The micro-ecological feature of colonies is a potential strategy for Phaeocystis globosa bloom formation

Phaeocystis globosa is among the dominant microalgae associated with harmful algal blooms. P. globosa has a polymorphic life cycle and its ecological success has been attributed to algal colony formation, however, few studies have assessed differences in microbial communities and their functional profiles between intra- and extra-colonies during P. globosa blooms. To address this, environmental and metagenomics tools were used to conduct a time-series analysis of the bacterial composition and metabolic characteristics of intra- and extra-colonies during a natural P. globosa bloom. The results show that bacterial composition, biodiversity, and network interactions differed significantly between intra- and extra-colonies. Dominant extra-colonial bacteria were Bacteroidia and Saccharimonadis, while dominant intra-colonial bacteria included Alphaproteobacteria and Gammaproteobacteria. Despite the lower richness and diversity observed in the intra-colonial bacterial community, relative to extra-colonies, the complexity and interconnectedness of the intra-colonial networks were higher. Regarding bacterial function, more functional genes were enriched in substance metabolism (polysaccharides, iron element and dimethylsulfoniopropionate) and signal communication (quorum sensing, indoleacetic acid-IAA) pathways in intra- than in extra-colonies. Conceptual model construction showed that microbial cooperative synthesis of ammonium, vitamin B₁₂, IAA, and siderophores were strongly related to the P. globosa bloom, particularly in the intra-colonial environment. Overall, our data highlight the differences in bacterial structure and functions within and outside the colony during P. globosa blooms. These findings represent fundamental information indicating that phenotypic heterogeneity is a selective strategy that improves microbial population competitiveness and environmental adaptation, benefiting P. globosa bloom formation and persistence.