Identification of biosynthetic gene clusters from sponge‐associated microbes (618.44)

Abstract

Greater than 90% of microbes living in soil are unculturable due to the complex nutrient and temperature conditions required for growth. These microorganisms represent a potential untapped source of natural products that may be developed for biotechnological and pharmaceutical uses. Most notably, microorganisms with phosphopantetheinyl transferase (PPTase) activity are of high interest due to the role PPTase has in activating non‐ribosomal peptide synthetase (NRPS) and polyketide synthetase (PKS) gene clusters. These gene clusters synthesize complex natural products utilized by the microorganism or its host for selective advantages. We screened for the presence of NRPS and PKS gene clusters in several pigmented microbes previously isolated from a Chesapeake Bay sponge (Clathria prolifera). Genomic DNA was isolated from each of these microbes and we attempted to construct metagenomic libraries. We goal is to screen the libraries for PPTase activity. We extended this study to include microbial DNA isolated from soil samples taken around the University of Richmond campus. The isolated environmental DNA (eDNA) was tested for the presence of NPRS and PKS gene clusters as well. This on‐going project seeks to identify new biosynthetic gene clusters from microbial sources.Grant Funding Source: University of Richmond Arts and Sciences