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Supty MSA, Jahan K, Lee JS, Choi KH. Epiphytic Bacterial Community Analysis of Ulva prolifera in Garorim and Muan Bays, Republic of Korea. Microorganisms 2024; 12:1142. [PMID: 38930524 PMCID: PMC11205692 DOI: 10.3390/microorganisms12061142] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/19/2024] [Revised: 05/16/2024] [Accepted: 06/02/2024] [Indexed: 06/28/2024] Open
Abstract
The bacterial communities related to seaweed can vary considerably across different locations, and these variations influence the seaweed's nutrition, growth, and development. To study this further, we evaluated the bacteria found on the green marine seaweed Ulva prolifera from Garorim Bay and Muan Bay, two key locations on Republic of Korea's west coast. Our analysis found notable differences in the bacterial communities between the two locations. Garorim Bay hosted a more diverse bacterial population, with the highest number of ASVs (871) compared to Muan Bay's 156 ASVs. In Muan Bay, more than 50% of the bacterial community was dominated by Pseudomonadota. On the other hand, Garorim Bay had a more balanced distribution between Bacteroidota and Pseudomonadota (37% and 35.5%, respectively). Additionally, Cyanobacteria, particularly Cyanothece aeruginosa, were found in significant numbers in Garorim Bay, making up 8% of the community. Mineral analysis indicated that Garorim Bay had higher levels of S, Na, Mg, Ca, and Fe. Function-wise, both locations exhibited bacterial enrichment in amino acid production, nucleosides, and nucleotide pathways. In conclusion, this study broadens our understanding of the bacterial communities associated with Ulva prolifera in Korean waters and provides a foundation for future research on the relationships between U. prolifera and its bacteria.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | - Keun-Hyung Choi
- Department of Earth, Environmental and Space Sciences, Chungnam National University, Daejeon 34134, Republic of Korea
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2
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Ziko L, AbdelRaheem O, Nabil M, Aziz RK, Siam R. Bioprospecting the microbiome of Red Sea Atlantis II brine pool for peptidases and biosynthetic genes with promising antibacterial activity. Microb Cell Fact 2022; 21:109. [PMID: 35655185 PMCID: PMC9161539 DOI: 10.1186/s12934-022-01835-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/28/2022] [Accepted: 05/05/2022] [Indexed: 11/23/2022] Open
Abstract
Background The search for novel antimicrobial agents is crucial as antibiotic-resistant pathogens continue to emerge, rendering the available antibiotics no longer effective. Likewise, new anti-cancer drugs are needed to combat the emergence of multi-drug resistant tumors. Marine environments are wealthy sources for natural products. Additionally, extreme marine environments are interesting niches to search for bioactive natural compounds. In the current study, a fosmid library of metagenomic DNA isolated from Atlantis II Deep Lower Convective Layer (ATII LCL), was functionally screened for antibacterial activity as well as anticancer effects. Results Two clones exhibited antibacterial effects against the marine Bacillus Cc6 strain, namely clones 102-5A and 88-1G and they were further tested against eleven other challenging strains, including six safe relatives of ESKAPE pathogens (Enterococcus faecium, Staphylococcus aureus, Klebsiella pneumoniae, Acinetobacter baumannii, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, and Enterobacter spp.), a safe relative to Mycobacterium tuberculosis and four resistant clinical isolates. Clone 88-1G resulted in clear zones of inhibition against eight bacterial strains, while clone 102-5A resulted in zones of inhibition against five bacterial strains. The whole cell lysates of clone 88-1G showed 15% inhibition of Mtb ClpP protease -Mycobacterium tuberculosis drug target-, while whole cell lysates of clone 102-5A showed 19% inhibition of Mtb ClpP protease. Whole cell lysates from the selected clones exhibited anticancer effects against MCF-7 breast cancer cells (cell viability at 50% v/v was 46.2% ± 9.9 for 88-1G clone and 38% ± 7 for 102-5A clone), U2OS osteosarcoma cells (cell viability at 50% v/v was 64.6% ± 12.3 for 88-1G clone and 28.3% ± 1.7 for 102-5A clone) and 1BR hTERT human fibroblast cells (cell viability at 50% v/v was 74.4% ± 5.6 for 88-1G clone and 57.6% ± 8.9 for 102-5A clone). Sequencing of 102-5A and 88-1G clones, and further annotation detected putative proteases and putative biosynthetic genes in clones 102-5A and 88-1G, respectively. Conclusions The ATII LCL metagenome hosts putative peptidases and biosynthetic genes that confer antibiotic and anti-cancer effects. The tested clones exhibited promising antibacterial activities against safe relative strains to ESKAPE pathogens and Mycobacterium tuberculosis. Thus, searching the microbial dark matter of extreme environments is a promising approach to identify new molecules with pharmaceutical potential use. Supplementary Information The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1186/s12934-022-01835-z.
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Affiliation(s)
- Laila Ziko
- School of Life and Medical Sciences, University of Hertfordshire, Hosted by Global Academic Foundation, 11865, New Administrative Capital, Egypt.,Department of Biology, School of Sciences and Engineering, The American University in Cairo, 11835, New Cairo, Egypt
| | - Omnia AbdelRaheem
- Graduate Program of Biotechnology, School of Sciences and Engineering, The American University in Cairo, 11835, New Cairo, Egypt
| | - Marina Nabil
- Graduate Program of Biotechnology, School of Sciences and Engineering, The American University in Cairo, 11835, New Cairo, Egypt
| | - Ramy K Aziz
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Faculty of Pharmacy, Cairo University, 11562, Cairo, Egypt.,Microbiology and Immunology Research Program, Children's Cancer Hospital Egypt 57357, 11617, Cairo, Egypt
| | - Rania Siam
- Department of Biology, School of Sciences and Engineering, The American University in Cairo, 11835, New Cairo, Egypt. .,University of Medicine and Health Sciences, Basseterre, West Indies, Saint Kitts and Nevis.
