Data from: GPCR genes as activators of surface colonization pathways in a model marine diatom

<p>Surface colonization allows diatoms, a dominant group of phytoplankton in oceans, to adapt to harsh marine environments while mediating biofoulings to human-made underwater facilities. The regulatory pathways underlying diatom surface colonization, which involves morphotype switching in some species, remain mostly unknown. Here, we describe the identifications of 61 signaling genes, including G-protein-coupled receptors (GPCRs) and protein kinases, that are differentially regulated during surface colonization in the model diatom species, <em>Phaeodactylum tricornutum</em>. We show that the transformation of <em>P. tricornutum</em> with constructs expressing individual GPCR genes induces cells to adopt the surface colonization morphology. <em>P. tricornutum</em> cells transformed to express GPCR1A display 30% more resistance to UV light exposure than their non-biofouling wild type counterparts, consistent with increased silicification of cell walls associated with the oval-biofouling morphotype. Our results provide a mechanistic definition of morphological shifts during surface colonization and identify candidate target proteins for the screening of eco-friendly, anti-biofouling molecules.</p>