Unfolding the secrets of microbiome (Symbiodiniaceae and bacteria) in cold-water coral

• DOI: 10.1128/spectrum.01315-23
• Publication Date: 2023-09-20T19:11:06Z
• Authors: Sanqiang Gong; Jiayuan Liang; Xujie Jin; Lijia Xu; Meixia Zhao; Kefu Yu
• Keywords: Anthozoa; Bradyrhizobium

Recent deep-ocean exploration has uncovered a variety of cold-water coral (CWC) ecosystems around the world ocean, but it remains unclear how microbiome is associated with these corals at molecular levels. This study utilized metabarcoding, tissue section observation, and metatranscriptomes to investigate (Symbiodiniaceae bacteria) CWC species (Narella versluysi, Heterogorgia uatumani, Muriceides sp.) from depths ranging 260 m 370 m. Warm-water (WWC) (Acropora pruinosa, Pocillopora damicornis, Galaxea fascicularis) were used as control groups. Results revealed that host diverse bacteria Symbiodiniaceae cells observed in endoderm tissues. Several new candidate bacterial phyla found both WWC, including Coralsanbacteria, Coralqiangbacteria, Coralgsqaceae, Coralgongineae, etc. Both 16S rRNA gene sequencing Actinobacteria Proteobacteria abundant CWC. At transcription level, CWC-associated community showed low-level genes involved photosynthesis, CO2 fixation, glycolysis, citric acid cycle, while exhibited high-level for carbon fixation via Wood-Lijungdahl pathway, short chain fatty acids production, nitrogen, sulfur cycles. IMPORTANCE shed light on functions (CWC). The results demonstrated can survive actively transcribe CWC, suggesting possible symbiotic or parasitic relationship host. also complete non-photosynthetic pathway well their roles production assimilation host-derived organic nitrogen sulfur. These findings highlight important role carbon, cycles which possibly crucial survival deep-water environments.