A culture-independent approach to the sponge microbiome

Campbell, Alexandra 2024. A culture-independent approach to the sponge microbiome. PhD Thesis, Cardiff University. Item availability restricted.

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Abstract

Sponges contain many diverse symbionts whose functional potential has yet to be determined. Sponges are also important sources of biotechnologically relevant biomolecules, often used for the treatment of diseases like cancer, or source of novel antibiotics. Being that sponges are important for biotechnology, development of sustainable mariculture practices is important not only for keeping the sponge alive, but also keeping their microbial consortia intact. Sequencing of the microbial consortia of marine sponges has been ongoing, not just to find novel molecules, but to also understand how the sponge lives in its environment and how their microbial consortia influence their health. Recent advances in metagenomics, the study of the complete genetic makeup of a complex community, has brought to light some of the inherent functions of sponge microbiota such as nutrient cycling and waste management. Previous work has also turned to metagenomic analysis to determine the producers of novel enzymes and natural products. Once thought to be produced by the sponge itself, new studies show that many of these products are likely of microbial origin, given their chemical structure, and their low yields from the sponge. The diverse groups of microbes, both prokaryotic and eukaryotic, exhibited changes over a period in a mariculture setup and this result depends on the sequencing approach taken. DNA versus RNA-based sequencing yields different groups of microbes, with the RNA-based sequencing likely picking up active microbial communities. Shallow shotgun metagenomic sequencing has revealed the functional potential of biotechnologically relevant sponges and given an in-depth look at not only the bacterial and archaeal communities but also microeukaryotes. There may even be the potential for using sponges as sources of eDNA in other studies based on shotgun sequencing result.

Item Type:	Thesis (PhD)
Date Type:	Completion
Status:	Unpublished
Schools:	Schools > Biosciences
Subjects:	Q Science > Q Science (General)
Date of First Compliant Deposit:	12 March 2026
Last Modified:	13 Mar 2026 13:41
URI:	https://orca.cardiff.ac.uk/id/eprint/185475

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