Bacterial endosymbioses in Solemya (Mollusca: Bivalvia)--model systems for studies of symbiont-host adaptation

Endosymbioses between chemosynthetic bacteria and marine invertebrates are remarkable biological adaptations to life in sulfide-rich environments. In these mutualistic associations, sulfur-oxidizing chemoautotrophic bacteria living directly within host cells both aid in the detoxification of toxic sulfide and fix carbon to support the metabolic needs of the host. Though best described for deep-sea vents and cold seeps, these symbioses are ubiquitous in shallow-water reducing environments. Indeed, considerable insight into sulfur-oxidizing endosymbioses in general comes from detailed studies of shallow-water protobranch clams in the genus Solemya. This review highlights the impressive body of work characterizing bacterial symbiosis in Solemya species, all of which are presumed to harbor endosymbionts. In particular, studies of the coastal Atlantic species Solemya velum and its larger Pacific congener Solemya reidi are the foundation for our understanding of the metabolism and physiology of marine bivalve symbioses, which are now known to occur in five families. Solemya velum, in particular, is an excellent model organism for symbiosis research. This clam can be collected easily from coastal eelgrass beds and maintained in laboratory aquaria for extended periods. In addition, the genome of the S. velum symbiont is currently being sequenced. The integration of genomic data with additional experimental analyses will help reveal the molecular basis of the symbiont-host interaction in Solemya, thereby complementing the wide array of research programs aimed at better understanding the diverse relationships between bacterial and eukaryotic cells.