Functional genomic analysis of an uncultured δ-proteobacterium in the sponge Cymbastela concentrica

ISME J. 2011 Mar;5(3):427-35. doi: 10.1038/ismej.2010.139. Epub 2010 Sep 2.

Abstract

Marine sponges are ancient, sessile, filter-feeding metazoans, which represent a significant component of the benthic communities throughout the world. Sponges harbor a remarkable diversity of bacteria, however, little is known about the functional properties of such bacterial symbionts. In this study, we present the genomic and functional characterization of an uncultured δ-proteobacterium associated with the sponge Cymbastela concentrica. We show that this organism represents a novel phylogenetic clade and propose that it lives in association with a cyanobacterium. We also provide an overview of the predicted functional and ecological properties of this δ-proteobacterium, and discuss its complex interactions with surrounding cells and milieu, including traits of cell attachment, nutrient transport and protein-protein interactions.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Animals
  • Cyanobacteria / physiology
  • Deltaproteobacteria / classification*
  • Deltaproteobacteria / genetics
  • Deltaproteobacteria / physiology*
  • Genes, Bacterial / genetics
  • Metagenome
  • Phylogeny
  • Porifera / microbiology*
  • RNA, Ribosomal, 16S / genetics

Substances

  • RNA, Ribosomal, 16S