From genome mining to phenotypic microarrays: Planctomycetes as source for novel bioactive molecules

Area of Science:

• Microbiology
• Bacterial Cell Biology
• Biotechnology

Background:

• Planctomycetes possess unique bacterial traits: FtsZ-independent division, complex life cycles, and cellular compartmentalization.
• These bacteria are crucial in global nutrient cycling and have biotechnological applications, e.g., wastewater treatment.
• Despite large genomes and complex lifestyles, their secondary metabolites remain largely unexplored.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the potential of Planctomycetes as a source of novel bioactive molecules.
• To identify candidate genes and clusters involved in secondary metabolite production.
• To optimize screening methods for discovering conditions that stimulate metabolite production.

Main Methods:

• Comprehensive genome mining using the antiSMASH pipeline on 13 Planctomycetes genomes.
• Identification of 102 candidate secondary metabolite genes/clusters.
• Optimization of Phenotype MicroArray protocols for Rhodopirellula baltica and Planctomyces limnophilus.

Main Results:

• 102 candidate secondary metabolite gene clusters were identified across 13 Planctomycetes genomes.
• Optimized protocols facilitate high-throughput screening for growth-stimulating compounds.
• Results suggest Planctomycetes may respond to compounds secreted by algae or plants, triggering metabolite production.

Conclusions:

• Planctomycetes genomes are rich targets for discovering novel small molecules.
• Optimized screening methods enable exploration of environmental triggers for secondary metabolism.
• This study lays the foundation for developing new drugs from Planctomycetes.