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3
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Nguyen M, Wemheuer B, Laffy PW, Webster NS, Thomas T. Taxonomic, functional and expression analysis of viral communities associated with marine sponges. PeerJ 2021; 9:e10715. [PMID: 33604175 PMCID: PMC7863781 DOI: 10.7717/peerj.10715] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/25/2020] [Accepted: 12/15/2020] [Indexed: 12/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Viruses play an essential role in shaping the structure and function of ecological communities. Marine sponges have the capacity to filter large volumes of ‘virus-laden’ seawater through their bodies and host dense communities of microbial symbionts, which are likely accessible to viral infection. However, despite the potential of sponges and their symbionts to act as viral reservoirs, little is known about the sponge-associated virome. Here we address this knowledge gap by analysing metagenomic and (meta-) transcriptomic datasets from several sponge species to determine what viruses are present and elucidate their predicted and expressed functionality. Sponges were found to carry diverse, abundant and active bacteriophages as well as eukaryotic viruses belonging to the Megavirales and Phycodnaviridae. These viruses contain and express auxiliary metabolic genes (AMGs) for photosynthesis and vitamin synthesis as well as for the production of antimicrobials and the defence against toxins. These viral AMGs can therefore contribute to the metabolic capacities of their hosts and also potentially enhance the survival of infected cells. This suggest that viruses may play a key role in regulating the abundance and activities of members of the sponge holobiont.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mary Nguyen
- Centre for Marine Science and Innovation & School of Biological & Earth and Environmental Sciences, University of New South Wales, Sydney, NSW, Australia
| | - Bernd Wemheuer
- Centre for Marine Science and Innovation & School of Biological & Earth and Environmental Sciences, University of New South Wales, Sydney, NSW, Australia
| | - Patrick W Laffy
- Australian Institute of Marine Science, Townsville, QLD, Australia
| | - Nicole S Webster
- Australian Institute of Marine Science, Townsville, QLD, Australia.,Australian Centre for Ecogenomics, University of Queensland, Brisbane, QLD, Australia
| | - Torsten Thomas
- Centre for Marine Science and Innovation & School of Biological & Earth and Environmental Sciences, University of New South Wales, Sydney, NSW, Australia
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4
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Chan EWL, Chin MY, Low YH, Tan HY, Ooi YS, Chong CW. The Antibacterial Agent Identified from Acidocella spp. in the Fluid of Nepenthes gracilis Against Multidrug-Resistant Klebsiella pneumoniae: A Functional Metagenomic Approach. Microb Drug Resist 2020; 27:1018-1028. [PMID: 33325795 DOI: 10.1089/mdr.2020.0311] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Aims: The fluid of Nepenthes gracilis harbors diverse bacterial taxa that could serve as a gene pool for the discovery of the new genre of antimicrobial agents against multidrug-resistant Klebsiella pneumoniae. The aim of this study was to explore the presence of antibacterial genes in the fluids of N. gracilis growing in the wild. Methods: Using functional metagenomic approach, fosmid clones were isolated and screened for antibacterial activity against three strains of K. pneumoniae. A clone that exhibited the most potent antibacterial activity was sent for sequencing to identify the genes responsible for the observed activity. The secondary metabolites secreted by the selected clone was sequentially extracted using hexane, chloroform, and ethyl acetate. The chemical profiles of a clone (C6) hexane extract were determined by gas chromatography/mass spectrometry (GC-MS). Results: Fosmid clone C6 from the fluid of pitcher plant that exhibited antibacterial activity against three strains of K. pneumoniae was isolated using functional metagenome approach. A majority of the open reading frames detected from C6 were affiliated with the largely understudied Acidocella genus. Among them, the gene that encodes for coproporphyrinogen III oxidase in the heme biosynthesis pathway could be involved in the observed antibacterial activity. Based on the GC-MS analysis, the identities of the putative bioactive compounds were 2,5-di-tert-butylphenol and 1-ethyl-2-methyl cyclododecane. Conclusions: The gene that encodes for coproporphyrinogen III oxidase in the heme biosynthesis pathway as well as the secondary metabolites, namely 2,5-di-tert-butylphenol and 1-ethyl-2-methyl cyclododecane could be the potential antibacterial molecules responsible for the antibacterial activity of C6.
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Affiliation(s)
- Elaine Wan Ling Chan
- Institute for Research, Development and Innovation, International Medical University, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
| | - Mei Yu Chin
- School of Pharmacy, International Medical University, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
| | - Yi Hui Low
- School of Pharmacy, International Medical University, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
| | - Hui Yin Tan
- School of Pharmacy, International Medical University, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
| | - Yi Sing Ooi
- School of Pharmacy, International Medical University, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
| | - Chun Wie Chong
- Institute for Research, Development and Innovation, International Medical University, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia.,School of Pharmacy, Monash University Malaysia, Bandar Sunway, Malaysia
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5
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Pascelli C, Laffy PW, Botté E, Kupresanin M, Rattei T, Lurgi M, Ravasi T, Webster NS. Viral ecogenomics across the Porifera. MICROBIOME 2020; 8:144. [PMID: 33008461 PMCID: PMC7532657 DOI: 10.1186/s40168-020-00919-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/08/2020] [Accepted: 09/08/2020] [Indexed: 05/03/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Viruses directly affect the most important biological processes in the ocean via their regulation of prokaryotic and eukaryotic populations. Marine sponges form stable symbiotic partnerships with a wide diversity of microorganisms and this high symbiont complexity makes them an ideal model for studying viral ecology. Here, we used morphological and molecular approaches to illuminate the diversity and function of viruses inhabiting nine sponge species from the Great Barrier Reef and seven from the Red Sea. RESULTS Viromic sequencing revealed host-specific and site-specific patterns in the viral assemblages, with all sponge species dominated by the bacteriophage order Caudovirales but also containing variable representation from the nucleocytoplasmic large DNA virus families Mimiviridae, Marseilleviridae, Phycodnaviridae, Ascoviridae, Iridoviridae, Asfarviridae and Poxviridae. Whilst core viral functions related to replication, infection and structure were largely consistent across the sponge viromes, functional profiles varied significantly between species and sites largely due to differential representation of putative auxiliary metabolic genes (AMGs) and accessory genes, including those associated with herbicide resistance, heavy metal resistance and nylon degradation. Furthermore, putative AMGs varied with the composition and abundance of the sponge-associated microbiome. For instance, genes associated with antimicrobial activity were enriched in low microbial abundance sponges, genes associated with nitrogen metabolism were enriched in high microbial abundance sponges and genes related to cellulose biosynthesis were enriched in species that host photosynthetic symbionts. CONCLUSIONS Our results highlight the diverse functional roles that viruses can play in marine sponges and are consistent with our current understanding of sponge ecology. Differential representation of putative viral AMGs and accessory genes across sponge species illustrate the diverse suite of beneficial roles viruses can play in the functional ecology of these complex reef holobionts. Video Abstract.
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Affiliation(s)
- Cecília Pascelli
- AIMS@JCU, Townsville, Queensland, Australia
- Australian Institute of Marine Science, PMB No.3, Townsville MC, Townsville, Queensland, 4810, Australia
- James Cook University, Townsville, Australia
| | - Patrick W Laffy
- AIMS@JCU, Townsville, Queensland, Australia
- Australian Institute of Marine Science, PMB No.3, Townsville MC, Townsville, Queensland, 4810, Australia
| | - Emmanuelle Botté
- Australian Institute of Marine Science, PMB No.3, Townsville MC, Townsville, Queensland, 4810, Australia
| | - Marija Kupresanin
- KAUST Environmental Epigenetic Program (KEEP), Division of Biological and Environmental Sciences & Engineering, King Abdullah University of Science and Technology, Thuwal, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia
| | - Thomas Rattei
- Department of Microbiology and Ecosystem Science, Division of Computational Systems Biology, University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria
| | - Miguel Lurgi
- Biosciences Department, University of Swansea, Swansea, Wales
| | - Timothy Ravasi
- KAUST Environmental Epigenetic Program (KEEP), Division of Biological and Environmental Sciences & Engineering, King Abdullah University of Science and Technology, Thuwal, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia
| | - Nicole S Webster
- AIMS@JCU, Townsville, Queensland, Australia.
- Australian Institute of Marine Science, PMB No.3, Townsville MC, Townsville, Queensland, 4810, Australia.
- Australian Centre for Ecogenomics, University of Queensland, Brisbane, Australia.
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6
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de Oliveira BFR, Carr CM, Dobson ADW, Laport MS. Harnessing the sponge microbiome for industrial biocatalysts. Appl Microbiol Biotechnol 2020; 104:8131-8154. [PMID: 32827049 DOI: 10.1007/s00253-020-10817-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/29/2020] [Revised: 07/29/2020] [Accepted: 08/05/2020] [Indexed: 12/31/2022]
Abstract
Within the marine sphere, host-associated microbiomes are receiving growing attention as prolific sources of novel biocatalysts. Given the known biocatalytic potential of poriferan microbial inhabitants, this review focuses on enzymes from the sponge microbiome, with special attention on their relevant properties and the wide range of their potential biotechnological applications within various industries. Cultivable bacterial and filamentous fungal isolates account for the majority of the enzymatic sources. Hydrolases, mainly glycoside hydrolases and carboxylesterases, are the predominant reported group of enzymes, with varying degrees of tolerance to alkaline pH and growing salt concentrations being common. Prospective areas for the application of these microbial enzymes include biorefinery, detergent, food and effluent treatment industries. Finally, alternative strategies to identify novel biocatalysts from the sponge microbiome are addressed, with an emphasis on modern -omics-based approaches that are currently available in the enzyme research arena. By providing this current overview of the field, we hope to not only increase the appetite of researchers to instigate forthcoming studies but also to stress how basic and applied research can pave the way for new biocatalysts from these symbiotic microbial communities in a productive fashion. KEY POINTS: • The sponge microbiome is a burgeoning source of industrial biocatalysts. • Sponge microbial enzymes have useful habitat-related traits for several industries. • Strategies are provided for the future discovery of microbial enzymes from sponges.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bruno Francesco Rodrigues de Oliveira
- Instituto de Microbiologia Paulo de Góes, Universidade Federal do Rio de Janeiro, Rio de Janeiro, RJ, Brazil. .,School of Microbiology, University College Cork, Cork, Ireland.
| | - Clodagh M Carr
- School of Microbiology, University College Cork, Cork, Ireland
| | - Alan D W Dobson
- School of Microbiology, University College Cork, Cork, Ireland.,Environmental Research Institute, University College Cork, Cork, Ireland
| | - Marinella Silva Laport
- Instituto de Microbiologia Paulo de Góes, Universidade Federal do Rio de Janeiro, Rio de Janeiro, RJ, Brazil
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7
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Suvega T, Arunkumar K. Probiotic bacteria promote the growth of associating host(red seaweed, Gracilaria edulis) also synthesize antibacterial protein. BIOCATALYSIS AND AGRICULTURAL BIOTECHNOLOGY 2019. [DOI: 10.1016/j.bcab.2019.101136] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
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8
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Ziko L, Saqr AHA, Ouf A, Gimpel M, Aziz RK, Neubauer P, Siam R. Antibacterial and anticancer activities of orphan biosynthetic gene clusters from Atlantis II Red Sea brine pool. Microb Cell Fact 2019; 18:56. [PMID: 30885206 PMCID: PMC6423787 DOI: 10.1186/s12934-019-1103-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/18/2018] [Accepted: 03/06/2019] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Cancer and infectious diseases are problematic because of continuous emergence of drug resistance. One way to address this enormous global health threat is bioprospecting the unlikeliest environments, such as extreme marine niches, which have tremendous biodiversity that is barely explored. One such environment is the Red Sea brine pool, Atlantis II Deep (ATII). Here, we functionally screened a fosmid library of metagenomic DNA isolated from the ATII lower convective layer (LCL) for antibacterial and anticancer activities. RESULTS Selected clones, 14-7E and 10-2G, displayed antibacterial effects on the marine strain Bacillus sp. Cc6. Moreover, whole cell lysates from 14-7E and 10-2G exhibited decreased cell viability against MCF-7 (39.1% ± 6.6, 42% ± 8.1 at 50% v/v) and U2OS cells (35.7% ± 1.9, 79.9% ± 5.9 at 50% v/v), respectively. By sequencing the insert DNA from 14-7E and 10-2G, we identified two putative orphan biosynthetic gene clusters. Both clusters harbored putative ATP-binding cassette (ABC) transporter permeases and S-adenosylmethionine-related genes. Interestingly, the biosynthetic gene cluster identified on 14-7E is of archaeal origin and harbors a putative transcription factor. Several identified genes may be responsible for the observed antibacterial and anticancer activities. The 14-7E biosynthetic gene cluster may be encoding enzymes producing a specialized metabolite (effect of detected genes involved in C-C bond formation and glycosylation). The bioactivity may also be due to predicted subtilases encoded by this cluster. The 10-2G cluster harbored putative glycosyltransferase and non-ribosomal peptide synthase genes; thus the observed activity of this clone could be caused by a bioactive peptide. CONCLUSIONS The ATII LCL prokaryotic metagenome hosts putative orphan biosynthetic gene clusters that confer antibiotic and anticancer effects. Further biochemical studies should characterize the detected bioactive components, and the potential use of 14-7E metabolite for antibiosis and 10-2G metabolite as a selective anti-breast cancer drug.
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Affiliation(s)
- Laila Ziko
- Graduate Program of Biotechnology, School of Sciences and Engineering, The American University in Cairo, New Cairo, Cairo, 11835, Egypt
| | - Al-Hussein A Saqr
- Department of Biology, School of Sciences and Engineering, The American University in Cairo, SSE (Parcel 7), Second Floor, Office: Room 2194, AUC Avenue, New Cairo, Cairo, 11835, Egypt
| | - Amged Ouf
- Graduate Program of Biotechnology, School of Sciences and Engineering, The American University in Cairo, New Cairo, Cairo, 11835, Egypt
- Department of Biology, School of Sciences and Engineering, The American University in Cairo, SSE (Parcel 7), Second Floor, Office: Room 2194, AUC Avenue, New Cairo, Cairo, 11835, Egypt
| | - Matthias Gimpel
- Chair of Bioprocess Engineering, Department of Biotechnology, Technische Universität Berlin, Ackerstrasse 76, ACK24, 13355, Berlin, Germany
| | - Ramy K Aziz
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Faculty of Pharmacy, Cairo University, Cairo, 11562, Egypt
| | - Peter Neubauer
- Chair of Bioprocess Engineering, Department of Biotechnology, Technische Universität Berlin, Ackerstrasse 76, ACK24, 13355, Berlin, Germany
| | - Rania Siam
- Graduate Program of Biotechnology, School of Sciences and Engineering, The American University in Cairo, New Cairo, Cairo, 11835, Egypt.
- Department of Biology, School of Sciences and Engineering, The American University in Cairo, SSE (Parcel 7), Second Floor, Office: Room 2194, AUC Avenue, New Cairo, Cairo, 11835, Egypt.
