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

Author(s): 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 van Oppen
Abstract: 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), which are poorly studied. Here, we provide a comprehensive characterization of CAMAs in the coral Pocillopora acuta. Combining imaging techniques, laser capture microdissection, and amplicon and metagenome sequencing, we show that (i) CAMAs are located in the tentacle tips and may be intracellular; (ii) CAMAs contain Endozoicomonas (Gammaproteobacteria) and Simkania (Chlamydiota) bacteria; (iii) Endozoicomonas may provide vitamins to its host and use secretion systems and/or pili for colonization and aggregation; (iv) Endozoicomonas and Simkania occur in distinct, but adjacent, CAMAs; and (v) Simkania may receive acetate and heme from neighboring Endozoicomonas. Our study provides detailed insight into coral endosymbionts, thereby improving our understanding of coral physiology and health and providing important knowledge for coral reef conservation in the climate change era.
Organisation(s): Department of Microbiology and Ecosystem Science
External organisation(s): University of Melbourne, Australian Institute of Marine Science
Journal: Science Advances
Volume: 9
No. of pages: 15
ISSN: 2375-2548
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1126/sciadv.adg0773
Publication date: 05-2023
Peer reviewed: Yes
Austrian Fields of Science 2012: 106026 Ecosystem research, 106022 Microbiology
Keywords
Sustainable Development Goals: SDG 13 - Climate Action
Portal url: https://ucrisportal.univie.ac.at/en/publications/078b6114-ebe6-43fc-b795-0babbbeed986