Endosymbiotic apicomplexans of marine holobionts: microbial parasites in a warming ocean

Abstract

Apicomplexans are a large group of protists, including several species of major medical importance, and evolved from free-living photosynthetic ancestors. The discovery of corallicolids, photosymbiosis-derived coral-infecting parasites, provides a model system for studying the transition from phototrophy to parasitism. Here we review the endosymbiotic origins of apicomplexans and discuss the implications of corallicolid biology for understanding this major evolutionary transition.

Anthony Bonacolta

PhD Student · Now Postdoctoral Fellow at The University of British Columbia

My current research focuses on understanding the roles of micro-eukaryotes and bacteria in marine organisms. Initially, I will be researching the coral holobiont during bleaching from a single-cell perspective.

Javier del Campo

Group Leader

My research aims at understanding the global diversity and distribution of eukaryotic and prokaryotic microbes employing curated phylogenetic frameworks focusing on novel environmental taxa.