Comparison in structure and predicted function of epiphytic bacteria on Neopyropia yezoensis and Neopyropia katadae

The economic alga Neopyropia,which holds significant value in China for its edibility and economic potential,harbors diverse epiphytic bacteria on its surface.The epiphytic bacteria on Neopyropia yezoensis and Neopyropia katadae,two nori species of Neopyropia living at the same tidal level but with distinct physiological states and living habits,were investigated to understand the differences between them and the effects of epiphytic bacteria on their differential characteristics.Analysis of 16S rRNA gene sequences and real-time quantitative PCR(qPCR)of thalli and seawater samples(n=24)revealed notable differences in microbial diversity and community structure between the two species.Bacteroidetes dominated the bacterial communities in association with N.yezoensis,whereas Proteobacteria were predominant in N.katadae.Phylogenetic Investigation of Communities by Reconstruction of Unobserved States(PICRUSt2)analysis revealed enriched genes that related to the ABC transport system,iron complex outer membrane receptor proteins,and proliferation in N.yezoensis,whereas N.katadae exhibited enrichment of genes that related to energy supply as well as cell wall and cell membrane production.The results of qPCR indicate a higher abundance of epiphytic bacteria on surface of N.yezoensis than those on surface of N.katadae.The findings indicate that differences in the living environments of N.yezoensis and N.katadae may result in distinct structural composition and abundance of epiphytic bacteria on their surfaces,thereby conferring specific biological functionalities to each microbial community,and the epiphytic bacteria may shape the living habits of hosts to some extents.This study provided a basis for understanding the close association between surface microorganisms and algal bodies,and the physiological and ecological characteristics of nori species.