Understanding the role of bacteria in soft coral fitness by regulating gene expression

Abstract

Research and Data

Teaching and Resources

• Soft coral gorgonians are important contributors to the coral reef ecosystem and host a diverse population of symbiotic and closely associated bacteria, among other organisms.  Bacteria are hypothesized to be a part of the coral’s biological defense system (defensome). To address this issue, one must first identify the associated bacterial population during normal and stress conditions. It is also essential to identify what genes are metabolically active in these communities, since this will provide evidence for the function of bacteria in the association and during different geochemical conditions. Our experimental plan will concentrate on testing the central hypothesis that bacteria have a key role in the soft coral fitness by regulating gene expression in other bacteria and in the soft coral, and by contributing to its defense/immune system. The gorgonians Plexaura homomalla, Pseudopterogorgia acerosa, and others will be used as our model organisms.  Our objectives based on our central hypothesis are as follows:

  • To determine the bacterial microbiome in soft corals and how stress affects their community
  • To elucidate key components of the soft coral bacterial defensome by identifying differentially expressed genes and stressed and diseased corals

  This will allow for the development of potential markers of stress and to understand how these associations and their ecological role may be impacted by climate change.

• Materials are under development.

• Materials are under development.