IR Home
AME
Home
Editors
Forthcoming
Information
Subscribe
Journals
Home
MEPS
AME
CR
DAO
ESEP
Search
Subscribe
Book Series
EE Books
Top Books
ESEP Books
Order
EEIU Brochures
(pdf format)
Discussion Forums
Home
Research
Endangered Species Programs
Institutions
International Ecology Institute
Eco-Ethics International Union
Foundation
Otto Kinne Foundation
 | |
AME 31:77-83 (2003)
|
Abstract
|
Antibacterial activity of the sponge Suberites domuncula and its primmorphs: potential basis for epibacterial chemical defense
Narsinh L. Thakur1,2, Ute Hentschel3, Anatoli Krasko1, Christian T. Pabel3, Arga C. Anil2, Werner E. G. Müller1,*
1Institut für Physiologische Chemie, Abteilung Angewandte Molekularbiologie, Universität Mainz, Duesbergweg 6, 55099 Mainz, Germany
2Marine Corrosion & Materials Research Division, National Institute of Oceanography, Dona Paula, 403 004 Goa, India
3Institut für Molekulare Infektionsbiologie, Universität Würzburg, Röntgenring 11, 97070 Würzburg, Germany
*Corresponding author. Email: wmueller@mail.uni-mainz.de
ABSTRACT: The epibacterial chemical defense of the marine sponge Suberites domuncula was explored by screening sponge extract, sponge primmorph (3-D aggregates containing proliferating cells) extract and sponge-associated as well as
primmorph-associated bacteria for antibacterial activity. 16S rDNA sequencing revealed that the antimicrobially active bacteria belonged to the a- and g-subdivisions of Proteobacteria (a-Proteobacterium MBIC 3368, Idiomarina sp. and Pseudomonas sp., respectively). Moreover, a recombinant perforin-like protein was cloned from S. domuncula that displayed strong antibacterial activity. Based on
these observations, it is proposed that the sponge may be provided with a direct (by producing antibacterial metabolites) as well as an indirect (with the help of associated bacteria) epibacterial defense.
KEY WORDS: Sponges · Primmorphs · Chemical defense · Antibacterial · Perforin-like protein
Full text in pdf format
Published in AME Vol.
31, No. 1
(2003) on February 13
Print ISSN: 0948-3055; Online ISSN: 1616-1564.
Copyright © Inter-Research, Oldendorf/Luhe, 2003
|
