Insights into the coral microbiome: underpinning the health and resilience of reef ecosystems

Bourne, David G., Morrow, Kathleen M., and Webster, Nicole S. (2016) Insights into the coral microbiome: underpinning the health and resilience of reef ecosystems. Annual Review of Microbiology, 70. pp. 317-340.

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Abstract

Corals are fundamental ecosystem engineers, creating large, intricate reefs that support diverse and abundant marine life. At the core of a healthy coral animal is a dynamic relationship with microorganisms, including a mutually beneficial symbiosis with photosynthetic dinoflagellates (Symbiodinium spp.) and enduring partnerships with an array of bacterial, archaeal, fungal, protistan, and viral associates, collectively termed the coral holobiont. The combined genomes of this coral holobiont form a coral hologenome, and genomic interactions within the hologenome ultimately define the coral phenotype. Here we integrate contemporary scientific knowledge regarding the ecological, host-specific, and environmental forces shaping the diversity, specificity, and distribution of microbial symbionts within the coral holobiont, explore physiological pathways that contribute to holobiont fitness, and describe potential mechanisms for holobiont homeostasis. Understanding the role of the microbiome in coral resilience, acclimation, and environmental adaptation is a new frontier in reef science that will require large-scale collaborative research efforts.

Item ID: 47939
Item Type: Article (Research - C1)
ISSN: 1545-3251
Keywords: coral holobiont; coral microbiome; coral hologenome; cumulative stressors; holobiont resilience
Funders: Australian Institute of Marine Science (AIMS), Australian Research Council (ARC)
Projects and Grants: ARC Super Science Fellowship & FT120100480
Date Deposited: 21 Mar 2017 05:26
FoR Codes: 31 BIOLOGICAL SCIENCES > 3107 Microbiology > 310703 Microbial ecology @ 50%
31 BIOLOGICAL SCIENCES > 3107 Microbiology > 310704 Microbial genetics @ 50%
SEO Codes: 96 ENVIRONMENT > 9608 Flora, Fauna and Biodiversity > 960808 Marine Flora, Fauna and Biodiversity @ 50%
96 ENVIRONMENT > 9603 Climate and Climate Change > 960305 Ecosystem Adaptation to Climate Change @ 50%
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