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Voolstra CR, Raina JB, Dörr M, Cárdenas A, Pogoreutz C, Silveira CB, Mohamed AR, Bourne DG, Luo H, Amin SA, Peixoto RS. The coral microbiome in sickness, in health and in a changing world. Nat Rev Microbiol 2024; 22:460-475. [PMID: 38438489 DOI: 10.1038/s41579-024-01015-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 01/18/2024] [Indexed: 03/06/2024]
Abstract
Stony corals, the engines and engineers of reef ecosystems, face unprecedented threats from anthropogenic environmental change. Corals are holobionts that comprise the cnidarian animal host and a diverse community of bacteria, archaea, viruses and eukaryotic microorganisms. Recent research shows that the bacterial microbiome has a pivotal role in coral biology. A healthy bacterial assemblage contributes to nutrient cycling and stress resilience, but pollution, overfishing and climate change can break down these symbiotic relationships, which results in disease, bleaching and, ultimately, coral death. Although progress has been made in characterizing the spatial-temporal diversity of bacteria, we are only beginning to appreciate their functional contribution. In this Review, we summarize the ecological and metabolic interactions between bacteria and other holobiont members, highlight the biotic and abiotic factors influencing the structure of bacterial communities and discuss the impact of climate change on these communities and their coral hosts. We emphasize how microbiome-based interventions can help to decipher key mechanisms underpinning coral health and promote reef resilience. Finally, we explore how recent technological developments may be harnessed to address some of the most pressing challenges in coral microbiology, providing a road map for future research in this field.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Jean-Baptiste Raina
- Climate Change Cluster, University of Technology Sydney, Ultimo, New South Wales, Australia.
| | - Melanie Dörr
- Department of Biology, University of Konstanz, Konstanz, Germany
| | - Anny Cárdenas
- Department of Biology, American University, Washington, DC, USA
| | - Claudia Pogoreutz
- PSL Université Paris: EPHE-UPVD-CNRS, UAR 3278 CRIOBE, Université de Perpignan, Perpignan, France
| | | | - Amin R Mohamed
- Marine Microbiomics Laboratory, Biology Program, New York University Abu Dhabi, Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates
| | - David G Bourne
- Australian Institute of Marine Science, Townsville, Queensland, Australia
- College of Science and Engineering, James Cook University, Townsville, Queensland, Australia
| | - Haiwei Luo
- Simon F.S. Li Marine Science Laboratory, School of Life Sciences, State Key Laboratory of Agrobiotechnology and Institute of Environment, Energy and Sustainability, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong SAR, China
| | - Shady A Amin
- Marine Microbiomics Laboratory, Biology Program, New York University Abu Dhabi, Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates
- Center for Genomics and Systems Biology (CGSB), New York University Abu Dhabi, Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates
| | - Raquel S Peixoto
- Red Sea Research Center (RSRC) and Computational Biology Research Center (CBRC), Biological, Environmental Sciences, and Engineering Division (BESE), King Abdullah University of Science and Technology (KAUST), Thuwal, Saudi Arabia.
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Aji LP, Maas DL, Capriati A, Ahmad A, de Leeuw C, Becking LE. Shifts in dominance of benthic communities along a gradient of water temperature and turbidity in tropical coastal ecosystems. PeerJ 2024; 12:e17132. [PMID: 38666078 PMCID: PMC11044884 DOI: 10.7717/peerj.17132] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/20/2023] [Accepted: 02/27/2024] [Indexed: 04/28/2024] Open
Abstract
Tropical coastal benthic communities will change in species composition and relative dominance due to global (e.g., increasing water temperature) and local (e.g., increasing terrestrial influence due to land-based activity) stressors. This study aimed to gain insight into possible trajectories of coastal benthic assemblages in Raja Ampat, Indonesia, by studying coral reefs at varying distances from human activities and marine lakes with high turbidity in three temperature categories (<31 °C, 31-32 °C, and >32 °C). The benthic community diversity and relative coverage of major benthic groups were quantified via replicate photo transects. The composition of benthic assemblages varied significantly among the reef and marine lake habitats. The marine lakes <31 °C contained hard coral, crustose coralline algae (CCA), and turf algae with coverages similar to those found in the coral reefs (17.4-18.8% hard coral, 3.5-26.3% CCA, and 15-15.5% turf algae, respectively), while the higher temperature marine lakes (31-32 °C and >32 °C) did not harbor hard coral or CCA. Benthic composition in the reefs was significantly influenced by geographic distance among sites but not by human activity or depth. Benthic composition in the marine lakes appeared to be structured by temperature, salinity, and degree of connection to the adjacent sea. Our results suggest that beyond a certain temperature (>31 °C), benthic communities shift away from coral dominance, but new outcomes of assemblages can be highly distinct, with a possible varied dominance of macroalgae, benthic cyanobacterial mats, or filter feeders such as bivalves and tubeworms. This study illustrates the possible use of marine lake model systems to gain insight into shifts in the benthic community structure of tropical coastal ecosystems if hard corals are no longer dominant.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ludi Parwadani Aji
- Wageningen University and Research, Wageningen, The Netherlands
- Naturalis Biodiversity Center, Leiden, The Netherlands
- Research Center for Oceanography, National Research and Innovation Agency, Jakarta, Indonesia
| | | | | | | | | | - Leontine Elisabeth Becking
- Wageningen University and Research, Wageningen, The Netherlands
- Naturalis Biodiversity Center, Leiden, The Netherlands
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3
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Williams J, Pettorelli N, Hartmann AC, Quinn RA, Plaisance L, O'Mahoney M, Meyer CP, Fabricius KE, Knowlton N, Ransome E. Decline of a distinct coral reef holobiont community under ocean acidification. MICROBIOME 2024; 12:75. [PMID: 38627822 PMCID: PMC11022381 DOI: 10.1186/s40168-023-01683-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/16/2023] [Accepted: 09/28/2023] [Indexed: 04/19/2024]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Microbes play vital roles across coral reefs both in the environment and inside and upon macrobes (holobionts), where they support critical functions such as nutrition and immune system modulation. These roles highlight the potential ecosystem-level importance of microbes, yet most knowledge of microbial functions on reefs is derived from a small set of holobionts such as corals and sponges. Declining seawater pH - an important global coral reef stressor - can cause ecosystem-level change on coral reefs, providing an opportunity to study the role of microbes at this scale. We use an in situ experimental approach to test the hypothesis that under such ocean acidification (OA), known shifts among macrobe trophic and functional groups may drive a general ecosystem-level response extending across macrobes and microbes, leading to reduced distinctness between the benthic holobiont community microbiome and the environmental microbiome. RESULTS We test this hypothesis using genetic and chemical data from benthic coral reef community holobionts sampled across a pH gradient from CO2 seeps in Papua New Guinea. We find support for our hypothesis; under OA, the microbiome and metabolome of the benthic holobiont community become less compositionally distinct from the sediment microbiome and metabolome, suggesting that benthic macrobe communities are colonised by environmental microbes to a higher degree under OA conditions. We also find a simplification and homogenisation of the benthic photosynthetic community, and an increased abundance of fleshy macroalgae, consistent with previously observed reef microbialisation. CONCLUSIONS We demonstrate a novel structural shift in coral reefs involving macrobes and microbes: that the microbiome of the benthic holobiont community becomes less distinct from the sediment microbiome under OA. Our findings suggest that microbialisation and the disruption of macrobe trophic networks are interwoven general responses to environmental stress, pointing towards a universal, undesirable, and measurable form of ecosystem changed. Video Abstract.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jake Williams
- Georgina Mace Centre for the Living Planet, Department of Life Sciences, Imperial College London, Buckhurst Road, Ascot, SL5 7PY, UK
- Institute of Zoology, Zoological Society of London, Regent's Park, London, NW1 4RY, UK
| | - Nathalie Pettorelli
- Institute of Zoology, Zoological Society of London, Regent's Park, London, NW1 4RY, UK
| | - Aaron C Hartmann
- Department of Organismic and Evolutionary Biology, Harvard University, Cambridge, MA, USA
| | - Robert A Quinn
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Michigan State University, East Lansing, MI, 48824, USA
| | - Laetitia Plaisance
- Laboratoire Evolution Et Diversité Biologique, CNRS/UPS, Toulouse, France
- National Museum of Natural History, Smithsonian Institution, Washington, DC, 20013, USA
| | - Michael O'Mahoney
- National Museum of Natural History, Smithsonian Institution, Washington, DC, 20013, USA
| | - Chris P Meyer
- National Museum of Natural History, Smithsonian Institution, Washington, DC, 20013, USA
| | | | - Nancy Knowlton
- National Museum of Natural History, Smithsonian Institution, Washington, DC, 20013, USA
| | - Emma Ransome
- Georgina Mace Centre for the Living Planet, Department of Life Sciences, Imperial College London, Buckhurst Road, Ascot, SL5 7PY, UK.
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Delgadillo-Ordoñez N, Garcias-Bonet N, Raimundo I, García FC, Villela H, Osman EO, Santoro EP, Curdia J, Rosado JGD, Cardoso P, Alsaggaf A, Barno A, Antony CP, Bocanegra C, Berumen ML, Voolstra CR, Benzoni F, Carvalho S, Peixoto RS. Probiotics reshape the coral microbiome in situ without detectable off-target effects in the surrounding environment. Commun Biol 2024; 7:434. [PMID: 38594357 PMCID: PMC11004148 DOI: 10.1038/s42003-024-06135-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/19/2023] [Accepted: 04/02/2024] [Indexed: 04/11/2024] Open
Abstract
Beneficial microorganisms for corals (BMCs), or probiotics, can enhance coral resilience against stressors in laboratory trials. However, the ability of probiotics to restructure the coral microbiome in situ is yet to be determined. As a first step to elucidate this, we inoculated putative probiotic bacteria (pBMCs) on healthy colonies of Pocillopora verrucosa in situ in the Red Sea, three times per week, during 3 months. pBMCs significantly influenced the coral microbiome, while bacteria of the surrounding seawater and sediment remained unchanged. The inoculated genera Halomonas, Pseudoalteromonas, and Bacillus were significantly enriched in probiotic-treated corals. Furthermore, the probiotic treatment also correlated with an increase in other beneficial groups (e.g., Ruegeria and Limosilactobacillus), and a decrease in potential coral pathogens, such as Vibrio. As all corals (treated and non-treated) remained healthy throughout the experiment, we could not track health improvements or protection against stress. Our data indicate that healthy, and therefore stable, coral microbiomes can be restructured in situ, although repeated and continuous inoculations may be required in these cases. Further, our study provides supporting evidence that, at the studied scale, pBMCs have no detectable off-target effects on the surrounding microbiomes of seawater and sediment near inoculated corals.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nathalia Delgadillo-Ordoñez
- Red Sea Research Center, Biological and Environmental Science and Engineering Division, King Abdullah University of Science and Technology, Thuwal, Saudi Arabia
- Marine Science and Bioscience Programs, Biological and Environmental Science and Engineering Division, King Abdullah University of Science and Technology, Thuwal, Saudi Arabia
| | - Neus Garcias-Bonet
- Red Sea Research Center, Biological and Environmental Science and Engineering Division, King Abdullah University of Science and Technology, Thuwal, Saudi Arabia
| | - Inês Raimundo
- Red Sea Research Center, Biological and Environmental Science and Engineering Division, King Abdullah University of Science and Technology, Thuwal, Saudi Arabia
- Marine Science and Bioscience Programs, Biological and Environmental Science and Engineering Division, King Abdullah University of Science and Technology, Thuwal, Saudi Arabia
| | - Francisca C García
- Red Sea Research Center, Biological and Environmental Science and Engineering Division, King Abdullah University of Science and Technology, Thuwal, Saudi Arabia
| | - Helena Villela
- Red Sea Research Center, Biological and Environmental Science and Engineering Division, King Abdullah University of Science and Technology, Thuwal, Saudi Arabia
| | - Eslam O Osman
- Red Sea Research Center, Biological and Environmental Science and Engineering Division, King Abdullah University of Science and Technology, Thuwal, Saudi Arabia
| | - Erika P Santoro
- Red Sea Research Center, Biological and Environmental Science and Engineering Division, King Abdullah University of Science and Technology, Thuwal, Saudi Arabia
| | - Joao Curdia
- Red Sea Research Center, Biological and Environmental Science and Engineering Division, King Abdullah University of Science and Technology, Thuwal, Saudi Arabia
| | - Joao G D Rosado
- Red Sea Research Center, Biological and Environmental Science and Engineering Division, King Abdullah University of Science and Technology, Thuwal, Saudi Arabia
- Marine Science and Bioscience Programs, Biological and Environmental Science and Engineering Division, King Abdullah University of Science and Technology, Thuwal, Saudi Arabia
| | - Pedro Cardoso
- Red Sea Research Center, Biological and Environmental Science and Engineering Division, King Abdullah University of Science and Technology, Thuwal, Saudi Arabia
- Marine Science and Bioscience Programs, Biological and Environmental Science and Engineering Division, King Abdullah University of Science and Technology, Thuwal, Saudi Arabia
| | - Ahmed Alsaggaf
- Red Sea Research Center, Biological and Environmental Science and Engineering Division, King Abdullah University of Science and Technology, Thuwal, Saudi Arabia
- Marine Science and Bioscience Programs, Biological and Environmental Science and Engineering Division, King Abdullah University of Science and Technology, Thuwal, Saudi Arabia
| | - Adam Barno
- Red Sea Research Center, Biological and Environmental Science and Engineering Division, King Abdullah University of Science and Technology, Thuwal, Saudi Arabia
- Marine Science and Bioscience Programs, Biological and Environmental Science and Engineering Division, King Abdullah University of Science and Technology, Thuwal, Saudi Arabia
| | - Chakkiath Paul Antony
- Red Sea Research Center, Biological and Environmental Science and Engineering Division, King Abdullah University of Science and Technology, Thuwal, Saudi Arabia
| | - Carolina Bocanegra
- Red Sea Research Center, Biological and Environmental Science and Engineering Division, King Abdullah University of Science and Technology, Thuwal, Saudi Arabia
| | - Michael L Berumen
- Red Sea Research Center, Biological and Environmental Science and Engineering Division, King Abdullah University of Science and Technology, Thuwal, Saudi Arabia
- Marine Science and Bioscience Programs, Biological and Environmental Science and Engineering Division, King Abdullah University of Science and Technology, Thuwal, Saudi Arabia
| | | | - Francesca Benzoni
- Red Sea Research Center, Biological and Environmental Science and Engineering Division, King Abdullah University of Science and Technology, Thuwal, Saudi Arabia
- Marine Science and Bioscience Programs, Biological and Environmental Science and Engineering Division, King Abdullah University of Science and Technology, Thuwal, Saudi Arabia
| | - Susana Carvalho
- Red Sea Research Center, Biological and Environmental Science and Engineering Division, King Abdullah University of Science and Technology, Thuwal, Saudi Arabia
- Marine Science and Bioscience Programs, Biological and Environmental Science and Engineering Division, King Abdullah University of Science and Technology, Thuwal, Saudi Arabia
| | - Raquel S Peixoto
- Red Sea Research Center, Biological and Environmental Science and Engineering Division, King Abdullah University of Science and Technology, Thuwal, Saudi Arabia.
- Marine Science and Bioscience Programs, Biological and Environmental Science and Engineering Division, King Abdullah University of Science and Technology, Thuwal, Saudi Arabia.
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5
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Roughgarden J. Lytic/Lysogenic Transition as a Life-History Switch. Virus Evol 2024; 10:veae028. [PMID: 38756985 PMCID: PMC11097211 DOI: 10.1093/ve/veae028] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/11/2023] [Revised: 01/15/2024] [Accepted: 03/27/2024] [Indexed: 05/18/2024] Open
Abstract
The transition between lytic and lysogenic life cycles is the most important feature of the life-history of temperate viruses. To explain this transition, an optimal life-history model is offered based a discrete-time formulation of phage/bacteria population dynamics that features infection of bacteria by Poisson sampling of virions from the environment. The time step is the viral latency period. In this model, density-dependent viral absorption onto the bacterial surface produces virus/bacteria coexistence and density dependence in bacterial growth is not needed. The formula for the transition between lytic and lysogenic phases is termed the 'fitness switch'. According to the model, the virus switches from lytic to lysogenic when its population grows faster as prophage than as virions produced by lysis of the infected cells, and conversely for the switch from lysogenic to lytic. A prophage that benefits the bacterium it infects automatically incurs lower fitness upon exiting the bacterial genome, resulting in its becoming locked into the bacterial genome in what is termed here as a 'prophage lock'. The fitness switch qualitatively predicts the ecogeographic rule that environmental enrichment leads to microbialization with a concomitant increase in lysogeny, fluctuating environmental conditions promote virus-mediated horizontal gene transfer, and prophage-containing bacteria can integrate into the microbiome of a eukaryotic host forming a functionally integrated tripartite holobiont. These predictions accord more with the 'Piggyback-the-Winner' hypothesis than with the 'Kill-the-Winner' hypothesis in virus ecology.
