Structural Dynamics of the Skin-Associated Microbiome of the Sea Cucumber Holothuria scabra During Integument Ulceration and Recovery.

ABSTRACT: Sea cucumbers are highly valued commercial species in the seafood industry. However, their hatchery and commercialization are constrained by the high mortalities experienced by these animals driven by environmental changes and physiological stress. Under such conditions, functional alterations in their immune system can induce integument ulcers that are later infected by opportunistic pathogens. Sea cucumbers, however, can display defense mechanisms that enable self-healing and recovery. It has been hypothesized that such mechanisms are assisted by changes in the skin-associated microbial community, enhancing the resilience of infected animal hosts. Here, we investigated the dynamics of the skin-associated microbiomes during infection and recovery of the tropical sea cucumber Holothuria sc

SUBMITTER: He Y 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC12405312 | biostudies-literature | 2025 Sep

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature