Antibacterial activity of the sponge Suberites domuncula and its primmorphs: potential basis for epibacterial chemical defense

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 α-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.

Sponge-Associated Microorganisms: Evolution, Ecology, and Biotechnological Potential

“…In contrast, single D. avara cells did not produce avarol. Another interesting aspect of primmorphs, especially within the context of this review, is that symbiotic microorganisms can be retained within them (247,398), potentially allowing for primmorph production of both sponge-and microbe-derived compounds. Since their initial demonstration in Suberites domuncula (66,247) and then D. avara, primmorphs have been generated from a wide range of sponges, including Axinella polypoides, Cliona celata, Halichondria panicea, Petrosia ficiformis, and Stylotella agminata (374,434,500).…”

“…More novel bioactive metabolites are obtained from sponges each year than from any other marine taxon, and a range of pharmacological properties have been demonstrated (32,250). Various ecological roles have also been proposed for these compounds, including defense against predators (20,55,275), competitors (94,395,411), fouling organisms (363,487), and microbes (19,254,398). Interestingly, in at least some cases, the compounds appear to be produced by associated microorganisms rather than by the sponge (27,285,351).…”

Oxygen-Controlled Bacterial Growth in the Sponge Suberites domuncula : toward a Molecular Understanding of the Symbiotic Relationships between Sponge and Bacteria

“…The bacterium SB2 was isolated from the sponge (S. domuncula) surface and cultured as described before (57). Initially, these bacteria were cultured on B1 medium (0.25% peptone, 0.15% yeast extract, 0.15% glycerol, 1.6% agar in seawater).…”

Isolation, cytotoxic activity and phylogenetic analysis of <i>Bacillus sp.</i> bacteria associated with the red sea sponge <i>Amphimedon ochracea</i>

“…These results suggest that the bacterial isolates HA-21, HA-68, HA-MS-105 and HAMS-119 are good candidates for further activity-monitored fractionation to identify active principles. All the bacteria isolated were identified using 16S ribosomal DNA sequences [32]. The tested isolates belong to the Bacillus sp.…”