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Affiliation(s)
- Joan Roughgarden
- Hawaii Institute of Marine Biology, University of Hawaii, Kaneohe, HI 96744, USA
- Department of Biology, Stanford University, Stanford, CA 94305, USA
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6
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Cissell EC, McCoy SJ. Convergent photophysiology and prokaryotic assemblage structure in epilithic cyanobacterial tufts and algal turf communities. JOURNAL OF PHYCOLOGY 2024; 60:343-362. [PMID: 38240472 DOI: 10.1111/jpy.13424] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/14/2023] [Revised: 10/14/2023] [Accepted: 11/30/2023] [Indexed: 04/11/2024]
Abstract
As global change spurs shifts in benthic community composition on coral reefs globally, a better understanding of the defining taxonomic and functional features that differentiate proliferating benthic taxa is needed to predict functional trajectories of reef degradation better. This is especially critical for algal groups, which feature dramatically on changing reefs. Limited attention has been given to characterizing the features that differentiate tufting epilithic cyanobacterial communities from ubiquitous turf algal assemblages. Here, we integrated an in situ assessment of photosynthetic yield with metabarcoding and shotgun metagenomic sequencing to explore photophysiology and prokaryotic assemblage structure within epilithic tufting benthic cyanobacterial communities and epilithic algal turf communities. Significant differences were not detected in the average quantum yield. However, variability in yield was significantly higher in cyanobacterial tufts. Neither prokaryotic assemblage diversity nor structure significantly differed between these functional groups. The sampled cyanobacterial tufts, predominantly built by Okeania sp., were co-dominated by members of the Proteobacteria, Firmicutes, and Bacteroidota, as were turf algal communities. Few detected ASVs were significantly differentially abundant between functional groups and consisted exclusively of taxa belonging to the phyla Proteobacteria and Firmicutes. Assessment of the distribution of recovered cyanobacterial amplicons demonstrated that alongside sample-specific cyanobacterial diversification, the dominant cyanobacterial members were conserved across tufting cyanobacterial and turf algal communities. Overall, these data suggest a convergence in taxonomic identity and mean photosynthetic potential between tufting epilithic cyanobacterial communities and algal turf communities, with numerous implications for consumer-resource dynamics on future reefs and trajectories of reef functional ecology.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ethan C Cissell
- Department of Biology, The University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, North Carolina, USA
| | - Sophie J McCoy
- Department of Biology, The University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, North Carolina, USA
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7
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Powell ME, McCoy SJ. Divide and conquer: Spatial and temporal resource partitioning structures benthic cyanobacterial mats. JOURNAL OF PHYCOLOGY 2024; 60:254-272. [PMID: 38467467 DOI: 10.1111/jpy.13443] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/04/2023] [Revised: 02/05/2024] [Accepted: 02/08/2024] [Indexed: 03/13/2024]
Abstract
Benthic cyanobacterial mats are increasing in abundance worldwide with the potential to degrade ecosystem structure and function. Understanding mat community dynamics is thus critical for predicting mat growth and proliferation and for mitigating any associated negative effects. Carbon, nitrogen, and sulfur cycling are the predominant forms of nutrient cycling discussed within the literature, while metabolic cooperation and viral interactions are understudied. Although many forms of nutrient cycling in mats have been assessed, the links between niche dynamics, microbial interactions, and nutrient cycling are not well described. Here, we present an updated review on how nutrient cycling and microbial community interactions in mats are structured by resource partitioning via spatial and temporal heterogeneity and succession. We assess community interactions and nutrient cycling at both intramat and metacommunity scales. Additionally, we present ideas and recommendations for research in this area, highlighting top-down control, boundary layers, and metabolic cooperation as important future directions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maya E Powell
- Environment, Ecology and Energy Program, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, North Carolina, USA
| | - Sophie J McCoy
- Environment, Ecology and Energy Program, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, North Carolina, USA
- Department of Biology, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, North Carolina, USA
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8
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Becker CC, Weber L, Llopiz JK, Mooney TA, Apprill A. Microorganisms uniquely capture and predict stony coral tissue loss disease and hurricane disturbance impacts on US Virgin Island reefs. Environ Microbiol 2024; 26:e16610. [PMID: 38576217 DOI: 10.1111/1462-2920.16610] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/05/2023] [Accepted: 03/01/2024] [Indexed: 04/06/2024]
Abstract
Coral reef ecosystems are now commonly affected by major climate and disease disturbances. Disturbance impacts are typically recorded using reef benthic cover, but this may be less reflective of other ecosystem processes. To explore the potential for reef water-based disturbance indicators, we conducted a 7-year time series on US Virgin Island reefs where we examined benthic cover and reef water nutrients and microorganisms from 2016 to 2022, which included two major disturbances: hurricanes Irma and Maria in 2017 and the stony coral tissue loss disease outbreak starting in 2020. The disease outbreak coincided with the largest changes in the benthic habitat, with increases in the percent cover of turf algae and Ramicrusta, an invasive alga. While sampling timepoint contributed most to changes in reef water nutrient composition and microbial community beta diversity, both disturbances led to increases in ammonium concentration, a mechanism likely contributing to observed microbial community shifts. We identified 10 microbial taxa that were sensitive and predictive of increasing ammonium concentration. This included the decline of the oligotrophic and photoautotrophic Prochlorococcus and the enrichment of heterotrophic taxa. As disturbances impact reefs, the changing nutrient and microbial regimes may foster a type of microbialization, a process that hastens reef degradation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Cynthia C Becker
- MIT-WHOI Joint Program in Oceanography/Applied Ocean Science and Engineering, Cambridge and Woods Hole, Massachusetts, USA
- Woods Hole Oceanographic Institution, Woods Hole, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Laura Weber
- Woods Hole Oceanographic Institution, Woods Hole, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Joel K Llopiz
- Woods Hole Oceanographic Institution, Woods Hole, Massachusetts, USA
| | - T Aran Mooney
- Woods Hole Oceanographic Institution, Woods Hole, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Amy Apprill
- Woods Hole Oceanographic Institution, Woods Hole, Massachusetts, USA
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9
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Sparagon WJ, Arts MGI, Quinlan ZA, Wegley Kelly L, Koester I, Comstock J, Bullington JA, Carlson CA, Dorrestein PC, Aluwihare LI, Haas AF, Nelson CE. Coral thermal stress and bleaching enrich and restructure reef microbial communities via altered organic matter exudation. Commun Biol 2024; 7:160. [PMID: 38351328 PMCID: PMC10864316 DOI: 10.1038/s42003-023-05730-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/10/2023] [Accepted: 12/16/2023] [Indexed: 02/16/2024] Open
Abstract
Coral bleaching is a well-documented and increasingly widespread phenomenon in reefs across the globe, yet there has been relatively little research on the implications for reef water column microbiology and biogeochemistry. A mesocosm heating experiment and bottle incubation compared how unbleached and bleached corals alter dissolved organic matter (DOM) exudation in response to thermal stress and subsequent effects on microbial growth and community structure in the water column. Thermal stress of healthy corals tripled DOM flux relative to ambient corals. DOM exudates from stressed corals (heated and/or previously bleached) were compositionally distinct from healthy corals and significantly increased growth of bacterioplankton, enriching copiotrophs and putative pathogens. Together these results demonstrate how the impacts of both short-term thermal stress and long-term bleaching may extend into the water column, with altered coral DOM exudation driving microbial feedbacks that influence how coral reefs respond to and recover from mass bleaching events.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wesley J Sparagon
- Daniel K. Inouye Center for Microbial Oceanography: Research and Education, Department of Oceanography and Sea Grant College Program, School of Ocean and Earth Science and Technology, University of Hawai'i at Mānoa, Honolulu, HI, 96822, USA.
| | - Milou G I Arts
- Royal Netherlands Institute for Sea Research, Department of Marine Microbiology and Biogeochemistry, Texel, The Netherlands
| | - Zachary A Quinlan
- Scripps Institution of Oceanography, University of California San Diego, La Jolla, USA
- San Diego State University, San Diego, USA
| | - Linda Wegley Kelly
- Scripps Institution of Oceanography, University of California San Diego, La Jolla, USA
- San Diego State University, San Diego, USA
| | - Irina Koester
- Scripps Institution of Oceanography, University of California San Diego, La Jolla, USA
| | - Jacqueline Comstock
- Department of Ecology, Evolution and Marine Biology, The Marine Science Institute, University of California Santa Barbara, Santa Barbara, USA
| | - Jessica A Bullington
- Daniel K. Inouye Center for Microbial Oceanography: Research and Education, Department of Oceanography and Sea Grant College Program, School of Ocean and Earth Science and Technology, University of Hawai'i at Mānoa, Honolulu, HI, 96822, USA
| | - Craig A Carlson
- Department of Ecology, Evolution and Marine Biology, The Marine Science Institute, University of California Santa Barbara, Santa Barbara, USA
| | | | - Lihini I Aluwihare
- Scripps Institution of Oceanography, University of California San Diego, La Jolla, USA
| | - Andreas F Haas
- Royal Netherlands Institute for Sea Research, Department of Marine Microbiology and Biogeochemistry, Texel, The Netherlands
- San Diego State University, San Diego, USA
| | - Craig E Nelson
- Daniel K. Inouye Center for Microbial Oceanography: Research and Education, Department of Oceanography and Sea Grant College Program, School of Ocean and Earth Science and Technology, University of Hawai'i at Mānoa, Honolulu, HI, 96822, USA
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10
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Vizon C, Urbanowiez A, Raviglione D, Bonnard I, Nugues MM. Benthic cyanobacterial metabolites interact to reduce coral larval survival and settlement. HARMFUL ALGAE 2024; 132:102582. [PMID: 38331546 DOI: 10.1016/j.hal.2024.102582] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/14/2023] [Revised: 01/04/2024] [Accepted: 01/15/2024] [Indexed: 02/10/2024]
Abstract
Benthic cyanobacterial mats (BCMs) are becoming increasingly abundant on coral reefs worldwide. High growth rates and prolific toxin production give them the potential to cause widespread coral recruitment failure through allelopathic effects, but few studies have made the link between their toxicity for coral larvae and in situ toxin concentrations. Here we investigated the allelopathic effects of the benthic cyanobacterium Anabaena sp.1 on larvae of the coral Pocillopora acuta. This cyanobacterium produces several non-ribosomal cyclic lipopeptides of the laxaphycin family with cytotoxic properties. Therefore, we measured the concentration of laxaphycins A and B in Anabaena mats and in the water column and tested their effects on coral larvae. We found that Anabaena crude extract reduces both larval survivorship and settlement and that laxaphycin B reduces settlement. When larvae were exposed to both laxaphycins, there was a reduction in both larval survival and settlement. In the natural reef environment, laxaphycin A and B concentrations increased with increasing proximity to Anabaena mats, with concentrations being consistently above LC50 and EC50 thresholds within a 1 cm distance of the mats. This study demonstrates that laxaphycins reduce the survival and inhibit the settlement of coral larvae at concentrations found near Anabaena mats in situ. It further shows a combined effect between two cyanobacterial metabolites. As BCMs become more common, more of their secondary metabolites might be released in the water column. Their occurrence will lead to a reduction in coral recruitment rates, contributing to the continuing decline of coral reefs and shift in community structure.
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Affiliation(s)
- Camille Vizon
- PSL Université Paris: EPHE-UPVD-CNRS, UAR 3278 CRIOBE, Université de Perpignan, 52 avenue Paul Alduy, 66860 Perpignan, France.
| | - Axel Urbanowiez
- PSL Université Paris: EPHE-UPVD-CNRS, UAR 3278 CRIOBE, Université de Perpignan, 52 avenue Paul Alduy, 66860 Perpignan, France
| | - Delphine Raviglione
- PSL Université Paris: EPHE-UPVD-CNRS, UAR 3278 CRIOBE, Université de Perpignan, 52 avenue Paul Alduy, 66860 Perpignan, France; Plateau technique MSXM, Plateforme Bio2mar, Université de Perpignan via Domitia, Perpignan, Cedex 9, France
| | - Isabelle Bonnard
- PSL Université Paris: EPHE-UPVD-CNRS, UAR 3278 CRIOBE, Université de Perpignan, 52 avenue Paul Alduy, 66860 Perpignan, France; Plateau technique MSXM, Plateforme Bio2mar, Université de Perpignan via Domitia, Perpignan, Cedex 9, France; Laboratoire d'Excellence Corail, 66860 Perpignan, France
| | - Maggy M Nugues
- PSL Université Paris: EPHE-UPVD-CNRS, UAR 3278 CRIOBE, Université de Perpignan, 52 avenue Paul Alduy, 66860 Perpignan, France; Laboratoire d'Excellence Corail, 66860 Perpignan, France
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11
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Cooney C, Sommer B, Marzinelli EM, Figueira WF. The role of microbial biofilms in range shifts of marine habitat-forming organisms. Trends Microbiol 2024; 32:190-199. [PMID: 37633773 DOI: 10.1016/j.tim.2023.07.015] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/14/2023] [Revised: 07/25/2023] [Accepted: 07/27/2023] [Indexed: 08/28/2023]
Abstract
Marine species, such as corals and kelp, are responding to climate change by altering their distributions. Microbial biofilms underpin key processes that affect the establishment, maintenance, and function of these dominant habitat-formers. Climate-mediated changes to microbial biofilms can therefore strongly influence species' range shifts. Here, we review emerging research on the interactions between benthic biofilms and habitat-formers and identify two key areas of interaction where climate change can impact this dynamic: (i) via direct effects on biofilm composition, and (ii) via impacts on the complex feedback loops which exist between the biofilm microbes and habitat-forming organisms. We propose that these key interactions will be fundamental in driving the speed and extent of tropicalisation of coastal ecosystems under climate change.
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Affiliation(s)
- Christopher Cooney
- School of Life and Environmental Sciences, The University of Sydney, Sydney, NSW 2006, Australia.
| | - Brigitte Sommer
- School of Life and Environmental Sciences, The University of Sydney, Sydney, NSW 2006, Australia; School of Life Sciences, University of Technology Sydney, Sydney, NSW 2007, Australia
| | - Ezequiel M Marzinelli
- School of Life and Environmental Sciences, The University of Sydney, Sydney, NSW 2006, Australia; Singapore Centre for Environmental Life Sciences Engineering, Nanyang Technological University, Singapore
| | - Will F Figueira
- School of Life and Environmental Sciences, The University of Sydney, Sydney, NSW 2006, Australia
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12
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Pei P, Aslam M, Wang H, Ye P, Li T, Liang H, Lin Q, Chen W, Du H. Diversity and ecological function of urease-producing bacteria in the cultivation environment of Gracilariopsis lemaneiformis. MICROBIAL ECOLOGY 2024; 87:35. [PMID: 38261068 PMCID: PMC10806000 DOI: 10.1007/s00248-023-02339-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/10/2023] [Accepted: 12/27/2023] [Indexed: 01/24/2024]
Abstract
Urease-producing bacteria (UPB) provide inorganic nitrogen for primary producers by hydrolyzing urea, and play an important role in marine nitrogen cycle. However, there is still an incomplete understanding of UPB and their ecological functions in the cultivation environment of the red macroalgae Gracilariopsis lemaneiformis. This study comprehensively analyzed the diversity of culturable UPB and explored their effects on urea uptake by G. lemaneiformis. A total of 34 isolates belonging to four main bacterial phyla i.e. (Proteobacteria, Bacteroidetes, Firmicutes, and Actinobacteria) were identified through 16S rRNA sequencing and were screened for UPB by urea agar chromogenic medium assay and ureC gene cloning. Our data revealed that only 8 strains contained urease. All of these UPB exhibited different urease activities, which were determined by the Berthelot reaction colorimetry assay. Additionally, the UPB strain (G13) isolated from G. lemaneiformis with higher urease activity was selected for co-culture with G. lemaneiformis to explore its role in promoting or inhibiting nitrogen uptake by macroalgae. The results showed a significant increase in urea consumption in the culture medium and the total cellular nitrogen in G. lemaneiformis in the UPB-co culture group compared to the sterile group. This suggests that the selected UPB strain positively influences nitrogen uptake by G. lemaneiformis. Similarly, isotopic assays revealed that the δ15N content of G. lemaneiformis was significantly higher in the UPB-co culture than in the control group, where δ15N-urea was the only nitrogen source in the culture medium. This indicates that the UPB helped G. lemaneiformis to absorb more nitrogen from urea. Moreover, the highest content of δ15N was found in G. lemaneiformis with epiphytic bacteria compared to sterilized (i.e. control), showing that epiphytic bacteria, along with UPB, have a compound effect in helping G. lemaneiformis absorb more nitrogen from urea. Taken together, these results provide unique insight into the ecological role of UPB and suggest that urease from macroalgae environment-associated bacteria might be an important player in marine nitrogen cycling.
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Affiliation(s)
- Pengbing Pei
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Marine Biotechnology, College of Science, Shantou University, Shantou, 515063, China
- Key Laboratory of Cultivation and High-Value Utilization of Marine Organisms in Fujian Province, Fisheries Research Institute of Fujian, Xiamen, 361000, China
| | - Muhammad Aslam
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Marine Biotechnology, College of Science, Shantou University, Shantou, 515063, China
- Faculty of Marine Sciences, LUAWMS, Lasbela, 90150, Pakistan
| | - Hui Wang
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Marine Biotechnology, College of Science, Shantou University, Shantou, 515063, China
| | - Peilin Ye
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Marine Biotechnology, College of Science, Shantou University, Shantou, 515063, China
| | - Tangcheng Li
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Marine Disaster Prediction and Prevention, College of Science, Shantou University, Shantou, 515063, China
| | - Honghao Liang
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Marine Biotechnology, College of Science, Shantou University, Shantou, 515063, China
| | - Qi Lin
- Key Laboratory of Cultivation and High-Value Utilization of Marine Organisms in Fujian Province, Fisheries Research Institute of Fujian, Xiamen, 361000, China
| | - Weizhou Chen
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Marine Biotechnology, College of Science, Shantou University, Shantou, 515063, China
| | - Hong Du
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Marine Biotechnology, College of Science, Shantou University, Shantou, 515063, China.
