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. 2018 Mar 13;3(2):e00162-17.
doi: 10.1128/mSystems.00162-17. eCollection 2018 Mar-Apr.

Ecosystem Microbiology of Coral Reefs: Linking Genomic, Metabolomic, and Biogeochemical Dynamics from Animal Symbioses to Reefscape Processes

Linda Wegley Kelly #  1 , Andreas F Haas #  2 , Craig E Nelson #  3
Affiliations

Ecosystem Microbiology of Coral Reefs: Linking Genomic, Metabolomic, and Biogeochemical Dynamics from Animal Symbioses to Reefscape Processes

Linda Wegley Kelly et al. mSystems. .

Abstract

Over the past 2 decades, molecular techniques have established the critical role of both free-living and host-associated microbial partnerships in the environment. Advancing research to link microbial community dynamics simultaneously to host physiology and ecosystem biogeochemistry is required to broaden our understanding of the ecological roles of environmental microbes. Studies on coral reefs are actively integrating these data streams at multiple levels, from the symbiotic habitat of the coral holobiont to microbially mediated interactions between corals and algae to the effects of these interactions on the microbial community structure, metabolism, and organic geochemistry of the reef ecosystem. Coral reefs endure multiple anthropogenic impacts, including pollution, overfishing, and global change. In this context, we must develop ecosystem microbiology with an eye to providing managers with microbial indicators of reef ecosystem processes, coral health, and resilience to both local and global stressors.

Keywords: biogeochemistry; coral reef; ecosystem; metabolomics; metagenomics.

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Conflict of interest statement

Conflict of Interest Disclosures: L.W.K. reports grant OCE-1538567 from the U.S. National Science Foundation during the conduct of the study. A.F.H. has nothing to disclose. C.E.N. reports grant OCE-1538393 from the U.S. National Science Foundation and grant NA14OAR4170071 from the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration during the conduct of the study. Conflict of Interest Disclosures: L.W.K. reports grant OCE-1538567 from the U.S. National Science Foundation during the conduct of the study. A.F.H. has nothing to disclose. C.E.N. reports grant OCE-1538393 from the U.S. National Science Foundation and grant NA14OAR4170071 from the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration during the conduct of the study.

Figures

FIG 1
FIG 1
Ecosystem microbiology embraces a holistic characterization of the role of microbes in coral reefs from molecules to physiology to biogeochemical processes. These strategies will provide a mechanistic understanding of what governs macroorganismal community shifts and how this benthic community succession alters ecosystem function.
See this image and copyright information in PMC

References

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