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A genome-centric view of the role of the Acropora kenti microbiome in coral health and resilience

Author

Listed:
  • Lauren F. Messer

    (Queensland University of Technology
    University of Stirling)

  • David G. Bourne

    (James Cook University
    Australian Institute of Marine Science)

  • Steven J. Robbins

    (The University of Queensland)

  • Megan Clay

    (Queensland University of Technology)

  • Sara C. Bell

    (James Cook University
    Australian Institute of Marine Science)

  • Simon J. McIlroy

    (Queensland University of Technology)

  • Gene W. Tyson

    (Queensland University of Technology)

Abstract

Microbial diversity has been extensively explored in reef-building corals. However, the functional roles of coral-associated microorganisms remain poorly elucidated. Here, we recover 191 bacterial and 10 archaeal metagenome-assembled genomes (MAGs) from the coral Acropora kenti (formerly A. tenuis) and adjacent seawater, to identify microbial functions and metabolic interactions within the holobiont. We show that 82 MAGs were specific to the A. kenti holobiont, including members of the Pseudomonadota, Bacteroidota, and Desulfobacterota. A. kenti-specific MAGs displayed significant differences in their genomic features and functional potential relative to seawater-specific MAGs, with a higher prevalence of genes involved in host immune system evasion, nitrogen and carbon fixation, and synthesis of five essential B-vitamins. We find a diversity of A. kenti-specific MAGs encode the biosynthesis of essential amino acids, such as tryptophan, histidine, and lysine, which cannot be de novo synthesised by the host or Symbiodiniaceae. Across a water quality gradient spanning 2° of latitude, A. kenti microbial community composition is correlated to increased temperature and dissolved inorganic nitrogen, with corresponding enrichment in molecular chaperones, nitrate reductases, and a heat-shock protein. We reveal mechanisms of A. kenti-microbiome-symbiosis on the Great Barrier Reef, highlighting the interactions underpinning the health of this keystone holobiont.

Suggested Citation

  • Lauren F. Messer & David G. Bourne & Steven J. Robbins & Megan Clay & Sara C. Bell & Simon J. McIlroy & Gene W. Tyson, 2024. "A genome-centric view of the role of the Acropora kenti microbiome in coral health and resilience," Nature Communications, Nature, vol. 15(1), pages 1-15, December.
  • Handle: RePEc:nat:natcom:v:15:y:2024:i:1:d:10.1038_s41467-024-46905-5
    DOI: 10.1038/s41467-024-46905-5
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    References listed on IDEAS

    as
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    3. Jean-Baptiste Raina & Dianne M. Tapiolas & Sylvain Forêt & Adrian Lutz & David Abrego & Janja Ceh & François O. Seneca & Peta L. Clode & David G. Bourne & Bette L. Willis & Cherie A. Motti, 2013. "DMSP biosynthesis by an animal and its role in coral thermal stress response," Nature, Nature, vol. 502(7473), pages 677-680, October.
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