The seaweed holobiont: from microecology to biotechnological applications |
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Authors: | Cheng-Gang Ren Zheng-Yi Liu Xiao-Li Wang Song Qin |
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Institution: | 1. Key Laboratory of Biology and Utilization of Biological Resources of Coastal Zone, Yantai Institute of Coastal Zone Research, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Yantai, 264003 China
Center for Ocean Mag-Science, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Qingdao, China;2. Qingdao Agricultural University, Yantai, China;3. Key Laboratory of Biology and Utilization of Biological Resources of Coastal Zone, Yantai Institute of Coastal Zone Research, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Yantai, 264003 China |
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Abstract: | In the ocean, seaweed and microorganisms have coexisted since the earliest stages of evolution and formed an inextricable relationship. Recently, seaweed has attracted extensive attention worldwide for ecological and industrial purposes, but the function of its closely related microbes is often ignored. Microbes play an indispensable role in different stages of seaweed growth, development and maturity. A very diverse group of seaweed-associated microbes have important functions and are dynamically reconstructed as the marine environment fluctuates, forming an inseparable ‘holobiont’ with their host. To further understand the function and significance of holobionts, this review first reports on recent advances in revealing seaweed-associated microbe spatial and temporal distribution. Then, this review discusses the microbe and seaweed interactions and their ecological significance, and summarizes the current applications of the seaweed–microbe relationship in various environmental and biological technologies. Sustainable industries based on seaweed holobionts could become an integral part of the future bioeconomy because they can provide more resource-efficient food, high-value chemicals and medical materials. Moreover, holobionts may provide a new approach to marine environment restoration. |
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