Host Shaping Associated Microbiota in Hydrothermal Vent Snails from the Indian Ocean Ridge.

ABSTRACT: Snails at hydrothermal vents rely on symbiotic bacteria for nutrition; however, the specifics of these associations in adapting to such extreme environments remain underexplored. This study investigated the community structure and metabolic potential of bacteria associated with two Indian Ocean vent snails, Chrysomallon squamiferum and Gigantopelta aegis. Using microscopic, phylogenetic, and metagenomic analyses, this study examines bacterial communities inhabiting the foot and gland tissues of these snails. G. aegis exhibited exceptionally low bacterial diversity (Shannon index 0.14-0.18), primarily Gammaproteobacteria (99.9%), including chemosynthetic sulfur-oxidizing Chromatiales using Calvin-Benson-Bassham cycle and methane-oxidizing Methylococcales in the glands.

SUBMITTER: Zeng X 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC12383625 | biostudies-literature | 2025 Jul

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature