AME 31:77-83(2003) - doi: 10.3354/ame031077
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,*
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 γ-subdivisions of Proteobacteria ( α-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 |