Article
Microbiology
Phillipe M. Rosado, Pedro M. Cardoso, Joao G. Rosado, Junia Schultz, Ulisses Nunes da Rocha, Tina Keller-Costa, Raquel S. Peixoto
Summary: The study shows that beneficial microorganisms can effectively alleviate bleaching and mitigate coral mortality. A comprehensive genetic survey is conducted to identify alternative mechanisms for selecting beneficial microorganism strains. New mechanisms such as glycine betaine and ectoine synthesis are proposed. This research provides insights for the selection and application of beneficial microorganisms as coral probiotics.
Article
Microbiology
Ruben M. Costa, Anny Cardenas, Celine Loussert-Fonta, Gaelle Toullec, Anders Meibom, Christian R. Voolstra
Summary: Aiptasia is a promising model organism for studying cnidarian symbioses, showing similarities in surface architecture with stony corals. The study identified differences in bacterial carrying capacity between aposymbiotic and symbiotic Aiptasia anemones, and challenges in transplanting microbiomes between cnidarians. It also highlighted the potential for identifying broad-spectrum bacterial taxa for cross-species microbiome manipulation and the relevance of the work in coral microbial therapy and microbiome manipulation.
FRONTIERS IN MICROBIOLOGY
(2021)
Review
Microbiology
Amin R. Mohamed, Michael A. Ochsenkuehn, Ahmed M. Kazlak, Ahmed Moustafa, Shady A. Amin
Summary: Understanding the complex interactions between corals and their associated microbiome is essential for coral resilience in a warming ocean. Recent research focuses on manipulating the coral microbiome to enhance their ability to withstand stress. The potential mechanisms through which microbiota communicate with and modify host responses, as well as the power of omics tools in studying corals, are highlighted.
FEMS MICROBIOLOGY REVIEWS
(2023)
Review
Microbiology
Dongmei Lyu, Levini A. Msimbira, Mahtab Nazari, Mohammed Antar, Antoine Page, Ateeq Shah, Nadia Monjezi, Jonathan Zajonc, Cailun A. S. Tanney, Rachel Backer, Donald L. Smith
Summary: The evolution of terrestrial plants in the presence of microbes, known as the phytomicrobiome, has led to diverse and metabolically rich microbial communities in the rhizosphere. Microbes play essential roles in promoting plant growth and development by establishing symbiotic relationships, producing antibiotic compounds, and secreting signal molecules. The coevolution of plants and microbes results in a holobiont, where the phytomicrobiome and plant host interact and benefit each other in various ways.
Article
Evolutionary Biology
Raquel S. Peixoto, Michael Sweet, Helena D. M. Villela, Pedro Cardoso, Torsten Thomas, Christian R. Voolstra, Lone Hoj, David G. Bourne
Summary: The use of Beneficial Microorganisms for Corals (BMCs) has shown promise in improving coral health through various mechanisms such as promoting growth, enhancing stress resistance, and deterring pathogens. Current research has demonstrated the potential of BMCs in increasing coral resilience to stress. However, there are challenges and limitations that need to be addressed in order to facilitate the larger-scale application of BMCs for the benefit of corals and reefs globally.
ANNUAL REVIEW OF ANIMAL BIOSCIENCES, VOL 9, 2021
(2021)
Review
Environmental Sciences
Moyang Li, Hua-Xia Sheng, Mengyao Dai, Shuh-Ji Kao
Summary: In this study, we synthesized the knowledge advances of different nitrogen processes in coral holobionts from the perspective of the nitrogen cycle. Our analysis revealed significant gaps in our understanding of nitrogen processes in coral holobionts, which hinder our comprehension of nitrogen balance in coral holobionts and, therefore, the coral reef systems. Future research should focus on the application of quantitative research methods to further unravel the nitrogen processes in coral holobionts.
