Comparing corals and symbiotic microalgae

Our aim is to predict thermal tolerance in unknown samples and identify species with enhanced thermal tolerance.

Lots of yellow coral on a dark background

Comparative genomics of corals and microalgae

For their survival, corals rely on their symbiosis with single celled microalgae. The microalgae provide most of the coral’s nutrition via translocation of photosynthates and also play a crucial part in the thermal tolerance of corals. It is however unclear which genomic adaptations directly contribute to an increased thermal tolerance of the coral and their symbiotic microalgae.

In these projects, we investigate genomic mechanisms that support enhanced thermal tolerance of corals and their associated microalgae.

We are sequencing the genomes of 10 hybrid coral genomes and of 7 heat-evolved microalgae to unravel molecular mechanisms and genomic adaptations that lead to an increased thermal tolerance. Using molecular techniques, such as genome sequencing with Hi-C and PacBio Revio long-reads, we analyse adaptations among thermally tolerant and sensitive species. We are developing machine learning algorithms to then predict their thermal tolerance in later generations and unknown samples.

Due to the quick deterioration of coral reefs, the understanding of adaptations that support coral thermal tolerance is a key factor in developing conservation management strategies and associated interventions for reef recovery.

Funding: Revive & Restore, Australian Institute of Marine Science, Commonwealth Scientific and Industrial Research Organisation (CSIRO)

Partners: Australian Institute of Marine Science, University of Melbourne, University of Queensland

Contact: Dr Patrick Buerger, patrick.buerger@mq.edu.au