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Updated: Oct 10, 2025
Author Spotlight: Separation of Coral Host Tissues and Algal Symbionts and Analyzing Their Metabolites
Published on: October 13, 2023
Proteome and microbiota analyses characterizing dynamic coral-algae-microbe tripartite interactions under simulated
Zhenyue Lin1, Liuying Wang2, Mingliang Chen3
1Institute of Oceanography, Minjiang University, Fuzhou 350108, China; Key Laboratory of Marine Genetic Resources, Third Institute of Oceanography, Ministry of Natural Resources, Xiamen 361005, China.
Ocean acidification (OA) significantly alters coral holobiont proteomes and microbial communities, impacting immune defense and metabolic pathways. These changes, despite no immediate effect on calcification, suggest potential compromises to coral health under future ocean conditions.
Area of Science:
- Marine Biology
- Coral Reef Ecology
- Environmental Science
Background:
- Ocean acidification (OA) poses a significant threat to coral reefs globally.
- Understanding the molecular and microbial mechanisms of coral holobiont stress response is crucial for predicting reef resilience.
- The interactions within the coral holobiont (coral host, Symbiodiniaceae, and associated microbes) are key to stress tolerance.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the effects of projected ocean acidification scenarios on the proteome and microbiota of the scleractinian coral Galaxea fascicularis.
- To identify molecular and microbial mechanisms underlying coral holobiont responses to rapid pH changes.
Main Methods:
- Combined proteomics and 16S rRNA gene sequencing (microbiota analysis) were employed.
- Galaxea fascicularis were exposed to three pH conditions: current (8.15), preindustrial (8.45), and future IPCC-2100 (7.85).
- Physiological calcification rates, proteomic profiles, and microbial community composition were analyzed over a 10-day period.
Main Results:
- No significant impact on the calcification rate of G. fascicularis was observed within the 10-day experimental period.
- Significant alterations in the coral holobiont proteome were detected, highlighting pathways related to immune defense, energy homeostasis, nutrient cycling, and carbon budgets.
- Substantial shifts in the microbial community structure and function were observed in response to ocean acidification stress.
Conclusions:
- Early responses to ocean acidification involve complex molecular and microbial adjustments within the coral holobiont.
- While calcification may not be immediately affected, proteomic and microbial changes indicate potential long-term compromises to holobiont health and fitness.
- These findings provide insights into scleractinian coral holobiont responses to OA and highlight areas for future research.