FRONTIERS IN MARINE SCIENCE
(2023)
Article
Biology
Yunqing Liu, Xin Liao, Tingyu Han, Ao Su, Zhuojun Guo, Na Lu, Chunpeng He, Zuhong Lu
Summary: This study obtained relatively complete transcriptome data of Montipora foliosa through PacBio Sequel II sequencing technology, providing valuable resources for the study of coral symbiosis. Analysis of symbiosis-related genes' function and isoforms was conducted, shedding light on the mechanisms behind coral-zooxanthellae symbiosis.
Article
Microbiology
Jan Taubenheim, Mate Miklos, Jacint Toekoelyi, Sebastian Fraune
Summary: The diversity of host-associated bacterial communities in Hydra in the Central European water bodies is primarily determined by sampling location, with minor effects from host species and reproductive modes.
FRONTIERS IN MICROBIOLOGY
(2022)
Review
Biotechnology & Applied Microbiology
Chinnarajan Ravindran, Lawrance Irudayarajan, Haritha P. Raveendran
Summary: Microbial interactions play a significant role in coral health, and there is a need for further understanding of the beneficial associations between ciliates and corals.
APPLIED AND ENVIRONMENTAL MICROBIOLOGY
(2023)
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Valentine Meunier, Laura Geissler, Sophie Bonnet, Nils Raedecker, Gabriela Perna, Olivier Grosso, Christophe Lambert, Riccardo Rodolfo-Metalpa, Christian R. Voolstra, Fanny Houlbreque
Summary: The study revealed that corals adapt to high CO2 conditions by modifying their nitrogen assimilation pathways and increasing feeding on nitrogen-rich picoplankton. This flexible adaptation may help corals cope better in a high pCO2 world.
Review
Microbiology
Junia Schultz, Fluvio Modolon, Alexandre S. Rosado, Christian R. Voolstra, Michael Sweet, Raquel S. Peixoto
Summary: This study presents the strategies and technologies used to explore cultured coral-associated microbes (CAMs) and discusses the advantages and disadvantages of each strategy. The study highlights the importance of understanding the roles of CAMs in coral health and their potential use in biotechnology.
Article
Microbiology
Sujata Singh, Archana Singh, Varsha Baweja, Amit Roy, Amrita Chakraborty, Indrakant Kumar Singh
Summary: Insects have intricate symbiotic relationships with microbial populations, which influence host fitness, phenotype, nutrition, immunity, and even behavior. Research on insect-associated microbes has revealed their potential to modulate insect brain functions and behavior, shedding light on the neurodegenerative disorders and behavioral dysfunctions in humans. The molecular networks governing insect-microbial symbiosis offer new insights into managing insect pests through understanding insect behaviors.
Article
Marine & Freshwater Biology
Mickael Ros, David J. Suggett, John Edmondson, Trent Haydon, David J. Hughes, Mikael Kim, Paul Guagliardo, Jeremy Bougoure, Mathieu Pernice, Jean-Baptiste Raina, Emma F. Camp
Summary: The study reveals that the metabolic strategies of Pocillopora acuta vary in different habitats, with survival in mangrove environments achieved through the sustained translocation of organic compounds from coral symbionts to the host.
Article
Microbiology
Yordanis Perez-Llano, Luis Andres Yarzabal Rodriguez, Esperanza Martinez-Romero, Alan D. W. Dobson, Nina Gunde-Cimerman, Vitor Vasconcelos, Ramon Alberto Batista-Garcia
Summary: Global change, including ocean warming and pollution, is rapidly impacting reef ecosystems and could have devastating consequences. Sponges, as important regulators in marine food webs, are a key model for studying the impact of global change. While the role of microbes in sponge health has been recognized, the importance of fungi has been largely overlooked.
