Branched-chain amino acid assimilation promotes mixotrophy of ammonia-oxidizing archaeal sponge symbionts
Bettina Glasl, Katharina Kitzinger, Heidi M. Luter, Anton A. Legin, Erika Salas, Nathalie Heldwein, Katarina Damjanovic, Stefan Schuster, Marie Rutsch, Bram Vekeman, Daan R. Speth, Nicole M. J. Geerlings, Petra Pjevac, Joana Séneca, Margarete Watzka, , Michael Wagner
This study shows sponge-associated ammonia-oxidizing archaea use branched-chain amino acids as a carbon and nitrogen source, revealing a mixotrophic lifestyle and a new nutritional interaction in sponge holobionts.
bioRxiv · Sep 9, 2025 · PreprintMicrobiology