Exploring the Microbial Reservoir of Geodia cydonium (Linnaeus, 1767): Insights into Site-Specific Diversity and Biotechnological Potential.

ABSTRACT: Marine sponges are recognized as reservoirs of diverse microorganisms that produce bioactive natural compounds. In this study, we conducted a metataxonomic analysis of Geodia cydonium specimens collected from four sites in Italy: Secca delle Fumose (Gulf of Naples, Tyrrhenian Sea), Mar Piccolo of Taranto and an Integrated Multi-Trophic Aquaculture (IMTA) system in Mar Grande of Taranto (both located in the Ionian Sea), and Polignano a Mare (Adriatic Sea). Our results revealed a highly diverse microbial community within the sponges, encompassing 24 bacterial phyla. Among these, Chloroflexota was the most abundant phylum, accounting for an average of 30.2% of the total community across all samples. In addition, the majority of the microbiota was composed of Actinomycetota, Proteobacte

SUBMITTER: Esposito R 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC12842704 | biostudies-literature | 2025 Dec

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature