Relationship of Sponge Macrofauna with the Morphology of their Hosts in the North Aegean Sea

The associated macrofauna of four Aegean Sea sponge species (Agelas oroides, Petrosia ficiformis, Ircinia variabilis and Aplysina aerophoba) was compared. The total number of individuals and species was found to be related to sponge volume for all sponge species. The associated macrofaunal weight per individual on all sponge species was negatively correlated with sponge volume. Sponge complexity, as measured by sponge surface area to biomass ratio, was not a consistent predictor of associated macrofauna abundance or diversity. Sponge macrofauna species were not host specific and their relative abundances differed among sponge species.     

繁茂膜海绵细胞内微生物多样性的研究

采用海绵组织离散、细胞分离的方法,对繁茂膜海绵细胞进行纯化、胞内微生物DNA提取,构建了繁茂膜海绵细胞内微生物的16SrDNA克隆,对其遗传多样性进行了分析,发现海绵细胞内微生物16SrDNA序列主要归类于紫硫细菌门(Proteobacteria)中的α-亚门、γ-亚门和浮霉菌门(Planctomycetes)等类群。与研磨直接提取海绵组织DNA所得海绵组织中总微生物多样性相比,海绵细胞内存在丰富的浮霉菌(23%),说明浮霉菌主要存在于海绵细胞胞内。     

Microfacies of a Permian calcisponge reef in Lichuan,western Hubei,South China

The Lichuan Jiantianba reef is located at the platform margin between the carbonate platform and the marine trough in western Hubei, China. The water depth of this area became shallow in the late Permian Changhsingian Age, and a huge aggradation-progradation platform marginal reef developed. Based on precise field measurements and microscopic observation, this paper describes the petrological characteristics and biological assemblages of the reef in detail and distinguishes 10 microfacies: small echinoderm wackestone, sponge floatstone, bound sponge bioliestone, bound sponge framestone, large echinoderm wackestone, red algal limestone, bioclastic grainstone, dasycladales wackestone, shelly wackestone, and microbialites. Sponge floatstone and bound sponge bioliestone are defined as toppled sponge limestone. Comparisons of the petrological characteristics and biotic association of toppled sponge limestone, bound sponge framestone and bioclastic wackestone and grainstone revealed that the toppled sponge limestone and the bound sponge framestone are similar in sponge content in terms of the types and contents of reef-dwellers, except that the sponge content is slightly lower, and the preservation state is mainly toppled for the former and upright or inclined for the latter. The toppled sponge limestone is dominated by tabular calcite, and the bound sponge framestone is dominated by fibrous calcite. The bioclastic wackestone and grainstone do not contain reef-building sponge organisms, and the bioclast content is very high and often dominated by a certain class, such as echinoderms, foraminifers, green algae or shells. The toppled sponge limestone below the framework, which was classified as fore-reef breccia or bioherm bafflestone-bindstone in previous studies, should be defined as reef-core sponge limestone deposited in situ that experienced serious post-karstification. The vertical evolution of the sedimentary facies of the reef is analyzed based on the microfacies and sedimentary environment. The toppled sponge limestone and the bound sponge framestone should be classified as reef core, which is the only subfacies of the reef facies. The underlying small echinoderm wackestone should be classified as the shelf facies, whereas the overlying bioclastic wackestone and grainstone should be classified as the open platform facies. These classifications represent a modification of the sedimentary facies subdivision of the Jiantianba reef in Lichuan, Hubei Province, South China, and provide a new reference model for the subdivision of the Permian calcisponge reefs on platform margin.     

Symbiosis of Mycale (Mycale) vansoesti sp. nov. (Porifera, Demospongiae) with a coralline alga from North Sulawesi (Indonesia)

Abstract. The symbiotic association between the new sponge species Mycale vansoesti and the coralline alga Amphiroa sp. from the Bunaken Marine Park (North Sulawesi, Indonesia) is described. The alga completely pervades the sponge. The color of the sponge ectosome is white, both on the external surface and on the atrial wall, but where the alga is present the sponge takes on the light pink color of the alga. The sponge spicular complement is characterized by mycalostyles, anisochelae of two types, sigmas (often "C" shaped), and extremely abundant toxas organized in bundles forming toxadragma. In the association, the sponge shows very low silicate value, and consequently the alga represents the main skeleton of the sponge. On the other hand, the sponge affects the morphology of the alga, leading to a cylindrical shape, with thalli running parallel to the sponge surface. This association seems to be obligate for the sponge, as we found no sponges of this species living in isolation.     

The effects of cadmium and mercury on gemmule formation and gemmosclere morphology in Ephydatia fluviatilis (Porifera : Spongillidae)

A laboratory study of the effects of cadmium and mercury on the freshwater sponge, Ephydatia fluviatilis, was conducted. Sponge cuttings were exposed to concentrations of cadmium or mercury which ranged from 1.000 to 0.001 ppm for one month. The responses exhibited by the specimens resulted in four groups characterized as follows: sponge colony survived and produced gemmules with normal gemmoscleres; sponge colony survived and produced gemmules with malformed gemmoscleres; sponge colony survived but did not gemmulate; sponge colony died. A direct discriminant functions analysis of the four sponge groups, metal concentrations and other chemical data established a highly significant correlation between increasing metal concentrations and amount of damage to the sponge.     

Sponge–seaweed associations in species of Ptilophora (Gelidiaceae, Rhodophyta)

Sponge–seaweed associations in the seaweed genus Ptilophora are poorly understood; therefore, 94 specimens, representing all 17 species of Ptilophora, were examined to detail this phenomenon. All but 2 Ptilophora species were shown to produce surface proliferations, with 13 species found to have sponge associations. Evidence for facultative sponge epiphytism was found with species–specific interactions being unlikely. Results show that surface proliferations are not induced by sponge epiphytes, as they often occur in the absence of sponge epiphytes, and vice versa. The significant number of proliferate thalli found with sponge epiphytes suggests that there is a likely relationship between the presence of surface proliferations and sponge infestation. Sponge epiphytes and Ptilophora species appeared structurally related in that the sponge probably exploits a niche habitat provided by the alga, for which surface proliferations might aid the sponge in bonding to the alga.     

Aquaculture of sponges on scallops for natural products research and antifouling

Suspended culture of scallops (Pectinidae: Bivalvia) is plagued by invertebrate fouling. Scallops covered in an orange sponge (Suberites ficus ssp. rubrus), however, do not have any other invertebrates fouling their shells and the sponge is easily removed. Sponges may also be valuable sources of bioactive compounds. Seven species of sponge were found to be associated with Chlamys opercularis but none were found associated with Pecten maximus. Standing crop of sponge on the scallop farm was just over one tonne. If all the scallops were covered by sponge this would rise to approximately 4.5 tonnes (from three million scallops). Primary cell cultures of (S.f. rubrus) were successfully established but no cell lines were achieved. A number of techniques were tried for establishing cells and pieces of sponge tissue onto scallop shells but none gave satisfactory results. Likewise mechanical methods for sticking small pieces of sponge to scallop shells were deemed impractical even where they resulted in subsequent sponge growth. Improving natural settlement of sponges onto the scallops was the only economically practical method for increasing sponge yield for C. opercularis, though other methods would need to be devised for P. maximus.     

Metagenomic Analysis of Genes Encoding Nutrient Cycling Pathways in the Microbiota of Deep-Sea and Shallow-Water Sponges

Sponges host complex symbiotic communities, but to date, the whole picture of the metabolic potential of sponge microbiota remains unclear, particularly the difference between the shallow-water and deep-sea sponge holobionts. In this study, two completely different sponges, shallow-water sponge Theonella swinhoei from the South China Sea and deep-sea sponge Neamphius huxleyi from the Indian Ocean, were selected to compare their whole symbiotic communities and metabolic potential, particularly in element transformation. Phylogenetically diverse bacteria, archaea, fungi, and algae were detected in both shallow-water sponge T. swinhoei and deep-sea sponge N. huxleyi, and different microbial community structures were indicated between these two sponges. Metagenome-based gene abundance analysis indicated that, though the two sponge microbiota have similar core functions, they showed different potential strategies in detailed metabolic processes, e.g., in the transformation and utilization of carbon, nitrogen, phosphorus, and sulfur by corresponding microbial symbionts. This study provides insight into the putative metabolic potentials of the microbiota associated with the shallow-water and deep-sea sponges at the whole community level, extending our knowledge of the sponge microbiota’s functions, the association of sponge- microbes, as well as the adaption of sponge microbiota to the marine environment.     

Cultivation of Marine Sponges

There is increasing interest in biotechnological production of marine sponge biomass owing to the discovery of many commercially important secondary metabolites in this group of animals. In this article, different approaches to producing sponge biomass are reviewed, and several factors that possibly influence culture success are evaluated. In situ sponge aquacultures, based on old methods for producing commercial bath sponges, are still the easiest and least expensive way to obtain sponge biomass in bulk. However, success of cultivation with this method strongly depends on the unpredictable and often suboptimal natural environment. Hence, a better-defined production system would be desirable. Some progress has been made with culturing sponges in semicontrolled systems, but these still use unfiltered natural seawater. Cultivation of sponges under completely controlled conditions has remained a problem. When designing an in vitro cultivation method, it is important to determine both qualitatively and quantitatively the nutritional demands of the species that is to be cultured. An adequate supply of food seems to be the key to successful sponge culture. Recently, some progress has been made with sponge cell cultures. The advantage of cell cultures is that they are completely controlled and can easily be manipulated for optimal production of the target metabolites. However, this technique is still in its infancy: a continuous cell line has yet to be established. Axenic cultures of sponge aggregates (primmorphs) may provide an alternative to cell culture. Some sponge metabolites are, in fact, produced by endosymbiotic bacteria or algae that live in the sponge tissue. Only a few of these endosymbionts have been cultivated so far. The biotechnology for the production of sponge metabolites needs further development. Research efforts should be continued to enable commercial exploitation of this valuable natural resource in the near future. Received November 5, 1998; accepted June 20, 1999.     

Bacteria associated with the sponge Spongia officinalis as indicators of contamination

A lot of micro-organisms can been found in the sponge body. In the present study, bacteria and fungi were isolated from the massive commercial sponge Spongia officinalis Linnaeus, 1759 (Porifera, Demospongiae). Samples (sponge extract and sea water) were collected from several areas of the Aegean Sea (ports, beaches, eutrophic gulf and open sea) with different levels and types of contamination. Bacteria identified in sponge extract belong to the genera Escherichia, Morganella, Proteus, Pasteurella, Aeromonas, Pseudomonas and Acinetobacter. Two fungal genera, Trichosporum and Fisarium, were identified in sponge extract. Bacterial load was greater in sponge extract than in proximal sea water, reflecting the sponge ability to concentrate bacteria in its body. The assessment of bacteria associated with the sponge S. officinalis as indicators of contamination is proposed.     

中国海绵天然产物的研究

据统计,从海洋生物的天然产物中获得药物或药物先导化合物的几率要比陆源生物高,海绵是海洋中除珊瑚以外的第二大生物资源。在海绵体内已发现许多高活性的化合物。中国海绵的研究主要集中在南海。南海海绵种类多、数量大,样品采集比较容易。本文统计调查了国内外海绵研究的现状,重点综述中国已研究的海绵种类、所获得的天然化合物以及相关产物的药理研究结果,对上述研究的特点与存在的不足进行了分析、讨论。     

Reconstruction of radial bone defect using gelatin sponge and a BMP-2 combination graft

