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Bernacchi A, Semenzato G, di Mascolo M, Amata S, Bechini A, Berti F, Calonico C, Catania V, Emiliani G, Esposito A, Greco C, Mocali S, Mucci N, Padula A, Piccionello AP, Nasanbat B, Davaakhuu G, Bazarragchaa M, Riga F, Augugliaro C, Puglia AM, Zaccaroni M, Renato F. Antibacterial activity of Arthrobacter strains isolated from Great Gobi A Strictly Protected Area, Mongolia. AIMS Microbiol 2024; 10:161-186. [PMID: 38525036 PMCID: PMC10955175 DOI: 10.3934/microbiol.2024009] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/27/2023] [Revised: 02/01/2024] [Accepted: 02/22/2024] [Indexed: 03/26/2024] Open
Abstract
Desert soil hosts many microorganisms, whose activities are essential from an ecological viewpoint. Moreover, they are of great anthropic interest. The knowledge of extreme environments microbiomes may be beneficial for agriculture, technology, and human health. In this study, 11 Arthrobacter strains from topsoil samples collected from the Great Gobi A Strictly Protected Area in the Gobi Desert, were characterized by a combination of different techniques. The phylogenetic analysis, performed using their 16S rDNA sequences and the most similar Arthrobacter sequences found in databases, revealed that most of them were close to A. crystallopoietes, while others joined a sister group to the clade formed by A. humicola, A. pascens, and A. oryzae. The resistance of each strain to different antibiotics, heavy-metals, and NaCl was also tested as well as the inhibitory potential against human pathogens (i.e., Burkholderia ssp., Klebsiella pneumoniae, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, and Staphylococcus ssp.) via cross-streaking, to check the production of metabolites with antimicrobial activity. Data obtained revealed that all strains were resistant to heavy metals and were able to strongly interfere with the growth of many of the human pathogens tested. The volatile organic compounds (VOCs) profile of the 11 Arthrobacter strains was also analyzed. A total of 16 different metabolites were found, some of which were already known for having an inhibitory action against different Gram-positive and Gram-negative bacteria. Isolate MS-3A13, producing the highest quantity of VOCs, is the most efficient against Burkholderia cepacia complex (Bcc), K. pneumoniae, and coagulase-negative Staphylococci (CoNS) strains. This work highlights the importance of understanding microbial populations' phenotypical characteristics and dynamics in extreme environments to uncover the antimicrobial potential of new species and strains.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alberto Bernacchi
- Department of Biology, University of Florence, Via Madonna del Piano 6, Sesto Fiorentino, 50019 Florence, Italy
| | - Giulia Semenzato
- Department of Biology, University of Florence, Via Madonna del Piano 6, Sesto Fiorentino, 50019 Florence, Italy
| | - Manuel di Mascolo
- Department of Biology, University of Florence, Via Madonna del Piano 6, Sesto Fiorentino, 50019 Florence, Italy
| | - Sara Amata
- Department of Biological, Chemical and Pharmaceutical Sciences and Technologies-STEBICEF, University of Palermo, Viale delle Scienze Ed.17, 90128, Palermo, Italy
| | - Angela Bechini
- Department of Health Sciences, University of Florence, viale G.B. Morgagni, 48, 50134 Firenze, Italy
| | - Fabiola Berti
- Department of Health Sciences, University of Florence, viale G.B. Morgagni, 48, 50134 Firenze, Italy
| | - Carmela Calonico
- Department of Health Sciences, University of Florence, viale G.B. Morgagni, 48, 50134 Firenze, Italy
| | - Valentina Catania
- Department of Earth and Sea Science (DiSTeM), University of Palermo, Viale delle Scienze Blg. 16, Palermo, 90128, Italy
| | - Giovanni Emiliani
- Institute for Sustainable Plant Protection (IPSP)—National Research Council (CNR), Via Madonna del Piano 10, Sesto Fiorentino 50019 Florence, Italy
| | - Antonia Esposito
- Council for Agricultural and Economics Research (CREA) – Agriculture and Environment, Via di Lanciola 12/A, Cascine del Riccio, 50125, Florence, Italy
| | - Claudia Greco
- Unit for Conservation Genetics (BIO-CGE), Institute for Environmental Protection and Research, via Ca' Fornacetta, 9, 40064 Ozzano dell'Emilia Bologna, Italy
