Whole metagenomic assessment of the sediment microbial community within Stellwagen Bank National Marine Sanctuary

Understanding the marine sediment microbial community structure is of increasing importance to microbiologists, since little is known of the diverse taxonomy that exist within this vital habitat. Quantifying species abundance and distribution patterns within marine sanctuaries is a requirement to address conservation requirements. Related to the need for a comprehensive assessment is the increase threat of antibiotic-resistant pathogens, coupled with multi-resistant bacterial strains. The objectives of this project are to characterize the relative abundance and biodiversity of metagenome samples of the sediment microbial community in the Stellwagen Bank National Marine Sanctuary (SBNMS). An additional aim was to initiate quantification of secondary metabolite gene clusters with potential for natural products and drug discovery relevant to human health. On a global level, this work aligns with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), which emphasize the importance of enhancing our understanding of the ocean’s health and the stressors on its ecosystems, as well as the need for increased research to support decision-making.

解析海洋沉积物微生物群落结构，对微生物学家而言的重要性与日俱增。目前学界对这一至关重要生境中蕴含的多样分类类群仍知之甚少。定量表征海洋保护区内的物种丰度与分布模式，是满足保护工作需求的必要前提。当前，耐抗生素病原体与多重耐药菌株的威胁日益加剧，这与开展全面评估的需求息息相关。本项目的研究目标为：对斯泰尔瓦根班克国家海洋保护区（Stellwagen Bank National Marine Sanctuary, SBNMS）内沉积物微生物群落的宏基因组（metagenome）样本的相对丰度与生物多样性进行表征分析。本项目的另一目标为：启动对次级代谢产物基因簇的定量分析，这类基因簇具备开发与人类健康相关的天然产物与药物的潜力。从全球维度来看，本研究契合联合国可持续发展目标（Sustainable Development Goals, SDGs），该目标强调深化对海洋健康及其生态系统所面临压力源的认知，并呼吁通过加强相关研究为决策制定提供支撑。