Compositional dynamics and functional role of the microbial communities associated with the invasive ctenophore species Mnemiopsis leidyi

While the concept of metaorganisms has gained importance, research on host-microbiome interactions remains limited, mainly focusing on humans and a few model organisms. Expanding our understanding is especially critical in the context of invasive species like certain marine organisms, which can profoundly impact food webs and ecosystems. Investigating the role of associated microbes is essential for understanding ecological effects and the host's adaptation to new environments. This study examined the microbiome of the invasive ctenophore species Mnemiopsis leidyi in the Kiel Bight, Baltic Sea. Amplicon sequencing of the 16S rRNA gene was used to analyze microbial community dynamics across seasons and after experimental disruptions. The core microbiome was mainly composed of Gammaproteobacteria and Alphaproteobacteria. Recolonization experiments assessed the microbiome's resilience, revealing partial recovery depending on bacterial sources. Additionally, pathogen challenge experiments demonstrated a protective role of the microbiome. This study highlights the dynamic nature of the Mnemiopsis leidyi microbiome and its importance in host resilience and pathogen resistance, offering new insights into host-microbe interactions in marine species.

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Grossschmidt, N., 2024. Compositional dynamics and functional role of the microbial communities associated with the invasive ctenophore species Mnemiopsis leidyi.
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