Functional genomic analysis of an uncultured ?-proteobacterium in the sponge Cymbastela concentrica.

ABSTRACT: Marine sponges are ancient, sessile, filter-feeding metazoans, which represent a significant component of the benthic communities throughout the world. Sponges harbor a remarkable diversity of bacteria, however, little is known about the functional properties of such bacterial symbionts. In this study, we present the genomic and functional characterization of an uncultured ?-proteobacterium associated with the sponge Cymbastela concentrica. We show that this organism represents a novel phylogenetic clade and propose that it lives in association with a cyanobacterium. We also provide an overview of the predicted functional and ecological properties of this ?-proteobacterium, and discuss its complex interactions with surrounding cells and milieu, including traits of cell attachment, nutrient transport and protein-protein interactions.

SUBMITTER: Liu MY 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC3105712 | biostudies-literature | 2011 Mar

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature