The Xiamen Symposium on Marine Environmental Sciences

2027 Xiamen Symposium on Marine Environmental Sciences

January 12-15, 2027

Global Metagenomics Reveals Functional Transitions and Evolutionary Drivers of Microbial Communities Along Deep-Sea Hydrothermal Gradient
ID:1459 Poster Presentation

2027-01-15 17:45 (China Standard Time)

Session:Session 82 - Deep Ocean Microbiomes and Ecosystems⎯⎯Biodiversity and Ecological Processes in a Changing Climate

Abstract
 
Deep-sea hydrothermal regions host vital chemosynthetic ecosystems supporting unique extreme life. A key factor underpinning the establishment and maintenance of thriving communities lies in the sharp chemical and thermal gradient created by vigorous mixing between venting fluid and oxygen-rich seawater, characterized by drastic variations in redox potential, pH, and temperature. To systematically investigate how microbial composition and function evolve along hydrothermal gradient, we implemented human-occupied vehicle (HOV)-guided gradient sampling strategy across 15 global hydrothermal regions, including Tianxiu (Carlsberg ridge, northwest Indian ocean), Logatchev (mid-Atlantic ridge), Semyenov (mid-Atlantic ridge), Longqi (southwest Indian ridge), Onnuri (Central Indian ridge) and Ashadze (mid-Atlantic ridge). Within each region, push-core sediment and chimney samples were collected along the path of declining hydrothermal activity to capture the environmental and microbial transition from active to inactive hydrothermal conditions for deep metagenomic sequencing. As a result, 280 sequencing metagenomes (>50 Gbp paired-end data per sample) yielded 31,454 mid-quality metagenome-assembled genomes (completeness > 50%, contamination < 10%) spanning in 157 microbial phyla. Primary composition and functional profile revealed that pronounced microbial heterogeneity existed within distance of a few hundred meters to active venting sites, exceeding those observed between different ridge systems. Distinct functional shifts in lifestyle-related traits, carbon fixation, and organic degradation were detected, indicating the transitions of microbial survival strategies from active exploitation of resource-rich and dynamic hydrothermal activities to passive adaptation to oligotrophic deep-sea conditions. Ultimately, these findings underscore that hydrothermal activities are fundamental drivers of long-term microbial persistence and evolution, rather than barriers of life. In addition, the hydrothermal genomic resource reported here is also expected to expand the knowledge of microbial diversity and evolutional dynamics in extreme marine habitats, and provide a scientific basis for the conservation of invaluable deep-sea ecosystem in the context of growing deep-sea mining activities.

 
Speaker
Yingwen Zhong Shanghai Jiao Tong University

Author
Yingwen Zhong Shanghai Jiao Tong University

    Important Dates

    • Jan 30

      2026

      Session / Event proposals open

    • Mar 31

      2026

      Session / Event proposals close
      (Extended to April 7)

    • Apr 30

      2026

      Session acceptance notifications

    • Apr 30

      2026

      Abstract submissions & registration open

    • Jun 30

      2026

      Abstract submissions close
      (Extended to July 21)

    • Aug 31

      2026

      Abstract acceptance notifications

    • Sep 15

      2026

      Scientific program released

    • Oct 15

      2026

      Early bird registration closes

    • Jan 12–15

      2027

      XMAS 2027