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Stingray epidermal microbiomes are species-specific with local adaptations.
Emma N Kerr1, Bhavya Papudeshi1, Miranda Haggerty2
1Flinders Accelerator for Microbiome Exploration, College of Science and Engineering, Flinders University, Adelaide, SA, Australia.
Frontiers in Microbiology
|March 20, 2023
Summary
Marine stingray microbiomes are species-specific and differ from surrounding waters. Mucus-rich bat ray microbiomes varied more individually, while mucus-poor round ray microbiomes adapted locally, maintaining similar diversity.
Area of Science:
- Marine microbiology
- Host-associated microbial ecology
- Comparative genomics
Background:
- Marine host-associated microbiomes are shaped by host genetics and environment.
- Stingray epidermis presents varying mucus levels, influencing microbial communities.
- Understanding these factors is crucial for marine ecosystem health.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the impact of host phylogeny and habitat on stingray epidermal microbiomes.
- To compare the microbiomes of bat rays (Myliobatis californica) and round rays (Urobatis halleri).
- To analyze microbial community structure, diversity, and function across different locations.
Main Methods:
- Comparative analysis of epidermal microbiomes from two stingray species (Myliobatis californica and Urobatis halleri).
- Sampling from two distinct coastal locations (Los Angeles and San Diego).
- Metagenome Assembled Genomes (MAGs) construction to identify novel microbial species and functions.
Main Results:
- Host microbiomes were species-specific and distinct from the water column.
- Myliobatis californica microbiomes showed higher inter-individual variability than Urobatis halleri.
- Urobatis halleri microbiomes exhibited local adaptation in taxonomic composition but maintained consistent diversity.
- Both species' microbiomes showed functional similarity across locations, with unique genes per species.
- Novel microbial species were identified, possessing genes for RNA processing, heavy metal, and antibiotic resistance.
Conclusions:
- Stingray epidermal microbiomes are primarily shaped by host species, with habitat influencing community structure.
- Mucus-rich environments may drive microbial competition and enhance antimicrobial properties.
- The identified novel microbes and their resistance genes highlight unique adaptations within stingray mucus.
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