FRONTIERS IN MICROBIOLOGY
(2023)
Article
Marine & Freshwater Biology
Melanie Doerr, Julia Denger, Celine S. Maier, Jana V. Kirsch, Hannah Manns, Christian R. Voolstra
Summary: As the impact of climate change on coral reefs intensifies, microbiome-targeted interventions are emerging as potential solutions to mitigate coral bleaching. However, the mechanisms and extent of manipulating the microbiome are still largely unknown. This study establishes short-term acute thermal stress assays using a standardized and reproducible experimental platform, and demonstrates the ability to assess stress tolerance phenotypes of a coral model organism. The research also shows the potential for resolving differences in thermal tolerance by incubating with bacteria. The findings suggest the use of the experimental platform as a means to accelerate the discovery of microbes and microbial mechanisms mediating thermal stress tolerance.
Article
Biodiversity Conservation
Magena R. Marzonie, Line K. Bay, David G. Bourne, Andrew S. Hoey, Samuel Matthews, Josephine J. Nielsen, Hugo B. Harrison
Summary: Scleractinian coral populations are facing increasing exposure to temperatures above their upper limits, leading to declines in coral reef ecosystem health. Variations in thermal tolerance exist among species, individual coral colonies, and populations. This study conducted heat stress experiments to assess heat tolerance across a large environmental gradient. The results showed variations in heat tolerance among species and within reefs, with mild heatwave exposure positively correlated with heat tolerance over the past 35 years, but recent severe heatwaves showing a negative relationship. These findings suggest that marine heatwaves are selecting for tolerant individuals and populations, but recent severe heatwaves may compromise this adaptive potential.
GLOBAL CHANGE BIOLOGY
(2023)
Article
Microbiology
Parsifal F. Islas-Morales, Anny Cardenas, Maria J. Mosqueira, Luis Felipe Jimenez-Garcia, Christian R. Voolstra
Summary: Nucleoli are subcellular compartments responsible for transcription and maturation of pre-ribosomal RNAs. This study provides evidence for the presence of nucleolus-like subcellular domains in TACK crenarchaeon Saccharolobus solfataricus, suggesting that these domains are not exclusive to eukaryotes.
FRONTIERS IN MICROBIOLOGY
(2023)
Editorial Material
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Christian R. Voolstra, Raquel S. Peixoto, Christine Ferrier-Pages
Summary: Global warming is causing significant damage to coral reefs. Urgent actions must be taken to mitigate and restore in order to prevent their complete extinction.
Article
Limnology
Nicolas. R. R. Evensen, Katherine. E. E. Parker, Thomas. A. A. Oliver, Stephen. R. R. Palumbi, Cheryl. A. A. Logan, James. S. S. Ryan, Courtney. N. N. Klepac, Gabriela Perna, Mark. E. E. Warner, Christian. R. R. Voolstra, Daniel. J. J. Barshis
Summary: Ocean warming is causing increasing harm to marine ecosystems worldwide, particularly affecting reef-building corals through more frequent and severe mass bleaching events. The ability of corals to resist or recover from bleaching varies, and understanding this thermal resilience is crucial for the persistence of coral reefs. However, there is a lack of standardized diagnostic approaches to assess coral thermal vulnerability before bleaching events. The Coral Bleaching Automated Stress System (CBASS) is a cost-effective and portable experimental system that can rapidly assess coral thermal thresholds using standardized temperature stress profiles and diagnostics.
LIMNOLOGY AND OCEANOGRAPHY-METHODS
(2023)
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Carol Buitrago-Lopez, Anny Cardenas, Benjamin C. C. Hume, Thierry Gosselin, Fabian Staubach, Manuel Aranda, Daniel J. Barshis, Yvonne Sawall, Christian R. Voolstra
Summary: Global habitat degradation has increased the need to study genetic connectivity and diversity of marine biota in order to guide conservation efforts. This study examined the population structure and holobiont assemblage of two common pocilloporid corals across the Red Sea. The results showed evidence for limited population differentiation in P. verrucosa, but complex population structure and genetic differentiation in S. pistillata, along with differences in reproductive mode and genetic adaptation at various sites. The study highlights the importance of multispecies investigations and networks of reef reserves in conserving genetic variants critical to the future survival of coral ecosystems.
