56th Annual Meeting of the Society of Protozoologists
The 56th annual meeting of the Society of Protozoologists was held jointly with
the 12th annual East Coast Protozoology conference on June 2-6, 2004 at Bryant
University in Smithfield, Rhode Island. The attendance of 135 individuals at this year’s
conference made for the largest gathering of researchers, educators and students of
Protozoology in recent years. International and national representatives traveled from as
far away as Germany, China, Guam, the UK, Mexico, Alaska, California and Canada to
attend this year’s Protozoology jamboree. This year’s meeting boasted a host of excellent
oral and poster presentations covering a wide variety of research interests. Other research
and social activities included: Workshops on using the Tetrahymena genome (chaired by
Eduardo Orias) and data acquisition and analysis pertaining to genome evolution in
microbial Eukaryotes (chaired by Laura Katz), the Society Mixer, protist movie night, a
field trip, the Society Banquet and Auction and a special performance of the Amoeba
Hop (as well as other songs) by Christine Lavin.
Wednesday
Presenters (in order of appearance): Dave Caron (chair), Parke Rublee, Kathryn
Coyne, Peter D. Countway, Linda Amaral-Zettler, Lynn Rothschild (past president’s
address), David Montagnes (chair), Wayne Coats, Christopher S. Lobban, John J. Lee,
George McManus, Gabriela W. Smalley, Kristin E. Gribble, Celia Bulit, Diane K.
Stoecker, Mike Dolan (chair), Denis H. Lynn, Alastair G.B. Simpson, Stephen L.
Cameron and Patrick J. Keeling.
Wednesday’s sessions began with opening remarks by David Lux, the Dean of the
College of Arts and Sciences and Graduate Studies at Bryant University. Following these
words of welcome, David Caron chaired the first
symposium of the meeting entitled Advances in the
Molecular Ecology of Protists. This series of talks focused
on the use of various molecular biology techniques to help
answer questions regarding ecological diversity of protistan
species within marine and terrestrial habitats. Special
thanks go out to Linda Amaral-Zettler for introducing us to
the scatological euphemism “frass”, which spontaneously
appeared in subsequent presentations.
Lynn Rothschild gave the Past President’s Address,
which was entitled “Do Single Celled Organisms Really
Lynn Rothschild
Exist?” Lynn gave an intriguing talk on her work with extremophiles in Yellowstone
National Park and the relevance of her research to the field of Astrobiology.
Specifically, her lab studies the damaging effects of natural radiation upon microbial
communities and how such damaged is repaired. These data can be useful in assessing
the impact of radiation on evolution of life on early earth as well as the possibility of life
existing in less hospitable environments such as space or other planets. In addition, Lynn
talked about her collaborative research with her husband, Rocco Mancinelli, involving
the launching of microbial samples into space on board satellites.
Wayne Coats and David Montagnes during Proto Death Bowl 2004
Following Lynn’s talk, David Montagnes chaired a special platform session
entitled “Dino VS Ciliate, a Match in Eight Rounds”. The ultimate in coverslip cage
matches, these bouts pitted two powerhouses of the protistan world against one another in
a flurry of wind milling cilia and flying flagella, sometimes resulting in the gruesome
death of one of the combatants. The Gluttonous Grazing Ciliates (GGC) clearly
dominated in round one in this epic battle, gorging on dinos in a dynamic boom-bust
fashion leaving the competition reeling on the mat. Round two appeared to be a draw
with the indomitable Malicious Mixotrophic Dinoflagellates (MMD) gobbling up ciliates
like they were fuzzy hors d'oeuvres while turncoat parasitic dinos exploded out of their
brethren like larval Aliens. Rounds Three and Four erupted into pandemonium as
Symbiodinium, members of the Protistan Pacifists (PP), stormed the ring, spouting
messages of peace, love and harmony in true endosymbiotic fashion. Following dispersal
of the PP with water canons, Round Five was an exhibition match featuring the one-eyed
Strombidium brothers, oculatum and stylifer, gobbling up swarmer cells of macroalgae
and using them for their own selfish needs. What they lacked in depth perception they
more than made up for in their tyrannical tag teaming ability. Round Six clearly
belonged to the MMD as they devoured ciliates while soaking up some rays. In Round
Seven, the sexual and asexual dynamos of the dino world, P. depressum, made spectacles
of themselves as they shamelessly began fusing in the middle of the ring in a bid to
reproduce and overwhelm the competition. A Battle Royale ensued in Round 8 as the
GGC and heterotrophic Dinos began feasting indiscriminately on bloom forming Dinos,
until ravenous copepods swarmed in and consumed the GGC. With no clear winner
declared in this epic battle of protistan proportions, a rematch has been demanded by both
sides.
Mike Dolan
Following the protoplasmic carnage of the
previous session, Mike Dolan chaired a session on
systematics and evolution. The presentations in this
session utilized a variety of molecular biology
techniques to assess phylogenetic relationships between
different protistan groups or their plastids via secondary
endosymbiosis. These techniques, combined with
traditional morphological and ultrastructural studies,
demonstrated a need for reevaluation of established
phylogenetic relationships and evolutionary concepts.
Thursday
Presenters: Paddy Patterson, Jessica Kissinger, Andrew Roger, Kenneth Stuart,
Laura Katz (chair), Uwe Maier, Debashish Bhattacharya, Alastair Simpson (chair),
Betsey Dexter Dyer, Sina M. Adl, O. Roger Anderson, Lloyd A. Davidson, Gaytha
Langlois, Conrad King, Lipei Jin, Jane Carlton, Martin Embley, Amy Driskell, Martin
Embley (keynote address), Eduardo Orias (chair), Christina DelToro, Eileen P. Hamilton,
Lawrence A. Klobutcher, Arta Bakshandeh and Rebecca A. Barbeau.
The first symposium of the day was chaired by
Laura Katz and featured a number of extraordinary talks
on recent advances in microbial eukaryotic genome
evolution. The first talk was given by Paddy Patterson
who presented the current version of the Taxonomic
Name Server developed by his team called Micro*scope
(microscope.mbl.edu). Paddy discussed the difficulties of
navigating through taxonomic literature (given the fact
that there are approximately 10 million names for 1.7
million species) and a need for a virtual supermatrix for
Laura Katz
linking and organizing this hoard of taxomomic
information. The series of talks that followed discussed
the acquisition of genes via lateral, horizontal or
intracellular transfer from early secondary endosymbiotic
events of plastids. Study of this/these early evolutionary
event(s) will prove to be critical in identifying drug
targets for treatment of human parasites such as
cryptosporidium and trypanosomes. These talks
demonstrated the essential contribution of basic science
toward break through medical advancement.
Paddy Patterson
After lunch, a workshop on Data Acquisition and
Analysis regarding genome evolution in eukaryotes was
again chaired by Laura Katz. Three very interesting presentations given by Jane Carlton,
Martin Embley and Amy Driskell discussed some of the tools, challenges and techniques
used for reconstructing eukaryotic relationships based on genome sequence analysis.
Simultaneously, a platform session on ecology, behavior and structure was being chaired
by Alastair Simpson. This session hosted a wide variety of topics including identification
of bacteria in the field as well as the ecology of protistan communities in soil, hypersaline
environments, leaf litter and reef. In addition, modeling of the mechanism behind
Gregarine gliding as well as the importance of the micronucleus in somatic processes of
various hypotrich ciliates was demonstrated.
Immediately following these talks was a poster session, which featured 34 posters
representing a wide variety of student research interests. This extravaganza of protistan
research was divided into three main categories: Genome Evolution in Microbial
Eukaryotes (23 posters), Ecology, Life Histories and Taxonomy (4 posters) and Cell
Biology (7 posters). This session provided an excellent opportunity for students and
researchers to exchange ideas and research interests in an informal setting.
