I like you but not you – The microbiome of Ircinia campana

Sponges such as Ircinia campana are hosts to large communities of microorganisms that influence and maintain the hosts health, physiology and development. The microbiome of a sponge is complex and numerous with most containing around 52 bacterial phyla alone. 

The study by Griffiths et al. (2019) focused on how the genotype and location of I. campana effects their microbiome, by assigning OTUs following a PCR.

Results showed, that individuals had several thousand OTUs, with a significant difference in microbiome by location and individuals’ genetic distance.

Two transmission methods are hypothesised to be the reason, one parentally passed on microbes, the other taking up the community directly from the surrounding seawater. 

The study provides interesting insights into the conservation efforts necessary and gives a baseline for further studies, especially ones to assist in the dealing with climate change. Different microbial communities could assist in better adaptation for future conditions such as increased temperature and ocean acidification. Additionally, the sponge microbiome can be useful to us humans too. Some microbes produce secondary metabolites that can be used in pharmaceuticals, by understanding which microbes have which role in the complex system scientist could use it to provide a better medical care. 

Grittiths, S., Antwis R., Lenzi, L., Lucaci, A., Behringer, D., Butler IV, Mark., Preziosi, R. (2019) Host genetics and geography influence microbiome composition in the sponge Ircinia campana. Journal of Animal Ecology