Local genomic adaptation of coral reef-associated microbiomes to gradients of natural variability and anthropogenic stressors.

ABSTRACT: Holobionts are species-specific associations between macro- and microorganisms. On coral reefs, the benthic coverage of coral and algal holobionts varies due to natural and anthropogenic forcings. Different benthic macroorganisms are predicted to have specific microbiomes. In contrast, local environmental factors are predicted to select for specific metabolic pathways in microbes. To reconcile these two predictions, we hypothesized that adaptation of microbiomes to local conditions is facilitated by the horizontal transfer of genes responsible for specific metabolic capabilities. To test this hypothesis, microbial metagenomes were sequenced from 22 coral reefs at 11 Line Islands in the central Pacific that together span a wide range of biogeochemical and anthropogenic influences. Consisten

SUBMITTER: Kelly LW 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC4104888 | biostudies-literature | 2014 Jul

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature