Metagenomic discovery of microbial and host genetic features of the marine polychaete Sirsoe methanicola colonizing a methane hydrate in the Gulf of Mexico

NOAA Science Seminar Series

Title: Metagenomic discovery of microbial and host genetic features of the marine polychaete Sirsoe methanicola colonizing a methane hydrate in the Gulf of Mexico

Part of the NOAA ‘Omics Seminar Series

Presenter: Dr. Jean Lim, Postdoctoral Scholar, College of Marine Science, University of South Florida

Sponsor: NOAA ‘Omics Working Group

Seminar Contact: Katharine Egan, NOAA OAR 'Omics Coordinator, noaa.omics@noaa.gov

Remote Access: Register here: https://attendee.gotowebinar.com/register/5066271830102597131

Abstract: The methane ice worm Sirsoe methanicola is the only macrofaunal species observed to colonize methane hydrates in the Gulf of Mexico. Our recently published metagenomic analysis of the worms’ gut contents and worm fragments predicted diverse metabolic capabilities related to microbial cycling of sulfur, carbon, and nitrogen compounds, as well as microbial synthesis of amino acids and B vitamins. The ice worm microbial community was dominated by uncultured Sulfurospirillum, a taxon previously considered free-living rather than host-associated. From the metagenomic data, we also assembled the 18S rRNA gene, 28S rRNA gene, and a complete 17,403 bp mitochondrial genome of S. methanicola. Assembled marker gene sequences were near-identical to previously published S. methanicola sequences, and the mitogenome represents the first complete mitogenome of the family Hesionidae. Other functional genes related to S. methanicola were also annotated in the metagenomes. Our study highlights the utility of metagenomics in elucidating both microbial and host genetic features in this poorly understood deep-sea marine polychaete. 

Bio: Dr. Jean Lim was previously a postdoctoral associate at the Cooperative Institute for Marine and Atmospheric Studies (CIMAS), University of Miami. She is an expert in bioinformatics and high-performance computing and has collaborated with NOAA’s Atlantic Oceanographic and Meteorological Laboratory (AOML) on various ‘omics projects. Her research focuses on host-microbe symbiosis and microbial ecology.

Slides, Recordings, Other Materials: A recording of this presentation will be made available on the NOAA ‘Omics website. View past ‘omics seminar recordings here: https://sciencecouncil.noaa.gov/NOAA-Science-Technology-Focus-Areas/NOAA-Omics

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{Dr. Jean Lim, Postdoctoral Scholar, College of Marine Science, University of South Florida}