Expanding our understanding of marine viral diversity through metagenomic analyses of biofilms

Abstract

Recent metagenomics surveys have provided insights into the marine virosphere. However, these surveys have focused solely on viruses in seawater, neglecting those associated with biofilms. By analyzing 1.75 terabases of biofilm metagenomic data, 3974 viral sequences were identified from eight locations around the world. Over 90% of these viral sequences were not found in previously reported datasets. Comparisons between biofilm and seawater metagenomes identified viruses that are endemic to the biofilm niche. Analysis of viral sequences integrated within biofilm-derived microbial genomes revealed potential functional genes for trimeric autotransporter adhesin and polysaccharide metabolism, which may contribute to biofilm formation by the bacterial hosts. However, more than 70% of the genes could not be annotated. These findings show marine biofilms to be a reservoir of novel viruses and have enhanced our understanding of natural virus-bacteria ecosystems.