Oligonucleotide primers for the detection of bioluminescent dinoflagellates reveal novel luciferase sequences and information on the molecular evolution of this gene

Baker, Andrea, Robbins, Ian, Moline, Mark A. and Iglesias-Rodrıguez, Maria Debora (2008) Oligonucleotide primers for the detection of bioluminescent dinoflagellates reveal novel luciferase sequences and information on the molecular evolution of this gene. Journal of Phycology, 44 (2), 419-428. (doi:10.1111/j.1529-8817.2008.00474.x).

Abstract

Bioluminescence is reported in members of 18
dinoflagellate genera. Species of dinoflagellates are
known to have different bioluminescent signatures,
making it difficult to assess the presence of particular
species in the water column using optical tools, particularly
when bioluminescent populations are in nonbloom
conditions. A ‘‘universal’’ oligonucleotide
primer set, along with species and genus-specific
primers specific to the luciferase gene were developed
for the detection of bioluminescent dinoflagellates.
These primers amplified luciferase sequences
from bioluminescent dinoflagellate cultures and from
environmental samples containing bioluminescent
dinoflagellate populations. Novel luciferase sequences
were obtained for strains of Alexandrium cf. catenella
(Whedon et Kof.) Balech and Alexandrium
fundyense Balech, and also from a strain of Gonyaulax
spinifera (Clap. et Whitting) Diesing, which produces
bioluminescence undetectable to the naked eye. The
phylogeny of partial luciferase sequences revealed
five significant clades of the dinoflagellate luciferase
gene, suggesting divergence among some species and
providing clues on their molecular evolution. We propose
that the primers developed in this study will
allow further detection of low-light-emitting bioluminescent
dinoflagellate species and will have applications
as robust indicators of dinoflagellate
bioluminescence in natural water samples.

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