Earth's most needed uncultivated aquatic prokaryotes

Simon SA, Aschmann V, Behrendt A, Hügler M, Engl LM, Pohlner M, Rolfes S, Brinkhoff T, Engelen B, Könneke M, Rodriguez-R LM, Bornemann TL, Nuy JK, Rothe L, Stach TL, Beblo-Vranesevic K, Leuko S, Runzheimer K, Möller R, Conrady M, Huth M, Trabold T, Herkendell K, Probst AJ (2025)

Publication Type: Journal article, Review article

Publication year: 2025

Journal

Water Research Elsevier / IWA Publishing

Book Volume: 273

Article Number: 122928

DOI: 10.1016/j.watres.2024.122928

Abstract

Aquatic ecosystems house a significant fraction of Earth's biosphere, yet most prokaryotes inhabiting these environments remain uncultivated. While recently developed genome-resolved metagenomics and single-cell genomics techniques have underscored the immense genetic breadth and metabolic potential residing in uncultivated Bacteria and Archaea, cultivation of these microorganisms is required to study their physiology via genetic systems, confirm predicted biochemical pathways, exploit biotechnological potential, and accurately appraise nutrient turnover. Over the past two decades, the limitations of culture-independent investigations highlighted the importance of cultivation in bridging this vast knowledge gap. Here, we collected more than 80 highly sought-after uncultivated lineages of aquatic Bacteria and Archaea with global ecological impact. In addition to fulfilling critical roles in global carbon, nitrogen, and sulfur cycling, many of these organisms are thought to partake in key symbiotic relationships. This review highlights the vital contributions of uncultured microbes in aquatic ecosystems, from lakes and groundwater to the surfaces and depths of the oceans and will guide current and future initiatives tasked with cultivating our planet's most elusive, yet highly consequential aquatic microflora.

Authors with CRIS profile

Thomas Trabold Lehrstuhl für Energieverfahrenstechnik (EVT) Katharina Herkendell Juniorprofessur für Dezentrale Energieverfahrenstechnik

Involved external institutions

Universität Duisburg-Essen (UDE) DE Germany (DE) TZW DVGW - Technologiezentrum Wasser DE Germany (DE) Carl von Ossietzky Universität Oldenburg DE Germany (DE) Leopold-Franzens-Universität Innsbruck / University of Innsbruck AT Austria (AT) Deutsches Zentrum für Luft- und Raumfahrt e.V. (DLR) / German Aerospace Center DE Germany (DE) Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin DE Germany (DE)

How to cite

APA:

Simon, S.A., Aschmann, V., Behrendt, A., Hügler, M., Engl, L.M., Pohlner, M.,... Probst, A.J. (2025). Earth's most needed uncultivated aquatic prokaryotes. Water Research, 273. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.watres.2024.122928

MLA:

Simon, Sophie A., et al. "Earth's most needed uncultivated aquatic prokaryotes." Water Research 273 (2025).

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