Dendropoma cristatum associated microbiota under extreme desiccation conditions
The study investigates the effects of extreme desiccation conditions on the microbiota associated with the Mediterranean reef-builder Dendropoma cristatum. The microbiota of specimens from two reef portions were compared: the outer edge, exposed to prolonged emersion, and the permanently submerged cuvette, used as a control condition. The host-associated microbiota was analyzed by 16S rRNA gene metabarcoding, in parallel with immune-related enzymatic activities to assess D. cristatum responses under desiccation stress at both microbial and physiological levels.