Diversity of Polyketide Synthases and Nonribosomal Peptide Synthetases Revealed Through Metagenomic Analysis of a Deep Oligotrophic Cave.

Diversity of Polyketide Synthases and Nonribosomal Peptide Synthetases Revealed Through Metagenomic Analysis of a Deep Oligotrophic Cave. Microb Ecol. 2020 Jul 08;: Authors: Lukoseviciute L, Lebedeva J, Kuisiene N Abstract Caves are considered to be extreme and challenging environments. It is believed that the ability of microorganisms to produce secondary metabolites enhances their survivability and adaptiveness in the energy-starved cave environment. Unfortunately, information on the genetic potential for the production of secondary metabolites, such as polyketides and nonribosomal peptides, is limited. In the present study, we aimed to identify and characterize genes responsible for the production of secondary metabolites in the microbial community of one of the deepest caves in the world, Krubera-Voronja Cave (43.4184 N 40.3083 E, Western Caucasus). The analysed sample materials included sediments, drinkable water from underground camps, soil and clay from the cave walls, speleothems and coloured spots from the cave walls. The type II polyketide synthases (PKSs) ketosynthases α and β and the adenylation domains of nonribosomal peptide synthetases (NRPSs) were investigated using a metagenomic approach. Taxonomic diversity analysis showed that most PKS sequences could be attributed to Actinobacteria followed by unclassified bacteria and Acidobacteria, while the NRPS sequences were more taxonomically diverse and could be assigned ...
Source: Microbial Ecology - Category: Microbiology Authors: Tags: Microb Ecol Source Type: research