The keynote address for Genome Evolution in Microbial Eukaryotes followed the
poster session and was given by Martin Embley who presented a talk on the evolution of
eukaryotic cells. Specifically, Martin talked about his work on the evolution of
hydrogenosomes in anaerobic eukaryotes and the influence of vertical and horizontal
gene inheritance, particularly gene transfer via secondary
endosymbiotic events.
The last session of the day was on Ciliate genomics
and was chaired by Ed Orias. The presentations in the first
half of the session concerned the important work of
sequencing and mapping the genome of Tetrahymena
thermophila. This ongoing project has proven to be an
invaluable asset for many researchers working in the field
of ciliate genetics. The second half of the session was
devoted to the analysis of gene expression in Euplotes and
Ed Orias
the mapping of genes in Tetrahymena thermophila.
Friday
Presenters: Suzanne McCutcheon (chair), Annette W. Coleman, Jason Wolfe,
Phillip E. Ryals, Aaron J. Bell, L. Liu, Howard E. Buhse, Burt Goldberg (Hutner Lecture)
and Eduardo Orias (chair Tetrahymena genome workshop).
Friday’s events started with a platform session on cell and molecular biology,
which was chaired by Suzanne McCutcheon. The talks featured in this session discussed
the genetic diversity in Paramecium aurelia, the
induction of nuclear death in T. thermophila by
colchicine, the properties of several proteins in
Tetrahymena as well as parafusin in T. gondii.
The feature presentation of the day was
the Hutner Lecture given by Burt Goldberg in
honor of Seymour Hutner and was entitled “How
I Labored in Hutner’s Protozoal Soup Kitchen”.
Before giving his talk, John Clamp presented
Burt with a $1000 prize and a hand-lettered
certificate. Burt gave a humorous, as well as
touching recounting of his time spent as a student
John Clamp presenting Burt
in Seymour’s lab at Pace University. Burt
Goldberg with a hand lettered
received a standing ovation at the conclusion of
certificate.
his inspirational presentation.
The remainder of the day was devoted to a field trip to Newport, after which a
workshop on using the Tetrahymena genome sequence for research and teaching was
given by Ed Orias. Ed gave several useful tips on using the Tetrahymena database
located on the TIGR website (www.tigr.org). Protist movie night was held at the same
time as the workshop, with several investigators showing off film footage of their favorite
protozoa.
Following protist movie night, a business meeting for the East Coast Section was
held. The major business of the meeting was determining the time and place for next
year’s meeting. Francine Marciano-Cabral graciously volunteered to host next year’s
meeting in Richmond at Virginia Commonwealth University.
Saturday
Presenters: Francine Marciano-Cabral (chair), Kwang Jeon, Matthias Horn,
Matthias Leippe, Angela E. Fritzinger, Graham Clark (Vice-Presidents Address), Sam
Bowser (chair), Andrea Habura, Laura Wegener, John M. Archibald, Joan M. Bernhard,
Dawn M. Moran, Cédric Berney, Rebecca MacLean and Gregory C. Booton.
The first symposium of the day was chaired by Francine Marciano-Cabral and
was entitled “Bacterial Endosymbionts or Pathogens of Free-Living Amoebae”. The
talks in this session discussed topics such as phenotypic and genotypic alteration of
amoebae due to infection of bacteria, evolutionary divergence of Chlamydia, the use of
pore-forming complexes in amoebae for defensive and offensive purposes and
modulation of proteins in amoebae by bacteria.
The Vice-President’s Address followed lunch and was given by Graham Clark.
Graham discussed the trials and tribulations of sequencing the genome of Entamoeba
histolytica. This included a list of interesting facts such as: E. histolytica has
approximately 9,938 genes (25% of which have
introns), the genome is 75% A+T rich, greater than
4,000 tRNA genes are present (more than 10% of
entire genome) and the chromosomes appear to lack
telomeres (tRNA genes might be fulfilling this
function).
