Marine Sponges and Natural Products

The archaeal class Nitrososphaeria is a key player of the reproductive microbiome in sponges during gametogenesis

This study investigates microbial changes in sponge reproductive stages, finding that Nitrososphaeria archaea are significantly associated with microbial composition shifts in species with previtellogenic oocytes.

Dissolved organic matter fluxes and fatty acid composition from shallow-water and deep-water demo- and hexactinellid sponges from New Zealand

This study examines dissolved organic matter (DOM) fluxes and fatty acid composition in New Zealand sponges, finding that some species release TDN and alter FDOM fluorophores, suggesting bacterial involvement in DOM transformation.

Nitrification in a seagrass-sponge association

This study measures nitrification rates and nitrogen fluxes in a seagrass-sponge association, finding that the sponge supports the seagrass holobiont's nitrogen demand during growth and senescence.

Symbiotic Bacterial Partners for Chemical Defense are Vertically Transmitted in a Marine Sponge

This study identifies vertical transmission of cytotoxin-producing bacteria in marine sponges through bacteriocyte-like structures.

The unique and enigmatic spirochete symbiont of latrunculid sponges

This study characterizes spirochete symbionts in latrunculid sponges, finding they are phylogenetically distinct and may provide functional benefits to their host.

Nutrient fluxes, oxygen consumption and fatty acid composition from deep-water demo- and hexactinellid sponges from New Zealand

This study examines nutrient fluxes, oxygen consumption, and fatty acid composition in deep-water sponges from New Zealand, identifying differences in nitrogen cycling and microbial communities among sponge clusters.

Species Diversity and Mitochondrial DNA Analysis of Sponges (Porifera, Demospongiae) in an Anchialine Cave on the Yucatan Peninsula

The paper analyzes mitochondrial DNA and 18S rRNA sequences from sponge species in an anchialine cave, revealing new species and genomic variation in the Demospongiae class.

Transcriptomic responses of Mediterranean sponges upon encounter with seawater or symbiont microbial consortia

This study examines transcriptomic responses of two sponge species to different microbial consortia, finding species-specific immune gene expression and a role for NLRs in microbial discrimination.

Body-plan reorganization in a sponge correlates with microbiome change

This study shows that losing a key microbial symbiont in sponges leads to body plan reorganization and transcriptomic changes, linking microbiome state to host development.

rRNA depletion for holobiont metatranscriptome profiling across demosponges

The paper introduces a hybrid-capture strategy for rRNA depletion in demosponge metatranscriptomes to better study host-microbe interactions.

Bacterial symbionts in animal development: arginine biosynthesis complementation enables larval settlement in a marine sponge

The paper shows that bacterial symbionts in Amphimedon queenslandica larvae provide arginine for nitric oxide synthesis, enabling settlement and metamorphosis, and suggests a broader role for symbionts in metazoan development.

Comparative metagenomics evidence distinct trends of genome evolution in sponge-dwelling bacteria and their pelagic counterparts

The paper compares metagenomic data of sponge-dwelling and pelagic bacteria to identify evolutionary trends in genome structure and function associated with sponge symbiosis.

Interdependent photo- and chemosensory systems regulate larval settlement in a marine sponge

This study investigates how light and biochemical cues interact to regulate larval settlement in the sponge Amphimedon queenslandica through transcriptomic analysis and settlement assays.

Phylogenetic relationships of heteroscleromorph demosponges and the affinity of the genus Myceliospongia (Demospongiae incertae sedis)

This paper uses mitochondrial genome data to test phylogenetic relationships within demosponges, particularly Heteroscleromorpha, and places Myceliospongia araneosa within a new clade.

Discovery of antimicrobial compounds from Lendenfeldia, Ircinia and Dysidea sponges using bioassay guided fractionation of marine extracts

This study identifies novel antimicrobial compounds from marine sponges through bioassay-guided fractionation and synthetic validation, showing activity against MRSA and other pathogens.