Degradation and Utilization of Alginate by Marine Pseudoalteromonas: a Review

Alginate, which is mainly produced by brown algae and decomposed by heterotrophic bacteria, is an important marine organic carbon source. The genus Pseudoalteromonas contains diverse forms of heterotrophic bacteria that are widely distributed in marine environments and are an important group in alginate degradation. In this review, the diversity of alginate-degrading Pseudoalteromonas is introduced, and the characteristics of Pseudoalteromonas alginate lyases, including their sequences, enzymatic properties, structures, and catalytic mechanisms, and the synergistic effect of Pseudoalteromonas alginate lyases on alginate degradation are introduced. The acquisition of the alginate degradation capacity and the alginate utilization pathways of Pseudoalteromonas are also introduced. This paper provides a comprehensive overview of alginate degradation by Pseudoalteromonas, which will contribute to the understanding of the degradation and recycling of marine algal polysaccharides driven by marine bacteria.

Hidden Conformational States and Strange Temperature Optima in Enzyme Catalysis

The existence of temperature optima in enzyme catalysis that occur before protein melting sets in can be described by different types of kinetic models. Such optima cause distinctly curved Arrhenius plots and have, for example, been observed in several cold-adapted enzymes from psychrophilic species. The two main explanations proposed for this behavior either invoke conformational equilibria with inactive substrate-bound states or postulate differences in heat capacity between the reactant and transition states. Herein, we analyze the implications of the different types of kinetic models in terms of apparent activation enthalpies, entropies, and heat capacities, using the catalytic reaction of a cold-adapted α-amylase as a prototypic example. We show that the behavior of these thermodynamic activation parameters is fundamentally different between equilibrium and heat capacity models, and in the α-amylase case, computer simulations have shown the former model to be correct. A few other enzyme-catalyzed reactions are also discussed in this context.

The structure of PfGH50B, an agarase from the marine bacterium Pseudoalteromonas fuliginea PS47

The recently identified marine bacterium Pseudoalteromonas fuliginea sp. PS47 possesses a polysaccharide-utilization locus dedicated to agarose degradation. In particular, it contains a gene (locus tag EU509_06755) encoding a β-agarase that belongs to glycoside hydrolase family 50 (GH50), PfGH50B. The 2.0 Å resolution X-ray crystal structure of PfGH50B reveals a rare complex multidomain fold that was found in two of the three previously determined GH50 structures. The structure comprises an N-terminal domain with a carbohydrate-binding module (CBM)-like fold fused to a C-terminal domain by a rigid linker. The CBM-like domain appears to function by extending the catalytic groove of the enzyme. Furthermore, the PfGH50B structure highlights key structural features in the mobile loops that may function to restrict the degree of polymerization of the neoagaro-oligosaccharide products and the enzyme processivity.

Aerobic cometabolism of tetrabromobisphenol A by marine bacterial consortia

The coastal environments worldwide are subjected to increasing TBBPA contamination, but current knowledge on aerobic biodegradability of this compound by marine microbes is lacking. The aerobic removal of TBBPA using marine consortia under eight different cometabolic conditions was investigated here. Results showed that the composition and diversity of the TBBPA-degrading consortia had diverged after 120-day incubation. Pseudoalteromonas, Alteromonas, Glaciecola, Thalassomonas, and Limnobacter were the dominant genera in enrichment cultures. Furthermore, a combination of beef extract- and peptone-enriched marine consortia exhibited higher TBBPA removal efficiency (approximately 60%) than the other substrate amendments. Additionally, Alteromonas macleodii strain GCW was isolated from a culture of TBBPA-degrading consortium. This strain exhibited about 90% of degradation efficiency toward TBBPA (10 mg L^-1) after 10 days of incubation under aerobic cometabolic conditions. The intermediates in the degradation of TBBPA by A. macleodii strain GCW were analyzed and the degradation pathways were proposed, involving β-scission, debromination, and nitration routes.

