Host under epigenetic control: A novel perspective on the interaction between microorganisms and corals

Area of Science:

• Marine Biology
• Microbiology
• Epigenetics

Background:

• Coral reefs face unprecedented environmental challenges, threatening their survival.
• Existing research examines microbial communities and epigenetics separately in corals.
• Understanding these factors' interplay is crucial for coral resilience.

Purpose of the Study:

• To hypothesize that coral-associated microorganisms can modulate the coral epigenome.
• To explore the potential of microbiome manipulation for coral adaptation and conservation.

Main Methods:

• Identification of bacterial genes in the coral microbiome with homologs to known epigenome-modifying proteins.
• Analysis of proteins like ankyrin-repeat protein A, internalin B, histone methyltransferases, and DNA methyltransferases.

Main Results:

• Discovery of potential host epigenome-modifying proteins within the coral microbiome.
• Evidence suggests bacterial proteins can influence host gene expression via epigenetic mechanisms.

Conclusions:

• Coral-associated microbes may impact coral phenotypes by altering their epigenome.
• Microbiome manipulation presents a promising avenue for enhancing coral resilience to environmental stressors.
• This research opens new possibilities for coral reef protection strategies.