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13
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Terzin M, Laffy PW, Robbins S, Yeoh YK, Frade PR, Glasl B, Webster NS, Bourne DG. The road forward to incorporate seawater microbes in predictive reef monitoring. ENVIRONMENTAL MICROBIOME 2024; 19:5. [PMID: 38225668 PMCID: PMC10790441 DOI: 10.1186/s40793-023-00543-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/31/2023] [Accepted: 12/11/2023] [Indexed: 01/17/2024]
Abstract
Marine bacterioplankton underpin the health and function of coral reefs and respond in a rapid and sensitive manner to environmental changes that affect reef ecosystem stability. Numerous meta-omics surveys over recent years have documented persistent associations of opportunistic seawater microbial taxa, and their associated functions, with metrics of environmental stress and poor reef health (e.g. elevated temperature, nutrient loads and macroalgae cover). Through positive feedback mechanisms, disturbance-triggered heterotrophic activity of seawater microbes is hypothesised to drive keystone benthic organisms towards the limit of their resilience and translate into shifts in biogeochemical cycles which influence marine food webs, ultimately affecting entire reef ecosystems. However, despite nearly two decades of work in this space, a major limitation to using seawater microbes in reef monitoring is a lack of a unified and focused approach that would move beyond the indicator discovery phase and towards the development of rapid microbial indicator assays for (near) real-time reef management and decision-making. By reviewing the current state of knowledge, we provide a comprehensive framework (defined as five phases of research and innovation) to catalyse a shift from fundamental to applied research, allowing us to move from descriptive to predictive reef monitoring, and from reactive to proactive reef management.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marko Terzin
- Australian Institute of Marine Science, PMB no3 Townsville MC, Townsville, QLD, 4810, Australia.
- College of Science and Engineering, James Cook University, Townsville, QLD, 4811, Australia.
- AIMS@JCU, James Cook University, Townsville, QLD, 4811, Australia.
| | - Patrick W Laffy
- Australian Institute of Marine Science, PMB no3 Townsville MC, Townsville, QLD, 4810, Australia
- AIMS@JCU, James Cook University, Townsville, QLD, 4811, Australia
| | - Steven Robbins
- Australian Centre for Ecogenomics, University of Queensland, St. Lucia, QLD, 4072, Australia
| | - Yun Kit Yeoh
- Australian Institute of Marine Science, PMB no3 Townsville MC, Townsville, QLD, 4810, Australia
- AIMS@JCU, James Cook University, Townsville, QLD, 4811, Australia
| | - Pedro R Frade
- Natural History Museum Vienna, 1010, Vienna, Austria
| | - Bettina Glasl
- Division of Microbial Ecology, Centre for Microbiology and Environmental Systems Science, University of Vienna, 1030, Vienna, Austria
| | - Nicole S Webster
- Australian Institute of Marine Science, PMB no3 Townsville MC, Townsville, QLD, 4810, Australia
- Australian Centre for Ecogenomics, University of Queensland, St. Lucia, QLD, 4072, Australia
- Australian Antarctic Program, Department of Climate Change, Energy, the Environment and Water, Kingston, TAS, 7050, Australia
| | - David G Bourne
- Australian Institute of Marine Science, PMB no3 Townsville MC, Townsville, QLD, 4810, Australia.
- College of Science and Engineering, James Cook University, Townsville, QLD, 4811, Australia.
- AIMS@JCU, James Cook University, Townsville, QLD, 4811, Australia.
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14
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Parent KN. The phage fought the cells, and the phage won: a satellite symposium at the ASV 2023 annual meeting. J Virol 2023; 97:e0142023. [PMID: 37991366 PMCID: PMC10734453 DOI: 10.1128/jvi.01420-23] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/23/2023] Open
Abstract
This satellite symposium was focused on the molecular arms race between bacteria and their predators, the bacteriophages: who's the friend and who's the foe? This Gem recounts highlights of the talks and presents food for thought and additional reflections on the current state of the field.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kristin N. Parent
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Michigan State University, East Lansing, Michigan, USA
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15
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Cissell EC, McCoy SJ. Top-heavy trophic structure within benthic viral dark matter. Environ Microbiol 2023; 25:2303-2320. [PMID: 37381050 DOI: 10.1111/1462-2920.16457] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/31/2022] [Accepted: 06/16/2023] [Indexed: 06/30/2023]
Abstract
A better understanding of system-specific viral ecology in diverse environments is needed to predict patterns of virus-host trophic structure in the Anthropocene. This study characterised viral-host trophic structure within coral reef benthic cyanobacterial mats-a globally proliferating cause and consequence of coral reef degradation. We employed deep longitudinal multi-omic sequencing to characterise the viral assemblage (ssDNA, dsDNA, and dsRNA viruses) and profile lineage-specific host-virus interactions within benthic cyanobacterial mats sampled from Bonaire, Caribbean Netherlands. We recovered 11,012 unique viral populations spanning at least 10 viral families across the orders Caudovirales, Petitvirales, and Mindivirales. Gene-sharing network analyses provided evidence for extensive genomic novelty of mat viruses from reference and environmental viral sequences. Analysis of coverage ratios of viral sequences and computationally predicted hosts spanning 15 phyla and 21 classes revealed virus-host abundance (from DNA) and activity (from RNA) ratios consistently exceeding 1:1, suggesting a top-heavy intra-mat trophic structure with respect to virus-host interactions. Overall, our article contributes a curated database of viral sequences found in Caribbean coral reef benthic cyanobacterial mats (vMAT database) and provides multiple lines of field-based evidence demonstrating that viruses are active members of mat communities, with broader implications for mat functional ecology and demography.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ethan C Cissell
- Department of Biology, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, North Carolina, USA
| | - Sophie J McCoy
- Department of Biology, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, North Carolina, USA
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16
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Quinlan ZA, Bennett MJ, Arts MGI, Levenstein M, Flores D, Tholen HM, Tichy L, Juarez G, Haas AF, Chamberland VF, Latijnhouwers KRW, Vermeij MJA, Johnson AW, Marhaver KL, Kelly LW. Coral larval settlement induction using tissue-associated and exuded coralline algae metabolites and the identification of putative chemical cues. Proc Biol Sci 2023; 290:20231476. [PMID: 37848062 PMCID: PMC10581770 DOI: 10.1098/rspb.2023.1476] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/29/2023] [Accepted: 09/13/2023] [Indexed: 10/19/2023] Open
Abstract
Reef-building crustose coralline algae (CCA) are known to facilitate the settlement and metamorphosis of scleractinian coral larvae. In recent decades, CCA coverage has fallen globally and degrading environmental conditions continue to reduce coral survivorship, spurring new restoration interventions to rebuild coral reef health. In this study, naturally produced chemical compounds (metabolites) were collected from two pantropical CCA genera to isolate and classify those that induce coral settlement. In experiments using four ecologically important Caribbean coral species, we demonstrate the applicability of extracted, CCA-derived metabolites to improve larval settlement success in coral breeding and restoration efforts. Tissue-associated CCA metabolites induced settlement of one coral species, Orbicella faveolata, while metabolites exuded by CCA (exometabolites) induced settlement of three species: Acropora palmata, Colpophyllia natans and Orbicella faveolata. In a follow-up experiment, CCA exometabolites fractionated and preserved using two different extraction resins induced the same level of larval settlement as the unfractionated positive control exometabolites. The fractionated CCA exometabolite pools were characterized using liquid chromatography tandem mass spectrometry, yielding 145 distinct molecular subnetworks that were statistically defined as CCA-derived and could be classified into 10 broad chemical classes. Identifying these compounds can reveal their natural prevalence in coral reef habitats and facilitate the development of new applications to enhance larval settlement and the survival of coral juveniles.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zachary A. Quinlan
- Marine Biology Research Division, Scripps Institution of Oceanography, University of California San Diego, La Jolla, CA 92093, USA
| | | | - Milou G. I. Arts
- Department of Marine Microbiology and Biogeochemistry, Royal Netherlands Institute of Sea Research (NIOZ), Den Burg, 1797 SZ, Texel, The Netherlands
| | - Mark Levenstein
- Department of Mechanical Science and Engineering, University of Illinois Urbana–Champaign, Urbana, IL 61801, USA
- Institute for Genomic Biology, University of Illinois Urbana–Champaign, Urbana, IL 61801, USA
| | - Daisy Flores
- CARMABI Foundation, Piscaderabaai z/n, Willemstad, Curaçao
- Department of Integrative Biology, University of Texas at Austin, Austin, TX 78712, USA
| | - Haley M. Tholen
- Department of Mechanical Science and Engineering, University of Illinois Urbana–Champaign, Urbana, IL 61801, USA
| | - Lucas Tichy
- CARMABI Foundation, Piscaderabaai z/n, Willemstad, Curaçao
- Department of Microbiology, Radboud University, Nijmegen, 6525 XZ, The Netherlands
| | - Gabriel Juarez
- Department of Mechanical Science and Engineering, University of Illinois Urbana–Champaign, Urbana, IL 61801, USA
| | - Andreas F. Haas
- Department of Marine Microbiology and Biogeochemistry, Royal Netherlands Institute of Sea Research (NIOZ), Den Burg, 1797 SZ, Texel, The Netherlands
- Department of Biology, San Diego State University, San Diego, CA 92182, USA
| | - Valérie F. Chamberland
- CARMABI Foundation, Piscaderabaai z/n, Willemstad, Curaçao
- SECORE International, Hilliard, OH 43026, USA
- Department of Freshwater and Marine Ecology, Institute for Biodiversity and Ecosystem Dynamics, University of Amsterdam, Amsterdam, 1012 WP, The Netherlands
| | - Kelly R. W. Latijnhouwers
- CARMABI Foundation, Piscaderabaai z/n, Willemstad, Curaçao
- SECORE International, Hilliard, OH 43026, USA
- Department of Freshwater and Marine Ecology, Institute for Biodiversity and Ecosystem Dynamics, University of Amsterdam, Amsterdam, 1012 WP, The Netherlands
| | - Mark J. A. Vermeij
- CARMABI Foundation, Piscaderabaai z/n, Willemstad, Curaçao
- Department of Freshwater and Marine Ecology, Institute for Biodiversity and Ecosystem Dynamics, University of Amsterdam, Amsterdam, 1012 WP, The Netherlands
| | - Amy Wagoner Johnson
- Department of Mechanical Science and Engineering, University of Illinois Urbana–Champaign, Urbana, IL 61801, USA
- Institute for Genomic Biology, University of Illinois Urbana–Champaign, Urbana, IL 61801, USA
- Carle Illinois College of Medicine, University of Illinois Urbana–Champaign, Urbana, IL 61801, USA
| | | | - Linda Wegley Kelly
- Marine Biology Research Division, Scripps Institution of Oceanography, University of California San Diego, La Jolla, CA 92093, USA
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17
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Kuba GM, Spalding HL, Hill-Spanik KM, Williams TM, Paiano MO, Sherwood AR, Hauk BB, Kosaki RK, Fullerton H. Characterization of macroalgal-associated microbial communities from shallow to mesophotic depths at Manawai, Papahānaumokuākea Marine National Monument, Hawai'i. PeerJ 2023; 11:e16114. [PMID: 37842050 PMCID: PMC10569167 DOI: 10.7717/peerj.16114] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/17/2023] [Accepted: 08/27/2023] [Indexed: 10/17/2023] Open
Abstract
The Papahānaumokuākea Marine National Monument, Hawai'i, is one of the most isolated and protected archipelagos in the world, making it a natural laboratory to examine macroalgal-microbial diversity because of limited direct anthropogenic impacts. We collected the most abundant macroalgae from nine sites ranging from shallow subtidal (1.5 m) to mesophotic (75 m) depths around Manawai (Pearl and Hermes Atoll). We characterized the macroalgal bacterial communities via high-throughput amplicon sequencing and compared the influence of host phylum, species, site, and depth on these relationships at a single atoll. Ochrophyta species had the lowest bacterial diversity compared to Chlorophyta and Rhodophyta. Site and/or depth may influence the microbial community structure associated with Microdictyon setchellianum, indicating a possible disconnect of these microbial communities among habitats. Chondria tumulosa, a cryptogenic species with invasive traits, differed in associated microbiota compared to the native Laurencia galtsoffii, an alga from the same family collected at the same site and depth. While there was overlap of bacterial communities across sites for some algal species, the majority had minimal macroalgal-microbial community connectivity across Manawai. This mesophotic system, therefore, did not appear to be refugia for shallow water coral reefs at microscopic scales. Additional studies are required to identify other significant influences on microbial community variation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gabrielle M. Kuba
- Department of Biology, College of Charleston, Charleston, SC, United States
| | | | - Kristina M. Hill-Spanik
- Department of Biology, Grice Marine Laboratory, College of Charleston, Charleston, SC, United States
| | - Taylor M. Williams
- Department of Biology, College of Charleston, Charleston, SC, United States
| | - Monica O. Paiano
- School of Life Sciences, University of Hawai‘i at Mānoa, Honolulu, HI, United States
| | - Alison R. Sherwood
- School of Life Sciences, University of Hawai‘i at Mānoa, Honolulu, HI, United States
| | - Brian B. Hauk
- Cooperative Institute for Marine and Atmospheric Research, University of Hawai‘i at Mānoa, Honolulu, HI, United States
- Papahānaumokuākea Marine National Monument, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, Honolulu, HI, United States
| | - Randall K. Kosaki
- Papahānaumokuākea Marine National Monument, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, Honolulu, HI, United States
- Center for the Exploration of Coral Reef Ecosystems (XCoRE), Bishop Museum, Honolulu, HI, United States
| | - Heather Fullerton
- Department of Biology, College of Charleston, Charleston, SC, United States
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18
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Elsherbini J, Corzett C, Ravaglioli C, Tamburello L, Polz M, Bulleri F. Epilithic Bacterial Assemblages on Subtidal Rocky Reefs: Variation Among Alternative Habitats at Ambient and Enhanced Nutrient Levels. MICROBIAL ECOLOGY 2023; 86:1552-1564. [PMID: 36790500 PMCID: PMC10497455 DOI: 10.1007/s00248-023-02174-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/13/2022] [Accepted: 01/13/2023] [Indexed: 06/18/2023]
Abstract
Temperate rocky reefs often support mosaics of alternative habitats such as macroalgal forests, algal turfs and sea urchin barrens. Although the composition of epilithic microbial biofilms (EMBs) is recognized as a major determinant of macroalgal recruitment, their role in regulating the stability of alternative habitats on temperate rocky reefs remains unexplored. On shallow rocky reefs of the Island of Capraia (NW Mediterranean), we compared EMB structure among canopy stands formed by the fucoid Ericaria brachycarpa, algal turfs, and urchin barrens under ambient versus experimentally enhanced nutrient levels. The three habitats shared a core microbial community consisting of 21.6 and 25.3% of total ASVs under ambient and enhanced nutrient conditions, respectively. Although Gammaproteobacteria, Alphaproteobacteria and Flavobacteriia were the most abundant classes across habitats, multivariate analyses at the ASV level showed marked differences in EMB composition among habitats. Enhancing nutrient level had no significant effect on EMBs, although it increased their similarity between macroalgal canopy and turf habitats. At both ambient and enriched nutrient levels, ASVs mostly belonging to Proteobacteria and Bacteroidetes were more abundant in EMBs from macroalgal canopies than barrens. In contrast, ASVs belonging to the phylum of Proteobacteria and, in particular, to the families of Rhodobacteraceae and Flavobacteriaceae at ambient nutrient levels and of Rhodobacteraceae and Bacteriovoracaceae at enhanced nutrient levels were more abundant in turf than canopy habitats. Our results show that primary surfaces from alternative habitats that form mosaics on shallow rocky reefs in oligotrophic areas host distinct microbial communities that are, to some extent, resistant to moderate nutrient enhancement. Understanding the role of EMBs in generating reinforcing feedback under different nutrient loading regimes appears crucial to advance our understanding of the mechanisms underpinning the stability of habitats alternative to macroalgal forests as well as their role in regulating reverse shifts.
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Affiliation(s)
- Joseph Elsherbini
- MIT Microbiology Graduate Program, Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, MA, 02138, USA
| | - Christopher Corzett
- Molecular and Computational Biology Section, Department of Biological Sciences, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, CA, 90089, USA
| | - Chiara Ravaglioli
- Dipartimento di Biologia, Università di Pisa, CoNISMa, Via Derna 1, 56126, Pisa, Italy
| | - Laura Tamburello
- Department of Integrative Marine Ecology, Ischia Marine Centre, Stazione Zoologica Anton Dohrn, 80077, Punta San Pietro, Ischia, (Naples), Italy
| | - Martin Polz
- MIT Microbiology Graduate Program, Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, MA, 02138, USA
- Centre for Microbiology and Environmental Systems Science, Djerassiplatz 1, 1130, Vienna, Austria
| | - Fabio Bulleri
- Dipartimento di Biologia, Università di Pisa, CoNISMa, Via Derna 1, 56126, Pisa, Italy.
