Colocalization and potential interactions of Endozoicomonas and chlamydiae in microbial aggregates of the coral Pocillopora acuta

• DOI: 10.1126/sciadv.adg0773
• Publication Date: 2023-05-17T17:57:16Z
• Authors: Justin Maire; Kshitij Tandon; Astrid Collingro; Allison van de Meene; Katarina Damjanovic; Cecilie Ravn Gotze; Sophie Stephenson; Gayle K. Philip; Matthias Horn; Neal E. Cantin; Linda L. Blackall; Madeleine J. H. v...
• Keywords: Holobiont; Anthozoa

Corals are associated with a variety of bacteria, which occur in the surface mucus layer, gastrovascular cavity, skeleton, and tissues. Some tissue-associated bacteria form clusters, termed cell-associated microbial aggregates (CAMAs), poorly studied. Here, we provide comprehensive characterization CAMAs coral Pocillopora acuta. Combining imaging techniques, laser capture microdissection, amplicon metagenome sequencing, show that (i) located tentacle tips may be intracellular; (ii) contain Endozoicomonas (Gammaproteobacteria) Simkania (Chlamydiota) bacteria; (iii) vitamins to its host use secretion systems and/or pili for colonization aggregation; (iv) distinct, but adjacent, CAMAs; (v) receive acetate heme from neighboring Endozoicomonas. Our study provides detailed insight into endosymbionts, thereby improving our understanding physiology health providing important knowledge reef conservation climate change era.