U. Hentschel

A novel in-vivo phagocytosis assay to gain cellular insights on sponge-microbe interactions

This paper develops a quantitative in-vivo phagocytosis assay in sponges to study microbial discrimination, finding that phagocytic activity varies with particle type and concentration.

Maribacter halichondris sp. nov., isolated from the marine sponge Halichondria panicea

The paper describes the isolation and characterization of a new marine bacterium, Maribacter halichondris, from a sponge, highlighting its phylogenetic, genomic, and physiological properties.

Bacterial colonizers of Nematostella vectensis are initially selected by the host before interactions between bacteria determine further succession

This study shows that host selection drives initial bacterial colonization in Nematostella vectensis, while subsequent succession depends on bacterial metabolic interactions.

Maternal provisioning of an obligate symbiont

The paper investigates vertical transmission of an obligate symbiont in a viviparous sponge, finding that symbiont provision varies with reproductive output and offspring size, challenging previous assumptions based on oviparous species.

Lower Vibrio spp. abundances in Zostera marina leaf canopies suggest a novel ecosystem function for temperate seagrass beds

The study finds lower Vibrio spp. abundances in Zostera marina leaf canopies compared to sand flats, suggesting a potential ecosystem function of seagrasses in reducing harmful bacteria.

Grazing results in mobilization of spherulous cells and re-allocation of secondary metabolites to the surface in the sponge Aplysina aerophoba

This study examines how the sponge Aplysina aerophoba responds to grazing by Tylodina perversa and mechanical damage, revealing similar wounding responses and secondary metabolite reallocation.

Microbial strategies for survival in the glass sponge Vazella pourtalesii

This study identifies the microbial composition and functional strategies of the symbionts in the glass sponge Vazella pourtalesii, revealing two distinct microbial strategies adapted to low-oxygen conditions.

Microbial diversity of the glass sponge Vazella pourtalesii in response to anthropogenic activities

This study examines how anthropogenic activities affect the microbial communities of the glass sponge Vazella pourtalesii using 16S rRNA gene sequencing.

Deciphering a marine bone degrading microbiome reveals a complex community effort

This study identifies microbial enzymes and pathways involved in marine bone degradation using metagenomic analysis of bone-associated communities.

Neutrality in the Metaorganism

This study shows that microbiota community structure across various host organisms aligns with neutral model predictions, suggesting neutral processes rather than host selection primarily shape microbial communities after colonization.

Bdellovibrio and Like Organisms are Predictors of Microbiome Diversity in distinct Host Groups

The paper shows that Bdellovibrio and like organisms (BALOs) are associated with increased microbiome diversity in various host groups.

A symbiont phage protein aids in eukaryote immune evasion

The paper identifies a phage-encoded ankyrin domain protein that modulates eukaryotic immune responses, enabling immune evasion in host-microbe interactions.

Marine sponges as Chloroflexi hot-spots: Genomic insights and high resolution visualization of an abundant and diverse symbiotic clade

The paper uses genomics and visualization to study Chloroflexi symbionts in marine sponges, revealing their metabolic roles and potential contribution to reef ecosystems.