Metagenomics as a preliminary screen for antimicrobial bioprospecting

Area of Science:

• Marine microbiology
• Environmental science
• Bioprospecting

Background:

• Soil microbiome composition influences bioactive compound production.
• Red Sea lagoons' microbiomes are understudied for antimicrobial potential.
• Extreme environments harbor unique microbial communities.

Purpose of the Study:

• To explore Red Sea lagoon microbiomes for antimicrobial bioprospecting.
• To compare microbial communities in Rabigh harbor and Al Kharrar lagoons.
• To investigate links between hydrocarbon contamination and antibiotic resistance.

Main Methods:

• Metagenomic analysis of sediment samples from Rabigh harbor and Al Kharrar lagoons.
• Analysis of mangrove mud and microbial mat communities.
• Identification of bacterial DNA sequences associated with antibiotic resistance and synthesis.

Main Results:

• Rabigh harbor's mangrove mud is a promising source for antimicrobial bioprospecting.
• Al Kharrar lagoon shows high anaerobic hydrocarbon degradation and antibiotic resistance genes.
• Hydrocarbon contamination correlates with increased Gamma-, Delta-, and Alpha-proteobacteria, including those with antibiotic synthesis enzymes.
• Beyond Actinobacteria, Firmicutes, Bacteroidetes, Cyanobacteria, and Proteobacteria are potential antimicrobial targets.

Conclusions:

• Red Sea lagoon microbiomes offer untapped potential for antimicrobial discovery.
• Hydrocarbon contamination may drive the evolution of antibiotic-producing bacteria.
• Diverse bacterial phyla, not just Actinobacteria, should be explored for novel antimicrobials.