Coral holobiont cues prime Endozoicomonas for a symbiotic lifestyle

Claudia Pogoreutz, Clinton A Oakley, Nils Rädecker, Anny Cardenas, Gabriela Perna, Nan Xiang, Lifeng Peng, Simon K. Davy, David K. Ngugi, Christian R. Voolstra

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

41 Scopus citations

Abstract

Endozoicomonas are prevalent, abundant bacterial associates of marine animals, including corals. Their role in holobiont health and functioning, however, remains poorly understood. To identify potential interactions within the coral holobiont, we characterized the novel isolate Endozoicomonas marisrubri sp. nov. 6c and assessed its transcriptomic and proteomic response to tissue extracts of its native host, the Red Sea coral Acropora humilis. We show that coral tissue extracts stimulated differential expression of genes putatively involved in symbiosis establishment via the modulation of the host immune response by E. marisrubri 6c, such as genes for flagellar assembly, ankyrins, ephrins, and serpins. Proteome analyses revealed that E. marisrubri 6c upregulated vitamin B1 and B6 biosynthesis and glycolytic processes in response to holobiont cues. Our results suggest that the priming of Endozoicomonas for a symbiotic lifestyle involves the modulation of host immunity and the exchange of essential metabolites with other holobiont members. Consequently, Endozoicomonas may play an important role in holobiont nutrient cycling and may therefore contribute to coral health, acclimatization, and adaptation.
Original languageEnglish (US)
JournalThe ISME Journal
DOIs
StatePublished - Apr 20 2022

ASJC Scopus subject areas

  • Ecology, Evolution, Behavior and Systematics

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