Data from: The Sphagnum microbiome supports greatly bog ecosystem functioning under extreme conditions

Sphagnum-dominated bogs represent a unique yet widely distributed type of
terrestrial ecosystem, and strongly contribute to global biosphere
functioning. Sphagnum is colonised by highly diverse microbial
communities, but less is known about their function. We identified a high
functional diversity within the Sphagnum microbiome applying an
Illumina-based metagenomic approach followed by de novo assembly and
MG-RAST annotation. An inter-environmental comparison revealed that the
Sphagnum microbiome harbours specific genetic features that distinguish it
significantly from microbiomes of higher plants and peat soils. The
differential traits especially support ecosystem functioning by a
symbiotic life style under poikilohydric and ombrotrophic conditions. To
realise a plasticity-stability balance, we found abundant subsystems
responsible to cope with oxidative and drought stresses, to exchange
(mobile) genetic elements, and genes that encode for resistance to
detrimental environmental factors, repair, and self-controlling
mechanisms. Multiple microbe-microbe and plant-microbe interactions were
also found to play a crucial role as indicated by diverse genes necessary
for biofilm formation, interaction via quorum sensing and nutrient
exchange. A high proportion of genes involved in nitrogen cycle and
recycling of organic material supported the role of bacteria for nutrient
supply. 16S rDNA analysis indicated a higher structural diversity than
that which had been previously detected using PCR-dependent techniques.
Altogether, the diverse Sphagnum microbiome has the ability to support the
life of the host plant and the entire ecosystem under changing
environmental conditions. Beyond this, the moss microbiome presents a
promising bio-resource for environmental biotechnology – with respect to
novel enzymes or stress-protecting bacteria.