Single-cell genomics reveals complex carbohydrate degradation patterns in poribacterial symbionts of marine sponges.

ABSTRACT: Many marine sponges are hosts to dense and phylogenetically diverse microbial communities that are located in the extracellular matrix of the animal. The candidate phylum Poribacteria is a predominant member of the sponge microbiome and its representatives are nearly exclusively found in sponges. Here we used single-cell genomics to obtain comprehensive insights into the metabolic potential of individual poribacterial cells representing three distinct phylogenetic groups within Poribacteria. Genome sizes were up to 5.4 Mbp and genome coverage was as high as 98.5%. Common features of the poribacterial genomes indicated that heterotrophy is likely to be of importance for this bacterial candidate phylum. Carbohydrate-active enzyme database screening and further detailed analysis of carbohydra

SUBMITTER: Kamke J 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC3834845 | biostudies-literature | 2013 Dec

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature