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Microbiology and Molecular Biology Reviews, June 2007, p. 295-347, Vol. 71, No. 2
1092-2172/07/$08.00+0     doi:10.1128/MMBR.00040-06
Copyright © 2007, American Society for Microbiology. All Rights Reserved.

Sponge-Associated Microorganisms: Evolution, Ecology, and Biotechnological Potential{dagger}

Michael W. Taylor,* Regina Radax, Doris Steger, and Michael Wagner

Department of Microbial Ecology, University of Vienna, Althanstr. 14, A-1090 Vienna, Austria

Summary: Marine sponges often contain diverse and abundant microbial communities, including bacteria, archaea, microalgae, and fungi. In some cases, these microbial associates comprise as much as 40% of the sponge volume and can contribute significantly to host metabolism (e.g., via photosynthesis or nitrogen fixation). We review in detail the diversity of microbes associated with sponges, including extensive 16S rRNA-based phylogenetic analyses which support the previously suggested existence of a sponge-specific microbiota. These analyses provide a suitable vantage point from which to consider the potential evolutionary and ecological ramifications of these widespread, sponge-specific microorganisms. Subsequently, we examine the ecology of sponge-microbe associations, including the establishment and maintenance of these sometimes intimate partnerships, the varied nature of the interactions (ranging from mutualism to host-pathogen relationships), and the broad-scale patterns of symbiont distribution. The ecological and evolutionary importance of sponge-microbe associations is mirrored by their enormous biotechnological potential: marine sponges are among the animal kingdom's most prolific producers of bioactive metabolites, and in at least some cases, the compounds are of microbial rather than sponge origin. We review the status of this important field, outlining the various approaches (e.g., cultivation, cell separation, and metagenomics) which have been employed to access the chemical wealth of sponge-microbe associations.

* Corresponding author. Present address: School of Biological Sciences, Faculty of Science, The University of Auckland, Private Bag 92019, Auckland, New Zealand. Phone: 64 9 373 7599, ext. 82280. Fax: 64 9 373 7416. E-mail: mw.taylor{at}auckland.ac.nz

{dagger} Supplemental material for this article may be found at http://mmbr.asm.org/.

Microbiology and Molecular Biology Reviews, June 2007, p. 295-347, Vol. 71, No. 2
1092-2172/07/$08.00+0     doi:10.1128/MMBR.00040-06
Copyright © 2007, American Society for Microbiology. All Rights Reserved.



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