| | - Stefano Mocali
- Council for Agricultural and Economics Research (CREA) – Agriculture and Environment, Via di Lanciola 12/A, Cascine del Riccio, 50125, Florence, Italy
| | - Nadia Mucci
- Unit for Conservation Genetics (BIO-CGE), Institute for Environmental Protection and Research, via Ca' Fornacetta, 9, 40064 Ozzano dell'Emilia Bologna, Italy
| | - Anna Padula
- Unit for Conservation Genetics (BIO-CGE), Institute for Environmental Protection and Research, via Ca' Fornacetta, 9, 40064 Ozzano dell'Emilia Bologna, Italy
| | - Antonio Palumbo Piccionello
- Department of Biological, Chemical and Pharmaceutical Sciences and Technologies-STEBICEF, University of Palermo, Viale delle Scienze Ed.17, 90128, Palermo, Italy
| | - Battogtokh Nasanbat
- Institute of Biology, Mongolian Academy of Sciences, Peace Avenue-54B, Bayanzurkh District, Ulaanbaatar-13330, Mongolia
| | - Gantulga Davaakhuu
- Institute of Biology, Mongolian Academy of Sciences, Peace Avenue-54B, Bayanzurkh District, Ulaanbaatar-13330, Mongolia
| | | | - Francesco Riga
- Italian Institute for Envioronmental Protection and Research, via Vitalino Brancati, 48, 00144, Roma, Italy
| | - Claudio Augugliaro
- Wildlife Initiative, Bayangol, 6th Khoroo, Micro District 10, Ulaanbaatar, 210349, Mongolia
| | | | - Marco Zaccaroni
- Department of Biology, University of Florence, Via Madonna del Piano 6, Sesto Fiorentino, 50019 Florence, Italy
| | - Fani Renato
- Department of Biology, University of Florence, Via Madonna del Piano 6, Sesto Fiorentino, 50019 Florence, Italy
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Maggini V, Semenzato G, Gallo E, Nunziata A, Fani R, Firenzuoli F. Antimicrobial Activity of Syzygium aromaticum Essential Oil in Human Health Treatment. Molecules 2024; 29:999. [PMID: 38474510 DOI: 10.3390/molecules29050999] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/12/2024] [Revised: 02/07/2024] [Accepted: 02/23/2024] [Indexed: 03/14/2024] Open
Abstract
The use of natural compounds to prevent and treat infective diseases is increasing its importance, especially in the case of multidrug-resistant (MDR) microorganisms-mediated infections. The drug resistance phenomenon is today a global problem, so it is important to have available substances able to counteract MDR infections. Syzygium aromaticum (L.) Merr. & L.M. Perry (commonly called clove) is a spice characterized by several biological properties. Clove essential oil (EO) consists of numerous active molecules, being eugenol as the principal component; however, other compounds that synergize with each other are responsible for the biological properties of the EO. S. aromaticum is traditionally used for bowel and stomach disorders, cold and flu, oral hygiene, tooth decay, and for its analgesic action. Its EO has shown antioxidant, antimicrobial, anti-inflammatory, neuro-protective, anti-stress, anticancer, and anti-nociceptive activities. This review aims to investigate the role of E. S. aromaticum EO in the counteraction of MDR microorganisms responsible for human disorders, diseases, or infections, such as Escherichia coli, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Staphylococcus aureus, Salmonella typhi, Candida albicans, Giardia lamblia, Streptococcus mutans, Porphyromonas gingivalis, and Klebsiella pneumoniae. This study might orient clinical researchers on future therapeutic uses of S. aromaticum EO in the prevention and treatment of infectious diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Valentina Maggini
- Center for Integrative Medicine, Careggi University Hospital, University of Florence, 50124 Florence, Italy
| | - Giulia Semenzato
- Department of Biology, University of Florence, Via Madonna del Piano 6, Sesto Fiorentino, 50019 Florence, Italy
| | - Eugenia Gallo
- Center for Integrative Medicine, Careggi University Hospital, University of Florence, 50124 Florence, Italy
| | - Alessia Nunziata
- Center for Integrative Medicine, Careggi University Hospital, University of Florence, 50124 Florence, Italy
| | - Renato Fani
- Department of Biology, University of Florence, Via Madonna del Piano 6, Sesto Fiorentino, 50019 Florence, Italy
| | - Fabio Firenzuoli
- Center for Integrative Medicine, Careggi University Hospital, University of Florence, 50124 Florence, Italy