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19
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Shakya AW, Allgeier JE. Water column contributions to coral reef productivity: overcoming challenges of context dependence. Biol Rev Camb Philos Soc 2023; 98:1812-1828. [PMID: 37315947 DOI: 10.1111/brv.12984] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/04/2022] [Revised: 05/21/2023] [Accepted: 05/23/2023] [Indexed: 06/16/2023]
Abstract
Coral reefs are declining at an unprecedented rate. Effective management and conservation initiatives necessitate improved understanding of the drivers of production because the high rates found in these ecosystems are the foundation of the many services they provide. The water column is the nexus of coral reef ecosystem dynamics, and functions as the interface through which essentially all energy and nutrients are transferred to fuel both new and recycled production. Substantial research has described many aspects of water column dynamics, often focusing on specific components because water column dynamics are highly spatially and temporally context dependent. Although necessary, a cost of this approach is that these dynamics are often not well linked to the broader ecosystem or across systems. To help overcome the challenge of context dependence, we provide a comprehensive review of this literature, and synthesise it through the perspective of ecosystem ecology. Specifically, we provide a framework to organise the drivers of temporal and spatial variation in production dynamics, structured around five primary state factors. These state factors are used to deconstruct the environmental contexts in which three water column sub-food webs mediate 'new' and 'recycled' production. We then highlight critical pathways by which global change drivers are altering coral reefs via the water column. We end by discussing four key knowledge gaps hindering understanding of the role of the water column for mediating coral reef production, and how overcoming these could improve conservation and management strategies. Throughout, we identify areas of extensive research and those where studies remain lacking and provide a database of 84 published studies. Improved integration of water column dynamics into models of coral reef ecosystem function is imperative to achieve the understanding of ecosystem production necessary to develop effective conservation and management strategies needed to stem global coral loss.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anjali W Shakya
- Department of Ecology and Evolutionary Biology, University of Michigan, 1105 N University Ave, Ann Arbor, MI, 48109, USA
| | - Jacob E Allgeier
- Department of Ecology and Evolutionary Biology, University of Michigan, 1105 N University Ave, Ann Arbor, MI, 48109, USA
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20
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Fong J, Tang PPY, Deignan LK, Seah JCL, McDougald D, Rice SA, Todd PA. Chemically Mediated Interactions with Macroalgae Negatively Affect Coral Health but Induce Limited Changes in Coral Microbiomes. Microorganisms 2023; 11:2261. [PMID: 37764105 PMCID: PMC10535309 DOI: 10.3390/microorganisms11092261] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/19/2023] [Revised: 09/05/2023] [Accepted: 09/06/2023] [Indexed: 09/29/2023] Open
Abstract
Allelopathic chemicals facilitated by the direct contact of macroalgae with corals are potentially an important mechanism mediating coral-macroalgal interactions, but only a few studies have explored their impacts on coral health and microbiomes and the coral's ability to recover. We conducted a field experiment on an equatorial urbanized reef to assess the allelopathic effects of four macroalgal species (Bryopsis sp., Endosiphonia horrida, Hypnea pannosa and Lobophora challengeriae) on the health and microbiomes of three coral species (Merulina ampliata, Montipora stellata and Pocillopora acuta). Following 24 h of exposure, crude extracts of all four macroalgal species caused significant coral tissue bleaching and reduction in effective quantum yield. The corals were able to recover within 72 h of the removal of extracts, except those that were exposed to L. challengeriae. While some macroalgal extracts caused an increase in the alpha diversity of coral microbiomes, there were no significant differences in the composition and variability of coral microbiomes between controls and macroalgal extracts at each sampling time point. Nevertheless, DESeq2 differential abundance analyses showed species-specific responses of coral microbiomes. Overall, our findings provide insights on the limited effect of chemically mediated interactions with macroalgae on coral microbiomes and the capacity of corals to recover quickly from the macroalgal chemicals.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jenny Fong
- Experimental Marine Ecology Laboratory, National University of Singapore, Singapore 117558, Singapore; (J.C.L.S.); (P.A.T.)
| | - Peggy P. Y. Tang
- Singapore Centre for Environmental Life Sciences Engineering, Nanyang Technological University, Singapore 637551, Singapore; (P.P.Y.T.); (L.K.D.); (D.M.); (S.A.R.)
| | - Lindsey K. Deignan
- Singapore Centre for Environmental Life Sciences Engineering, Nanyang Technological University, Singapore 637551, Singapore; (P.P.Y.T.); (L.K.D.); (D.M.); (S.A.R.)
| | - Jovena C. L. Seah
- Experimental Marine Ecology Laboratory, National University of Singapore, Singapore 117558, Singapore; (J.C.L.S.); (P.A.T.)
| | - Diane McDougald
- Singapore Centre for Environmental Life Sciences Engineering, Nanyang Technological University, Singapore 637551, Singapore; (P.P.Y.T.); (L.K.D.); (D.M.); (S.A.R.)
- Australian Institute for Microbiology & Infection, University of Technology Sydney, Sydney, NSW 2007, Australia
| | - Scott A. Rice
- Singapore Centre for Environmental Life Sciences Engineering, Nanyang Technological University, Singapore 637551, Singapore; (P.P.Y.T.); (L.K.D.); (D.M.); (S.A.R.)
| | - Peter A. Todd
- Experimental Marine Ecology Laboratory, National University of Singapore, Singapore 117558, Singapore; (J.C.L.S.); (P.A.T.)
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21
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Becker CC, Weber L, Zgliczynski B, Sullivan C, Sandin S, Muller E, Clark AS, Kido Soule MC, Longnecker K, Kujawinski EB, Apprill A. Microorganisms and dissolved metabolites distinguish Florida's Coral Reef habitats. PNAS NEXUS 2023; 2:pgad287. [PMID: 37719750 PMCID: PMC10504872 DOI: 10.1093/pnasnexus/pgad287] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/20/2023] [Accepted: 08/24/2023] [Indexed: 09/19/2023]
Abstract
As coral reef ecosystems experience unprecedented change, effective monitoring of reef features supports management, conservation, and intervention efforts. Omic techniques show promise in quantifying key components of reef ecosystems including dissolved metabolites and microorganisms that may serve as invisible sensors for reef ecosystem dynamics. Dissolved metabolites are released by reef organisms and transferred among microorganisms, acting as chemical currencies and contributing to nutrient cycling and signaling on reefs. Here, we applied four omic techniques (taxonomic microbiome via amplicon sequencing, functional microbiome via shotgun metagenomics, targeted metabolomics, and untargeted metabolomics) to waters overlying Florida's Coral Reef, as well as microbiome profiling on individual coral colonies from these reefs to understand how microbes and dissolved metabolites reflect biogeographical, benthic, and nutrient properties of this 500-km barrier reef. We show that the microbial and metabolite omic approaches each differentiated reef habitats based on geographic zone. Further, seawater microbiome profiling and targeted metabolomics were significantly related to more reef habitat characteristics, such as amount of hard and soft coral, compared to metagenomic sequencing and untargeted metabolomics. Across five coral species, microbiomes were also significantly related to reef zone, followed by species and disease status, suggesting that the geographic water circulation patterns in Florida also impact the microbiomes of reef builders. A combination of differential abundance and indicator species analyses revealed metabolite and microbial signatures of specific reef zones, which demonstrates the utility of these techniques to provide new insights into reef microbial and metabolite features that reflect broader ecosystem processes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Cynthia C Becker
- Marine Chemistry and Geochemistry Department, Woods Hole Oceanographic Institution, Woods Hole, MA 02543, USA
- Biological Oceanography, Massachusetts Institute of Technology-Woods Hole Oceanographic Institution Joint Program in Oceanography/Applied Ocean Science and Engineering,Cambridge, MA 02139, USA
| | - Laura Weber
- Marine Chemistry and Geochemistry Department, Woods Hole Oceanographic Institution, Woods Hole, MA 02543, USA
| | - Brian Zgliczynski
- Scripps Institution of Oceanography, University of California San Diego, La Jolla, CA 92093, USA
| | - Chris Sullivan
- Scripps Institution of Oceanography, University of California San Diego, La Jolla, CA 92093, USA
| | - Stuart Sandin
- Scripps Institution of Oceanography, University of California San Diego, La Jolla, CA 92093, USA
| | - Erinn Muller
- Elizabeth Moore International Center for Coral Reef Research and Restoration, Mote Marine Laboratory, Summerland Key, FL 33042, USA
- Coral Health and Disease Program, Mote Marine Laboratory, Sarasota, FL 34236, USA
| | - Abigail S Clark
- Elizabeth Moore International Center for Coral Reef Research and Restoration, Mote Marine Laboratory, Summerland Key, FL 33042, USA
- Marine Science and Technology Department, The College of the Florida Keys, Key West, FL 33040, USA
| | - Melissa C Kido Soule
- Marine Chemistry and Geochemistry Department, Woods Hole Oceanographic Institution, Woods Hole, MA 02543, USA
| | - Krista Longnecker
- Marine Chemistry and Geochemistry Department, Woods Hole Oceanographic Institution, Woods Hole, MA 02543, USA
| | - Elizabeth B Kujawinski
- Marine Chemistry and Geochemistry Department, Woods Hole Oceanographic Institution, Woods Hole, MA 02543, USA
| | - Amy Apprill
- Marine Chemistry and Geochemistry Department, Woods Hole Oceanographic Institution, Woods Hole, MA 02543, USA
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22
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Mannochio-Russo H, Swift SOI, Nakayama KK, Wall CB, Gentry EC, Panitchpakdi M, Caraballo-Rodriguez AM, Aron AT, Petras D, Dorrestein K, Dorrestein TK, Williams TM, Nalley EM, Altman-Kurosaki NT, Martinelli M, Kuwabara JY, Darcy JL, Bolzani VS, Wegley Kelly L, Mora C, Yew JY, Amend AS, McFall-Ngai M, Hynson NA, Dorrestein PC, Nelson CE. Microbiomes and metabolomes of dominant coral reef primary producers illustrate a potential role for immunolipids in marine symbioses. Commun Biol 2023; 6:896. [PMID: 37653089 PMCID: PMC10471604 DOI: 10.1038/s42003-023-05230-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/01/2022] [Accepted: 08/08/2023] [Indexed: 09/02/2023] Open
Abstract
The dominant benthic primary producers in coral reef ecosystems are complex holobionts with diverse microbiomes and metabolomes. In this study, we characterize the tissue metabolomes and microbiomes of corals, macroalgae, and crustose coralline algae via an intensive, replicated synoptic survey of a single coral reef system (Waimea Bay, O'ahu, Hawaii) and use these results to define associations between microbial taxa and metabolites specific to different hosts. Our results quantify and constrain the degree of host specificity of tissue metabolomes and microbiomes at both phylum and genus level. Both microbiome and metabolomes were distinct between calcifiers (corals and CCA) and erect macroalgae. Moreover, our multi-omics investigations highlight common lipid-based immune response pathways across host organisms. In addition, we observed strong covariation among several specific microbial taxa and metabolite classes, suggesting new metabolic roles of symbiosis to further explore.
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Affiliation(s)
- Helena Mannochio-Russo
- Skaggs School of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of California, San Diego, La Jolla, CA, 92093, USA.
- Department of Biochemistry and Organic Chemistry, Institute of Chemistry, São Paulo State University, Araraquara, SP, 14800-060, Brazil.
| | - Sean O I Swift
- Daniel K. Inouye Center for Microbial Oceanography: Research and Education, Department of Oceanography and Sea Grant College Program, University of Hawai'i at Mānoa, Honolulu, HI, 96822, USA.
| | - Kirsten K Nakayama
- Pacific Biosciences Research Center, University of Hawai'i at Mānoa, Honolulu, HI, 96822, USA
| | - Christopher B Wall
- Pacific Biosciences Research Center, University of Hawai'i at Mānoa, Honolulu, HI, 96822, USA
- Ecology Behavior and Evolution Section, Department of Biological Sciences, University of California, San Diego, La Jolla, CA, 92093, USA
| | - Emily C Gentry
- Skaggs School of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of California, San Diego, La Jolla, CA, 92093, USA
- Collaborative Mass Spectrometry Innovation Center, Skaggs School of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of California, San Diego, La Jolla, CA, 92093, USA
| | - Morgan Panitchpakdi
- Skaggs School of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of California, San Diego, La Jolla, CA, 92093, USA
- Collaborative Mass Spectrometry Innovation Center, Skaggs School of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of California, San Diego, La Jolla, CA, 92093, USA
| | - Andrés M Caraballo-Rodriguez
- Skaggs School of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of California, San Diego, La Jolla, CA, 92093, USA
| | - Allegra T Aron
- Skaggs School of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of California, San Diego, La Jolla, CA, 92093, USA
- Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, University of Denver, Denver, CO, 80210, USA
| | - Daniel Petras
- Skaggs School of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of California, San Diego, La Jolla, CA, 92093, USA
- Cluster of Excellence "Controlling Microbes to Fight Infections" (CMFI), University of Tuebingen, Tuebingen, Germany
| | - Kathleen Dorrestein
- Skaggs School of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of California, San Diego, La Jolla, CA, 92093, USA
- Collaborative Mass Spectrometry Innovation Center, Skaggs School of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of California, San Diego, La Jolla, CA, 92093, USA
| | | | - Taylor M Williams
- Marine Option Program, University of Hawai'i at Mānoa, Honolulu, HI, 96822, USA
| | - Eileen M Nalley
- Hawai'i Sea Grant College Program, University of Hawai'i at Mānoa, Honolulu, HI, 96822, USA
| | - Noam T Altman-Kurosaki
- School of Biological Sciences, Georgia Institute of Technology, 311 Ferst Drive, Atlanta, GA, 30332, USA
| | | | - Jeff Y Kuwabara
- Marine Option Program, University of Hawai'i at Mānoa, Honolulu, HI, 96822, USA
| | - John L Darcy
- Pacific Biosciences Research Center, University of Hawai'i at Mānoa, Honolulu, HI, 96822, USA
| | - Vanderlan S Bolzani
- Department of Biochemistry and Organic Chemistry, Institute of Chemistry, São Paulo State University, Araraquara, SP, 14800-060, Brazil
| | - Linda Wegley Kelly
- Scripps Institution of Oceanography, University of California San Diego, La Jolla, California, CA, USA
| | - Camilo Mora
- Geography, University of Hawai'i at Mānoa, Honolulu, HI, 96822, USA
| | - Joanne Y Yew
- Pacific Biosciences Research Center, University of Hawai'i at Mānoa, Honolulu, HI, 96822, USA
| | - Anthony S Amend
- Pacific Biosciences Research Center, University of Hawai'i at Mānoa, Honolulu, HI, 96822, USA
| | - Margaret McFall-Ngai
- Pacific Biosciences Research Center, University of Hawai'i at Mānoa, Honolulu, HI, 96822, USA
| | - Nicole A Hynson
- Pacific Biosciences Research Center, University of Hawai'i at Mānoa, Honolulu, HI, 96822, USA
| | - Pieter C Dorrestein
- Skaggs School of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of California, San Diego, La Jolla, CA, 92093, USA
- Collaborative Mass Spectrometry Innovation Center, Skaggs School of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of California, San Diego, La Jolla, CA, 92093, USA
| | - Craig E Nelson
- Daniel K. Inouye Center for Microbial Oceanography: Research and Education, Department of Oceanography and Sea Grant College Program, University of Hawai'i at Mānoa, Honolulu, HI, 96822, USA
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23
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Mascuch SJ, Demko A, Viulu S, Ginigini J, Soapi K, Jensen P, Kubanek J. Antibiotic Activity Altered by Competitive Interactions Between Two Coral Reef-Associated Bacteria. MICROBIAL ECOLOGY 2023; 85:1226-1235. [PMID: 35460372 PMCID: PMC9588090 DOI: 10.1007/s00248-022-02016-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/18/2021] [Accepted: 04/16/2022] [Indexed: 05/10/2023]
Abstract
Microbes produce natural products that mediate interactions with each other and with their environments, representing a potential source of antibiotics for human use. The biosynthesis of some antibiotics whose constitutive production otherwise remains low has been shown to be induced by competing microbes. Competition among macroorganism hosts may further influence the metabolic outputs of members of their microbiomes, especially near host surfaces where hosts and microbial symbionts come into close contact. At multiple field sites in Fiji, we collected matched samples of corals and algae that were freestanding or in physical contact with each other, cultivated bacteria from their surfaces, and explored growth-inhibitory activities of these bacteria against marine and human pathogens. In the course of the investigation, an interaction was discovered between two coral-associated actinomycetes in which an Agrococcus sp. interfered with the antibiotic output of a Streptomyces sp. Several diketopiperazines identified from the antibiotic-producing bacterium could not, on their own, account for the antibiotic activity indicating that other, as yet unidentified molecule(s) or molecular blends, possibly including diketopiperazines, are likely involved. This observation highlights the complex molecular dynamics at play among microbiome constituents. The mechanisms through which microbial interactions impact the biological activities of specialized metabolites deserve further attention considering the ecological and commercial importance of bacterial natural products.
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Affiliation(s)
- Samantha J Mascuch
- Institute for Bioengineering and Bioscience, Center for Microbial Dynamics and Infection, School of Biological Sciences and School of Chemistry & Biochemistry, Georgia Institute of Technology, Atlanta, GA, USA
| | - Alyssa Demko
- Center for Marine Biotechnology and Biomedicine, Scripps Institution of Oceanography, UC San Diego, La Jolla, CA, USA
| | - Samson Viulu
- School of Biological and Chemical Sciences, The University of the South Pacific, Suva, Fiji
| | - Joape Ginigini
- School of Biological and Chemical Sciences, The University of the South Pacific, Suva, Fiji
| | - Katy Soapi
- School of Biological and Chemical Sciences, The University of the South Pacific, Suva, Fiji
| | - Paul Jensen
- Center for Marine Biotechnology and Biomedicine, Scripps Institution of Oceanography, UC San Diego, La Jolla, CA, USA
| | - Julia Kubanek
- Institute for Bioengineering and Bioscience, Center for Microbial Dynamics and Infection, School of Biological Sciences and School of Chemistry & Biochemistry, Georgia Institute of Technology, Atlanta, GA, USA.
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24
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Tong H, Zhang F, Sun J, McIlroy SE, Zhang W, Wang Y, Huang H, Zhou G, Qian PY. Meta-organism gene expression reveals that the impact of nitrate enrichment on coral larvae is mediated by their associated Symbiodiniaceae and prokaryotic assemblages. MICROBIOME 2023; 11:89. [PMID: 37101227 PMCID: PMC10131396 DOI: 10.1186/s40168-023-01495-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/31/2022] [Accepted: 02/16/2023] [Indexed: 05/12/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Coral meta-organisms consist of the coral, and its associated Symbiodiniaceae (dinoflagellate algae), bacteria, and other microbes. Corals can acquire photosynthates from Symbiodiniaceae, whilst Symbiodiniaceae uses metabolites from corals. Prokaryotic microbes provide Symbiodiniaceae with nutrients and support the resilience of corals as meta-organisms. Eutrophication is a major cause of coral reef degradation; however, its effects on the transcriptomic response of coral meta-organisms remain unclear, particularly for prokaryotic microbes associated with corals in the larval stage. To understand acclimation of the coral meta-organism to elevated nitrate conditions, we analyzed the physiological and transcriptomic responses of Pocillopora damicornis larvae, an ecologically important scleractinian coral, after 5 days of exposure to elevated nitrate levels (5, 10, 20, and 40 µM). RESULTS The major differentially expressed transcripts in coral, Symbiodiniaceae, and prokaryotic microbes included those related to development, stress response, and transport. The development of Symbiodiniaceae was not affected in the 5 and 20 µM groups but was downregulated in the 10 and 40 µM groups. In contrast, prokaryotic microbe development was upregulated in the 10 and 40 µM groups and downregulated in the 5 and 20 µM groups. Meanwhile, coral larval development was less downregulated in the 10 and 40 µM groups than in the 5 and 20 µM groups. In addition, multiple larval, Symbiodiniaceae, and prokaryotic transcripts were significantly correlated with each other. The core transcripts in correlation networks were related to development, nutrient metabolism, and transport. A generalized linear mixed model, using least absolute shrinkage and selection operator, demonstrated that the Symbiodiniaceae could both benefit and cost coral larval development. Furthermore, the most significantly correlated prokaryotic transcripts maintained negative correlations with the physiological functions of Symbiodiniaceae. CONCLUSIONS Results suggested that Symbiodiniaceae tended to retain more nutrients under elevated nitrate concentrations, thereby shifting the coral-algal association from mutualism towards parasitism. Prokaryotic microbes provided Symbiodiniaceae with essential nutrients and may control Symbiodiniaceae growth through competition, whereby prokaryotes can also restore coral larval development inhibited by Symbiodiniaceae overgrowth. Video Abstract.
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Affiliation(s)
- Haoya Tong
- Southern Marine Science and Engineering Guangdong Laboratory (Guangzhou), Nansha, Guangzhou, China
- Department of Ocean Science, The Hong Kong University of Science and Technology, Hong Kong SAR, China
| | - Fang Zhang
- CAS Key Laboratory of Tropical Marine Bio-Resources and Ecology, South China Sea Institute of Oceanology, Institute of South China Sea Ecology and Environmental Engineering, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Guangzhou, China
- CAS-HKUST Sanya Joint Laboratory of Marine Science Research and Hainan Key Laboratory of Tropical Marine Biotechnology, Tropical Marine Biological Research Station in Hainan, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Sanya, China
| | - Jin Sun
- Institute of Evolution and Marine Biodiversity, Ocean University of China, Qingdao, China
| | - Shelby E. McIlroy
- The Swire Institute of Marine Science, School of Biological Sciences, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong SAR, China
| | - Weipeng Zhang
- College of Marine Life Sciences, Ocean University of China, Qingdao, China
| | - Yan Wang
- Department of Ocean Science, The Hong Kong University of Science and Technology, Hong Kong SAR, China
| | - Hui Huang
- CAS Key Laboratory of Tropical Marine Bio-Resources and Ecology, South China Sea Institute of Oceanology, Institute of South China Sea Ecology and Environmental Engineering, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Guangzhou, China
- CAS-HKUST Sanya Joint Laboratory of Marine Science Research and Hainan Key Laboratory of Tropical Marine Biotechnology, Tropical Marine Biological Research Station in Hainan, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Sanya, China
| | - Guowei Zhou
- CAS Key Laboratory of Tropical Marine Bio-Resources and Ecology, South China Sea Institute of Oceanology, Institute of South China Sea Ecology and Environmental Engineering, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Guangzhou, China
- CAS-HKUST Sanya Joint Laboratory of Marine Science Research and Hainan Key Laboratory of Tropical Marine Biotechnology, Tropical Marine Biological Research Station in Hainan, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Sanya, China
| | - Pei-Yuan Qian
- Southern Marine Science and Engineering Guangdong Laboratory (Guangzhou), Nansha, Guangzhou, China
- Department of Ocean Science, The Hong Kong University of Science and Technology, Hong Kong SAR, China
- CAS-HKUST Sanya Joint Laboratory of Marine Science Research and Hainan Key Laboratory of Tropical Marine Biotechnology, Tropical Marine Biological Research Station in Hainan, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Sanya, China
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25
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Silveira CB, Luque A, Haas AF, Roach TNF, George EE, Knowles B, Little M, Sullivan CJ, Varona NS, Wegley Kelly L, Brainard R, Rohwer F, Bailey B. Viral predation pressure on coral reefs. BMC Biol 2023; 21:77. [PMID: 37038111 PMCID: PMC10088212 DOI: 10.1186/s12915-023-01571-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/23/2022] [Accepted: 03/17/2023] [Indexed: 04/12/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Predation pressure and herbivory exert cascading effects on coral reef health and stability. However, the extent of these cascading effects can vary considerably across space and time. This variability is likely a result of the complex interactions between coral reefs' biotic and abiotic dimensions. A major biological component that has been poorly integrated into the reefs' trophic studies is the microbial community, despite its role in coral death and bleaching susceptibility. Viruses that infect bacteria can control microbial densities and may positively affect coral health by controlling microbialization. We hypothesize that viral predation of bacteria has analogous effects to the top-down pressure of macroorganisms on the trophic structure and reef health. RESULTS Here, we investigated the relationships between live coral cover and viruses, bacteria, benthic algae, fish biomass, and water chemistry in 110 reefs spanning inhabited and uninhabited islands and atolls across the Pacific Ocean. Statistical learning showed that the abundance of turf algae, viruses, and bacteria, in that order, were the variables best predicting the variance in coral cover. While fish biomass was not a strong predictor of coral cover, the relationship between fish and corals became apparent when analyzed in the context of viral predation: high coral cover (> 50%) occurred on reefs with a combination of high predator fish biomass (sum of sharks and piscivores > 200 g m-2) and high virus-to-bacteria ratios (> 10), an indicator of viral predation pressure. However, these relationships were non-linear, with reefs at the higher and lower ends of the coral cover continuum displaying a narrow combination of abiotic and biotic variables, while reefs at intermediate coral cover showed a wider range of parameter combinations. CONCLUSIONS The results presented here support the hypothesis that viral predation of bacteria is associated with high coral cover and, thus, coral health and stability. We propose that combined predation pressures from fishes and viruses control energy fluxes, inhibiting the detrimental accumulation of ecosystem energy in the microbial food web.
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Affiliation(s)
- Cynthia B Silveira
- Department of Biology, University of Miami, Coral Gables, FL, 33146, USA.
- Department of Marine Biology and Ecology, Rosenstiel School of Marine and Atmospheric Science, University of Miami, Miami, FL, 33149, USA.
| | - Antoni Luque
- Viral Information Institute, San Diego State University, San Diego, CA, 92182, USA
- Computational Science Research Center, San Diego State University, San Diego, CA, 92182, USA
- Department of Mathematics and Statistics, San Diego State University, San Diego, CA, 92182, USA
| | - Andreas F Haas
- Institute for Biodiversity and Ecosystem Dynamics, University of Amsterdam, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Ty N F Roach
- Viral Information Institute, San Diego State University, San Diego, CA, 92182, USA
- Hawai'i Institute of Marine Biology, University of Hawai'i at Mānoa, Kāne'ohe, HI, 96744, USA
- Department of Biology, San Diego State University, San Diego, CA, 92182, USA
| | - Emma E George
- Botany Department, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC, V6T 1Z4, Canada
| | - Ben Knowles
- Department of Ecology and Evolutionary Biology, UC Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA, 90095, USA
| | - Mark Little
- Viral Information Institute, San Diego State University, San Diego, CA, 92182, USA
- Department of Biology, San Diego State University, San Diego, CA, 92182, USA
| | | | - Natascha S Varona
- Department of Biology, University of Miami, Coral Gables, FL, 33146, USA
| | - Linda Wegley Kelly
- Scripps Institution of Oceanography, UC San Diego, La Jolla, CA, 92037, USA
| | - Russel Brainard
- Red Sea Research Center, King Abdullah University of Science and Technology, Thuwal, 23955-6900, Saudi Arabia
- Pacific Islands Fisheries Science Center, National Oceanic & Atmospheric Administration, Honolulu, HI, 96818, USA
| | - Forest Rohwer
- Viral Information Institute, San Diego State University, San Diego, CA, 92182, USA
- Department of Biology, San Diego State University, San Diego, CA, 92182, USA
| | - Barbara Bailey
- Viral Information Institute, San Diego State University, San Diego, CA, 92182, USA.
- Department of Mathematics and Statistics, San Diego State University, San Diego, CA, 92182, USA.
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26
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Salamon P, Andresen B, Nulton J, Roach TNF, Rohwer F. More Stages Decrease Dissipation in Irreversible Step Processes. ENTROPY (BASEL, SWITZERLAND) 2023; 25:539. [PMID: 36981427 PMCID: PMC10048515 DOI: 10.3390/e25030539] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/14/2022] [Revised: 03/11/2023] [Accepted: 03/18/2023] [Indexed: 06/18/2023]
Abstract
The dissipation in an irreversible step process is reduced when the number of steps is increased in any refinement of the steps in the process. This is a consequence of the ladder theorem, which states that, for any irreversible process proceeding by a sequence of relaxations, dividing any relaxation step into two will result in a new sequence that is more efficient than the original one. This results in a more-steps-the-better rule, even when the new sequence of steps is not reoptimized. This superiority of many steps is well established empirically in, e.g., insulation and separation applications. In particular, the fact that the division of any step into two steps improves the overall efficiency has interesting implications for biological evolution and emphasizes thermodynamic length as a central measure for dissipation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Peter Salamon
- Department of Mathematics, San Diego State University, San Diego, CA 92182, USA;
| | - Bjarne Andresen
- Niels Bohr Institute, University of Copenhagen, Blegdamsvej 17, DK-2100 Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - James Nulton
- Department of Mathematics, San Diego State University, San Diego, CA 92182, USA;
| | - Ty N. F. Roach
- Department of Biology, San Diego State University, San Diego, CA 92182, USA; (T.N.F.R.); (F.R.)
| | - Forest Rohwer
- Department of Biology, San Diego State University, San Diego, CA 92182, USA; (T.N.F.R.); (F.R.)
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27
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Mohamed AR, Ochsenkühn MA, Kazlak AM, Moustafa A, Amin SA. The coral microbiome: towards an understanding of the molecular mechanisms of coral-microbiota interactions. FEMS Microbiol Rev 2023; 47:fuad005. [PMID: 36882224 PMCID: PMC10045912 DOI: 10.1093/femsre/fuad005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/07/2022] [Revised: 02/10/2023] [Accepted: 02/15/2023] [Indexed: 03/09/2023] Open
Abstract
Corals live in a complex, multipartite symbiosis with diverse microbes across kingdoms, some of which are implicated in vital functions, such as those related to resilience against climate change. However, knowledge gaps and technical challenges limit our understanding of the nature and functional significance of complex symbiotic relationships within corals. Here, we provide an overview of the complexity of the coral microbiome focusing on taxonomic diversity and functions of well-studied and cryptic microbes. Mining the coral literature indicate that while corals collectively harbour a third of all marine bacterial phyla, known bacterial symbionts and antagonists of corals represent a minute fraction of this diversity and that these taxa cluster into select genera, suggesting selective evolutionary mechanisms enabled these bacteria to gain a niche within the holobiont. Recent advances in coral microbiome research aimed at leveraging microbiome manipulation to increase coral's fitness to help mitigate heat stress-related mortality are discussed. Then, insights into the potential mechanisms through which microbiota can communicate with and modify host responses are examined by describing known recognition patterns, potential microbially derived coral epigenome effector proteins and coral gene regulation. Finally, the power of omics tools used to study corals are highlighted with emphasis on an integrated host-microbiota multiomics framework to understand the underlying mechanisms during symbiosis and climate change-driven dysbiosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Amin R Mohamed
- Biology Program, New York University Abu Dhabi, Abu Dhabi 129188, United Arab Emirates
| | - Michael A Ochsenkühn
- Biology Program, New York University Abu Dhabi, Abu Dhabi 129188, United Arab Emirates
| | - Ahmed M Kazlak
- Systems Genomics Laboratory, American University in Cairo, New Cairo 11835, Egypt
- Biotechnology Graduate Program, American University in Cairo, New Cairo 11835, Egypt
| | - Ahmed Moustafa
- Systems Genomics Laboratory, American University in Cairo, New Cairo 11835, Egypt
- Biotechnology Graduate Program, American University in Cairo, New Cairo 11835, Egypt
- Department of Biology, American University in Cairo, New Cairo 11835, Egypt
| | - Shady A Amin
- Biology Program, New York University Abu Dhabi, Abu Dhabi 129188, United Arab Emirates
- Center for Genomics and Systems Biology (CGSB), New York University Abu Dhabi, Abu Dhabi 129188, United Arab Emirates
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28
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Xiang N, Meyer A, Pogoreutz C, Rädecker N, Voolstra CR, Wild C, Gärdes A. Excess labile carbon promotes diazotroph abundance in heat-stressed octocorals. ROYAL SOCIETY OPEN SCIENCE 2023; 10:221268. [PMID: 36938541 PMCID: PMC10014249 DOI: 10.1098/rsos.221268] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/08/2022] [Accepted: 02/22/2023] [Indexed: 06/18/2023]
Abstract
Nitrogen limitation is the foundation of stable coral-algal symbioses. Diazotrophs, prokaryotes capable of fixing N2 into ammonia, support the productivity of corals in oligotrophic waters, but could contribute to the destabilization of holobiont functioning when overstimulated. Recent studies on reef-building corals have shown that labile dissolved organic carbon (DOC) enrichment or heat stress increases diazotroph abundance and activity, thereby increasing nitrogen availability and destabilizing the coral-algal symbiosis. However, the (a)biotic drivers of diazotrophs in octocorals are still poorly understood. We investigated diazotroph abundance (via relative quantification of nifH gene copy numbers) in two symbiotic octocorals, the more mixotrophic soft coral Xenia umbellata and the more autotrophic gorgonian Pinnigorgia flava, under (i) labile DOC enrichment for 21 days, followed by (ii) combined labile DOC enrichment and heat stress for 24 days. Without heat stress, relative diazotroph abundances in X. umbellata and P. flava were unaffected by DOC enrichment. During heat stress, DOC enrichment (20 and 40 mg glucose l-1) increased the relative abundances of diazotrophs by sixfold in X. umbellata and fourfold in P. flava, compared with their counterparts without excess DOC. Our data suggest that labile DOC enrichment and concomitant heat stress could disrupt the nitrogen limitation in octocorals by stimulating diazotroph proliferation. Ultimately, the disruption of nitrogen cycling may further compromise octocoral fitness by destabilizing symbiotic nutrient cycling. Therefore, improving local wastewater facilities to reduce labile DOC input into vulnerable coastal ecosystems may help octocorals cope with ocean warming.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nan Xiang
- Marine Ecology Department, Faculty of Biology and Chemistry, University of Bremen Bremen 28359, Germany
- Section of Polar Biological Oceanography, Alfred Wegener Institute, Helmholtz Centre for Polar and Marine Research, Bremerhaven 27570, Germany
- Leibniz Center for Tropical Marine Research (ZMT), Bremen 28359, Germany
| | - Achim Meyer
- Leibniz Center for Tropical Marine Research (ZMT), Bremen 28359, Germany
| | - Claudia Pogoreutz
- Department of Biology, University of Konstanz, Konstanz 78457, Germany
- Laboratory for Biological Geochemistry, School of Architecture, Civil and Environmental Engineering, École Polytechnique Fédérale de Lausanne (EPFL), 1015 Lausanne, Switzerland
| | - Nils Rädecker
- Department of Biology, University of Konstanz, Konstanz 78457, Germany
- Laboratory for Biological Geochemistry, School of Architecture, Civil and Environmental Engineering, École Polytechnique Fédérale de Lausanne (EPFL), 1015 Lausanne, Switzerland
| | | | - Christian Wild
- Marine Ecology Department, Faculty of Biology and Chemistry, University of Bremen Bremen 28359, Germany
| | - Astrid Gärdes
- Section of Polar Biological Oceanography, Alfred Wegener Institute, Helmholtz Centre for Polar and Marine Research, Bremerhaven 27570, Germany
- Leibniz Center for Tropical Marine Research (ZMT), Bremen 28359, Germany
- Hochschule Bremerhaven, Fachbereich 1, An der Karlstadt 8, Bremerhaven 27568, Germany
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Zelli E, Simancas-Giraldo SM, Xiang N, Dessì C, Katzer ND, Tilstra A, Wild C. Individual and combined effect of organic eutrophication (DOC) and ocean warming on the ecophysiology of the Octocoral Pinnigorgia flava. PeerJ 2023; 11:e14812. [PMID: 36814959 PMCID: PMC9940650 DOI: 10.7717/peerj.14812] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/07/2022] [Accepted: 01/06/2023] [Indexed: 02/19/2023] Open
Abstract
Dissolved organic carbon (DOC) enrichment and ocean warming both negatively affect hard corals, but studies on their combined effects on other reef organisms are scarce. Octocorals are likely to become key players in future reef communities, but they are still highly under-investigated with regard to their responses to global and local environmental changes. Thus, we evaluated the individual and combined effects of DOC enrichment (10, 20 and 40 mg L-1 DOC, added as glucose) and warming (stepwise from 26 to 32 °C) on the widespread Indo-Pacific gorgonian Pinnigorgia flava in a 45-day laboratory experiment. Oxygen fluxes (net photosynthesis and respiration), as well as Symbiodiniaceae cell density and coral growth were assessed. Our results highlight a differential ecophysiological response to DOC enrichment and warming as well as their combination. Individual DOC addition did not significantly affect oxygen fluxes nor Symbiodiniaceae cell density and growth, while warming significantly decreased photosynthesis rates and Symbiodiniaceae cell density. When DOC enrichment and warming were combined, no effect on P. flava oxygen fluxes was observed while growth responded to certain DOC conditions depending on the temperature. Our findings indicate that P. flava is insensitive to the individual effect of DOC enrichment, but not to warming and the two stressors combined. This suggests that, if temperature remains below certain thresholds, this gorgonian species may gain a competitive advantage over coral species that are reportedly more affected by DOC eutrophication. However, under the expected increasing temperature scenarios, it is also likely that this octocoral species will be negatively affected, with potential consequences on community structure. This study contributes to our understanding of the conditions that drive phase shift dynamics in coastal coral reef ecosystemds.