Many bioactive molecules like recombinant human bone morphogenetic protein 2 (rhBMP-2) have been developed for mineralized bone grafts, for which proper scaffolds are necessary to successfully apply the bioactive molecules. In this study, we tested the osteogenic efficacy of rhBMP-2 produced in-house in combination with gelatin sponge as the scaffold carrier in a rabbit radial defect model. The efficacy of the rhBMP-2 was determined by alkaline phosphatase activity assay of C2C12 cells. Two groups of ten rabbits each were treated with rhBMP-2/gelatin sponge, or gelatin sponge only. At 4 weeks, rhBMP-2/gelatin sponge grafts showed more bone regeneration than gelatin sponge grafts, as determined by X-ray radiography, micro-computed tomography, and histological analyses. At 8 weeks, rhBMP-2/gelatin sponge grafts exerted much stronger osteogenic effects. The study demonstrates the improved osteogenic efficacy of the rhBMP-2/gelatin sponge grafts in a rabbit radial bone defect model acting as a bone-inductive material. [BMB Reports 2013; 46(6): 328-333]     

The ecology of Cenomanian lithistid sponge frameworks, Regensburg area, Germany

Upper Jurassic‐Lower Cretaceous sponge biostromes and bafflestone mounds were common and widespread in European temperate to tropical marine environments. They declined markedly during the Late Cretaceous. Most sponge frameworks were paucispecific and ecologically simple, with only basic levels of succession or tiering. The occurrence of ecologically complex, lithistid sponge biostromes and mounds in the Cenomanian Quadersandstein Member, Regensburger Grünsandstein of the Saal Quarry, Bavaria, is therefore of special significance. These are ecologically the most complex sponge frameworks yet reported from the Cretaceous. Their size, morphology and ecological organization compare favorably with shallow‐water, sponge‐dominated frameworks in modern seas. The Saal Quarry sponge frameworks are generally associated with firmgrounds and condensed intervals in the transgressive systems tract of the Cenomanian‐Turonian, tectonoeustatic supercycle UZA‐2. The lowest sponge frameworks are up to 1 m high bafflestone mounds consisting of large, irregular, sheet‐ and mound‐like recumbent sponges overlain by diverse, cylindrical, pyriform, upward‐branching forms of Jerea and Siphonia. These biostromes overlie a condensed interval or firmground which locally contains small, in situ pyriform sponges (Jerea pyriformis Lamouroux) as well as Middle Cenomanian Inoceramus etheridgei Woods. The upper sponge frameworks consist of bafflestone mounds up to 4.4 m wide and 1.3 m high, composed of six lithistid sponge morphotypes, possibly representing several species of Jerea and Siphonia. The occurrence of Rotalipora cushmanni in strata overlying the upper sponge framework indicates a Late Cenomanian age. Morphotypes preserve internal sponge morphologies and partially dissolved spicules surrounded by a diagenetic halo of silicified, pelletoid grainstone and/or packstone. Silica cements were derived from spicule dissolution. Different combinations of these morphotypes dominate three to four successional stages of sponge framework growth, and show vertical ecological tiering within communities. This ecological zonation is consistent among frameworks, and is partially or wholly repeated between storm‐related disturbance events.     

Antibacterial Activity and Drug Release of Chitosan Sponge Containing Doxycycline Hyclate

The purpose of the present study was to develop and characterize the chitosan sponges loading with doxycycline hyclate and their antibacterial activities. The pore density of chitosan sponge prepared with freeze drying technique was increased as the higher concentrated chitosan solution was used. The sponge prepared from 10% w/w of the chitosan solution and crosslinking with glutaraldehyde solution was utilized for loading with doxycycline hyclate. The drug release and sustainable antibacterial activity of fabricated sponge were assessed using dissolution test and agar diffusion test, respectively. Drug release from non-crosslinked sponge into phosphate buffer pH7.4 was slower than that from crosslinked sponge since the former could absorb the medium and form gel to retard the initial drug diffusion. Sustainable antibacterial activity of developed sponge was evident against S. aureus and E. coli. In conclusion, the in vitro release profile and antibacterial efficiency indicated that doxycycline hyclate could be sustained using chitosan sponge.     

