SummaryAlkane monooxygenases (Alk) are the key enzymes for alkane degradation. In order to understand the dispersion and diversity of alk genes in Antarctic marine environments, this study analysed by clone libraries the presence and diversity of alk genes (alkB and alkM) in sediments from Admiralty Bay, King George Island, Peninsula Antarctica. The results show a differential distribution of alk genes between the sites, and the predominant presence of new alk genes, mainly in the pristine site. Sequences presented 53.10-69.60% nucleotide identity and 50.90-73.40% amino acid identity to alkB genes described in Silicibacter pomeroyi, Gordonia sp., Prauserella rugosa, Nocardioides sp., Rhodococcus sp., Nocardia farcinica, Pseudomonas putida, Acidisphaera sp., Alcanivorax borkumensis, and alkM described in Acinetobacter sp. This is the first time that the gene alkM was detected and described in Antarctic marine environments. The presence of a range of previously undescribed alk genes indicates the need for further studies in this environment.
The catabolism of organic compounds in nature is one of the most important processes of nutrients recycle. Biodegradation process occurs by diversified enzymatic complex present in microorganisms, mainly in bacteria. Presence of catabolic genes encoding degradative enzymes can indicate a potential for bioremediation. The purpose of this work was to investigate the occurrence and diversity of catabolic genes in sediment samples of Santos and São Vicente Estuarine Systems, through culture-independent methods. Catabolic genes were detected through PCR technique using two sets of degenerated primers. One set was constructed based on conserved regions of nalkanes hydroxylases enzymes (alkanes monooxygenases) and the second one considering enzymes responsible for aromatic ring hydroxylation (ARHDs). The specified group of genes was detected in all nine samples analyzed. Diversity of catabolic genes detected was studied from one pristine and one polluted sampling sites. Both samples presented sequences homologous to alkB genes, with prevalence of alkB4 from Rhodococcus sp. These genes codified alkanes monooxygenases from Gram positive bacteria. Considering the genes required for aromatic ring hydroxylation, the sequences obtained from both samples were homologous to toluene, biphenyl, naphthalene and benzene dioxygenases. Results suggested that degenerated primers evaluated in these study were efficient to evaluate the diversity of catabolic genes in sediment samples of Santos and São Vicente estuarine area. Also, genotypes distributed in these region has the potential to biodegradation of local xenobiotic compounds.
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