Entomopathogenic marine actinomycetes as potential and low-cost biocontrol agents against bloodsucking arthropods

Genomic insights into an endophytic Streptomyces sp. VITGV156 for antimicrobial compounds

Endophytic Streptomyces sp. are recognized as a potential resource for valuable natural products but are less explored. This study focused on exploring endophytic Streptomyces species residing within tomato plants (Solanum lycopersicum) harboring genes for the production of a novel class of antibiotics. Our research involved the isolation and characterization of Streptomyces sp. VITGV156, a newly identified endophytic Streptomyces species that produces antimicrobial products. VITGV156 harbors a genome of 8.18 mb and codes 6,512 proteins, of which 4,993 are of known function (76.67%) and 1,519 are of unknown function (23.32%). By employing genomic analysis, we elucidate the genome landscape of this microbial strain and shed light on various BGCs responsible for producing polyketide antimicrobial compounds, with particular emphasis on the antibiotic kendomycin. We extended our study by evaluating the antibacterial properties of kendomycin. Overall, this study provides valuable insights into the genome of endophytic Streptomyces species, particularly Streptomyces sp. VITGV156, which are prolific producers of antimicrobial agents. These findings hold promise for further research and exploitation of pharmaceutical compounds, offering opportunities for the development of novel antimicrobial drugs.

Diversity and Biotechnological Potential of Marine Actinomycetes from India

Actinomycetes are potential antibiotic producers that have been isolated from various terrestrial ecosystems and are exploited for their bioactive compounds. On the contrary, the marine environments were less explored and the research on marine actinomycetes had gained momentum only for the past three decades. Marine actinomycetes are one of the most significant producers of diverse groups of secondary metabolites and provide a huge scope for pharmaceutical and other industries. These organisms are proved to be important, both biotechnologically and economically considering their global presence. The marine ecosystem in India is less explored for the isolation of actinomycetes and several ecological niches are left unattended. Compared to the global scenario, the contribution from Indian researchers towards the isolation and exploitation of marine actinomycetes from the Indian sub-continent is noteworthy. Exploration of actinomycetes from these ecosystems will certainly yield new species and metabolites. Considering the declining rate of drug discovery from terrestrial actinomycetes, the marine counterparts, especially from unexplored regions from the Indian coast will hold a promising way ahead. Apart from drugs, these organisms are reported for the production of different industrially important enzymes like cellulase, amylase, protease, lipase, etc. They are also used in environmental applications, agriculture, and aquacultures sectors. With the rapid advancement in the study of actinomycetes from different marine sources in India, new metabolites are being discovered which have an important role from the economic and industrial point of view. As the world is witnessing newer diseases such as Sars-Cov 2 and the pandemic due to its demands drugs and other metabolites are increasing day by day. Therefore, the necessity for the quest for unique and rare marine actinomycetes is enhancing too. This review highlights the research on marine actinomycetes in India and also the challenges associated with its research.