Long-term cultivation of certain rumen protozoa in a continuous fermentation system supplemented with sponge materials

A be , M. & K urihara , Y. 1984. Long-term cultivation of certain rumen protozoa in a continuous fermentation system supplemented with sponge materials. Journal of Applied Bacteriology 56 , 201–213.
Inert polyurethane-sponge cubes were added to an 'artificial rumen' fermenter. With crushed barley as protozoal substrate this system maintained a population of Ento-dinia in both substrate bags and sponge cubes for 64 d in numbers (1 times 10⁶/ml) comparable with those found in vivo . This culture was more tolerant of variations in mechanical agitation and size and shape of substrate bags than a similar culture without the sponge cubes. The extent of protozoal sequestration, 2 h after feeding, on to the sponge cubes as well as on to acetone-treated hay was evaluated. The bags of acetone-treated hay and barley, and those of sponge cubes and barley could sequestrate the protozoa to the same extent as normal hay and barley. Based on the results of the short-term experiments and those of the long-term experiment with sponge cubes, a polyurethane-sponge wall was added to the inside of the fermenter. This system maintained a varied protozoal population including large protozoa, holotrichs and Entodinia with a normal fermentation. The molar percentages of butyrate in the total volatile fatty acid (VFA) in each part of the fermenter with a sponge wall were higher than those in a fermenter without a sponge wall, suggesting that there was high protozoal activity related to the sponge wall. These results show that the introduction of the sponge wall to the fermenter produced an enlargement of the area for protozoal sequestration and a suitable micro-habitat for the maintenance of Entodinia, large protozoa and holotrichs.     

Latitudinal variation in spongivorous fishes and the effectiveness of sponge chemical defenses

It has been proposed that predation pressure declines with increasing latitude and a positive correlation exists between predation intensity and the investment into chemical defenses. However, little direct evidence supports the idea that tropical species are better defended chemically than their temperate counterparts. Temperate reefs of the South Atlantic Bight (SAB) off Georgia, USA, provide a unique opportunity to study tropical sponges in a temperate environment. We documented sponge species richness and abundance, sponge predator density, and examined the ability of eight sponge species to chemically deter predation by fishes on two reefs in the SAB. We used rarefaction analysis and ANOVA to compare our results for sponge species richness and density, respectively, with similar published studies conducted on reefs of the sub-tropical Atlantic (i.e., Florida Keys). These analyses were combined with similar statistical comparisons for spongivorous fish species richness and density. Results showed that sponge species richness was lower, but sponge density was higher, on the temperate SAB reefs than on the subtropical reefs. Both spongivorous fish diversity and density were lower on the SAB reefs. The greater abundance of sponges and lower density of predators on SAB reefs suggest a lower frequency of predation on sponges on SAB reefs. Of the eight sponge species assayed from the SAB reefs, five possessed chemical extracts that were significantly less deterrent to fish predators than their tropical/subtropical conspecifics. When the results were combined across all sponge species, the chemical deterrence of fish predators was significantly lower for extracts obtained from the temperate sponge community as compared to the tropical/subtropical assemblage. These results support the more general hypothesis that a lower density and diversity of sponge predators occurs at high as compared to low latitudes in the western Atlantic and may contribute to decreased investment in chemical defenses.     

Sponge community structure and anti-predator defenses on temperate reefs of the South Atlantic Bight