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9
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Genomic blueprints of sponge-prokaryote symbiosis are shared by low abundant and cultivatable Alphaproteobacteria. Sci Rep 2019; 9:1999. [PMID: 30760820 PMCID: PMC6374434 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-019-38737-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 34] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/10/2018] [Accepted: 01/09/2019] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Marine sponges are early-branching, filter-feeding metazoans that usually host complex microbiomes comprised of several, currently uncultivatable symbiotic lineages. Here, we use a low-carbon based strategy to cultivate low-abundance bacteria from Spongia officinalis. This approach favoured the growth of Alphaproteobacteria strains in the genera Anderseniella, Erythrobacter, Labrenzia, Loktanella, Ruegeria, Sphingorhabdus, Tateyamaria and Pseudovibrio, besides two likely new genera in the Rhodobacteraceae family. Mapping of complete genomes against the metagenomes of S. officinalis, seawater, and sediments confirmed the rare status of all the above-mentioned lineages in the marine realm. Remarkably, this community of low-abundance Alphaproteobacteria possesses several genomic attributes common to dominant, presently uncultivatable sponge symbionts, potentially contributing to host fitness through detoxification mechanisms (e.g. heavy metal and metabolic waste removal, degradation of aromatic compounds), provision of essential vitamins (e.g. B6 and B12 biosynthesis), nutritional exchange (especially regarding the processing of organic sulphur and nitrogen) and chemical defence (e.g. polyketide and terpenoid biosynthesis). None of the studied taxa displayed signs of genome reduction, indicative of obligate mutualism. Instead, versatile nutrient metabolisms along with motility, chemotaxis, and tight-adherence capacities - also known to confer environmental hardiness – were inferred, underlying dual host-associated and free-living life strategies adopted by these diverse sponge-associated Alphaproteobacteria.
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10
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Ngara TR, Zhang H. Recent Advances in Function-based Metagenomic Screening. GENOMICS PROTEOMICS & BIOINFORMATICS 2018; 16:405-415. [PMID: 30597257 PMCID: PMC6411959 DOI: 10.1016/j.gpb.2018.01.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 77] [Impact Index Per Article: 12.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/02/2017] [Revised: 01/05/2018] [Accepted: 01/09/2018] [Indexed: 12/01/2022]
Abstract
Metagenomes from uncultured microorganisms are rich resources for novel enzyme genes. The methods used to screen the metagenomic libraries fall into two categories, which are based on sequence or function of the enzymes. The sequence-based approaches rely on the known sequences of the target gene families. In contrast, the function-based approaches do not involve the incorporation of metagenomic sequencing data and, therefore, may lead to the discovery of novel gene sequences with desired functions. In this review, we discuss the function-based screening strategies that have been used in the identification of enzymes from metagenomes. Because of its simplicity, agar plate screening is most commonly used in the identification of novel enzymes with diverse functions. Other screening methods with higher sensitivity are also employed, such as microtiter plate screening. Furthermore, several ultra-high-throughput methods were developed to deal with large metagenomic libraries. Among these are the FACS-based screening, droplet-based screening, and the in vivo reporter-based screening methods. The application of these novel screening strategies has increased the chance for the discovery of novel enzyme genes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tanyaradzwa Rodgers Ngara
- Department of Biotechnology, College of Life Science and Technology, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, MOE Key Laboratory of Molecular Biophysics, Wuhan 430074, China
| | - Houjin Zhang
- Department of Biotechnology, College of Life Science and Technology, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, MOE Key Laboratory of Molecular Biophysics, Wuhan 430074, China.
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11
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Agamennone V, Roelofs D, van Straalen NM, Janssens TKS. Antimicrobial activity in culturable gut microbial communities of springtails. J Appl Microbiol 2018; 125:740-752. [PMID: 29723440 DOI: 10.1111/jam.13899] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/06/2017] [Revised: 04/01/2018] [Accepted: 04/25/2018] [Indexed: 01/11/2023]
Abstract
AIMS The rise of antibiotic resistance pushes the pharmaceutical industry to continually search for substances with new structures and novel mechanisms of action. Many environmental niches are still to be explored as sources of antimicrobials. In this paper, we assess the antimicrobial potential of gut microbes of springtails, soil invertebrates which live in a microbe-dominated environment and are known to be tolerant to entomopathogenic micro-organisms. METHODS AND RESULTS Bacteria isolated from the guts of five springtail species were tested for inhibitory activity against different microbial pathogens. We identified 46 unique isolates belonging to 17 genera and 15 families. Thirty-five of these isolates (76%) showed inhibitory activity, and 18 inhibited both bacterial and fungal pathogens. One isolate was active against all the pathogens tested. CONCLUSIONS We demonstrated a range of antimicrobial activities in bacteria isolated from the guts of springtails, indicative of complex interactions within the gut community, possibly relating to nutrition or defence against pathogens. SIGNIFICANCE AND IMPACT OF THE STUDY Our results suggest that a large proportion of cultivatable microbes associated with Collembola have a potential for antimicrobial production. We propose that soil invertebrates and their associated microbes are interesting targets for drug discovery.
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Affiliation(s)
- V Agamennone
- Department of Ecological Science, Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - D Roelofs
- Department of Ecological Science, Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - N M van Straalen
- Department of Ecological Science, Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - T K S Janssens
- Department of Ecological Science, Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam, Amsterdam, The Netherlands.,Microlife Solutions, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
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12
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BluePharmTrain: Biology and Biotechnology of Marine Sponges. GRAND CHALLENGES IN MARINE BIOTECHNOLOGY 2018. [DOI: 10.1007/978-3-319-69075-9_13] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/08/2023]
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13
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An Overview on Marine Sponge-Symbiotic Bacteria as Unexhausted Sources for Natural Product Discovery. DIVERSITY-BASEL 2017. [DOI: 10.3390/d9040040] [Citation(s) in RCA: 46] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/29/2022]
Abstract
Microbial symbiotic communities of marine macro-organisms carry functional metabolic profiles different to the ones found terrestrially and within surrounding marine environments. These symbiotic bacteria have increasingly been a focus of microbiologists working in marine environments due to a wide array of reported bioactive compounds of therapeutic importance resulting in various patent registrations. Revelations of symbiont-directed host specific functions and the true nature of host-symbiont interactions, combined with metagenomic advances detecting functional gene clusters, will inevitably open new avenues for identification and discovery of novel bioactive compounds of biotechnological value from marine resources. This review article provides an overview on bioactive marine symbiotic organisms with specific emphasis placed on the sponge-associated ones and invites the international scientific community to contribute towards establishment of in-depth information of the environmental parameters defining selection and acquisition of true symbionts by the host organisms.