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Affiliation(s)
- Edoardo Zelli
- Marine Ecology Department, Faculty of Biology & Chemistry (FB 2), University of Bremen, Bremen, Germany,School of Science, University of Waikato, Tauranga, New Zealand
| | | | - Nan Xiang
- Marine Ecology Department, Faculty of Biology & Chemistry (FB 2), University of Bremen, Bremen, Germany,Helmholtz Centre for Polar and Marine Research, Alfred Wegener Institute, Bremerhaven, Germany
| | - Claudia Dessì
- Marine Ecology Department, Faculty of Biology & Chemistry (FB 2), University of Bremen, Bremen, Germany,Dipartimento di Scienze della Vita e dell’Ambiente, University of Cagliari, Cagliari, Italy
| | - Nadim Daniel Katzer
- Marine Ecology Department, Faculty of Biology & Chemistry (FB 2), University of Bremen, Bremen, Germany
| | - Arjen Tilstra
- Marine Ecology Department, Faculty of Biology & Chemistry (FB 2), University of Bremen, Bremen, Germany
| | - Christian Wild
- Marine Ecology Department, Faculty of Biology & Chemistry (FB 2), University of Bremen, Bremen, Germany
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30
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Nelson CE, Wegley Kelly L, Haas AF. Microbial Interactions with Dissolved Organic Matter Are Central to Coral Reef Ecosystem Function and Resilience. ANNUAL REVIEW OF MARINE SCIENCE 2023; 15:431-460. [PMID: 36100218 DOI: 10.1146/annurev-marine-042121-080917] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/15/2023]
Abstract
To thrive in nutrient-poor waters, coral reefs must retain and recycle materials efficiently. This review centers microbial processes in facilitating the persistence and stability of coral reefs, specifically the role of these processes in transforming and recycling the dissolved organic matter (DOM) that acts as an invisible currency in reef production, nutrient exchange, and organismal interactions. The defining characteristics of coral reefs, including high productivity, balanced metabolism, high biodiversity, nutrient retention, and structural complexity, are inextricably linked to microbial processing of DOM. The composition of microbes and DOM in reefs is summarized, and the spatial and temporal dynamics of biogeochemical processes carried out by microorganisms in diverse reef habitats are explored in a variety of key reef processes, including decomposition, accretion, trophictransfer, and macronutrient recycling. Finally, we examine how widespread habitat degradation of reefs is altering these important microbe-DOM interactions, creating feedbacks that reduce reef resilience to global change.
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Affiliation(s)
- Craig E Nelson
- Daniel K. Inouye Center for Microbial Oceanography: Research and Education, Department of Oceanography, and Sea Grant College Program, School of Ocean and Earth Sciences and Technology, University of Hawai'i at Mānoa, Honolulu, Hawai'i, USA;
| | - Linda Wegley Kelly
- Marine Biology Research Division, Scripps Institution of Oceanography, University of California, San Diego, La Jolla, California, USA;
| | - Andreas F Haas
- Department of Marine Microbiology and Biogeochemistry, Royal Netherlands Institute for Sea Research (NIOZ), Texel, The Netherlands;
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ConCISE: Consensus Annotation Propagation of Ion Features in Untargeted Tandem Mass Spectrometry Combining Molecular Networking and In Silico Metabolite Structure Prediction. Metabolites 2022; 12:metabo12121275. [PMID: 36557313 PMCID: PMC9786801 DOI: 10.3390/metabo12121275] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/15/2022] [Revised: 12/02/2022] [Accepted: 12/10/2022] [Indexed: 12/23/2022] Open
Abstract
Recent developments in molecular networking have expanded our ability to characterize the metabolome of diverse samples that contain a significant proportion of ion features with no mass spectral match to known compounds. Manual and tool-assisted natural annotation propagation is readily used to classify molecular networks; however, currently no annotation propagation tools leverage consensus confidence strategies enabled by hierarchical chemical ontologies or enable the use of new in silico tools without significant modification. Herein we present ConCISE (Consensus Classifications of In Silico Elucidations) which is the first tool to fuse molecular networking, spectral library matching and in silico class predictions to establish accurate putative classifications for entire subnetworks. By limiting annotation propagation to only structural classes which are identical for the majority of ion features within a subnetwork, ConCISE maintains a true positive rate greater than 95% across all levels of the ChemOnt hierarchical ontology used by the ClassyFire annotation software (superclass, class, subclass). The ConCISE framework expanded the proportion of reliable and consistent ion feature annotation up to 76%, allowing for improved assessment of the chemo-diversity of dissolved organic matter pools from three complex marine metabolomics datasets comprising dominant reef primary producers, five species of the diatom genus Pseudo-nitzchia, and stromatolite sediment samples.
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32
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Weber L, Soule MK, Longnecker K, Becker CC, Huntley N, Kujawinski EB, Apprill A. Benthic exometabolites and their ecological significance on threatened Caribbean coral reefs. ISME COMMUNICATIONS 2022; 2:101. [PMID: 37938276 PMCID: PMC9723752 DOI: 10.1038/s43705-022-00184-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/15/2021] [Revised: 09/21/2022] [Accepted: 09/26/2022] [Indexed: 09/02/2023]
Abstract
Benthic organisms are the architectural framework supporting coral reef ecosystems, but their community composition has recently shifted on many reefs. Little is known about the metabolites released from these benthic organisms and how compositional shifts may influence other reef life, including prolific microorganisms. To investigate the metabolite composition of benthic exudates and their ecological significance for reef microbial communities, we harvested exudates from six species of Caribbean benthic organisms including stony corals, octocorals, and an invasive encrusting alga, and subjected these exudates to untargeted and targeted metabolomics approaches using liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry. Incubations with reef seawater microorganisms were conducted to monitor changes in microbial abundances and community composition using 16 S rRNA gene sequencing in relation to exudate source and three specific metabolites. Exudates were enriched in amino acids, nucleosides, vitamins, and indole-based metabolites, showing that benthic organisms contribute labile organic matter to reefs. Furthermore, exudate compositions were species-specific, and riboflavin and pantothenic acid emerged as significant coral-produced metabolites, while caffeine emerged as a significant invasive algal-produced metabolite. Microbial abundances and individual microbial taxa responded differently to exudates from stony corals and octocorals, demonstrating that exudate mixtures released from different coral species select for specific bacteria. In contrast, microbial communities did not respond to individual additions of riboflavin, pantothenic acid, or caffeine. This work indicates that recent shifts in benthic organisms alter exudate composition and likely impact microbial communities on coral reefs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Laura Weber
- Marine Chemistry and Geochemistry Department, Woods Hole Oceanographic Institution, Woods Hole, MA, 02543, USA.
| | - Melissa Kido Soule
- Marine Chemistry and Geochemistry Department, Woods Hole Oceanographic Institution, Woods Hole, MA, 02543, USA
| | - Krista Longnecker
- Marine Chemistry and Geochemistry Department, Woods Hole Oceanographic Institution, Woods Hole, MA, 02543, USA
| | - Cynthia C Becker
- Marine Chemistry and Geochemistry Department, Woods Hole Oceanographic Institution, Woods Hole, MA, 02543, USA
- MIT-WHOI Joint Program in Oceanography/Applied Ocean Science and Engineering, Cambridge and Woods Hole, MA, USA
| | - Naomi Huntley
- Marine Chemistry and Geochemistry Department, Woods Hole Oceanographic Institution, Woods Hole, MA, 02543, USA
- Marine and Environmental Science Department, University of the Virgin Islands, Charlotte Amalie West, St Thomas, Charlotte Amalie, VI, 00802, USA
- Department of Biology, Pennsylvania State University, University Park, PA, USA
| | - Elizabeth B Kujawinski
- Marine Chemistry and Geochemistry Department, Woods Hole Oceanographic Institution, Woods Hole, MA, 02543, USA
| | - Amy Apprill
- Marine Chemistry and Geochemistry Department, Woods Hole Oceanographic Institution, Woods Hole, MA, 02543, USA.
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Campana S, Riesgo A, Jongepier E, Fuss J, Muyzer G, de Goeij JM. Meta-transcriptomic comparison of two sponge holobionts feeding on coral- and macroalgal-dissolved organic matter. BMC Genomics 2022; 23:674. [PMID: 36175840 PMCID: PMC9520939 DOI: 10.1186/s12864-022-08893-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/24/2022] [Accepted: 09/12/2022] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Sponge holobionts (i.e., the host and its associated microbiota) play a key role in the cycling of dissolved organic matter (DOM) in marine ecosystems. On coral reefs, an ecological shift from coral-dominated to algal-dominated ecosystems is currently occurring. Given that benthic corals and macroalgae release different types of DOM, in different abundances and with different bioavailability to sponge holobionts, it is important to understand how the metabolic activity of the host and associated microbiota change in response to the exposure to both DOM sources. Here, we look at the differential gene expression of two sponge holobionts 6 hours after feeding on naturally sourced coral- and macroalgal-DOM using RNA sequencing and meta-transcriptomic analysis. Results We found a slight, but significant differential gene expression in the comparison between the coral- and macroalgal-DOM treatments in both the high microbial abundance sponge Plakortis angulospiculatus and the low microbial abundance sponge Haliclona vansoesti. In the hosts, processes that regulate immune response, signal transduction, and metabolic pathways related to cell proliferation were elicited. In the associated microbiota carbohydrate metabolism was upregulated in both treatments, but coral-DOM induced further lipid and amino acids biosynthesis, while macroalgal-DOM caused a stress response. These differences could be driven by the presence of distinct organic macronutrients in the two DOM sources and of small pathogens or bacterial virulence factors in the macroalgal-DOM. Conclusions This work provides two new sponge meta-transcriptomes and a database of putative genes and genetic pathways that are involved in the differential processing of coral- versus macroalgal-DOM as food source to sponges with high and low abundances of associated microbes. These pathways include carbohydrate metabolism, signaling pathways, and immune responses. However, the differences in the meta-transcriptomic responses of the sponge holobionts after 6 hours of feeding on the two DOM sources were small. Longer-term responses to both DOM sources should be assessed to evaluate how the metabolism and the ecological function of sponges will be affected when reefs shift from coral towards algal dominance. Supplementary Information The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1186/s12864-022-08893-y.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sara Campana
- Department of Freshwater and Marine Ecology, Institute for Biodiversity and Ecosystem Dynamics, University of Amsterdam, Post Office Box 94240, 1090, Amsterdam, GE, Netherlands.
| | - Ana Riesgo
- Department of Biodiversity and Evolutionary Biology, Museo Nacional de Ciencias Naturales (CSIC), Calle José Gutiérrez Abascal 2, 28006, Madrid, Spain
| | - Evelien Jongepier
- Department of Freshwater and Marine Ecology, Institute for Biodiversity and Ecosystem Dynamics, University of Amsterdam, Post Office Box 94240, 1090, Amsterdam, GE, Netherlands
| | - Janina Fuss
- Institute of Clinical Molecular Biology, Kiel University and University Medical Center Schleswig-Holstein, 24105, Kiel, Germany
| | - Gerard Muyzer
- Department of Freshwater and Marine Ecology, Institute for Biodiversity and Ecosystem Dynamics, University of Amsterdam, Post Office Box 94240, 1090, Amsterdam, GE, Netherlands
| | - Jasper M de Goeij
- Department of Freshwater and Marine Ecology, Institute for Biodiversity and Ecosystem Dynamics, University of Amsterdam, Post Office Box 94240, 1090, Amsterdam, GE, Netherlands.,CARMABI Foundation, Piscaderabaai z/n, P.O. Box 2090, Willemstad, Curaçao
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Phage Diving: An Exploration of the Carcharhinid Shark Epidermal Virome. Viruses 2022; 14:v14091969. [PMID: 36146775 PMCID: PMC9500685 DOI: 10.3390/v14091969] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/05/2022] [Revised: 08/25/2022] [Accepted: 08/30/2022] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
The epidermal microbiome is a critical element of marine organismal immunity, but the epidermal virome of marine organisms remains largely unexplored. The epidermis of sharks represents a unique viromic ecosystem. Sharks secrete a thin layer of mucus which harbors a diverse microbiome, while their hydrodynamic dermal denticles simultaneously repel environmental microbes. Here, we sampled the virome from the epidermis of three shark species in the family Carcharhinidae: the genetically and morphologically similar Carcharhinus obscurus (n = 6) and Carcharhinus galapagensis (n = 10) and the outgroup Galeocerdo cuvier (n = 15). Virome taxonomy was characterized using shotgun metagenomics and compared with a suite of multivariate analyses. All three sharks retain species-specific but highly similar epidermal viromes dominated by uncharacterized bacteriophages which vary slightly in proportional abundance within and among shark species. Intraspecific variation was lower among C. galapagensis than among C. obscurus and G. cuvier. Using both the annotated and unannotated reads, we were able to determine that the Carcharhinus galapagensis viromes were more similar to that of G. cuvier than they were to that of C. obscurus, suggesting that behavioral niche may be a more prominent driver of virome than host phylogeny.
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35
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Cissell EC, Eckrich CE, McCoy SJ. Cyanobacterial mats as benthic reservoirs and vectors for coral black band disease pathogens. ECOLOGICAL APPLICATIONS : A PUBLICATION OF THE ECOLOGICAL SOCIETY OF AMERICA 2022; 32:e2692. [PMID: 35707998 DOI: 10.1002/eap.2692] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/07/2022] [Revised: 05/26/2022] [Accepted: 06/03/2022] [Indexed: 06/15/2023]
Abstract
The concurrent rise in the prevalence of conspicuous benthic cyanobacterial mats and the incidence of coral diseases independently mark major axes of degradation of coral reefs globally. Recent advances have uncovered the potential for the existence of interactions between the expanding cover of cyanobacterial mats and coral disease, especially black band disease (BBD), and this intersection represents both an urgent conservation concern and a critical challenge for future research. Here, we propose links between the transmission of BBD and benthic cyanobacterial mats. We provide molecular and ecophysiological evidence suggesting that cyanobacterial mats may create and maintain physically favorable benthic refugia for BBD pathogens while directly harboring BBD precursor assemblages, and discuss how mats may serve as direct (mediated via contact) and indirect (mediated via predator-prey-pathogen relationships) vectors for BBD pathogens. Finally, we identify and outline future priority research directions that are aligned with actionable management practices and priorities to support evidence-based coral conservation practices.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ethan C Cissell
- Department of Biological Science, Florida State University, Tallahassee, Florida, USA
- Department of Biology, The University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, North Carolina, USA
| | - Caren E Eckrich
- Stichting Nationale Parken (STINAPA) Bonaire, Kralendijk, Bonaire, Caribbean Netherlands
| | - Sophie J McCoy
- Department of Biology, The University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, North Carolina, USA
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Lima LFO, Alker AT, Papudeshi B, Morris MM, Edwards RA, de Putron SJ, Dinsdale EA. Coral and Seawater Metagenomes Reveal Key Microbial Functions to Coral Health and Ecosystem Functioning Shaped at Reef Scale. MICROBIAL ECOLOGY 2022:10.1007/s00248-022-02094-6. [PMID: 35965269 DOI: 10.1007/s00248-022-02094-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/28/2022] [Accepted: 07/29/2022] [Indexed: 06/15/2023]
Abstract
The coral holobiont is comprised of a highly diverse microbial community that provides key services to corals such as protection against pathogens and nutrient cycling. The coral surface mucus layer (SML) microbiome is very sensitive to external changes, as it constitutes the direct interface between the coral host and the environment. Here, we investigate whether the bacterial taxonomic and functional profiles in the coral SML are shaped by the local reef zone and explore their role in coral health and ecosystem functioning. The analysis was conducted using metagenomes and metagenome-assembled genomes (MAGs) associated with the coral Pseudodiploria strigosa and the water column from two naturally distinct reef environments in Bermuda: inner patch reefs exposed to a fluctuating thermal regime and the more stable outer reefs. The microbial community structure in the coral SML varied according to the local environment, both at taxonomic and functional levels. The coral SML microbiome from inner reefs provides more gene functions that are involved in nutrient cycling (e.g., photosynthesis, phosphorus metabolism, sulfur assimilation) and those that are related to higher levels of microbial activity, competition, and stress response. In contrast, the coral SML microbiome from outer reefs contained genes indicative of a carbohydrate-rich mucus composition found in corals exposed to less stressful temperatures and showed high proportions of microbial gene functions that play a potential role in coral disease, such as degradation of lignin-derived compounds and sulfur oxidation. The fluctuating environment in the inner patch reefs of Bermuda could be driving a more beneficial coral SML microbiome, potentially increasing holobiont resilience to environmental changes and disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Laís F O Lima
- Department of Biology, San Diego State University, San Diego, CA, USA
- College of Biological Sciences, University of California Davis, Davis, CA, USA
| | - Amanda T Alker
- Department of Biology, San Diego State University, San Diego, CA, USA
| | - Bhavya Papudeshi
- College of Science and Engineering, Flinders University, Adelaide, South Australia, Australia
| | - Megan M Morris
- Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory, Livermore, CA, USA
| | - Robert A Edwards
- Department of Biology, San Diego State University, San Diego, CA, USA
- College of Science and Engineering, Flinders University, Adelaide, South Australia, Australia
| | | | - Elizabeth A Dinsdale
- Department of Biology, San Diego State University, San Diego, CA, USA.
- College of Science and Engineering, Flinders University, Adelaide, South Australia, Australia.
