Microcystis pangenome reveals cryptic diversity within and across morphospecies

, a common harmful algal bloom (HAB) taxon, threatens water supplies and human health, yet species delimitation is contentious in this taxon, leading to challenges in research and management of this threat. Historical and common morphology-based classifications recognize multiple morphospecies, most...

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Bibliographic Details
Published in:Science advances 2023-01, Vol.9 (2), p.eadd3783-eadd3783
Main Authors: Cai, Haiyuan, McLimans, Christopher J, Beyer, Jessica E, Krumholz, Lee R, Hambright, K David
Format: Article
Language:English
Subjects:
Base Sequence
Earth, Environmental, Ecological, and Space Sciences
Ecology
Humans
Microbiology
Microcystis - genetics
Phylogeny
SciAdv r-articles
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Summary:, a common harmful algal bloom (HAB) taxon, threatens water supplies and human health, yet species delimitation is contentious in this taxon, leading to challenges in research and management of this threat. Historical and common morphology-based classifications recognize multiple morphospecies, most with variable and diverse ecologies, while DNA sequence-based classifications indicate a single species with multiple ecotypes. To better delimit species, we conducted a pangenome analysis of 122 genomes. Core- and non-core gene phylogenetic analyses placed 113 genomes into 23 monophyletic clusters containing at least two genomes. Overall, genome-related indices revealed that contains at least 16 putative genospecies. Fifteen genospecies included at least one morphospecies, and 10 genospecies included two or more morphospecies. This classification system will enable consistent taxonomic identification of and thereby aid in resolving some of the complexities and controversies that have long characterized eco-evolutionary research and management of this important HAB taxon.
ISSN:2375-2548
2375-2548
DOI:10.1126/sciadv.add3783