Metagenomic analysis of the coral holobiont during a natural bleaching event on the Great Barrier Reef

A metagenomic analysis of the coral holobiont during a natural bleaching event on the Great Barrier Reef revealed significant shifts in microbial communities associated with the hard coral Acropora millepora. These shifts included changes in Bacteria, Archaea, viruses, Fungi, and micro-algae, with the microbial metabolism transitioning from autotrophy to heterotrophy. The study also found an increase in virulence genes in bleached corals, suggesting a higher prevalence of pathogenic microorganisms following thermal stress. This research highlights the complex interplay between coral health and its associated microbial communities during heat stress events.

Littman, R., Willis, B. L., & Bourne, D. G. (2011). Metagenomic analysis of the coral holobiont during a natural bleaching event on the Great Barrier Reef. Environmental Microbiology Reports, 3(6), 651–660. Portico. https://doi.org/10.1111/j.1758-2229.2010.00234.x