Wang, G. Y., University of Hawaii, Honolulu, USA, guangyi@hawaii.edu
Gao, Z. ., University of Hawaii, Honolulu, USA,
Kono, S. ., University of Hawaii, Honolulu, USA,

IMPLICATIONS OF MICROBIAL COMMUNITIES ASSOCIATED WITH ALIEN MARINE SPONGES FOR HAWAII REEF ECOSYSTEMS AND HUMAN HEALTH

The coral reef ecosystems of the Hawaiian Islands are sensitive to alien marine species because of their isolated nature. Alien sponges alone constitute nearly one-third of introduced marine species in Hawaii. These alien sponges harbors microbial pathogens and other diverse microbes and represent a great source of bioactive natural compounds; some of these sponges have become invasive. Consequently, alien sponges and their microbial symbionts have significant implications for the reef ecosystems and human health. Mycale armata and Suberites zeteki are two of the most abundant alien sponges in Hawaii. Using cultivation-dependent and molecular approaches, we have isolated and identified hundreds of fungi and bacteria from these two sponges. Both of these two species harbor microbial pathogens with the origins of human, animals, and plants. Phylogenetic analysis revealed their unique microbial signatures, which may contribute to the invasiveness of M. aramta. Bioactivity assays indicated that some microbial strains derived from these two sponges produce interesting biological activities. In this talk, we focus on phylogenetic diversity and biomedical potential of microbes derived from these two sponges. In addition, we will discuss the potential impact of the invasive sponge M. armata and the implications of sponge-symbionts on the reef ecosystems and human health.

Oral presentation

Presentation is given by student: No
Session #:120
Date: 03-03-2008
Time: 09:45