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Wu X, Yang Y, Zhang H. Microbial fortification of pharmacological metabolites in medicinal plants. Comput Struct Biotechnol J 2023; 21:5066-5072. [PMID: 37867972 PMCID: PMC10589376 DOI: 10.1016/j.csbj.2023.10.024] [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: 07/08/2023] [Revised: 10/12/2023] [Accepted: 10/13/2023] [Indexed: 10/24/2023] Open
Abstract
Medicinal plants are rich in secondary metabolites with beneficial pharmacological effects. The production of plant secondary metabolites is subjected to the influences by environmental factors including the plant-associated microbiome, which is crucial to the host's fitness and survival. As a result, research interests are increasing in exploiting microbial capacities for enhancing plant production of pharmacological metabolites. A growing body of recent research provides accumulating evidence in support of developing microbe-based tools for achieving this objective. This mini review presents brief summaries of recent studies on medicinal plants that demonstrate microbe-augmented production of pharmacological terpenoids, polyphenols, and alkaloids, followed by discussions on some key questions beyond the promising observations. Explicit molecular insights into the underlying mechanisms will enhance microbial applications for metabolic fortification in medicinal plants.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiaoxuan Wu
- Shanghai Center for Plant Stress Biology, Center for Excellence in Molecular Plant Sciences, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai 201602, China
- University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100049, China
| | - Yu Yang
- Shanghai Center for Plant Stress Biology, Center for Excellence in Molecular Plant Sciences, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai 201602, China
| | - Huiming Zhang
- Shanghai Center for Plant Stress Biology, Center for Excellence in Molecular Plant Sciences, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai 201602, China
- Nanchang Institute of Industrial Innovation, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Nanchang 330224, China
- Jiangxi Center for Innovation and Incubation of Industrial Technologies, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Nanchang 330200, China
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Vitali F, Frascella A, Semenzato G, Del Duca S, Palumbo Piccionello A, Mocali S, Fani R, Emiliani G. Employing Genome Mining to Unveil a Potential Contribution of Endophytic Bacteria to Antimicrobial Compounds in the Origanum vulgare L. Essential Oil. Antibiotics (Basel) 2023; 12:1179. [PMID: 37508275 PMCID: PMC10376600 DOI: 10.3390/antibiotics12071179] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/05/2023] [Revised: 07/04/2023] [Accepted: 07/06/2023] [Indexed: 07/30/2023] Open
Abstract
Essential oils (EOs) from medicinal plants have long been used in traditional medicine for their widely known antimicrobial properties and represent a promising reservoir of bioactive compounds against multidrug-resistant pathogens. Endophytes may contribute to the yield and composition of EOs, representing a useful tool for biotechnological applications. In this work, we investigated the genomic basis of this potential contribution. The annotated genomes of four endophytic strains isolated from Origanum vulgare L. were used to obtain KEGG ortholog codes, which were used for the annotation of different pathways in KEGG, and to evaluate whether endophytes might harbor the (complete) gene sets for terpene and/or plant hormone biosynthesis. All strains possessed ortholog genes for the mevalonate-independent pathway (MEP/DOXP), allowing for the production of isopentenyl diphosphate (IPP) and dimethylallyl diphosphate (DMAPP) precursors. Ortholog genes for the next steps in terpenoid biosynthesis were scarce. All the strains possess potential plant growth promotion (PGP) ability, as shown by the presence of orthologous genes involved in the biosynthesis of indoleacetic acid. The main contribution of endophytes to the yield and composition of O. vulgare EO very likely resides in their PGP activities and in the biosynthesis of precursors of bioactive compounds.
