A project undertaken at the University of NSW, and supervised by Marwan Majzoub
Marine microbial communities comprise the vast majority of earth’s biodiversity and perform significant roles in ecosystem functioning such as organic matter decomposition, biogeochemical cycling of nutrients and recycling essential elements such as carbon, nitrogen and phosphorus. Additionally, microbial communities harbor vast untapped potential for improving human, animal, and environmental health. Marine sponges thrive in the marine environment, relying on a complex network of microorganisms as symbionts for essential functions such as nutrition and defence, highlighting the intricate ecological relationships within marine ecosystems. Yet, to date, a significant portion of these communities remains unexplored due to lack of capacity to cultivate or obtain their genomic information.
By leveraging novel long-read adaptive sequencing techniques, this project aims to unlock the mysteries of previously uncultured microbes in the marine environments, shedding light on their interactions and functions within microbial ecosystems. By optimising sequencing methods and developing genome-guided cultivation strategies, we will dissect the interactions between low-abundance microbial members and their communities.
In addition to advancing our understanding of microbial communities, identifying new strains holds immense potential for discovering probiotic candidates with therapeutic applications. These novel strains could serve as effective interventions in combating imbalances within environmental ecosystems, thereby contributing to the development of innovative solutions for ecological restoration and strengthening Australia’s international position in microbiome research and biotechnology innovation.
Through strategic partnerships and international collaboration, this initiative not only positions Australia as a leader in microbial sequencing and cultivation but also catalyses advancements in biotechnology innovation, ensuring sustainable microbial applications for the environment’s health.