Comparative sequence analysis of bacterial symbionts from the marine sponges Geodia cydonium and Ircinia muscarum |
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Authors: | Antonio Zuppa Susan Costantini Maria Costantini |
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Institution: | 1.Stazione Zoologica Anton Dohrn, Villa Comunale, 80121 Naples, Italy;2.Istituto Nazionale per lo Studio e la Cura dei Tumori ‘Fondazione Giovanni Pascale’, IRCCS, Napoli, Italia |
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Abstract: | Marine sponges (Porifera) live in a symbiotic relationship with microorganisms, primarily bacteria. Recently, several studies
indicated that sponges are the most prolific source of biologically-active compounds produced by symbiotic microorganisms rather
than by the sponges themselves. In the present study we characterized the bacterial symbionts from two Demospongiae, Ircinia
muscarum and Geodia cydonium. We amplified 16S rRNA by PCR, using specific bacterial-primers. The phylogenetic analysis
revealed the presence of nine bacterial clones from I. muscarum and ten from G. cydonium. In particular, I. muscarum resulted
enriched in Bacillus species and G. cydonium in Proteobacterium species. Since these bacteria were able to produce secondary
metabolites with potential biotechnological and biopharmaceutical applications, we hypothesized that I. muscarum and G. cydonium
could be a considered as a “gold mine” of natural products. |
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Keywords: | bacterial symbionts natural products 16S rRNA sponges |
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