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Affiliation(s)
- Francesco Vitali
- Research Centre for Agriculture and Environment, Council for Agricultural Research and Economics (CREA-AA), Via di Lanciola 12/A, 50125 Cascine del Riccio, Italy
| | - Arcangela Frascella
- Institute for Sustainable Plant Protection (IPSP), National Research Council (CNR), Via Madonna del Piano 10, 50019 Sesto Fiorentino, Italy
| | - Giulia Semenzato
- Department of Biology, University of Florence, Via Madonna del Piano 6, 50019 Sesto Fiorentino, Italy
| | - Sara Del Duca
- Research Centre for Agriculture and Environment, Council for Agricultural Research and Economics (CREA-AA), Via di Lanciola 12/A, 50125 Cascine del Riccio, Italy
| | - Antonio Palumbo Piccionello
- Department of Biological Chemical and Pharmaceutical Sciences and Technologies, University of Palermo, Viale delle Scienze Ed.17, 90128 Palermo, Italy
| | - Stefano Mocali
- Research Centre for Agriculture and Environment, Council for Agricultural Research and Economics (CREA-AA), Via di Lanciola 12/A, 50125 Cascine del Riccio, Italy
| | - Renato Fani
- Department of Biology, University of Florence, Via Madonna del Piano 6, 50019 Sesto Fiorentino, Italy
| | - Giovanni Emiliani
- Institute for Sustainable Plant Protection (IPSP), National Research Council (CNR), Via Madonna del Piano 10, 50019 Sesto Fiorentino, Italy
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Jha P, Kaur T, Chhabra I, Panja A, Paul S, Kumar V, Malik T. Endophytic fungi: hidden treasure chest of antimicrobial metabolites interrelationship of endophytes and metabolites. Front Microbiol 2023; 14:1227830. [PMID: 37497538 PMCID: PMC10366620 DOI: 10.3389/fmicb.2023.1227830] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/23/2023] [Accepted: 06/26/2023] [Indexed: 07/28/2023] Open
Abstract
Endophytic fungi comprise host-associated fungal communities which thrive within the tissues of host plants and produce a diverse range of secondary metabolites with various bioactive attributes. The metabolites such as phenols, polyketides, saponins, alkaloids help to mitigate biotic and abiotic stresses, fight against pathogen attacks and enhance the plant immune system. We present an overview of the association of endophytic fungal communities with a plant host and discuss molecular mechanisms induced during their symbiotic interaction. The overview focuses on the secondary metabolites (especially those of terpenoid nature) secreted by endophytic fungi and their respective function. The recent advancement in multi-omics approaches paved the way for identification of these metabolites and their characterization via comparative analysis of extensive omics datasets. This study also elaborates on the role of diverse endophytic fungi associated with key agricultural crops and hence important for sustainability of agriculture.
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Affiliation(s)
- Priyanka Jha
- Department of Biotechnology, Lovely Faculty of Technology and Sciences, Lovely Professional University, Phagwara, Punjab, India
| | - Tamanna Kaur
- Department of Biotechnology, Lovely Faculty of Technology and Sciences, Lovely Professional University, Phagwara, Punjab, India
| | | | - Avirup Panja
- Amity Institute of Biotechnology, Amity University, Kolkata, West Bengal, India
| | - Sushreeta Paul
- Amity Institute of Biotechnology, Amity University, Kolkata, West Bengal, India
| | - Vijay Kumar
- Department of Biotechnology, Lovely Faculty of Technology and Sciences, Lovely Professional University, Phagwara, Punjab, India
| | - Tabarak Malik
- Biomedical Sciences, Institute of Health, Jimma University, Jimma, Ethiopia
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Bioactive Metabolite Survey of Actinobacteria Showing Plant Growth Promoting Traits to Develop Novel Biofertilizers. Metabolites 2023; 13:metabo13030374. [PMID: 36984814 PMCID: PMC10052678 DOI: 10.3390/metabo13030374] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/03/2023] [Revised: 02/21/2023] [Accepted: 02/27/2023] [Indexed: 03/06/2023] Open
Abstract
The use of chemical fertilizers and pesticides has caused harmful impacts on the environment with the increase in economic burden. Biofertilizers are biological products containing living microorganisms capable of improving plant growth through eco-friendly mechanisms. In this work, three actinobacterial strains Streptomyces violaceoruber, Streptomyces coelicolor, and Kocuria rhizophila were characterized for multiple plant growth promoting (PGP) traits such as indole acetic acid production, phosphate solubilization, N2-fixation, and drought and salt tolerance. Then, these strains were investigated for their secreted and cellular metabolome, revealing a rich arsenal of bioactive molecules, including antibiotics and siderophores, with S. violaceoruber being the most prolific strain. Furthermore, the in vivo assays, performed on tomato (Solanum lycopersicum L.), resulted in an improved germination index and the growth of seedlings from seeds treated with PGP actinobacteria, with a particular focus on S. violaceoruber cultures. In particular, this last strain, producing volatile organic compounds having antimicrobial activity, was able to modulate volatilome and exert control on the global DNA methylation of tomato seedlings. Thus, these results, confirming the efficacy of the selected actinobacteria strains in promoting plant growth and development by producing volatile and non-volatile bioactive molecules, can promote eco-friendly alternatives in sustainable agriculture.
