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Sponges from Lembeh Strait: antimicrobial activity and prokaryotic diversity
Akhirta Atikana1,2, Johanna Gutleben3, Nicole de Voogd4
1Laboratory of Microbiology, Wageningen University & Research, Stippeneng 4, 6708 WE, Wageningen, The Netherlands.
Journal of Applied Microbiology
|May 23, 2025
Summary
Sponges from Indonesia’s Lembeh Strait produce antimicrobial compounds, with specific bacteria like Actinobacteriota linked to these properties. This research highlights potential new targets for bioprospecting.
Area of Science:
- Marine microbiology
- Natural products chemistry
- Bioprospecting
Background:
- Marine sponges are rich sources of bioactive natural products.
- Understanding the symbiotic relationship between sponges and their associated prokaryotic communities is crucial for discovering novel antimicrobial compounds.
- Lembeh Strait is a biodiverse marine ecosystem with largely unexplored sponge fauna.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the antimicrobial potential of marine sponges from the Lembeh Strait.
- To characterize the prokaryotic diversity associated with these sponges.
- To explore the correlation between sponge antimicrobial activities and their microbial communities.
Main Methods:
- Extraction of secondary metabolites from 62 sponge tissues.
- Antimicrobial assays against a panel of pathogenic bacteria and fungi.
- 16S rRNA gene amplicon sequencing for microbial community profiling of sponges, seawater, and sediment.
- Correlation analysis between microbial community composition and antimicrobial activity.
Main Results:
- Sponge extracts from Theonella sp. exhibited potent antimicrobial activity against Saprolegnia parasitica.
- Distinct prokaryotic communities were found in sponges compared to their environment, influenced by host identity.
- A significant positive correlation was observed between the phylum Actinobacteriota and sponge antimicrobial activity.
- Specific microbial taxa, including candidate phylum PAUC34f and Chloroflexota, were positively correlated with antimicrobial properties.
Conclusions:
- Marine sponges from the Lembeh Strait are a valuable source of antimicrobial compounds.
- Host identity plays a significant role in shaping sponge-associated prokaryotic communities.
- Novel microbial taxa, such as candidate phylum PAUC34f and Chloroflexota, represent promising targets for future bioprospecting efforts.
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