Predator–prey interactions can play a significant role in shaping the structure of both terrestrial and marine communities. Sponges are major contributors to benthic community structure on temperate reefs and although several studies have investigated how abiotic processes control sponge distributions on these reefs, the role of predation is less clear. We investigated the relationship between sponge predators and the distribution of sponges on temperate reefs in the South Atlantic Bight (SAB), off Georgia, USA. We documented sponge species richness and abundance, spongivorous fish density, and examined the ability of 19 sponge species to chemically and structurally deter predation by fishes. We also conducted reciprocal transplant experiments to determine if predation by fishes contributes to the observed zonation of sponge species on these reefs. Our surveys revealed two distinct sponge assemblages: one characterized by amorphous and encrusting sponge morphotypes colonizing the vertical, rocky outcroppings (scarp sponge community), while the other consisted of pedunculate, digitate, and arborescent growth forms occurring on the sediment-laden reef top (plateau sponge community). Spongivorous fishes were more abundant on the scarp than the plateau and scarp sponges were found to be more effective than plateau sponges at chemically deterring generalist fishes. In contrast, plateau sponges were more reliant on structural defenses: a result consistent with the higher spicule content of their skeletons. Transplant experiments confirmed that predators prevent some plateau sponges from colonizing the scarp even though they possess structural defenses. Thus, predation appears to play a role in shaping sponge community structure on SAB reefs by restricting those species lacking adequate chemical defenses to habitats where there is a paucity of spongivores.     

Utilization and ecological benefits of a sponge as a spawning bed by the little dragon sculpinBlepsias cirrhosus

It was established that the little dragon sculpinBlepsias cirrhosus uses the sponge speciesMycale adhaerens as a spawning bed. The eggs were completely concealed in the sponge tissues, and caused the sponge skeleton to be partly damaged. It is conceivable that the exclusive utilization ofM. adhaerens byB. cirrhosus is a consequence of the advantageous softness and thickness of the sponge which allows the fish to inject the eggs. The eggs deposited in the sponge seemed to take advantage of predator avoidance, a constant supply of oxygen, and little interference by bacteria.     

Efficacy of two types of vaginal sponges to control onset of oestrus, time of preovulatory LH peak and kidding rate in goats inseminated with variable numbers of spermatozoa

In small ruminants, progestagen-impregnated vaginal devices (sponges) are useful tools to manage reproduction irrespective of season and to the application of timed artificial insemination (AI). A novel progestagen releasing vaginal-controlled release device (Chronogest CR), loaded with less (20mg) cronolone using proprietary procedures, was developed and its efficacy (synchronising ability, fertility and prolificacy following sponge removal) evaluated versus the existing Chronogest sponge containing 45 mg of cronolone in goats. Females (n=199) were maintained in field conditions and inseminated with graded amounts of spermatozoa at two stages of the year (breeding and non-breeding seasons). The use of the new Chronogest CR sponge was associated with an earlier initiation of the LH surge (28.7h versus 30.8h following sponge removal, P<0.01). A similar degree of synchronisation of the LH surge was obtained with both types of sponges. In both treatment groups, a longer time interval between sponge removal and the LH surge was noted in females with high milk production. Fertility and prolificacy were high and unaffected by the type of sponge used or the amount of spermatozoa inseminated. It is concluded that the new Chronogest CR sponge allows a reduction of the progestagen load from 45 to 20mg without detrimental effects on synchronisation, fertility and prolificacy.     

Bacteria associated with an encrusting sponge (Terpios hoshinota) and the corals partially covered by the sponge

Terpios hoshinota, a dark encrusting sponge, is known to be a competitor for space in coral reef environments, and facilitates the death of corals. Although numerous cyanobacteria have been detected in the sponge, little is known of the sponge-associated bacterial community. This study examined the sponge-associated bacterial community and the difference between the bacterial communities in the sponge and the coral partially covered by the sponge by analysis of 16S rRNA gene sequences of samples isolated from the sponge covering the corals Favia complanata, Isopora palifera, Millepora sp., Montipora efflorescens and Porites lutea. The sponge-associated bacterial community was mainly (61-98%) composed of cyanobacteria, with approximately 15% of these alphaproteobacteria and gammaproteobacteria, although the proportions varied in different sponge samples. The dominant cyanobacteria group was an isolated group closely related to Prochloron sp. The comparison of the bacterial communities isolated from sponge-free and the sponge-covered P. lutea showed that covering by the sponge caused changes in the coral-associated bacterial communities, with the presence of bacteria similar to those detected in black-band disease, suggesting the sponge might benefit from the presence of bacteria associated with unhealthy coral, particularly in the parts of the coral closest to the margin of the sponge.