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Coastal Transient Niches Shape the Microdiversity Pattern of a Bacterioplankton Population with Reduced Genomes. mBio 2022; 13:e0057122. [PMID: 35880883 PMCID: PMC9426536 DOI: 10.1128/mbio.00571-22] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/01/2022] Open
Abstract
Globally dominant marine bacterioplankton lineages are often limited in metabolic versatility, owing to their extensive genome reductions, and thus cannot take advantage of transient nutrient patches. It is therefore perplexing how the nutrient-poor bulk seawater sustains the pelagic streamlined lineages, each containing numerous populations. Here, we sequenced the genomes of 33 isolates of the recently discovered CHUG lineage (~2.6 Mbp), which have some of the smallest genomes in the globally abundant Roseobacter group (commonly over 4 Mbp). These genome-reduced bacteria were isolated from a transient habitat: seawater surrounding the brown alga, Sargassum hemiphyllum. Population genomic analyses showed that: (i) these isolates, despite sharing identical 16S rRNA genes, were differentiated into several genetically isolated populations through successive speciation events; (ii) only the first speciation event led to the genetic separation of both core and accessory genomes; and (iii) populations resulting from this event are differentiated at many loci involved in carbon utilization and oxygen respiration, corroborated by BiOLOG phenotype microarray assays and oxygen uptake kinetics experiments, respectively. These differentiated traits match well with the dynamic nature of the macroalgal seawater, in which the quantity and quality of carbon sources and the concentration of oxygen likely vary spatially and temporally, though other habitats, like fresh organic aggregates, cannot be ruled out. Our study implies that transient habitats in the overall nutrient-poor ocean can shape the microdiversity and population structure of genome-reduced bacterioplankton lineages.
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38
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Roik A, Reverter M, Pogoreutz C. A roadmap to understanding diversity and function of coral reef-associated fungi. FEMS Microbiol Rev 2022; 46:6615459. [PMID: 35746877 PMCID: PMC9629503 DOI: 10.1093/femsre/fuac028] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/15/2022] [Revised: 06/01/2022] [Accepted: 06/14/2022] [Indexed: 01/09/2023] Open
Abstract
Tropical coral reefs are hotspots of marine productivity, owing to the association of reef-building corals with endosymbiotic algae and metabolically diverse bacterial communities. However, the functional importance of fungi, well-known for their contribution to shaping terrestrial ecosystems and global nutrient cycles, remains underexplored on coral reefs. We here conceptualize how fungal functional traits may have facilitated the spread, diversification, and ecological adaptation of marine fungi on coral reefs. We propose that functions of reef-associated fungi may be diverse and go beyond their hitherto described roles of pathogens and bioeroders, including but not limited to reef-scale biogeochemical cycles and the structuring of coral-associated and environmental microbiomes via chemical mediation. Recent technological and conceptual advances will allow the elucidation of the physiological, ecological, and chemical contributions of understudied marine fungi to coral holobiont and reef ecosystem functioning and health and may help provide an outlook for reef management actions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anna Roik
- Corresponding author: Helmholtz Institute for Functional Marine Biodiversity at the University of Oldenburg (HIFMB), Ammerländer Heerstrasse 231, D-26129 Oldenburg, Germany. E-mail:
| | - Miriam Reverter
- Institute for Chemistry and Biology of the Marine Environment, Carl von Ossietzky University of Oldenburg, Wilhelmshaven, 26046, Germany,School of Biological and Marine Sciences, University of Plymouth, Plymouth PL4 8AA, United Kingdom
| | - Claudia Pogoreutz
- Corresponding author: Laboratory for Biological Geochemistry, School of Architecture, Civil and Environmental Engineering, Ecole Polytechnique Federale de Lausanne (EPFL), 1015 Lausanne, Switzerland.,
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Reverter M, Helber SB, Rohde S, de Goeij JM, Schupp PJ. Coral reef benthic community changes in the Anthropocene: Biogeographic heterogeneity, overlooked configurations, and methodology. GLOBAL CHANGE BIOLOGY 2022; 28:1956-1971. [PMID: 34951504 DOI: 10.1111/gcb.16034] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/20/2021] [Revised: 12/04/2021] [Accepted: 12/07/2021] [Indexed: 06/14/2023]
Abstract
Non-random community changes are becoming more frequent in many ecosystems. In coral reefs, changes towards communities dominated by other than hard corals are increasing in frequency, with severe impacts on ecosystem functioning and provision of ecosystem services. Although new research suggests that a variety of alternative communities (i.e. not dominated by hard corals) exist, knowledge on the global diversity and functioning of alternative coral reef benthic communities, especially those not dominated by algae, remains scattered. In this systematic review and meta-analysis of 523 articles, we analyse the different coral reef benthic community changes reported to date and discuss the advantages and limitations of the methods used to study these changes. Furthermore, we used field cover data (1116 reefs from the ReefCheck database) to explore the biogeographic and latitudinal patterns in dominant benthic organisms. We found a mismatch between literature focus on coral-algal changes (over half of the studies analysed) and observed global natural patterns. We identified strong biogeographic patterns, with the largest and most biodiverse biogeographic regions (Western and Central Indo-Pacific) presenting previously overlooked soft-coral-dominated communities as the most abundant alternative community. Finally, we discuss the potential biases associated with methods that overlook ecologically important cryptobenthic communities and the potential of new technological advances in improving monitoring efforts. As coral reef communities inevitably and swiftly change under changing ocean conditions, there is an urgent need to better understand the distribution, dynamics as well as the ecological and societal impacts of these new communities.
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Affiliation(s)
- Miriam Reverter
- Institute for Chemistry and Biology of the Marine Environment (ICBM), Carl von Ossietzky University Oldenburg, Wilhelmshaven, Germany
| | - Stephanie B Helber
- Institute for Chemistry and Biology of the Marine Environment (ICBM), Carl von Ossietzky University Oldenburg, Wilhelmshaven, Germany
| | - Sven Rohde
- Institute for Chemistry and Biology of the Marine Environment (ICBM), Carl von Ossietzky University Oldenburg, Wilhelmshaven, Germany
| | - Jasper M de Goeij
- Department of Freshwater and Marine Ecology (FAME), Institute for Biodiversity and Ecosystem Dynamics (IBED), University of Amsterdam, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Peter J Schupp
- Institute for Chemistry and Biology of the Marine Environment (ICBM), Carl von Ossietzky University Oldenburg, Wilhelmshaven, Germany
- Helmholtz Institute for Functional Marine Biodiversity at the University of Oldenburg (HIFMB), Oldenburg, Germany
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40
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Wegley Kelly L, Nelson CE, Petras D, Koester I, Quinlan ZA, Arts MGI, Nothias LF, Comstock J, White BM, Hopmans EC, van Duyl FC, Carlson CA, Aluwihare LI, Dorrestein PC, Haas AF. Distinguishing the molecular diversity, nutrient content, and energetic potential of exometabolomes produced by macroalgae and reef-building corals. Proc Natl Acad Sci U S A 2022; 119:2110283119. [PMID: 35101918 PMCID: PMC8812564 DOI: 10.1073/pnas.2110283119] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 11/22/2021] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Metabolites exuded by primary producers comprise a significant fraction of marine dissolved organic matter, a poorly characterized, heterogenous mixture that dictates microbial metabolism and biogeochemical cycling. We present a foundational untargeted molecular analysis of exudates released by coral reef primary producers using liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry to examine compounds produced by two coral species and three types of algae (macroalgae, turfing microalgae, and crustose coralline algae [CCA]) from Mo'orea, French Polynesia. Of 10,568 distinct ion features recovered from reef and mesocosm waters, 1,667 were exuded by producers; the majority (86%) were organism specific, reflecting a clear divide between coral and algal exometabolomes. These data allowed us to examine two tenets of coral reef ecology at the molecular level. First, stoichiometric analyses show a significantly reduced nominal carbon oxidation state of algal exometabolites than coral exometabolites, illustrating one ecological mechanism by which algal phase shifts engender fundamental changes in the biogeochemistry of reef biomes. Second, coral and algal exometabolomes were differentially enriched in organic macronutrients, revealing a mechanism for reef nutrient-recycling. Coral exometabolomes were enriched in diverse sources of nitrogen and phosphorus, including tyrosine derivatives, oleoyl-taurines, and acyl carnitines. Exometabolites of CCA and turf algae were significantly enriched in nitrogen with distinct signals from polyketide macrolactams and alkaloids, respectively. Macroalgal exometabolomes were dominated by nonnitrogenous compounds, including diverse prenol lipids and steroids. This study provides molecular-level insights into biogeochemical cycling on coral reefs and illustrates how changing benthic cover on reefs influences reef water chemistry with implications for microbial metabolism.
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Affiliation(s)
- Linda Wegley Kelly
- Scripps Institution of Oceanography, University of California San Diego, La Jolla, CA 92037;
| | - Craig E Nelson
- Daniel K. Inouye Center for Microbial Oceanography, School of Ocean and Earth Science and Technology, University of Hawai'i at Mānoa, Honolulu, HI 96822
| | - Daniel Petras
- Collaborative Mass Spectrometry Innovation Center, Skaggs School of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of California San Diego, La Jolla, CA 92093
- CMFI Cluster of Excellence, Interfaculty Institute of Microbiology and Medicine, University of Tübingen, 72076 Tübingen, Germany
| | - Irina Koester
- Scripps Institution of Oceanography, University of California San Diego, La Jolla, CA 92037
| | - Zachary A Quinlan
- Scripps Institution of Oceanography, University of California San Diego, La Jolla, CA 92037
- Department of Biology, San Diego State University, San Diego, CA 92182
| | - Milou G I Arts
- Department of Microbiology & Biogeochemistry, NIOZ Royal Netherlands Institute for Sea Research, Texel, The Netherlands
| | - Louis-Felix Nothias
- Collaborative Mass Spectrometry Innovation Center, Skaggs School of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of California San Diego, La Jolla, CA 92093
| | - Jacqueline Comstock
- Department of Ecology, Evolution, and Marine Biology, University of California, Santa Barbara, CA 93106
| | - Brandie M White
- Department of Biology, San Diego State University, San Diego, CA 92182
| | - Ellen C Hopmans
- Department of Microbiology & Biogeochemistry, NIOZ Royal Netherlands Institute for Sea Research, Texel, The Netherlands
| | - Fleur C van Duyl
- Department of Microbiology & Biogeochemistry, NIOZ Royal Netherlands Institute for Sea Research, Texel, The Netherlands
| | - Craig A Carlson
- Department of Ecology, Evolution, and Marine Biology, University of California, Santa Barbara, CA 93106
| | - Lihini I Aluwihare
- Scripps Institution of Oceanography, University of California San Diego, La Jolla, CA 92037
| | - Pieter C Dorrestein
- Collaborative Mass Spectrometry Innovation Center, Skaggs School of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of California San Diego, La Jolla, CA 92093
| | - Andreas F Haas
- Department of Microbiology & Biogeochemistry, NIOZ Royal Netherlands Institute for Sea Research, Texel, The Netherlands;
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41
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Sbaoui Y, Nouadi B, Ezaouine A, Rida Salam M, Elmessal M, Bennis F, Chegdani F. Functional Prediction of Biological Profile During Eutrophication in Marine Environment. Bioinform Biol Insights 2022; 16:11779322211063993. [PMID: 35023908 PMCID: PMC8744080 DOI: 10.1177/11779322211063993] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/13/2021] [Accepted: 11/13/2021] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
In the marine environment, coastal nutrient pollution and algal blooms are increasing in many coral reefs and surface waters around the world, leading to higher concentrations of dissolved organic carbon (DOC), nitrogen (N), phosphate (P), and sulfur (S) compounds. The adaptation of the marine microbiota to this stress involves evolutionary processes through mutations that can provide selective phenotypes. The aim of this in silico analysis is to elucidate the potential candidate hub proteins, biological processes, and key metabolic pathways involved in the pathogenicity of bacterioplankton during excess of nutrients. The analysis was carried out on the model organism Escherichia coli K-12, by adopting an analysis pipeline consisting of a set of packages from the Cystoscape platform. The results obtained show that the metabolism of carbon and sugars generally are the 2 driving mechanisms for the expression of virulence factors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yousra Sbaoui
- Immunology and Biodiversity Laboratory, Faculty of Sciences Aïn Chock, Hassan II University of Casablanca, Casablanca, Morocco
| | - Badreddine Nouadi
- Immunology and Biodiversity Laboratory, Faculty of Sciences Aïn Chock, Hassan II University of Casablanca, Casablanca, Morocco
| | - Abdelkarim Ezaouine
- Immunology and Biodiversity Laboratory, Faculty of Sciences Aïn Chock, Hassan II University of Casablanca, Casablanca, Morocco
| | - Mohamed Rida Salam
- Immunology and Biodiversity Laboratory, Faculty of Sciences Aïn Chock, Hassan II University of Casablanca, Casablanca, Morocco
| | - Mariame Elmessal
- Immunology and Biodiversity Laboratory, Faculty of Sciences Aïn Chock, Hassan II University of Casablanca, Casablanca, Morocco
| | - Faiza Bennis
- Immunology and Biodiversity Laboratory, Faculty of Sciences Aïn Chock, Hassan II University of Casablanca, Casablanca, Morocco
| | - Fatima Chegdani
- Immunology and Biodiversity Laboratory, Faculty of Sciences Aïn Chock, Hassan II University of Casablanca, Casablanca, Morocco
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42
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Smith HA, Brown DA, Arjunwadkar CV, Fulton SE, Whitman T, Hermanto B, Mastroianni E, Mattocks N, Smith AK, Harrison PL, Boström‐Einarsson L, McLeod IM, Bourne DG. Removal of macroalgae from degraded reefs enhances coral recruitment. Restor Ecol 2022. [DOI: 10.1111/rec.13624] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/18/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- Hillary A. Smith
- College of Science and Engineering James Cook University Townsville QLD 4811 Australia
- Centre for Marine Science and Innovation, School of Biological, Earth and Environmental Sciences University of New South Wales Kensington NSW 2052 Australia
| | - Dylan A. Brown
- College of Science and Engineering James Cook University Townsville QLD 4811 Australia
| | | | - Stella E. Fulton
- College of Science and Engineering James Cook University Townsville QLD 4811 Australia
- AIMS@JCU, James Cook University Townsville QLD 4811 Australia
| | - Taylor Whitman
- College of Science and Engineering James Cook University Townsville QLD 4811 Australia
- AIMS@JCU, James Cook University Townsville QLD 4811 Australia
| | - Bambang Hermanto
- College of Science and Engineering James Cook University Townsville QLD 4811 Australia
- Research Center for Oceanography Indonesian Institute of Sciences Jakarta Indonesia
| | - Elissa Mastroianni
- College of Science and Engineering James Cook University Townsville QLD 4811 Australia
| | - Neil Mattocks
- Great Barrier Reef Marine Park Authority Townsville QLD 4810 Australia
| | - Adam K. Smith
- Reef Ecologic 14 Cleveland Terrace Townsville QLD 4810 Australia
- TropWATER, The Centre for Tropical Water and Aquatic Ecosystem Research James Cook University Townsville QLD 4811 Australia
| | - Peter L. Harrison
- Marine Ecology Research Centre Southern Cross University Lismore NSW 2480 Australia
| | - Lisa Boström‐Einarsson
- TropWATER, The Centre for Tropical Water and Aquatic Ecosystem Research James Cook University Townsville QLD 4811 Australia
- Lancaster Environment Centre Lancaster University Lancaster LA1 4YW U.K
| | - Ian M. McLeod
- TropWATER, The Centre for Tropical Water and Aquatic Ecosystem Research James Cook University Townsville QLD 4811 Australia
- Australian Institute of Marine Science Townsville QLD Australia
| | - David G. Bourne
- College of Science and Engineering James Cook University Townsville QLD 4811 Australia
- Australian Institute of Marine Science Townsville QLD Australia
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43
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Manikandan B, Thomas AM, Shetye SS, Balamurugan S, Mohandass C, Nandakumar K. Macroalgal release of dissolved organic carbon in coral reef and its interaction with the bacteria associated with the coral Porites lutea. ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE AND POLLUTION RESEARCH INTERNATIONAL 2021; 28:66998-67010. [PMID: 34240306 DOI: 10.1007/s11356-021-15096-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/18/2020] [Accepted: 06/19/2021] [Indexed: 06/13/2023]
Abstract
Macroalgae supersede corals in the reefs worldwide, converting the coral-dominant systems into algal-dominant ones. Dissolved organic carbon (DOC) released by macroalgae play a prominent role in degrading the coral reefs by stimulating the bacterial growth and metabolism. However, the long-term remineralization of macroalgal DOC and their contribution to the carbon pool are least studied. In this study, we quantified the DOC released by five species of macroalgae that affected live corals through their physical contact and their subsequent remineralization for 100 days by coral mucus bacteria. Also, we analyzed the changes in bacterial community structure after 30 days of exposure to the macroalgal DOC. All the macroalgae released a significant amount of DOC ranging from 2.2 ± 0.17 to 8.1 ± 0.36 μmol C g-1 h-1 (mean ± SD). After 100 days, between 9.2 and 30.9% of the macroalgal DOC remained recalcitrant to bacterial remineralization. There was no apparent change in the dominant bacterial groups exposed to the DOC released by the green macroalgae Caulerpa racemosa and Halimeda sp. In comparison, the Proteobacteria group decreased with a prominent increase in the Firmicutes, Planctomycetes, and Bacteroidetes group in the samples exposed to DOC released by the brown macroalgae Turbinaria ornata, Sargassum tenerrimum, and Padina gymnospora. These inclusive data suggest that the DOC released by different species of macroalgae differed on their lability to microbial mineralization and highlight the comparable patterns in microbial responses to macroalgal exudates across different species.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Alen Mariyam Thomas
- College of Climate Change and Environmental Science, Kerala Agricultural University, Thrissur, 680656, India
| | | | | | - Chellandi Mohandass
- CSIR-National Institute of Oceanography, Regional Center, Mumbai, 400053, India
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44
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Remple KL, Silbiger NJ, Quinlan ZA, Fox MD, Kelly LW, Donahue MJ, Nelson CE. Coral reef biofilm bacterial diversity and successional trajectories are structured by reef benthic organisms and shift under chronic nutrient enrichment. NPJ Biofilms Microbiomes 2021; 7:84. [PMID: 34853316 PMCID: PMC8636626 DOI: 10.1038/s41522-021-00252-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/04/2021] [Accepted: 10/21/2021] [Indexed: 12/21/2022] Open
Abstract
Work on marine biofilms has primarily focused on host-associated habitats for their roles in larval recruitment and disease dynamics; little is known about the factors regulating the composition of reef environmental biofilms. To contrast the roles of succession, benthic communities and nutrients in structuring marine biofilms, we surveyed bacteria communities in biofilms through a six-week succession in aquaria containing macroalgae, coral, or reef sand factorially crossed with three levels of continuous nutrient enrichment. Our findings demonstrate how biofilm successional trajectories diverge from temporal dynamics of the bacterioplankton and how biofilms are structured by the surrounding benthic organisms and nutrient enrichment. We identify a suite of biofilm-associated bacteria linked with the orthogonal influences of corals, algae and nutrients and distinct from the overlying water. Our results provide a comprehensive characterization of marine biofilm successional dynamics and contextualize the impact of widespread changes in reef community composition and nutrient pollution on biofilm community structure.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kristina L. Remple
- grid.410445.00000 0001 2188 0957Daniel K. Inouye Center for Microbial Oceanography: Research and Education, Department of Oceanography and Sea Grant College Program, University of Hawaiʻi at Mānoa, Honolulu, HI USA
| | - Nyssa J. Silbiger
- grid.253563.40000 0001 0657 9381Department of Biology, California State University, Northridge, CA USA
| | - Zachary A. Quinlan
- grid.263081.e0000 0001 0790 1491Department of Biology, San Diego State University, San Diego, CA USA ,grid.266100.30000 0001 2107 4242Scripps Institution of Oceanography, University of California, San Diego, CA USA
| | - Michael D. Fox
- grid.56466.370000 0004 0504 7510Woods Hole Oceanographic Institution, Woods Hole, MA USA
| | - Linda Wegley Kelly
- grid.263081.e0000 0001 0790 1491Department of Biology, San Diego State University, San Diego, CA USA ,grid.266100.30000 0001 2107 4242Scripps Institution of Oceanography, University of California, San Diego, CA USA
| | - Megan J. Donahue
- grid.410445.00000 0001 2188 0957Hawaiʻi Institute of Marine Biology, University of Hawaiʻi at Mānoa, Honolulu, HI USA
| | - Craig E. Nelson
- grid.410445.00000 0001 2188 0957Daniel K. Inouye Center for Microbial Oceanography: Research and Education, Department of Oceanography and Sea Grant College Program, University of Hawaiʻi at Mānoa, Honolulu, HI USA
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45
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Contrasting microbiome dynamics of putative denitrifying bacteria in two octocoral species exposed to dissolved organic carbon (DOC) and warming. Appl Environ Microbiol 2021; 88:e0188621. [PMID: 34788073 PMCID: PMC8788706 DOI: 10.1128/aem.01886-21] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/03/2023] Open
Abstract
Mutualistic nutrient cycling in the coral-algae symbiosis depends on limited nitrogen (N) availability for algal symbionts. Denitrifying prokaryotes capable of reducing nitrate or nitrite to dinitrogen could thus support coral holobiont functioning by limiting N availability. Octocorals show some of the highest denitrification rates among reef organisms; however, little is known about the community structures of associated denitrifiers and their response to environmental fluctuations. Combining 16S rRNA gene amplicon sequencing with nirS in-silico PCR and quantitative PCR, we found differences in bacterial community dynamics between two octocorals exposed to excess dissolved organic carbon (DOC) and concomitant warming. Although bacterial communities of the gorgonian Pinnigorgia flava remained largely unaffected by DOC and warming, the soft coral Xenia umbellata exhibited a pronounced shift toward Alphaproteobacteria dominance under excess DOC. Likewise, the relative abundance of denitrifiers was not altered in P. flava but decreased by 1 order of magnitude in X. umbellata under excess DOC, likely due to decreased proportions of Ruegeria spp. Given that holobiont C:N ratios remained stable in P. flava but showed a pronounced increase with excess DOC in X. umbellata, our results suggest that microbial community dynamics may reflect the nutritional status of the holobiont. Hence, denitrifier abundance may be directly linked to N availability. This suggests a passive regulation of N cycling microbes based on N availability, which could help stabilize nutrient limitation in the coral-algal symbiosis and thereby support holobiont functioning in a changing environment. IMPORTANCE Octocorals are important members of reef-associated benthic communities that can rapidly replace scleractinian corals as the dominant ecosystem engineers on degraded reefs. Considering the substantial change in the (a)biotic environment that is commonly driving reef degradation, maintaining a dynamic and metabolically diverse microbial community might contribute to octocoral acclimatization. Nitrogen (N) cycling microbes, in particular denitrifying prokaryotes, may support holobiont functioning by limiting internal N availability, but little is known about the identity and (a)biotic drivers of octocoral-associated denitrifiers. Here, we show contrasting dynamics of bacterial communities associated with two common octocoral species, the soft coral Xenia umbellata and the gorgonian Pinnigorgia flava after a 6-week exposure to excess dissolved organic carbon under concomitant warming conditions. The specific responses of denitrifier communities of the two octocoral species aligned with the nutritional status of holobiont members. This suggests a passive regulation based on N availability in the coral holobiont.
