Marine sponges and their symbiotic microbes are
of ecological and pharmacological significance. Sponge microbes are involved in
nitrogen fixation, as well as providing nutrients, and host defense to reefs via
production of biologically active metabolites. Research shows that some of
those secondary metabolites can potentially be used as anti-virals, for example.
Although cultivation of sponges has been done for cosmetic and pharmaceutical companies,
better understanding of sponge microbiology can help improve cultivation
methods. Recently over twenty-five
different bacterial phyla have been found to inhabit sponges. A holistic study
of sponges and their associated microorganisms should be used to investigate their
interactions and how we can exploit their natural compounds for our benefit.
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Figure 1 from Webster et al. shows the phylogenetic
distribution of microbial communities associated with coral reefs.
Original Article: Webster, N. S., & Taylor, M.
W. (2012). Marine sponges and their microbial symbionts: love and other
relationships. Environ Microbiol 14: 335-346.
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