Metataxanomic, bioactivity and microbiome analysis of Red Sea marine sponges from Egypt

Red Sea marine sponges (phylum Porifera) and associated microorganisms harbor a wide range of microorganisms, which are considered an essential source of bioactive products. In this study, we screened both the crude extracts of Red Sea marine sponges and their associated bacterial extract for antimicrobial activity and antiviral activity. Molecular characterization of bioactive producers was performed using16S rRNA sequencing, in addition to metagenomic analysis of three representative sponges utilizing the 16S rRNA gene V3-V4 region sequencing in two different seasons. Twelve samples were collected from five different sponge species by scuba diving, and all the crude extracts of sponges showed antimicrobial activity except Negombata corticata. Moreover, 84 out of 110 bacterial isolates extracts demonstrated antimicrobial activity against at least one tested microorganism. These results revealed the bioactivity and biodiversity of the Red Sea marine invertebrates-associated bacteria. It was found that the bioactive isolates belong to several bacterial groups. The bacterial communities of Negombata magnifica, Negombata corticata, and Siphonochalina siphonella were shown with great diversity and differences in the bacterial percentage, diversity, and unique community composition at different seasons in each sponge species. Unique microenvironment for each sponge species may be linked to the production of specific bioactive product.