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Glasl B, Haskell JB, Aires T, Serrão EA, Bourne DG, Webster NS, Frade PR. Microbial Surface Biofilm Responds to the Growth-Reproduction-Senescence Cycle of the Dominant Coral Reef Macroalgae Sargassum spp. Life (Basel) 2021; 11:life11111199. [PMID: 34833075 PMCID: PMC8621314 DOI: 10.3390/life11111199] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/24/2021] [Revised: 11/01/2021] [Accepted: 11/02/2021] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Macroalgae play an intricate role in microbial-mediated coral reef degradation processes due to the release of dissolved nutrients. However, temporal variabilities of macroalgal surface biofilms and their implication on the wider reef system remain poorly characterized. Here, we study the microbial biofilm of the dominant reef macroalgae Sargassum over a period of one year at an inshore Great Barrier Reef site (Magnetic Island, Australia). Monthly sampling of the Sargassum biofilm links the temporal taxonomic and putative functional metabolic microbiome changes, examined using 16S rRNA gene amplicon and metagenomic sequencing, to the pronounced growth-reproduction-senescence cycle of the host. Overall, the macroalgal biofilm was dominated by the heterotrophic phyla Firmicutes (35% ± 5.9% SD) and Bacteroidetes (12% ± 0.6% SD); their relative abundance ratio shifted significantly along the annual growth-reproduction-senescence cycle of Sargassum. For example, Firmicutes were 1.7 to 3.9 times more abundant during host growth and reproduction cycles than Bacteroidetes. Both phyla varied in their carbohydrate degradation capabilities; hence, temporal fluctuations in the carbohydrate availability are potentially linked to the observed shift. Dominant heterotrophic macroalgal biofilm members, such as Firmicutes and Bacteroidetes, are implicated in exacerbating or ameliorating the release of dissolved nutrients into the ambient environment, though their contribution to microbial-mediated reef degradation processes remains to be determined.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bettina Glasl
- Centre for Microbiology and Environmental Systems Science, Division of Microbial Ecology, University of Vienna, 1030 Vienna, Austria
- Correspondence:
| | - Jasmine B. Haskell
- CCMAR-Centre of Marine Sciences, CIMAR, University of Algarve, 8005-139 Faro, Portugal; (J.B.H.); (T.A.); (E.A.S.)
| | - Tania Aires
- CCMAR-Centre of Marine Sciences, CIMAR, University of Algarve, 8005-139 Faro, Portugal; (J.B.H.); (T.A.); (E.A.S.)
| | - Ester A. Serrão
- CCMAR-Centre of Marine Sciences, CIMAR, University of Algarve, 8005-139 Faro, Portugal; (J.B.H.); (T.A.); (E.A.S.)
| | - David G. Bourne
- Australian Institute of Marine Science, Townsville 4810, Australia
- College of Science and Engineering, James Cook University, Townsville 4811, Australia;
| | - Nicole S. Webster
- Australian Institute of Marine Science, Townsville 4810, Australia
- Australian Centre for Ecogenomics, University of Queensland, Brisbane 4072, Australia
- Australian Antarctic Division, Hobart 7050, Australia;
| | - Pedro R. Frade
- CCMAR-Centre of Marine Sciences, CIMAR, University of Algarve, 8005-139 Faro, Portugal; (J.B.H.); (T.A.); (E.A.S.)
- Zoological Department III, Natural History Museum Vienna, 1010 Vienna, Austria;
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47
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Briggs AA, Brown AL, Osenberg CW. Local versus site-level effects of algae on coral microbial communities. ROYAL SOCIETY OPEN SCIENCE 2021; 8:210035. [PMID: 34540243 PMCID: PMC8441125 DOI: 10.1098/rsos.210035] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/12/2021] [Accepted: 08/23/2021] [Indexed: 06/13/2023]
Abstract
Microbes influence ecological processes, including the dynamics and health of macro-organisms and their interactions with other species. In coral reefs, microbes mediate negative effects of algae on corals when corals are in contact with algae. However, it is unknown whether these effects extend to larger spatial scales, such as at sites with high algal densities. We investigated how local algal contact and site-level macroalgal cover influenced coral microbial communities in a field study at two islands in French Polynesia, Mo'orea and Mangareva. At 5 sites at each island, we sampled prokaryotic microbial communities (microbiomes) associated with corals, macroalgae, turf algae and water, with coral samples taken from individuals that were isolated from or in contact with turf or macroalgae. Algal contact and macroalgal cover had antagonistic effects on coral microbiome alpha and beta diversity. Additionally, coral microbiomes shifted and became more similar to macroalgal microbiomes at sites with high macroalgal cover and with algal contact, although the microbial taxa that changed varied by island. Our results indicate that coral microbiomes can be affected by algae outside of the coral's immediate vicinity, and local- and site-level effects of algae can obscure each other's effects when both scales are not considered.
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Affiliation(s)
- Amy A. Briggs
- Odum School of Ecology, University of Georgia, Athens, GA, USA
| | - Anya L. Brown
- Odum School of Ecology, University of Georgia, Athens, GA, USA
- Woods Hole Oceanographic Institution, Woods Hole, MA, USA
- School of Natural Resources and Environment, University of Florida, USA
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Campana S, Demey C, Busch K, Hentschel U, Muyzer G, de Goeij JM. Marine sponges maintain stable bacterial communities between reef sites with different coral to algae cover ratios. FEMS Microbiol Ecol 2021; 97:fiab115. [PMID: 34351429 PMCID: PMC8378938 DOI: 10.1093/femsec/fiab115] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/26/2021] [Accepted: 08/03/2021] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Marine sponges play a major ecological role in recycling resources on coral reef ecosystems. The cycling of resources may largely depend on the stability of the host-microbiome interactions and their susceptibility to altered environmental conditions. Given the current coral to algal phase shift on coral reefs, we investigated whether the sponge-associated bacterial communities of four sponge species, with either high or low microbial abundances (HMA and LMA), remain stable at two reefs sites with different coral to algae cover ratios. Additionally, we assessed the bacterial community composition of two of these sponge species before and after a reciprocal transplantation experiment between the sites. An overall stable bacterial community composition was maintained across the two sites in all sponge species, with a high degree of host-specificity. Furthermore, the core bacterial communities of the sponges remained stable also after a 21-day transplantation period, although a minor shift was observed in less abundant taxa (< 1%). Our findings support the conclusion that host identity and HMA-LMA status are stronger traits in shaping bacterial community composition than habitat. Nevertheless, long-term microbial monitoring of sponges along with benthic biomass and water quality assessments are needed for identifying ecosystem tolerance ranges and tipping points in ongoing coral reef phase shifts.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sara Campana
- Department of Freshwater and Marine Ecology, Institute for Biodiversity and Ecosystem Dynamics, University of Amsterdam, P.O. Box 94240, 1090 GE Amsterdam, Netherlands
| | - Celine Demey
- Department of Freshwater and Marine Ecology, Institute for Biodiversity and Ecosystem Dynamics, University of Amsterdam, P.O. Box 94240, 1090 GE Amsterdam, Netherlands
| | - Kathrin Busch
- Department of Marine Ecology, Research Unit Marine Symbioses, GEOMAR Helmholtz Centre for Ocean Research Kiel, Düsternbrooker Weg 20, 24105 Kiel, Germany
| | - Ute Hentschel
- Department of Marine Ecology, Research Unit Marine Symbioses, GEOMAR Helmholtz Centre for Ocean Research Kiel, Düsternbrooker Weg 20, 24105 Kiel, Germany
| | - Gerard Muyzer
- Department of Freshwater and Marine Ecology, Institute for Biodiversity and Ecosystem Dynamics, University of Amsterdam, P.O. Box 94240, 1090 GE Amsterdam, Netherlands
| | - Jasper M de Goeij
- Department of Freshwater and Marine Ecology, Institute for Biodiversity and Ecosystem Dynamics, University of Amsterdam, P.O. Box 94240, 1090 GE Amsterdam, Netherlands
- CARMABI Foundation, Piscaderabaai z/n, P.O. Box 2090, Willemstad, Curaçao
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49
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Capitani L, de Araujo JN, Vieira EA, Angelini R, Longo GO. Ocean Warming Will Reduce Standing Biomass in a Tropical Western Atlantic Reef Ecosystem. Ecosystems 2021. [DOI: 10.1007/s10021-021-00691-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
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50
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Cheutin MC, Villéger S, Hicks CC, Robinson JPW, Graham NAJ, Marconnet C, Restrepo CXO, Bettarel Y, Bouvier T, Auguet JC. Microbial Shift in the Enteric Bacteriome of Coral Reef Fish Following Climate-Driven Regime Shifts. Microorganisms 2021; 9:microorganisms9081711. [PMID: 34442789 PMCID: PMC8398123 DOI: 10.3390/microorganisms9081711] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/13/2021] [Revised: 08/03/2021] [Accepted: 08/06/2021] [Indexed: 01/04/2023] Open
Abstract
Replacement of coral by macroalgae in post-disturbance reefs, also called a “coral-macroalgal regime shift”, is increasing in response to climate-driven ocean warming. Such ecosystem change is known to impact planktonic and benthic reef microbial communities but few studies have examined the effect on animal microbiota. In order to understand the consequence of coral-macroalgal shifts on the coral reef fish enteric bacteriome, we used a metabarcoding approach to examine the gut bacteriomes of 99 individual fish representing 36 species collected on reefs of the Inner Seychelles islands that, following bleaching, had either recovered to coral domination, or shifted to macroalgae. While the coral-macroalgal shift did not influence the diversity, richness or variability of fish gut bacteriomes, we observed a significant effect on the composition (R2 = 0.02; p = 0.001), especially in herbivorous fishes (R2 = 0.07; p = 0.001). This change is accompanied by a significant increase in the proportion of fermentative bacteria (Rikenella, Akkermensia, Desulfovibrio, Brachyspira) and associated metabolisms (carbohydrates metabolism, DNA replication, and nitrogen metabolism) in relation to the strong turnover of Scarinae and Siganidae fishes. Predominance of fermentative metabolisms in fish found on macroalgal dominated reefs indicates that regime shifts not only affect the taxonomic composition of fish bacteriomes, but also have the potential to affect ecosystem functioning through microbial functions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marie-Charlotte Cheutin
- UMR MARBEC, Université de Montpellier, CNRS, Ifremer, IRD, 34095 Montpellier, France; (S.V.); (C.M.); (C.X.O.R.); (Y.B.); (T.B.); (J.-C.A.)
- Correspondence:
| | - Sébastien Villéger
- UMR MARBEC, Université de Montpellier, CNRS, Ifremer, IRD, 34095 Montpellier, France; (S.V.); (C.M.); (C.X.O.R.); (Y.B.); (T.B.); (J.-C.A.)
| | - Christina C. Hicks
- Lancaster Environment Centre, Lancaster University, Lancaster LA1 4YQ, UK; (C.C.H.); (J.P.W.R.); (N.A.J.G.)
| | - James P. W. Robinson
- Lancaster Environment Centre, Lancaster University, Lancaster LA1 4YQ, UK; (C.C.H.); (J.P.W.R.); (N.A.J.G.)
| | - Nicholas A. J. Graham
- Lancaster Environment Centre, Lancaster University, Lancaster LA1 4YQ, UK; (C.C.H.); (J.P.W.R.); (N.A.J.G.)
| | - Clémence Marconnet
- UMR MARBEC, Université de Montpellier, CNRS, Ifremer, IRD, 34095 Montpellier, France; (S.V.); (C.M.); (C.X.O.R.); (Y.B.); (T.B.); (J.-C.A.)
| | - Claudia Ximena Ortiz Restrepo
- UMR MARBEC, Université de Montpellier, CNRS, Ifremer, IRD, 34095 Montpellier, France; (S.V.); (C.M.); (C.X.O.R.); (Y.B.); (T.B.); (J.-C.A.)
| | - Yvan Bettarel
- UMR MARBEC, Université de Montpellier, CNRS, Ifremer, IRD, 34095 Montpellier, France; (S.V.); (C.M.); (C.X.O.R.); (Y.B.); (T.B.); (J.-C.A.)
| | - Thierry Bouvier
- UMR MARBEC, Université de Montpellier, CNRS, Ifremer, IRD, 34095 Montpellier, France; (S.V.); (C.M.); (C.X.O.R.); (Y.B.); (T.B.); (J.-C.A.)
| | - Jean-Christophe Auguet
- UMR MARBEC, Université de Montpellier, CNRS, Ifremer, IRD, 34095 Montpellier, France; (S.V.); (C.M.); (C.X.O.R.); (Y.B.); (T.B.); (J.-C.A.)
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