2011/01/10 by Raechel A. Littman, Bette L. Willis, David G. Bourne · 2 citations
Environmental Science · Immunology and Microbiology · #Coral and Marine Ecosystems Studies #Microbial Community Ecology and Physiology #Aquaculture disease management and microbiota #Holobiont #Biology #Metagenomics #Coral #Archaea #Algae #Coral bleaching #Microorganism #Ecology #Microbial ecology #Anthozoa #Coral reef #Cyanobacteria #Symbiosis #Extreme environment #Microbial population biology #Bacteria #Gene
paper · doi:10.1111/j.1758-2229.2010.00234.x
openalex publication_date 2011/01/10 · openalex created_date 2025/10/10 · openalex updated_date 2026/07/29
Understanding the effects of elevated seawater temperatures on each member of the coral holobiont (the complex comprised of coral polyps and associated symbiotic microorganisms, including Bacteria, viruses, Fungi, Archaea and endolithic algae) is becoming increasingly important as evidence accumulates that microbial members contribute to overall coral health, particularly during thermal stress. Here we use a metagenomic approach to identify metabolic and taxonomic shifts in microbial communities associated with the hard coral Acropora millepora throughout a natural thermal bleaching event at Magnetic Island (Great Barrier Reef). A direct comparison of metagenomic data sets from healthy versus bleached corals indicated major shifts in microbial associates during heat stress, including Bacteria, Archaea, viruses, Fungi and micro-algae. Overall, metabolism of the microbial community shifted from autotrophy to heterotrophy, including increases in genes associated with the metabolism of fatty acids, proteins, simple carbohydrates, phosphorus and sulfur. In addition, the proportion of virulence genes was higher in the bleached library, indicating an increase in microorganisms capable of pathogenesis following bleaching. These results demonstrate that thermal stress results in shifts in coral-associated microbial communities that may lead to deteriorating coral health.