Marine sponges often contain diverse and abundant microbial communities, including bacteria, archaea, microalgae, and fungi. In some cases, these microbial associates comprise as much as 40% of the sponge volume and can contribute significantly to host metabolism (e.g., via photosynthesis or nitrogen fixation). We review in detail the diversity of microbes associated with sponges, including extensive 16S rRNA-based phylogenetic analyses which support the previously suggested existence of a sponge-specific microbiota. These analyses provide a suitable vantage point from which to consider the potential evolutionary and ecological ramifications of these widespread, sponge-specific microorganisms. Subsequently, we examine the ecology of sponge-microbe associations, including the establishment and maintenance of these sometimes intimate partnerships, the varied nature of the interactions (ranging from mutualism to host-pathogen relationships), and the broad-scale patterns of symbiont distribution. The ecological and evolutionary importance of sponge-microbe associations is mirrored by their enormous biotechnological potential: marine sponges are among the animal kingdom's most prolific producers of bioactive metabolites, and in at least some cases, the compounds are of microbial rather than sponge origin. We review the status of this important field, outlining the various approaches (e.g., cultivation, cell separation, and metagenomics) which have been employed to access the chemical wealth of sponge-microbe associations.

Sponge-Associated Microorganisms: Evolution, Ecology, and Biotechnological Potential

Fluorescence in situ hybridization (FISH) for direct visualization of microorganisms.

Paleophysiology and End-Permian Mass Extinction

Metabolites from symbiotic bacteria

The identification of microorganisms by fluorescence in situ hybridisation.

During the first step of the very rapid and large scale lowest Triassic transgression , we note in
different areas (S Alps, Taurus,Turkey, S Armenia, E Elburz, Iran, Central Iran and Central
Afghanistan) the growth of domal stromatolites, thrombolites and other microbial structures. At the
dawn of Triassic time, the carbonate factory was dominated by non-skeletal species and by
microrganisms able to precipitate carbonate.

/pdf/biosedimentology-of-microbial-buildups-igcp-project-no-380-3yhmmisf9c.pdf

Biosedimentology of Microbial Buildups IGCP Project No. 380 Proceedings of 2nd Meeting, Göttingen/Germany 1996

http://www.geobiologie.uni-goettingen.de/people/garp/pdf/JMicrobioMeth2000-Manzetal.pdf

Widefield deconvolution epifluorescence microscopy combined with fluorescence in situ hybridization reveals the spatial arrangement of bacteria in sponge tissue

In recent years, a large diversity of sponge-microbe associations has been described: sponges can harbour archaea, eubacteria (including cyanobacteria), microalgae, fungi and probably also protozoa. The current paper gives a brief overview of the different types of associations and describes the potential influence of symbiotic micro-organisms on bioprocess design for the biotechnological production of sponge-associated natural compounds. It is concluded that the presence of microsymbionts may further complicate the already tedious development of sponge culturing techniques.

Gabriela Schumann-Kindel

Papers

Biosedimentology of Microbial Buildups IGCP Project No. 380 Proceedings of 2nd Meeting, Göttingen/Germany 1996

Widefield deconvolution epifluorescence microscopy combined with fluorescence in situ hybridization reveals the spatial arrangement of bacteria in sponge tissue

Sponge-microbe associations and their importance for sponge bioprocess engineering