A novel, tissue-associated and vertically transmitted bacterial symbiont in the coralPocillopora acuta

Abstract

AbstractCoral microhabitats are colonized by a myriad of microorganisms, including diverse bacteria which are essential for host functioning and survival. However, the location, transmission, and functions of individual bacterial species living inside the coral tissues remain poorly studied. Here, we show that a previously undescribed bacterial symbiont of the coralPocillopora acutaforms cell-associated microbial aggregates (CAMAs) within the mesenterial filaments. CAMAs were found in both adults and larval offspring, providing evidence of vertical transmission.In situlaser capture microdissection of CAMAs followed by 16S rRNA gene metabarcoding and shotgun metagenomics produced a near complete metagenome-assembled genome. We subsequently cultured the CAMA bacteria fromP. acutacolonies, and sequenced and assembled their genomes. Phylogenetic analyses showed that the CAMA bacteria belong to an undescribed Endozoicomonadaceae genus and species, which we propose to nameSororendozoicomonas aggregatagen. nov sp. nov. Metabolic pathway reconstruction from its genome sequence suggests this species can synthesize most amino acids, several B vitamins, and antioxidants, which may be beneficial to its coral hosts. This study provides detailed insights into a new member of the widespread Endozoicomonadaceae family, thereby improving our understanding of coral holobiont functioning. Vertically transmitted, tissue-associated bacteria, such asS. aggregatamay be key candidates for the development of microbiome manipulation approaches with long-term positive effects on the coral host.