたことは、巨大単細胞生物の形態形成に関わる分子機構の理解という学術的側面のみならず、形の良さが求められる食用個体の栽培や作出に取り組む際の基盤的な知見となり得る。