Multi-omics determination of metabolome diversity in natural coral populations in the Pacific Ocean

Coral reefs are considered one of the most emblematic ecosystems in our oceans, but their existence is increasingly threatened by climate change. In this study, natural populations of two reef-building coral genera, Pocillopora spp. and Porites spp., and one hydrocoral Millepora cf. platyphylla from two different marine provinces in the Pacific Ocean were investigated using a multi-omics approach as part of the Tara Pacific expedition. Here, we propose a standardised method consisting of a biphasic extraction method followed by metabolomics analysis using mass spectrometry for the lipidome and H-1 nuclear magnetic resonance for hydrophilic metabolites. Our study assessed a broad range of the metabolome and is the first to identify and add 24 compounds by NMR and over 200 lipids by MS analyses for corals. Metabolic profiles were distinct among genera but not within genotypes of the cnidarian corals. Although endosymbiotic dinoflagellates of the family Symbiodiniaceae are known to play a central role in the metabolomic signature of the coral holobiont, they did not account for all differences. This suggests that a combined effect by different members of the coral holobiont and an interaction with the environment might be at play. Our study provides foundational knowledge on the coral holobiont metabolome. allThe metabolome of natural populations of Pocillopora spp., Porites spp. and Millepora cf. platyphylla coral are distinct at genus level but not within genotypes and environmental drivers influence metabolomic plasticity, suggest multi-omic analyses conducted during the Tara Pacific expedition.

Automated summary

The study investigated natural populations of coral species from two different marine provinces in the Pacific Ocean using a multi-omics approach. A standardized method of metabolomics analysis was proposed, and the study identified several compounds and lipids in corals for the first time. The results suggest that the metabolome of coral populations is influenced by both genetic factors and the environment.