Host-associated microbiomes drive structure and function of marine ecosystems.

Area of Science:

• Marine Biology
• Microbiology
• Ecology

Background:

• Symbiotic relationships between eukaryotic hosts and microbes are fundamental to organismal and ecosystem health.
• These symbioses are particularly critical for Earth's most vulnerable marine ecosystems.
• Current research on host-associated microbes, including consortia, has not kept pace with the vast diversity of marine host species.

Purpose of the Study:

• To identify research priorities for understanding marine host-microbiome interactions.
• To elucidate how these interactions influence marine ecosystem structure and function.
• To provide a framework for predicting ecosystem responses to anthropogenic stressors.

Main Methods:

• Literature review and synthesis of current knowledge on marine host-microbiome interactions.
• Identification of knowledge gaps and researchable questions.
• Development of a research agenda focusing on key areas of investigation.

Main Results:

• Significant knowledge gaps exist regarding the interactions between microbes and the majority of marine host species.
• Host-microbiome interactions play a critical role in shaping marine ecosystems.
• Understanding these interactions is essential for predicting ecosystem resilience.

Conclusions:

• Prioritizing research on marine host-microbiome interactions is crucial for advancing ecological understanding.
• This research is necessary to predict how marine species and ecosystems will respond to environmental changes.
• Informed management strategies for threatened marine ecosystems can be developed through enhanced knowledge of these symbioses.