Evidence for phosphonate usage in the coral holobiont

S. Thomas, H. Burdett, B. Temperton, R. Wick, D. Snelling, John McGrath, John Quinn, C. Munn, J.A. Gilbert

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

27 Citations (Scopus)

Abstract

Phosphonates are characterized by a stable carbon-phosphorus bond and commonly occur as lipid conjugates in invertebrate cell membranes. Phosphonoacetate hydrolase encoded by the phnA gene, catalyses the cleavage of phosphonoacetate to acetate and phosphate. In this study, we demonstrate the unusually high phnA diversity in coral-associated bacteria. The holobiont of eight coral species tested positive when screened for phnA using degenerate primers. In two soft coral species, Sinularia and Discosoma, sequencing of the phnA gene showed 13 distinct groups on the basis of 90% sequence identity across 100% of the sequence. A total of 16 bacterial taxa capable of using phosphonoacetate as the sole carbon and phosphorus source were isolated; 8 of which had a phnA+ genotype. This study enhances our understanding of the wide taxonomic and environmental distribution of phnA, and highlights the importance of phosphonates in marine ecosystems. The ISME Journal (2010) 4, 45-461; doi:10.1038/ismej.2009.129; published online 3 December 2009
Original languageEnglish
Pages (from-to)459-461
Number of pages3
JournalThe ISME Journal
Volume4
Issue number3
DOIs
Publication statusPublished - Mar 2010

ASJC Scopus subject areas

  • Ecology, Evolution, Behavior and Systematics
  • Microbiology

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