The research focuses on the evolutionary mechanisms behind multicellularity, with
seaweeds serving as key models. Comparative genomics has been used to study how multicellular complexity evolved in both green and brown algae, revealing unique gene families that distinguish marine algae from their freshwater counterparts. Notably, the Ulva genome has provided insights into gene families associated with multicellularity, offering a clearer understanding of how different environments shaped evolutionary pathways. In addition, the discovery of the fragmented plastid genome in Cladophorales green algae, which is encoded in hairpin chromosomes, represents a significant deviation from the typical circular plastid genomes.
- Iha C, Dougan KE, Varela JA, Avila V, Jackson CJ, Bogaert KA, Chen Y, Judd LM, Wick R, Holt KE, Pasella MM, Ricci F, Repetti SI, Medina M, Marcelino VR, Chan CX, Verbruggen H. (2021) Genomic adaptations to an endolithic lifestyle in the coral-associated alga Ostreobium. Current Biology, 31(7): 1393-1402.e5.
- De Clerck O, Kao S-M, Bogaert KA, Blomme J, Foflonker F, Kwantes M, Vancaester E, Vanderstraeten L, Aydogdu E, Boesger J, et al (2018) Insights into the evolution of multicellularity from the sea lettuce genome. Current Biology 28, 2921-2933
- Del Cortona A, Leliaert F, Bogaert KA, Turmel M, Boedeker C, Janouskovec J, Lopez-Bautista JM, Verbruggen H, Vandepoele K, De Clerck O (2017) The plastid genome in Cladophorales green algae is encoded by hairpin chromosomes. Current Biology 27: 3771-3782
Further exploration into the evolution of auxin transporters, particularly the PIN and PILS families, suggests that the role of auxin in regulating development predates the advent of multicellularity. Evidence of this early function in single-celled ancestors sheds light on the molecular drivers of multicellular evolution in both plants and seaweeds.
- Bogaert KA, Blomme J, Beeckman T, De Clerck O. (2022) Auxin’s origin: do PILS hold the key? Trends in Plant Science 27: 227-236.
- Bogaert KA, Blommaert L, Ljung K, Beeckman T, De Clerck O. (2019) Auxin function in the brown alga Dictyota dichotoma. Plant Physiology 179: 280-299.
Brown algae have evolved several key genomic innovations facilitating their adaptation to coastal ecosystems. These include novel metabolic pathways and signaling molecules critical for their ecological success. Recent advances in genetic and genomic technologies have further enhanced our understanding of the molecular bases of brown algal development, particularly regarding pattern formation and sexual differentiation. Studies using forward genetics have identified key mutants, while investigations into the role of morphogens and the microbiome have opened new avenues for understanding complex multicellular development. Brown algae, as emerging model organisms, offer unique insights into the evolution of multicellularity and developmental plasticity across diverse lineages.
- Denoeud F, Godfroy O, Cruaud C, Heesch S, Nehr Z, Tadrent N, Couloux A, Brillet-Guéguen L, Delage L, Mckeown D, Motomura T, Sussfeld D, Fan X, Mazéas L, Terrapon N, Barrera-Redondo J, Petroll R, Reynes L, Choi SW, Jo J, Uthanumallian K, Bogaert K, … & Cock JM (2024). Evolutionary genomics of the emergence of brown algae as key components of coastal ecosystems. bioRxiv, 2024-02.
- Batista RA, Wang L, Bogaert KA, Coelho SM. (2024) Insights into the molecular bases of multicellular development from brown algae. Development 151 (20) dev203004.