The Xiamen Symposium on Marine Environmental Sciences

2027 Xiamen Symposium on Marine Environmental Sciences

January 12-15, 2027

High genetic diversity and community dynamics of parastic dinoflagellates unveiled by environmental DNA metabarcoding
ID:1490 Oral Presentation

2027-01-12 11:55 (China Standard Time)

Session:Session 29 - Marine Algae: Genetics, evolution and synthetic biology

Abstract
Parastic dinoflagellates Syndiniales, a group of parasitic marine alveolates, are gaining recognition for their ecological role, but their diversity and spatiotemporal dynamics in tropical coastal waters are largely unexplored. Here, we present the first comprehensive study of Syndiniales diversity, utilizing high-throughput sequencing (HTS) of the small subunit ribosomal DNA (SSU rDNA) V4 region, coupled with size-fractionated sampling (0.2–3 µm and ≥3 µm) in Sanya Bay over the period 2019–2021. The results reveal remarkable genetic diversity across Syndiniales group I-V, including the discovery of seven novel clade alongside the previously described 35 clades in Group II and 5 clades in Group I. We demonstrate strong correlations between Syndiniales abundance and environmental factors, particularly temperature and nutrient availability, through spatial and temporal analyses. Additionally, network analysis indicates potential host-parasite interactions between Syndiniales and dominant dinoflagellate taxa, offering new insights into their ecological roles. This study not only confirms the SSU rDNA V4 region as a valuable molecular marker for investigating Syndiniales diversity but also provides the first comprehensive characterization of its genetic diversity and temporal dynamics across seasonal cycles in marine ecosystems.
 
Speaker
Dajun Qiu South China Sea Institute of Oceanology, Chinese Academy of Sciences

Author
Dajun Qiu South China Sea Institute of Oceanology, Chinese Academy of Sciences

    Important Dates

    • Jan 30

      2026

      Session / Event proposals open

    • Mar 31

      2026

      Session / Event proposals close
      (Extended to April 7)

    • Apr 30

      2026

      Session acceptance notifications

    • Apr 30

      2026

      Abstract submissions & registration open

    • Jun 30

      2026

      Abstract submissions close
      (Extended to July 21)

    • Aug 31

      2026

      Abstract acceptance notifications

    • Sep 15

      2026

      Scientific program released

    • Oct 15

      2026

      Early bird registration closes

    • Jan 12–15

      2027

      XMAS 2027