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14
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Indraningrat AAG, Smidt H, Sipkema D. Bioprospecting Sponge-Associated Microbes for Antimicrobial Compounds. Mar Drugs 2016; 14:E87. [PMID: 27144573 PMCID: PMC4882561 DOI: 10.3390/md14050087] [Citation(s) in RCA: 103] [Impact Index Per Article: 12.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/29/2016] [Revised: 04/15/2016] [Accepted: 04/26/2016] [Indexed: 12/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Sponges are the most prolific marine organisms with respect to their arsenal of bioactive compounds including antimicrobials. However, the majority of these substances are probably not produced by the sponge itself, but rather by bacteria or fungi that are associated with their host. This review for the first time provides a comprehensive overview of antimicrobial compounds that are known to be produced by sponge-associated microbes. We discuss the current state-of-the-art by grouping the bioactive compounds produced by sponge-associated microorganisms in four categories: antiviral, antibacterial, antifungal and antiprotozoal compounds. Based on in vitro activity tests, identified targets of potent antimicrobial substances derived from sponge-associated microbes include: human immunodeficiency virus 1 (HIV-1) (2-undecyl-4-quinolone, sorbicillactone A and chartarutine B); influenza A (H1N1) virus (truncateol M); nosocomial Gram positive bacteria (thiopeptide YM-266183, YM-266184, mayamycin and kocurin); Escherichia coli (sydonic acid), Chlamydia trachomatis (naphthacene glycoside SF2446A2); Plasmodium spp. (manzamine A and quinolone 1); Leishmania donovani (manzamine A and valinomycin); Trypanosoma brucei (valinomycin and staurosporine); Candida albicans and dermatophytic fungi (saadamycin, 5,7-dimethoxy-4-p-methoxylphenylcoumarin and YM-202204). Thirty-five bacterial and 12 fungal genera associated with sponges that produce antimicrobials were identified, with Streptomyces, Pseudovibrio, Bacillus, Aspergillus and Penicillium as the prominent producers of antimicrobial compounds. Furthemore culture-independent approaches to more comprehensively exploit the genetic richness of antimicrobial compound-producing pathways from sponge-associated bacteria are addressed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anak Agung Gede Indraningrat
- Laboratory of Microbiology, Wageningen University, Dreijenplein 10, Wageningen 6703 HB, The Netherlands.
- Department of Biology, Faculty of Mathematics and Science Education, Institut Keguruan dan Ilmu Pendidikan Persatuan Guru Republik Indonesia (IKIP PGRI) Bali, Jl. Seroja Tonja, Denpasar 80238, Indonesia.
| | - Hauke Smidt
- Laboratory of Microbiology, Wageningen University, Dreijenplein 10, Wageningen 6703 HB, The Netherlands.
| | - Detmer Sipkema
- Laboratory of Microbiology, Wageningen University, Dreijenplein 10, Wageningen 6703 HB, The Netherlands.
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15
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O'Mahony MM, Henneberger R, Selvin J, Kennedy J, Doohan F, Marchesi JR, Dobson ADW. Inhibition of the growth of Bacillus subtilis DSM10 by a newly discovered antibacterial protein from the soil metagenome. Bioengineered 2016; 6:89-98. [PMID: 25692994 PMCID: PMC4601227 DOI: 10.1080/21655979.2015.1018493] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/08/2022] Open
Abstract
A functional metagenomics based approach exploiting the microbiota of suppressive soils from an organic field site has succeeded in the identification of a clone with the ability to inhibit the growth of Bacillus subtilis DSM10. Sequencing of the fosmid identified a putative β-lactamase-like gene abgT. Transposon mutagenesis of the abgT gene resulted in a loss in ability to inhibit the growth of B. subtilis DSM10. Further analysis of the deduced amino acid sequence of AbgT revealed moderate homology to esterases, suggesting that the protein may possess hydrolytic activity. Weak lipolytic activity was detected; however the clone did not appear to produce any β-lactamase activity. Phylogenetic analysis revealed the protein is a member of the family VIII group of lipase/esterases and clusters with a number of proteins of metagenomic origin. The abgT gene was sub-cloned into a protein expression vector and when introduced into the abgT transposon mutant clones restored the ability of the clones to inhibit the growth of B. subtilis DSM10, clearly indicating that the abgT gene is involved in the antibacterial activity. While the precise role of this protein has yet to fully elucidated, it may be involved in the generation of free fatty acid with antibacterial properties. Thus functional metagenomic approaches continue to provide a significant resource for the discovery of novel functional proteins and it is clear that hydrolytic enzymes, such as AbgT, may be a potential source for the development of future antimicrobial therapies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mark M O'Mahony
- a School of Microbiology and Marine Biotechnology Center; Environmental Research Institute; University College Cork ; Cork , Ireland
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16
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Martin M, Barbeyron T, Martin R, Portetelle D, Michel G, Vandenbol M. The Cultivable Surface Microbiota of the Brown Alga Ascophyllum nodosum is Enriched in Macroalgal-Polysaccharide-Degrading Bacteria. Front Microbiol 2015; 6:1487. [PMID: 26734000 PMCID: PMC4690005 DOI: 10.3389/fmicb.2015.01487] [Citation(s) in RCA: 85] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/29/2015] [Accepted: 12/10/2015] [Indexed: 11/30/2022] Open
Abstract
Bacteria degrading algal polysaccharides are key players in the global carbon cycle and in algal biomass recycling. Yet the water column, which has been studied largely by metagenomic approaches, is poor in such bacteria and their algal-polysaccharide-degrading enzymes. Even more surprisingly, the few published studies on seaweed-associated microbiomes have revealed low abundances of such bacteria and their specific enzymes. However, as macroalgal cell-wall polysaccharides do not accumulate in nature, these bacteria and their unique polysaccharidases must not be that uncommon. We, therefore, looked at the polysaccharide-degrading activity of the cultivable bacterial subpopulation associated with Ascophyllum nodosum. From A. nodosum triplicates, 324 bacteria were isolated and taxonomically identified. Out of these isolates, 78 (~25%) were found to act on at least one tested algal polysaccharide (agar, ι- or κ-carrageenan, or alginate). The isolates “active” on algal-polysaccharides belong to 11 genera: Cellulophaga, Maribacter, Algibacter, and Zobellia in the class Flavobacteriia (41) and Pseudoalteromonas, Vibrio, Cobetia, Shewanella, Colwellia, Marinomonas, and Paraglaceciola in the class Gammaproteobacteria (37). A major part represents likely novel species. Different proportions of bacterial phyla and classes were observed between the isolated cultivable subpopulation and the total microbial community previously identified on other brown algae. Here, Bacteroidetes and Gammaproteobacteria were found to be the most abundant and some phyla (as Planctomycetes and Cyanobacteria) frequently encountered on brown algae weren't identified. At a lower taxonomic level, twelve genera, well-known to be associated with algae (with the exception for Colwellia), were consistently found on all three A. nosodum samples. Even more interesting, 9 of the 11 above mentioned genera containing polysaccharolytic isolates were predominant in this common core. The cultivable fraction of the bacterial community associated with A. nodosum is, thus, significantly enriched in macroalgal-polysaccharide-degrading bacteria and these bacteria seem important for the seaweed holobiont even though they are under-represented in alga-associated microbiome studies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marjolaine Martin