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Genomic, Molecular, and Phenotypic Characterization of Arthrobacter sp. OVS8, an Endophytic Bacterium Isolated from and Contributing to the Bioactive Compound Content of the Essential Oil of the Medicinal Plant Origanum vulgare L. Int J Mol Sci 2023; 24:ijms24054845. [PMID: 36902273 PMCID: PMC10002853 DOI: 10.3390/ijms24054845] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/03/2023] [Revised: 02/24/2023] [Accepted: 02/25/2023] [Indexed: 03/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Medicinal plants play an important role in the discovery of new bioactive compounds with antimicrobial activity, thanks to their pharmacological properties. However, members of their microbiota can also synthesize bioactive molecules. Among these, strains belonging to the genera Arthrobacter are commonly found associated with the plant's microenvironments, showing plant growth-promoting (PGP) activity and bioremediation properties. However, their role as antimicrobial secondary metabolite producers has not been fully explored. The aim of this work was to characterize the Arthrobacter sp. OVS8 endophytic strain, isolated from the medicinal plant Origanum vulgare L., from molecular and phenotypic viewpoints to evaluate its adaptation and influence on the plant internal microenvironments and its potential as a producer of antibacterial volatile molecules (VOCs). Results obtained from the phenotypic and genomic characterization highlight its ability to produce volatile antimicrobials effective against multidrug-resistant (MDR) human pathogens and its putative PGP role as a producer of siderophores and degrader of organic and inorganic pollutants. The outcomes presented in this work identify Arthrobacter sp. OVS8 as an excellent starting point toward the exploitation of bacterial endophytes as antibiotics sources.
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Zharkova EK, Vankova AA, Selitskaya OV, Malankina EL, Drenova NV, Zhelezova AD, Khlyustov VK, Belopukhov SL, Zhevnerov AV, Sviridova LA, Fomina TN, Kozlov AV. Bacterial Communities of Lamiacea L. Medicinal Plants: Structural Features and Rhizosphere Effect. Microorganisms 2023; 11:microorganisms11010197. [PMID: 36677489 PMCID: PMC9865931 DOI: 10.3390/microorganisms11010197] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/20/2022] [Revised: 12/11/2022] [Accepted: 01/07/2023] [Indexed: 01/14/2023] Open
Abstract
Bacterial communities associated with medicinal plants are an essential part of ecosystems. The rhizosphere effect is rather important in the cultivation process. The purpose of the study was to analyze the rhizosphere effect of oregano (Origanum vulgare L.), peppermint (Mentha piperita L.), thyme (Thymus vulgaris L.), creeping thyme (Thymus serpillum L.) and sage (Salvia officinalis L.). To estimate the quantity of 16S bacteria ribosomal genes, qPCR assays were used. To compare bacterial communities' structure of medicinal plants rhizosphere with bulk soil high-throughput sequencing of the 16S rRNA targeting variable regions V3-V4 of bacteria was carried out. The highest bacterial abundance was associated with T. vulgaris L., M. piperita L. and S. officinalis L., and the lowest was associated with the O. vulgare L. rhizosphere. Phylum Actinobacteriota was predominant in all rhizosphere samples. The maximum bacterial α-diversity was found in S. officinalis L. rhizosphere. According to bacterial β-diversity calculated by the Bray-Curtis metric, T. vulgaris L. root zone significantly differed from bulk soil. The rhizosphere effect was positive to the Myxococcota, Bacteroidota, Verrucomicrobiota, Proteobacteria and Gemmatimonadota.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ekaterina K. Zharkova
- Russian State Agrarian University-Moscow Timiryazev Agricultural Academy, Moscow 127434, Russia
- Correspondence:
| | - Anna A. Vankova
- Russian State Agrarian University-Moscow Timiryazev Agricultural Academy, Moscow 127434, Russia
| | - Olga V. Selitskaya
- Russian State Agrarian University-Moscow Timiryazev Agricultural Academy, Moscow 127434, Russia
| | - Elena L. Malankina
- Russian State Agrarian University-Moscow Timiryazev Agricultural Academy, Moscow 127434, Russia
| | - Natalya V. Drenova
- All-Russian Plant Quarantine Center, Pogranichnaya St. 32, Bykovo, Ramensky District, Moscow 140150, Russia
| | - Alena D. Zhelezova
- V.V. Dokuchaev Soil Science Institute, Pyzhyovskiy Lane 7, Building 2, Moscow 119017, Russia
| | - Vitaliy K. Khlyustov
- Russian State Agrarian University-Moscow Timiryazev Agricultural Academy, Moscow 127434, Russia