Article
Multidisciplinary Sciences
Eric J. Armstrong, Julie Le-Hoang, Quentin Carradec, Jean-Marc Aury, Benjamin Noel, Benjamin C. C. Hume, Christian R. Voolstra, Julie Poulain, Caroline Belser, David A. Paz-Garcia, Corinne Cruaud, Karine Labadie, Corinne Da Silva, Cle'mentine Moulin, Emilie Boissin, Guillaume Bourdin, Guillaume Iwankow, Sarah Romac, Sylvain Agostini, Bernard Banaigs, Emmanuel Boss, Chris Bowler, Colomban de Vargas, Eric Douville, Michel Flores, Didier Forcioli, Paola Furla, Pierre E. Galand, Eric Gilson, Fabien Lombard, Stephane Pesant, Stephanie Reynaud, Matthew B. Sullivan, Shinichi Sunagawa, Olivier P. Thomas, Romain Trouble, Rebecca Vega Thurber, Didier Zoccola, Serge Planes, Denis Allemand, Patrick Wincker
Summary: Heat waves are causing declines in coral reefs globally. Coral thermal responses depend on multiple, interacting drivers, such as past thermal exposure, endosymbiont community composition, and host genotype. This study used DNA and RNA analysis to investigate gene expression patterns in Pocillopora corals across a historical thermal gradient, revealing the importance of host-photosymbiont specificity and host transcriptomic plasticity in thermal acclimatization.
NATURE COMMUNICATIONS
(2023)
Article
Multidisciplinary Sciences
Sarah W. Davies, Matthew H. Gamache, Lauren I. Howe-Kerr, Nicola G. Kriefall, Andrew C. Baker, Anastazia T. Banaszak, Line Kolind Bay, Anthony J. Bellantuono, Debashish Bhattacharya, Cheong Xin Chan, Danielle C. Claar, Mary Alice Coffroth, Ross Cunning, Simon K. Davy, Javier del Campo, Erika M. Diaz-Almeyda, Jorg C. Frommlet, Lauren E. Fuess, Raul A. Gonzalez-Pech, Tamar L. Goulet, Kenneth D. Hoadley, Emily J. Howells, Benjamin C. C. Hume, Dustin W. Kemp, Carly D. Kenkel, Sheila A. Kitchen, Todd C. LaJeunesse, Senjie Lin, Shelby E. McIlroy, Ryan McMinds, Matthew R. Nitschke, Clinton A. Oakley, Raquel S. Peixoto, Carlos Prada, Hollie M. Putnam, Kate Quigley, Hannah G. Reich, James Davis Reimer, Mauricio Rodriguez-Lanetty, Stephanie M. Rosales, Osama S. Saad, Eugenia M. Sampayo, Scott R. Santos, Eiichi Shoguchi, Edward G. Smith, Michael Stat, Timothy G. Stephens, Marie E. Strader, David J. Suggett, Timothy D. Swain, Cawa Tran, Nikki Traylor-Knowles, Christian R. Voolstra, Mark E. Warner, Virginia M. Weis, Rachel M. Wright, Tingting Xiang, Hiroshi Yamashita, Maren Ziegler, Adrienne M. S. Correa, John Everett Parkinson
Summary: Genetic and functional variation in microeukaryotes can accumulate faster than morphological differences. Understanding the evolutionary history and ecology of such lineages requires examining diversity at multiple levels of organization. In the case of Symbiodiniaceae, molecular data have been used to describe phenotypes and make evolutionary inferences, but a lack of consensus among researchers has hindered progress in the field.
Article
Biology
Susana Carvalho, Hailey Shchepanik, Eva Aylagas, Michael L. Berumen, Filipe O. Costa, Mark John Costello, Sofia Duarte, Jasmine Ferrario, Oliver Floerl, Moritz Heinle, Stelios Katsanevakis, Agnese Marchini, Sergej Olenin, John K. Pearman, Raquel S. Peixoto, Lotfi J. Rabaoui, Greg Ruiz, Greta Srebaliene, Thomas W. Therriault, Pedro E. Vieira, Anastasija Zaiko
Summary: Managing marine nonindigenous species is challenging due to the highly connected marine environments that allow for the dispersal of species across geopolitical borders. Inconsistent biosecurity management across borders can lead to the spread of nonindigenous species, often unnoticed or unreported. Collaborative surveillance programs and databases can enhance early detection and information exchange, while local reference libraries, databases, and predictive modeling can aid in biosecurity program development.