A platform session on Rhizopod Protists
followed Graham’s presentation, which was chaired
by Sam Bowser. This session provided a wide
variety of interesting topics, which included:
Implications of β-Tubulin data in regard to
Foraminiferal evolution and microtubule assembly,
the acquisition of photosynthesis in
chlorarachniophytes by secondary endosymbiosis, the
discovery of Saccamminid foraminifers in anoxic
sediments off the coast of California and several
Neoparamoeba species in Antarctica, re-examination
Wayne Coats presenting
of the taxonomic designations of several amoeboid
Gaytha Langlois and Laura
protists based on sequencing of small-subunit
Katz drawings by Gene
ribosomal RNA and actin genes as well as
Small.
pathogenesis of Naegleria fowleri.
Saturday’s activities concluded with a banquet,
which featured contemporary singer/songwriter Christine
Lavin performing “The Amoeba Hop” and other songs,
the presentation of various student and appreciation
awards as well as an auction to raise money for student
travel awards. The evening began with Christine
performing “The Amoeba Hop” while Betsy FrancoFeeney flipped through “The Amoeba Hop” book,
featuring her illustrations, in time with the song. After
Christine entertained us with several more of her
wonderful songs, John Clamp announced the winners of
the various presentation and travel awards (listed below).
In addition, Wayne Coats handed out gifts to several
Gene Small
people in recognition of their extensive organizational
efforts both before and during the meeting. Gaytha Langlois and Laura Katz were
presented with drawings by Eugene Small, while Sam Bowser, Dave Montagnes, and
John Clamp were each given a bottle of wine for convening the special platform sessions.
Finally, the night was concluded with an auction, which was conducted by Alastair
Simpson. Items up for bid included: various textbooks, autographed books and cd’s of
“The Amoeba Hop”, Protozoology conference T-shirts and original drawings of protozoa
signed by the artist (our very own Gene Small). The item that engendered the most
bidding interest was another drawing by Gene, which drew a bid of $240 by Glenn
Gebler. In between all of these entertaining activities, we were served a delicious meal
by the staff at Bryant College.
Sunday
Presenters: Rebecca J. Gast, Andrea Habura, John Clamp (chair), Christopher S.
Lobban, David C. Lennartz, Hongwei Ma, Mary Doherty, P. A. Rublee, Oona L. O.
Snoeyenbos-West, and Johannes Fried.
Sunday’s only platform session was entitled “Protistan Diversity” and was chaired
by John Clamp. Many of the talks in this session demonstrated how sophisticated
molecular biology techniques can be used to determine the diversity of protozoa in
various communities (i.e. Antarctica, benthic, coastal, tide pool or rumen
endosymbionts). These techniques included: sequencing of various “marker”genes,
microarray analysis, targeted oligonucleotide probes and Fluorescence In situ
Hybridization (FISH). The remainder of the talks focused on the use of more traditional
microscopic techniques in assessing protistan biodiversity in different environments.
These talks assessed the biodiversity of peritrich ciliates along the east coast, Alveolates
and Stramenopiles in the coral reef microbenthos of Guam, soil protists in the Joshua
Tree National Park desert biome and symbiotic ciliates of shrimp and blue crab from
various locations along the east coast.
The conference concluded with the Society business luncheon. Several awards
and announcements were made, which included:
1. The Society has adopted a name change to the International Society of
Protistologists.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
David Montagnes received the highly coveted ciliate tie.
Chris Sunderman, the new membership secretary, announced 692 members.
The new president elect is Wayne Coats.
Jan Mead is the new Treasurer.
Blackwell will become the new publisher of the Journal of Eukaryotic
Microbiology In 2005.
7. Denis Lynn has been reappointed as the Editor-in-Chief of the Journal of
Eukaryotic Microbiology.
8. The China International Congress is scheduled for July 11-16, 2005 in
Guangzhou, China.
9. Projected future meetings: 2006, Germany; 2007, Halifax; 2008, Italy.
Presentation Awards
1. Winner of the 2003-2004 Hutner Award was Dr. Burt Goldberg, Department of
Chemistry, New York University. He received a prize of $1000 and a handlettered certificate that was presented to him just before his address at the
meeting.
2. Winners of Jahn-Bovee Awards for outstanding student presentations at the 2004
annual meeting:
Li Liu (platform paper), Albert Einstein College of Medicine
Sunshine Menezes (poster), University of Rhode Island
Each winner received a certificate and a check for $500.
3. Winners of Awards for Excellence in student presentations at the 2004 annual
meeting:
Platform papers:
Arta Bakshandeh, University of California Santa Barbara
Rebecca Barbeau, University of California Santa Barbara
Posters:
Cédric Berney, University of Geneva
Matthew Johnson, University of Maryland
Kristy Lidie, Medical University of South Carolina
Each winner received a certificate and a check for $200.
4. Winners of Holz-Connor
Travel Awards:
Rebecca MacLean, Virginia
Commonwealth University
Li Liu, Albert Einstein College
of Medicine
Kristin Gribble, Woods Hole
Oceanographic Institution
Each winner received support
that reimbursed them for all or
almost all travel expenses to
the meeting.
5. Award for undergraduate travel
expenses:
Winners of the Holz-Connor Travel Award
One undergraduate who attended a presented a poster was granted $35 to help
cover expenses not reimbursed by her sponsoring institution.
Awardee: Samantha Webb, University of Alabama
6. All students who attended the 2004 meeting and who made a presentation of any
kind were awarded one full year's membership in the Society of Protozoologists,
to begin in January, 2005.
Awardees:
Simone Ahr, Heinrich-Heine Universität Düsseldorf
Arta Bakshandeh, University of California Santa Barbara
Rebecca Barbeau, University of California Santa Barbara
Aaron Bell, Albert Einstein College of Medicine
Cédric Berney, University of Geneva
Peter Countway, University of Southern California
Christina DelToro, University of California Santa Barbara
Mary Doherty, Smith College
Micah Dunthorn, University of Massachusetts
Angela Fritzinger, Virginia Commonwealth University
Kristin Gribble, Woods Hole Oceanographic Institution
Matthew Johnson, University of Maryland
Kristy Lidie, Medical University of South Carolina
Li Liu, Albert Einstein College of Medicine
Rebecca MacLean, Virginia Commonwealth University
Sunshine Menezes, University of Rhode Island
Matthew Oliver, Rutgers University
Ursula Theissen, Heinrich-Heine Universität Düsseldorf
Samantha Webb, University of Alabama
Laura Wegener, State University of New York at Albany
7. Jahn-Bovee Awards, Holz-Connor Awards, and Undergraduate Support Award
were presented at the meeting Banquet. Judging for the Awards for Excellence
was not completed until the last morning of the meeting, and unfortunately, only
one of the awardees was present at the Society Luncheon and Business Meeting to
receive his award. The other student recipients will receive their certificates and
checks by mail.
Special thanks go to the Awards Committee whose members spent considerable effort
judging the student presentations:
Lea Bleyman, Baruch College
John Clamp, N.C. Central University (chair)
Jeff Cole, American Type Culture Collection
David Montagnes, University of Liverpool
All of the student presentations were well-done and, in general, students made a
major contribution to the meeting by their presence.
Special thanks to the organizers of this year’s SOP meeting, Wayne Coats, Gaytha
Langlois and Laura Katz, for putting together a fantastic and highly successful meeting.
Also, special thanks to Laura Katz for securing the necessary funding for hosting the
genome evolution session and workshop as well as providing travel award assistance to
21 student presenters at this year’s conference. Finally, thanks to Hongwei Ma and Sean
Cooney for supplying the photographs used in this newsletter and Lea Bleyman for her
editorial comments.
Respectfully submitted by: Aaron Bell