| | - Sergey L. Belopukhov
- Russian State Agrarian University-Moscow Timiryazev Agricultural Academy, Moscow 127434, Russia
| | - Aleksey V. Zhevnerov
- Russian State Agrarian University-Moscow Timiryazev Agricultural Academy, Moscow 127434, Russia
| | - Ludmila A. Sviridova
- Russian State Agrarian University-Moscow Timiryazev Agricultural Academy, Moscow 127434, Russia
| | - Tatiana N. Fomina
- Russian State Agrarian University-Moscow Timiryazev Agricultural Academy, Moscow 127434, Russia
| | - Andrey V. Kozlov
- Russian State Agrarian University-Moscow Timiryazev Agricultural Academy, Moscow 127434, Russia
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Semenzato G, Faddetta T, Falsini S, Del Duca S, Esposito A, Padula A, Greco C, Mucci N, Zaccaroni M, Puglia AM, Papini A, Fani R. Endophytic Bacteria Associated with Origanum heracleoticum L. (Lamiaceae) Seeds. Microorganisms 2022; 10:microorganisms10102086. [PMID: 36296360 PMCID: PMC9612275 DOI: 10.3390/microorganisms10102086] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/27/2022] [Revised: 10/17/2022] [Accepted: 10/19/2022] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Seed-associated microbiota are believed to play a crucial role in seed germination, seedling establishment, and plant growth and fitness stimulation, due to the vertical transmission of a core microbiota from seeds to the next generations. It might be hypothesized that medicinal and aromatic plants could use the seeds as vectors to vertically transfer beneficial endophytes, providing plants with metabolic pathways that could influence phytochemicals production. Here, we investigated the localization, the structure and the composition of the bacterial endophytic population that resides in Origanum heracleoticum L. seeds. Endocellular bacteria, surrounded by a wall, were localized close to the aleurone layer when using light and transmission electron microscopy. From surface-sterilized seeds, cultivable endophytes were isolated and characterized through RAPD analysis and 16S RNA gene sequencing, which revealed the existence of a high degree of biodiversity at the strain level and the predominance of the genus Pseudomonas. Most of the isolates grew in the presence of six selected antibiotics and were able to inhibit the growth of clinical and environmental strains that belong to the Burkholderia cepacia complex. The endophytes production of antimicrobial compounds could suggest their involvement in plant secondary metabolites production and might pave the way to endophytes exploitation in the pharmaceutical field.
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Affiliation(s)
- Giulia Semenzato
- Department of Biology, University of Florence, Via Madonna del Piano 6, Sesto Fiorentino, 50019 Florence, Italy
| | - Teresa Faddetta
- Department of Biological, Chemical and Pharmaceutical Sciences and Technologies-STEBICEF, University of Palermo, Viale delle Scienze Ed. 17, 90128 Palermo, Italy
| | - Sara Falsini
- Department of Biology, University of Florence, Via Madonna del Piano 6, Sesto Fiorentino, 50019 Florence, Italy
| | - Sara Del Duca
- Department of Biology, University of Florence, Via Madonna del Piano 6, Sesto Fiorentino, 50019 Florence, Italy
| | - Antonia Esposito
- Department of Biology, University of Florence, Via Madonna del Piano 6, Sesto Fiorentino, 50019 Florence, Italy
| | - Anna Padula
- Unit for Conservation Genetics (BIO-CGE), Institute for Environmental Protection and Research, Via Ca’ Fornacetta, 9, Ozzano dell’Emilia, 40064 Bologna, Italy
| | - Claudia Greco
- Unit for Conservation Genetics (BIO-CGE), Institute for Environmental Protection and Research, Via Ca’ Fornacetta, 9, Ozzano dell’Emilia, 40064 Bologna, Italy
| | - Nadia Mucci
- Unit for Conservation Genetics (BIO-CGE), Institute for Environmental Protection and Research, Via Ca’ Fornacetta, 9, Ozzano dell’Emilia, 40064 Bologna, Italy
| | - Marco Zaccaroni
- Department of Biology, University of Florence, Via Madonna del Piano 6, Sesto Fiorentino, 50019 Florence, Italy
| | - Anna Maria Puglia
- Department of Biological, Chemical and Pharmaceutical Sciences and Technologies-STEBICEF, University of Palermo, Viale delle Scienze Ed. 17, 90128 Palermo, Italy
| | - Alessio Papini
- Department of Biology, University of Florence, Via Madonna del Piano 6, Sesto Fiorentino, 50019 Florence, Italy
| | - Renato Fani
- Department of Biology, University of Florence, Via Madonna del Piano 6, Sesto Fiorentino, 50019 Florence, Italy
- Correspondence:
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