RUGULOMICS. Omics techniques for the monitoring, control and biotechnological valorization of the invasive algae Rugulopteryx okamurae.

Pleamar program

Rugulopteryx okamurae is an invasive algae with a high ecological and economic impact, which has expanded throughout the Mediterranean, the Atlantic and the Canary Islands, affecting key habitats and reducing biodiversity. This species, unlike other invasive species, has not been approached from molecular biology. This project will develop a molecular toolbox based on the sequencing of its genome and transcriptome, laying the foundations for proteomics and metaproteomics studies
.

This work will allow the project team to detect proteins of commercial interest, monitor their presence in water samples and explore associated microorganisms as potential control agents. Part of the activities will be carried out in a Special Area of Conservation of the Natura 2000 Network, contributing directly to the protection and recovery of aquatic ecosystems.

The following entities act as a collaborating entity: Organización de Productores Pesqueros de Conil (OPP72).

Project

Line of action:

Marine ecosystems

Status:

En ejecución

Location

Andalusia, Canary Islands, Balearic Islands

Research line

Axis 2. Protection of the Marine Environment

Execution date:

2026

End date:

2028

Project web page:

https://www.programapleamar.es/proyectos/rugulomics-tecnicas-omicas-para-el-monitoreo-control-y-valorizacion-biotecnologica-del

Objectives

The main objective of this project is the development and applied use of a molecular toolbox that allows to effectively address the monitoring, control and sustainable use of the invasive algae Rugulopteryx okamurae.

Specific objectives:

OE1. Genome acquisition and fine-tuning of transcriptomics and proteomics techniques.
OE2. Development of a methodology for detecting the early presence of Rugulopteryx okamurae by proteomics analysis of water.
OE3. Describe the algal holobiont and the interactions to identify possible control and/or exploitation agents.
OE4. To identify and test the bioactivity of high value-added proteins to revalue the biomass of Rugulopteryx okamurae.
OE5. Dissemination of the “omics” tools developed for the control of the algae and their application.

A strategy structured in two phases is proposed: a first phase of molecular data generation and another of practical validation.

Phase I. Molecular Data Generation

A.1. Algae sampling (argazos/arribazón): by manual collection of specimens in: (i) two Special Areas of Conservation (SACs) Natura 2000, ES0000337 (Strait) and ES6120017 (Punta de Trafalgar) and (ii) two seasons, summer (maximum abundance of algae) and winter season.

A.2. Collection, analysis and publication of omics data for Rugulopteryx okamurae

A.2.1. Genome sequencing.
A.2.2 Transcriptome sequencing: RNA will be extracted and sequenced from the collected argassum to identify the expressed genes.
A.2.3. Optimization of the protein extraction protocol.
A.2.4. Proteomic analysis by mass spectrometry.

Phase II. Validation: Practical application of the tools developed:

A.3. Validation of environmental biomarkers of the presence of the algae : the possibility of detecting algae-specific proteins, determined in the Phase 1 proteomic analyses, directly in the water shall be assessed. This line includes proofs of concept in flasks and sampling in two Natura 2000 Special Areas of Conservation (SACs) with the collaboration of the fishermen of the OPP-72 of Conil: ES0000337 (Strait) and ES6120017 (Punta de Trafalgar):

A.3.1: Flask validation: A flask test for culture will be carried out.
A.3.2.. Validation in Special Conservation Areas.

A.4. Metaproteomic study of the holobiont: firstly, microorganisms associated with the algae will be identified by DNA sequencing, which will serve as a starting point for selecting the proteomes to be used as a database in bioinformatic analyses after the LC-MS/MS. This will generate a proteomic database of manageable associated microorganisms for current proteomic software.

A.5. Identification of proteins of interest : the proteome of the algae will be analysed using bioinformatic algorithms for comparison with the NRPL2 database, previously developed by the team. This algorithm is capable of predicting functional properties of proteins directly related to biotechnological and biomedical applications. The candidate proteins will be synthesized and their activity evaluated in vitro by means of adapted bioassays.

RUGULOMICS. Omics techniques for the monitoring, control and biotechnological valorization of the invasive algae Rugulopteryx okamurae.

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