X-Cells Are Globally Distributed, Genetically Divergent Fish Parasites Related to Perkinsids and Dinoflagellates

Abstract

X-cells have long been associated with tumor-like formations (xenomas) in marine fish, including many commercially important species. Despite decades of awareness, the phylogenetic identity of X-cells has remained unknown. Here we use single-cell transcriptomics and genomics to establish that X-cells are alveolates closely related to apicomplexans, forming a previously uncharacterized lineage we call Chromosphaera perkinsii.

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.