Plasticity of a holobiont: desiccation induces fasting-like metabolism within the lichen microbiota.

ABSTRACT: The role of host-associated microbiota in enduring dehydration and drought is largely unknown. We have used lichens to study this increasingly important problem because they are the organisms that are optimally adapted to reoccurring hydration/dehydration cycles, and they host a defined and persistent bacterial community. The analysis of metatranscriptomic datasets from bacterial communities of the lung lichen (Lobaria pulmonaria (L.) Hoffm.), sampled under representative hydration stages, revealed significant structural shifts and functional specialization to host conditions. The hydrated samples showed upregulated transcription of transport systems, tRNA modification and various porins (Omp2b by Rhizobiales), whereas the desiccated samples showed different functions related to stress ada

SUBMITTER: Cernava T 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC6331575 | biostudies-literature | 2019 Feb

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature