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UV-B radiation and temperature stress-induced alterations in metabolic events and defense mechanisms in a bloom-forming cyanobacterium Microcystis aeruginosa

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Abstract

The present investigation is aimed to understand how a bloom-forming cyanobacterium Microcystis aeruginosa adapts to changing climatic conditions. The cyanobacterium was exposed to stresses of UV-B (2 Wm−2) radiation and temperature (45 °C) for desired time intervals. Results showed that both the stresses affect growth and photosynthetic efficiency of M. aeruginosa. More than 50% loss of survival and content of photosynthetic pigments was noted after 4 h treatment of both the above stresses. Such changes were mainly due to the generation of reactive oxygen species which cause damage to proteins, DNA, lipids, and modulation of the membrane stability. An increase in the proline accumulation was noted in the cells which probably negates the harmful effects. In addition, activity of antioxidative enzymes namely, catalase, superoxide dismutase, ascorbate peroxidase, and peroxidase was induced by 1.5–3.0-fold on 3 h of UV-B and temperature treatment indicating their possible role in protection. Interestingly, induction of photoprotective compound, mycosporine-like amino acids (MAAs) were also found under UV-B stress which might be an additional strategy of defense mechanism for the survival of the cyanobacterium. Analysis of photoprotective compound revealed shinorine as the main MAA synthesized by the cyanobacterium.

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Acknowledgements

This work was supported by the project grant sanctioned to AK by the Department of Science and Technology, Govt. of India, New Delhi (SR/SO/PS-49/09). Thanks are due to IIT-BHU for providing facilities for the characterization of MAAs. PKB is grateful to the UGC, New Delhi, for the award of JRF.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. School of Biotechnology, Banaras Hindu University, Varanasi, 221005, India

    Piyoosh K. Babele, Garvita Singh & Ashok Kumar

  2. Department of Botany, MMV, Banaras Hindu University, Varanasi, 221005, India

    Anjali Singh & Madhu B. Tyagi

  3. Laboratory of Photobiology and Molecular Microbiology, Centre of Advanced Study in Botany, Banaras Hindu University, Varanasi, 221005, India

    Rajeshwar P. Sinha

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  1. Piyoosh K. Babele
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  2. Garvita Singh
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  5. Madhu B. Tyagi
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  6. Rajeshwar P. Sinha
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Correspondence to Rajeshwar P. Sinha.

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Communicated by Z. Miszalski.

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11738_2017_2540_MOESM1_ESM.docx

Fig. S 1. Micrographs of M. aeruginosa (A) phase contrast, and (B) fluorescence microscopy. Fig. S 2. Effects of UV-B radiation and temperature on (A) percent survival, (B) Chl a, and (C) phycocyanin content in M. aeruginosa. Values are means ± S.D.(n = 3) and asterisks indicate significant differences from 0 h (∗P < 0.05).One-way ANOVA was used according to Duncan’s multiple range test (DMRT) at P≤ 0.05. Fig. S 3. Emission spectra of DCF from M. aeruginosa cells at 0 h and after exposure to temperature and UV-B radiation (1 to 4 h) as measured by spectrofluorometer. The excitation wavelength was 485 nm and emission wavelengths were between 500–600 nm. The control (cells without DCFH) shows the basal level of fluorescence due to autooxidation of DCFH (DOCX 696 kb)

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Babele, P.K., Singh, G., Singh, A. et al. UV-B radiation and temperature stress-induced alterations in metabolic events and defense mechanisms in a bloom-forming cyanobacterium Microcystis aeruginosa . Acta Physiol Plant 39, 248 (2017). https://doi.org/10.1007/s11738-017-2540-4

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s11738-017-2540-4

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