- Microbiology and Genomics Unit, Gembloux Agro-Bio Tech, University of Liège Gembloux, Belgium
| | - Tristan Barbeyron
- Sorbonne Université, UPMC, Centre National de la Recherche Scientifique, UMR 8227, Integrative Biology of Marine Models Roscoff, France
| | - Renee Martin
- Microbiology and Genomics Unit, Gembloux Agro-Bio Tech, University of Liège Gembloux, Belgium
| | - Daniel Portetelle
- Microbiology and Genomics Unit, Gembloux Agro-Bio Tech, University of Liège Gembloux, Belgium
| | - Gurvan Michel
- Sorbonne Université, UPMC, Centre National de la Recherche Scientifique, UMR 8227, Integrative Biology of Marine Models Roscoff, France
| | - Micheline Vandenbol
- Microbiology and Genomics Unit, Gembloux Agro-Bio Tech, University of Liège Gembloux, Belgium
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17
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Arivaradarajan P, Warburton PJ, Paramasamy G, Nair SP, Allan E, Mullany P. Identification of an antibacterial protein by functional screening of a human oral metagenomic library. FEMS Microbiol Lett 2015; 362:fnv142. [PMID: 26347298 DOI: 10.1093/femsle/fnv142] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 08/05/2015] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Screening of a bacterial artificial chromosome (BAC) library containing metagenomic DNA from human plaque and saliva allowed the isolation of four clones producing antimicrobial activity. Three of these were pigmented and encoded homologues of glutamyl-tRNA reductase (GluTR), an enzyme involved in the C5 pathway leading to tetrapyrole synthesis, and one clone had antibacterial activity with no pigmentation. The latter contained a BAC with an insert of 15.6 kb. Initial attempts to localize the gene(s) responsible for antimicrobial activity by subcloning into pUC-based vectors failed. A new plasmid for toxic gene expression (pTGEX) was designed enabling localization of the antibacterial activity to a 4.7-kb HindIII fragment. Transposon mutagenesis localized the gene to an open reading frame of 483 bp designated antibacterial protein1 (abp1). Abp1 was 94% identical to a hypothetical protein of Neisseria subflava (accession number WP_004519448.1). An Escherichia coli clone expressing Abp1 exhibited antibacterial activity against Bacillus subtilis BS78H, Staphylococcus epidermidis NCTC 11964 and B4268, and S. aureus NCTC 12493,ATCC 35696 and NCTC 11561. However, no antibacterial activity was observed against Pseudomonas aeruginosa ATCC 9027, N. subflava ATCC A1078, E. coli K12 JM109 and BL21(DE3) Fusobacterium nucleatum ATCC 25586 and NCTC 11326, Prevotella intermedia ATCC 25611, Veillonella parvula ATCC 10790 or Lactobacillus casei NCTC 6375.
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Affiliation(s)
- Preeti Arivaradarajan
- Department of Genetics, Centre for Excellence in Genomic Sciences, School of Biological Sciences, Madurai Kamaraj University, Madurai 625 021, India
| | | | - Gunasekaran Paramasamy
- Department of Genetics, Centre for Excellence in Genomic Sciences, School of Biological Sciences, Madurai Kamaraj University, Madurai 625 021, India
| | - Sean P Nair
- Department of Microbial Diseases, UCL Eastman Dental Institute, London WC1X 8LD, UK
| | - Elaine Allan
- Department of Microbial Diseases, UCL Eastman Dental Institute, London WC1X 8LD, UK
| | - Peter Mullany
- Department of Microbial Diseases, UCL Eastman Dental Institute, London WC1X 8LD, UK
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18
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López-López O, Cerdán ME, González Siso MI. New extremophilic lipases and esterases from metagenomics. Curr Protein Pept Sci 2015; 15:445-55. [PMID: 24588890 PMCID: PMC4093774 DOI: 10.2174/1389203715666140228153801] [Citation(s) in RCA: 92] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/22/2013] [Revised: 01/21/2014] [Accepted: 02/25/2014] [Indexed: 11/22/2022]
Abstract
Lipolytic enzymes catalyze the hydrolysis of ester bonds in the presence of water. In media with low water content or in organic solvents, they can catalyze synthetic reactions such as esterification and transesterification. Lipases and esterases, in particular those from extremophilic origin, are robust enzymes, functional under the harsh conditions of industrial processes owing to their inherent thermostability and resistance towards organic solvents, which combined with their high chemo-, regio- and enantioselectivity make them very attractive biocatalysts for a variety of industrial applications. Likewise, enzymes from extremophile sources can provide additional features such as activity at extreme temperatures, extreme pH values or high salinity levels, which could be interesting for certain purposes. New lipases and esterases have traditionally been discovered by the isolation of microbial strains producing lipolytic activity. The Genome Projects Era allowed genome mining, exploiting homology with known lipases and esterases, to be used in the search for new enzymes. The Metagenomic Era meant a step forward in this field with the study of the metagenome, the pool of genomes in an environmental microbial community. Current molecular biology techniques make it possible to construct total environmental DNA libraries, including the genomes of unculturable organisms, opening a new window to a vast field of unknown enzymes with new and unique properties. Here, we review the latest advances and findings from research into new extremophilic lipases and esterases, using metagenomic approaches, and their potential industrial and biotechnological applications.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Maria I González Siso
- University of A Coruna, Faculty of Sciences, Department of Cellular and Molecular Biology, Biochemistry and Molecular Biology Area. Campus A Zapateira s/n, 15071, A Coruna, Spain.
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19
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Antimicrobial compounds from seaweeds-associated bacteria and fungi. Appl Microbiol Biotechnol 2014; 99:1571-86. [PMID: 25549621 DOI: 10.1007/s00253-014-6334-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 38] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/27/2014] [Revised: 12/14/2014] [Accepted: 12/15/2014] [Indexed: 12/22/2022]
Abstract
In recent decade, seaweeds-associated microbial communities have been significantly evaluated for functional and chemical analyses. Such analyses let to conclude that seaweeds-associated microbial communities are highly diverse and rich sources of bioactive compounds of exceptional molecular structure. Extracting bioactive compounds from seaweed-associated microbial communities have been recently increased due to their broad-spectrum antimicrobial activities including antibacterial, antifungal, antiviral, anti-settlement, antiprotozoan, antiparasitic, and antitumor. These allelochemicals not only provide protection to host from other surrounding pelagic microorganisms, but also ensure their association with the host. Antimicrobial compounds from marine sources are promising and priority targets of biotechnological and pharmaceutical applications. This review describes the bioactive metabolites reported from seaweed-associated bacterial and fungal communities and illustrates their bioactivities. Biotechnological application of metagenomic approach for identifying novel bioactive metabolites is also dealt, in view of their future development as a strong tool to discover novel drug targets from seaweed-associated microbial communities.
