Unraveling the microbial processes of black band disease in corals through integrated genomics.

ABSTRACT: Coral disease outbreaks contribute to the ongoing degradation of reef ecosystems, however, microbial mechanisms underlying the onset and progression of most coral diseases are poorly understood. Black band disease (BBD) manifests as a cyanobacterial-dominated microbial mat that destroys coral tissues as it rapidly spreads over coral colonies. To elucidate BBD pathogenesis, we apply a comparative metagenomic and metatranscriptomic approach to identify taxonomic and functional changes within microbial lesions during in-situ development of BBD from a comparatively benign stage termed cyanobacterial patches. Results suggest that photosynthetic CO₂-fixation in Cyanobacteria substantially enhances productivity of organic matter within the lesion during disease development. Photosyntha

SUBMITTER: Sato Y 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC5240343 | biostudies-literature | 2017 Jan

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature