Omics study on the ecology and adaptation of marine invertebrates

At the species level, we are also interested in the mechanisms that drive speciation and adaptations. We are specifically interested in the mangrove herbivorous Sesarmidae crabs which dominate mangrove habitat as the major primary consumers. Our phylogenetic analyses have highlighted the significance of the herbivorous lifestyle and capacity to degrade lignocellulose in promoting speciation in this group of crabs. The herbivorous action of these crabs also facilitates the trophic link and nutrient recycling in the ecosystem. Thus, understanding the adaptations and mechanisms of sesarmid crabs to herbivory is not only crucial for their terrestrialization and evolutionary success, but also for the healthy functioning of mangrove ecosystems. We have conducted multi-omic analyses on the sesarmid crabs and presented the first metagenomic analyses on the mangrove crabs, which reveal that endosymbiotic microbes play a crucial role in lignocellulose degradation and enriched lignocellulolytic microbes enhance the adaptation of the crab to herbivorous lifestyle, and hence speciation (Hui et al 2024). The functional importance of the microbiome promotes phylosymbiosis and co-evolution between the host crabs and microbial symbionts (Tsang et al 2024).

 

We would continue to explore the holobiont evolution in various decapod species, in conjunction with the solid phylogenetic framework achieved by my lab. This could shield lights on the complete picture of the evolution of host organisms and their associated microbiome in response to various biological and ecological drivers, and ultimately factors that promote adaptation and speciation in the nature.