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20
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Iqbal HA, Craig JW, Brady SF. Antibacterial enzymes from the functional screening of metagenomic libraries hosted in Ralstonia metallidurans. FEMS Microbiol Lett 2014; 354:19-26. [PMID: 24661178 DOI: 10.1111/1574-6968.12431] [Citation(s) in RCA: 29] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/10/2014] [Revised: 02/24/2014] [Accepted: 03/14/2014] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Phenotype-based screening of bacterial metagenomic libraries provides an avenue for the discovery of novel genes, enzymes, and metabolites that have a variety of potential clinical and industrial uses. Here, we report the identification of a functionally diverse collection of antibacterially active enzymes from the phenotypic screening of 700 000 cosmid clones prepared from Arizona soil DNA and hosted in Ralstonia metallidurans. Environmental DNA clones surrounded by zones of growth inhibition in a bacterial overlay assay were found, through bioinformatics and functional analyses, to encode enzymes with predicted peptidase, lipase, and glycolytic activities conferring antibiosis. The antibacterial activities observed in our R. metallidurans-based assay could not be replicated with the same clones in screens using Escherichia coli as a heterologous host, suggesting that the large-scale screening of metagenomic libraries for antibiosis using phylogenetically diverse hosts should be a productive strategy for identifying enzymes with functionally diverse antibacterial activities.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hala A Iqbal
- Laboratory of Genetically Encoded Small Molecules, Howard Hughes Medical Institute, The Rockefeller University, New York, NY, USA
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21
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Gittens JE, Smith TJ, Suleiman R, Akid R. Current and emerging environmentally-friendly systems for fouling control in the marine environment. Biotechnol Adv 2013; 31:1738-53. [PMID: 24051087 DOI: 10.1016/j.biotechadv.2013.09.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 71] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/25/2013] [Revised: 09/05/2013] [Accepted: 09/10/2013] [Indexed: 01/25/2023]
Abstract
Following the ban in 2003 on the use of tributyl-tin compounds in antifouling coatings, the search for an environmentally-friendly alternative has accelerated. Biocidal TBT alternatives, such as diuron and Irgarol 1051®, have proved to be environmentally damaging to marine organisms. The issue regarding the use of biocides is that concerning the half-life of the compounds which allow a perpetuation of the toxic effects into the marine food chain, and initiate changes in the early stages of the organisms' life-cycle. In addition, the break-down of biocides can result in metabolites with greater toxicity and longevity than the parent compound. Functionalized coatings have been designed to repel the settlement and permanent attachment of fouling organisms via modification of either or both surface topography and surface chemistry, or by interfering with the natural mechanisms via which fouling organisms settle upon and adhere to surfaces. A large number of technologies are being developed towards producing new coatings that will be able to resist biofouling over a period of years and thus truly replace biocides as antifouling systems. In addition urgent research is directed towards the exploitation of mechanisms used by living organisms designed to repel the settlement of fouling organisms. These biomimetic strategies include the production of antifouling enzymes and novel surface topography that are incompatible with permanent attachment, for example, by mimicking the microstructure of shark skin. Other research seeks to exploit chemical signals and antimicrobial agents produced by diverse living organisms in the environment to prevent settlement and growth of fouling organisms on vulnerable surfaces. Novel polymer-based technologies may prevent fouling by means of unfavourable surface chemical and physical properties or by concentrating antifouling compounds around surfaces.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jeanette E Gittens
- Biomedical Research Centre, Sheffield Hallam University, Howard Street, Sheffield, S1 1WB, UK
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22
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Miranda LN, Hutchison K, Grossman AR, Brawley SH. Diversity and abundance of the bacterial community of the red Macroalga Porphyra umbilicalis: did bacterial farmers produce macroalgae? PLoS One 2013; 8:e58269. [PMID: 23526971 PMCID: PMC3603978 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0058269] [Citation(s) in RCA: 66] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/17/2012] [Accepted: 02/05/2013] [Indexed: 01/19/2023] Open
Abstract
Macroalgae harbor microbial communities whose bacterial biodiversity remains largely uncharacterized. The goals of this study were 1) to examine the composition of the bacterial community associated with Porphyra umbilicalis Kützing from Schoodic Point, ME, 2) determine whether there are seasonal trends in species diversity but a core group of bacteria that are always present, and 3) to determine how the microbial community associated with a laboratory strain (P.um.1) established in the presence of antibiotics has changed. P. umbilicalis blades (n = 5, fall 2010; n = 5, winter 2011; n = 2, clonal P.um.1) were analyzed by pyrosequencing over two variable regions of the 16 S rDNA (V5–V6 and V8; 147,880 total reads). The bacterial taxa present were classified at an 80% confidence threshold into eight phyla (Bacteroidetes, Proteobacteria, Planctomycetes, Chloroflexi, Actinobacteria, Deinococcus-Thermus, Firmicutes, and the candidate division TM7). The Bacteroidetes comprised the majority of bacterial sequences on both field and lab blades, but the Proteobacteria (Alphaproteobacteria, Gammaproteobacteria) were also abundant. Sphingobacteria (Bacteroidetes) and Flavobacteria (Bacteroidetes) had inverse abundances on natural versus P.um.1 blades. Bacterial communities were richer and more diverse on blades sampled in fall compared to winter. Significant differences were observed between microbial communities among all three groups of blades examined. Only two OTUs were found on all 12 blades, and only one of these, belonging to the Saprospiraceae (Bacteroidetes), was abundant. Lewinella (as 66 OTUs) was found on all field blades and was the most abundant genus. Bacteria from the Bacteroidetes, Proteobacteria and Planctomycetes that are known to digest the galactan sulfates of red algal cell walls were well-represented. Some of these taxa likely provide essential morphogenetic and beneficial nutritive factors to P. umbilicalis and may have had unexpected effects upon evolution of macroalgal form as well as function.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lilibeth N Miranda
- School of Marine Sciences, University of Maine, Orono, Maine, United States of America.
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Penesyan A, Ballestriero F, Daim M, Kjelleberg S, Thomas T, Egan S. Assessing the effectiveness of functional genetic screens for the identification of bioactive metabolites. Mar Drugs 2012; 11:40-9. [PMID: 23271424 PMCID: PMC3564156 DOI: 10.3390/md11010040] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/18/2012] [Revised: 11/13/2012] [Accepted: 12/12/2012] [Indexed: 12/30/2022] Open
Abstract
A common limitation for the identification of novel activities from functional (meta) genomic screens is the low number of active clones detected relative to the number of clones screened. Here we demonstrate that constructing libraries with strains known to produce bioactives can greatly enhance the screening efficiency, by increasing the “hit-rate” and unmasking multiple activities from the same bacterial source.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anahit Penesyan
- School of Biotechnology and Biomolecular Sciences and Centre for Marine Bio-Innovation, University of New South Wales, Sydney 2052, New South Wales, Australia; E-Mails: (A.P.); (F.B.); (M.D.); (S.K.); (T.T.)
- Department of Chemistry and Biomolecular Sciences, Macquarie University, Sydney 2109, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Francesco Ballestriero
- School of Biotechnology and Biomolecular Sciences and Centre for Marine Bio-Innovation, University of New South Wales, Sydney 2052, New South Wales, Australia; E-Mails: (A.P.); (F.B.); (M.D.); (S.K.); (T.T.)
| | - Malak Daim
- School of Biotechnology and Biomolecular Sciences and Centre for Marine Bio-Innovation, University of New South Wales, Sydney 2052, New South Wales, Australia; E-Mails: (A.P.); (F.B.); (M.D.); (S.K.); (T.T.)
| | - Staffan Kjelleberg
- School of Biotechnology and Biomolecular Sciences and Centre for Marine Bio-Innovation, University of New South Wales, Sydney 2052, New South Wales, Australia; E-Mails: (A.P.); (F.B.); (M.D.); (S.K.); (T.T.)
- The Singapore Center on Life Sciences Engineering, Nanyang Technological University, Singapore, Singapore
| | - Torsten Thomas
- School of Biotechnology and Biomolecular Sciences and Centre for Marine Bio-Innovation, University of New South Wales, Sydney 2052, New South Wales, Australia; E-Mails: (A.P.); (F.B.); (M.D.); (S.K.); (T.T.)
| | - Suhelen Egan
- School of Biotechnology and Biomolecular Sciences and Centre for Marine Bio-Innovation, University of New South Wales, Sydney 2052, New South Wales, Australia; E-Mails: (A.P.); (F.B.); (M.D.); (S.K.); (T.T.)
- Author to whom correspondence should be addressed; E-Mail: ; Tel.: +61-2-9385-8569; Fax: +61-2-9385-1779
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Egan S, Harder T, Burke C, Steinberg P, Kjelleberg S, Thomas T. The seaweed holobiont: understanding seaweed-bacteria interactions. FEMS Microbiol Rev 2012; 37:462-76. [PMID: 23157386 DOI: 10.1111/1574-6976.12011] [Citation(s) in RCA: 310] [Impact Index Per Article: 25.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/17/2012] [Revised: 10/29/2012] [Accepted: 11/07/2012] [Indexed: 11/28/2022] Open
Abstract
Seaweeds (macroalgae) form a diverse and ubiquitous group of photosynthetic organisms that play an essential role in aquatic ecosystems. These ecosystem engineers contribute significantly to global primary production and are the major habitat formers on rocky shores in temperate waters, providing food and shelter for aquatic life. Like other eukaryotic organisms, macroalgae harbor a rich diversity of associated microorganisms with functions related to host health and defense. In particular, epiphytic bacterial communities have been reported as essential for normal morphological development of the algal host, and bacteria with antifouling properties are thought to protect chemically undefended macroalgae from detrimental, secondary colonization by other microscopic and macroscopic epibiota. This tight relationship suggests that macroalgae and epiphytic bacteria interact as a unified functional entity or holobiont, analogous to the previously suggested relationship in corals. Moreover, given that the impact of diseases in marine ecosystems is apparently increasing, understanding the role of bacteria as saprophytes and pathogens in seaweed communities may have important implications for marine management strategies. This review reports on the recent advances in the understanding of macroalgal-bacterial interactions with reference to the diversity and functional role of epiphytic bacteria in maintaining algal health, highlighting the holobiont concept.
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Affiliation(s)
- Suhelen Egan
- School of Biotechnology and Biomolecular Sciences, Centre for Marine Bio-Innovation, The University of New South Wales, Sydney, NSW, Australia.
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Selvin J, Kennedy J, Lejon DPH, Kiran GS, Dobson ADW. Isolation identification and biochemical characterization of a novel halo-tolerant lipase from the metagenome of the marine sponge Haliclona simulans. Microb Cell Fact 2012; 11:72. [PMID: 22657530 PMCID: PMC3544137 DOI: 10.1186/1475-2859-11-72] [Citation(s) in RCA: 56] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/20/2012] [Accepted: 05/04/2012] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Lipases (EC 3.1.1.3) catalyze the hydrolysis of triacyl glycerol to glycerol and are involved in the synthesis of both short chain and long chain acylglycerols. They are widely used industrially in various applications, such as baking, laundry detergents and as biocatalysts in alternative energy strategies. Marine ecosystems are known to represent a large reservoir of biodiversity with respect to industrially useful enzymes. However the vast majority of microorganisms within these ecosystems are not readily culturable. Functional metagenomic based approaches provide a solution to this problem by facilitating the identification of novel enzymes such as the halo-tolerant lipase identified in this study from a marine sponge metagenome. Results A metagenomic library was constructed from the marine sponge Haliclona simulans in the pCC1fos vector, containing approximately 48,000 fosmid clones. High throughput plate screening on 1% tributyrin agar resulted in the identification of 58 positive lipase clones. Following sequence analysis of the 10 most highly active fosmid clones the pCC1fos53E1 clone was found to contain a putative lipase gene lpc53E1, encoded by 387 amino acids and with a predicted molecular mass of 41.87 kDa. Sequence analysis of the predicted amino acid sequence of Lpc53E1 revealed that it is a member of the group VIII family of lipases possessing the SXTK motif, related to type C β-lactamases. Heterologous expression of lpc53E1 in E. coli and the subsequent biochemical characterization of the recombinant protein, showed an enzyme with the highest substrate specificity for long chain fatty acyl esters. Optimal activity was observed with p- nitrophenyl palmitate (C16) at 40°C, in the presence of 5 M NaCl at pH 7; while in addition the recombinant enzyme displayed activity across broad pH (3–12) and temperature (4 -60°C) ranges and high levels of stability in the presence of various solvents at NaCl concentrations as high as 5 M and at temperatures ranging from 10 to 80°C. A maximum lipase activity of 2,700 U/mg was observed with 10 mM p-nitrophenyl palmitate as substrate, in the presence of 5 mM Ca2+ and 5 M NaCl, and a reaction time of 15 min at pH 7 and 40°C; while KM and Vmax values were calculated to be 1.093 mM-1 and 50 μmol/min, respectively. Conclusion We have isolated a novel halo tolerant lipase following a functional screen of a marine sponge fosmid metagenomic library. The activity and stability profile of the recombinant enzyme over a wide range of salinity, pH and temperature; and in the presence of organic solvent and metal ions suggests a utility for this enzyme in a variety of industrial applications.
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Affiliation(s)
- Joseph Selvin
- Microbial Genomics Research Unit, Department of Bioinformatics,Bharathidasan University, Tiruchirapalli, India
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Kennedy J, O'Leary ND, Kiran GS, Morrissey JP, O'Gara F, Selvin J, Dobson ADW. Functional metagenomic strategies for the discovery of novel enzymes and biosurfactants with biotechnological applications from marine ecosystems. J Appl Microbiol 2011; 111:787-99. [PMID: 21777355 DOI: 10.1111/j.1365-2672.2011.05106.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 68] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/26/2023]
Abstract
Marine ecosystems are home to bacteria which are exposed to a wide variety of environmental conditions, such as extremes in temperature, salinity, nutrient availability and pressure. Survival under these conditions must have necessitated the adaptation and the development of unique cellular biochemistry and metabolism by these microbes. Thus, enzymes isolated from these microbes have the potential to possess quite unique physiological and biochemical properties. This review outlines a number of function-based metagenomic approaches which are available to screen metagenomic libraries constructed from marine ecosystems to facilitate the exploitation of some of these potentially novel biocatalysts. Functional screens to isolate novel cellulases, lipases and esterases, proteases, laccases, oxidoreductases and biosurfactants are described, together with approaches which can be employed to help overcome some of the typical problems encountered with functional metagenomic-based screens.
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Affiliation(s)
- J Kennedy
- Marine Biotechnology Centre, Environmental Research Institute, University College Cork, Cork, Ireland
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