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(Reference retrieved automatically from Web of Science through information on FAPESP grant and its corresponding number as mentioned in the publication by the authors.)

Fragmentation, Fusion, and Genetic Homogeneity in a Calcareous Sponge (Porifera, Calcarea)

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Author(s):
Padua, Andre [1] ; Leocorny, Pedro [1] ; Custodio, Marcio Reis [2] ; Klautau, Michelle [1]
Total Authors: 4
Affiliation:
[1] Univ Fed Rio de Janeiro, Inst Biol, Dept Zool, Ave Carlos Chagas Filho 373, BR-21941902 Rio De Janeiro - Brazil
[2] Univ Sao Paulo, Inst Biociencias, Dept Fisiol, Sao Paulo - Brazil
Total Affiliations: 2
Document type: Journal article
Source: JOURNAL OF EXPERIMENTAL ZOOLOGY PART A-ECOLOGICAL GENETICS AND PHYSIOLOGY; v. 325, n. 5, p. 294-303, JUN 1 2016.
Web of Science Citations: 4
Abstract

Sessile marine invertebrates living on hard substrata usually present strategies such as size variations, longer life spans, fragmentation and fusion to occupy and compete for space. Calcareous sponges are usually small and short-lived, and some species are known to undergo frequent fragmentation and fusion events. However, whether fusion occurs only between genetically identical individuals remains unclear. We investigated the occurrence of chimaeras in the calcareous sponge Clathrina aurea by following the dynamics of fragmentation and fusion of 66 individuals in the field for up to 18 months and determined size variations and the life span of each individual. Microsatellites were used to determine whether fusion events occur among genetically different individuals. Growth and shrinkage of individuals were frequently observed, showing that size cannot be associated with age in C. aurea. The life span of the species ranged from 1 to 16 months (mean: 4.7 months). Short life spans and variable growth rates have been observed in other species of the class Calcarea. Fragmentation and fusion events were observed, but fusion events always occurred between genetically identical individuals, as has been suggested by graft experiments in adult Demospongiae and other Calcarea. These results suggest that at least C. aurea adults may have some mechanism to avoid chimaerism. (C) 2016 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. (AU)

FAPESP's process: 13/04084-4 - Allorecognition and chimera formation in calcareous sponges (Porifera, Calcarea)
Grantee:Márcio Reis Custódio
Support Opportunities: Regular Research Grants