Molecular mechanisms of the coral-Endozoicomonas symbiotic interactions

Significant work has focused on the algal symbiont, Symbiodiniaceae, and its contribution to the coral host, while bacterial symbionts have historically received less attention. Endozoicomonas is a genus of bacteria ubiquitous with corals and are believed to be symbionts; however, the exact symbiotic mechanisms and metabolic exchanges between them and the host are largely unknown. We aim to understand how this important group benefits the coral and whether they contribute to coral survival under stress.