Metagenome Analysis of a Rhodolith Microbial Community Provides Evidence for Re-cycling of Nitrogen Sources within the Holobiont

초록

Rhodoliths are calcareous nodules, composed of non-geniculate coralline red algae with tight association of diverse microbial eukaryotes, prokaryotes, and viruses. Rhodolith beds are generally distributed in coastal benthic environments and play crucial biogeochemical and ecological roles in marine benthic ecosystems. To better understand microbial interactions in rhodolith holobionts, we newly generated and analyzed metagenome sequencing data of a rhodolith. The presence of nitrogen cycling-related protein-coding genes from the strict anaerobic community (i.e., deltaproteobacteria) suggest that the rhodolith holobiont contains an anaerobic zone. In addition, we found both aerobic and anaerobic denitrification metabolisms that may play an important role for re-cycling of nitrogen metabolism within the holobiont. Therefore, it could be advantageous to the rhodolith holobiont to directly utilize recycled carbon and nitrogen. As a self-sustaining reservoir, rhodoltihs provide favorable habitats for diverse marine organisms.

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