Correction
Multidisciplinary Sciences
Rachel Alderdice, Gabriela Perna, Anny Cardenas, Benjamin C. C. Hume, Martin Wolf, Michael Kuhl, Mathieu Pernice, David J. Suggett, Christian R. Voolstra
SCIENTIFIC REPORTS
(2023)
Article
Multidisciplinary Sciences
Helena Villela, Fluvio Modolon, Junia Schultz, Nathalia Delgadillo-Ordonez, Susana Carvalho, Adriana Ururahy Soriano, Raquel Silva Peixoto
Summary: We investigated the oil degradation genetic potential of six oil-degrading bacteria isolated from the hydrocoral Millepora alcicornis and seawater. Taxonomic identification differed from that of the original paper when whole genome gene markers were used. Genes responsible for the degradation of aromatic hydrocarbons and n-alkanes were found in all genomes, with unique metabolic pathways present in each strain. Our findings highlight the importance of using bacterial consortia for bioremediation approaches and propose a genome-based framework for selecting complementary oil-degrading bacteria for coral health.
SCIENTIFIC REPORTS
(2023)
Article
Multidisciplinary Sciences
Barbara Ribeiro, Carolina Lima, Sara Emilly Pereira, Raquel Peixoto, Michelle Klautau
Summary: This study examined whether a calcareous sponge can synthesize its skeleton under ocean acidification conditions. The results showed that the sponge was able to synthesize a skeleton even under low pH, suggesting its potential for survival in near-future ocean acidification conditions.
SCIENTIFIC REPORTS
(2023)
Article
Microbiology
Sandra Godinho Silva, Masun Nabhan Homsi, Tina Keller-Costa, Ulisses Rocha, Rodrigo Costa
Summary: This study reveals the diversification patterns of natural product biosynthesis within the Flavobacteriaceae family and identifies many potentially novel biosynthetic gene clusters. Aquimarina and Kordia species have diverse metabolic traits and may encode potential drug molecules. Marine and non-marine Flavobacteriaceae genomes differ in their richness of CAZymes and peptidases with distinct functionalities and molecular targets.
Article
Ecology
Daniela M. G. da Silva, Filipa R. Pedrosa, M. Angela Taipa, Rodrigo Costa, Tina Keller-Costa
Summary: Chitin, the most abundant natural polymer in the oceans, is primarily recycled by chitin-degrading microorganisms. This study discovered the presence of multiple chitinase enzymes in the Endozoicomonadaceae family, which symbiotically inhabit sessile marine animals such as corals. These enzymes play important roles in chitin turnover in diverse environmental conditions.
ISME COMMUNICATIONS
(2023)
Article
Microbiology
Anderson Paulo Avila Santos, Muhammad Kabiru Nata'ala, Jonas Coelho Kasmanas, Alexander Bartholomaeus, Tina Keller-Costa, Stephanie D. Jurburg, Tamara Tal, Amelia Camarinha-Silva, Joao Pedro Saraiva, Andre Carlos Ponce de Leon Ferreira de Carvalho, Peter F. Stadler, Danilo Sipoli Sanches, Ulisses Rocha
Summary: The Animal-Associated Metagenome Metadata Database (AAMDB) facilitates the identification and reuse of publicly available non-human, animal-associated metagenomic data and metadata. The database contains 10,885 metagenomes associated with 165 different species from 65 countries. The majority of the metagenomes are associated with animals used for medical research or human consumption. The database provides valuable information on the biogeography and diversity of animal-associated metagenomes.