Deciphering community interactions of sulfate-reducing microorganisms in complex microbial communities of marine sediments

Sulfate-reducing microorganisms (SRM) are key players in global sulfur and carbon cycles, especially in anoxic marine sediments. They are critical in anaerobic food webs because they consume fermentation products like volatile fatty acids (VFAs) and/or hydrogen produced from other microbes that degrade organic matter. Apart from this, the interplay between SRM and other coexisting microorganisms is poorly understood. A recent study by Liang et al. provides intriguing new insights about how the activity of SRM influence microbial communities. Using an elegant combination of microcosm experiments, community ecology, genomics, and in vitro studies, they provide evidence that SRM are central in ecological networks and community assembly, and interestingly, that the control of pH by SRM activity has a substantial impact on other key bacteria, like members of the Marinilabiliales (Bacteroidota). This work has important implications for understanding how marine sediment microbes function together to provide important ecosystem services like recycling organic matter.

Automated summary

Sulfate-reducing microorganisms (SRM) play a crucial role in global sulfur and carbon cycles, especially in anoxic marine sediments. They consume fermentation products and hydrogen, affecting microbial communities, particularly members of the Marinilabiliales. This study provides new insights into the ecological networks and community assembly in marine sediment microbes, highlighting the importance of SRM activity in ecosystem functions.