Activation Studies of the γ-Carbonic Anhydrases from the Antarctic Marine Bacteria Pseudoalteromonas haloplanktis and Colwellia psychrerythraea with Amino Acids and Amines

The γ-carbonic anhydrases (CAs, EC 4.2.1.1) present in the Antarctic marine bacteria Pseudoalteromonas haloplanktis and Colwellia psychrerythraea, herein referred to as PhaCA and CpsCA, respectively, were investigated for their activation with a panel of 24 amino acids and amines. Both bacteria are considered Antarctic models for the investigation of photosynthetic and metabolic pathways in organisms adapted to live in cold seawater. PhaCA was much more sensitive to activation by these compounds compared to the genetically related enzyme CpsCA. The most effective PhaCA activators were d-Phe, l-/d-DOPA, l-Tyr and 2-pyridyl-methylamine, with the activation constant K_A values of 0.72–3.27 µM. d-His, l-Trp, d-Tyr, histamine, dopamine, serotonin anddicarboxylic amino acids were also effective activators of PhaCA, with K_A values of 6.48–9.85 µM. CpsCA was activated by d-Phe, d-DOPA, l-Trp, l-/d-Tyr, 4-amino-l-Phe, histamine, 2-pyridyl-methylamine and l-/d-Glu with K_A values of 11.2–24.4 µM. The most effective CpsCA activator was l-DOPA (K_A of 4.79 µM). Given that modulators of CAs from Antarctic bacteria have not been identified and investigated in detail for their metabolic roles to date, this research sheds some light on these poorly understood processes.

Characterization and DNA methylation modulatory activity of gold nanoparticles synthesized by Pseudoalteromonas strain

Marine extremophiles are shown to tolerate extreme environmental conditions and have high metal reducing properties. Here, we report intracellular synthesis of gold nanoparticles (AuNP) by marine extremophilic bacteria Pseudoalteromonas sp. Bac178 which was isolated from the OMZ of Arabian Sea. Preliminary observations suggest that these bacteria use different pathways which may involves the membrane as well as intracellular proteins for the gold salt reduction. Characterization of the biosynthesised nanoparticles by various techniques such as Scanning electron microscopy (SEM), Transmission electron microscopy (TEM), X-ray diffraction (XRD) and Energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (EDS) confirmed the presence of crystalline gold. These biologically synthesized AuNP were investigated for cytotoxicity and oxidative stress generation in human normal fibroblast and melanoma cells (A375). As AuNP are envisaged to find many applications in the medical field, it was of interest to study the effect of AuNP at the epigenetic level. They were found to be non-cytotoxic, non-genotoxic and non-oxidative stress generating over a range of concentrations. Exposure to these AuNP is observed to cause alterations in global DNA methylation as well as in the expression of DNA methyltransferase (DNMT) genes. Since biosynthesized AuNP are being used in various applications and therapies, their epigenetic modulatory activity needs careful consideration.

Pseudane-VII Isolated from Pseudoalteromonas sp. M2 Ameliorates LPS-Induced Inflammatory Response In Vitro and In Vivo

The ocean is a rich resource of flora, fauna, food, and biological products. We found a wild-type bacterial strain, Pseudoalteromonas sp. M2, from marine water and isolated various secondary metabolites. Pseudane-VII is a compound isolated from the Pseudoalteromonas sp. M2 metabolite that possesses anti-melanogenic activity. Inflammation is a response of the innate immune system to microbial infections. Macrophages have a critical role in fighting microbial infections and inflammation. Recent studies reported that various compounds derived from natural products can regulate immune responses including inflammation. However, the anti-inflammatory effects and mechanism of pseudane-VII in macrophages are still unknown. In this study, we investigated the anti-inflammatory effects of pseudane-VII. In present study, lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-induced nitric oxide (NO) production was significantly decreased by pseudane-VII treatment at 6 μM. Moreover, pseudane-VII treatment dose-dependently reduced mRNA levels of pro-inflammatory cytokines including inos, cox-2, il-1β, tnf-α, and il-6 in LPS-stimulated macrophages. Pseudane-VII also diminished iNOS protein levels and IL-1β secretion. In addition, Pseudane-VII elicited anti-inflammatory effects by inhibiting ERK, JNK, p38, and nuclear factor (NF)-κB-p65 phosphorylation. Consistently, pseudane-VII was also shown to inhibit the LPS-stimulated release of IL-1β and expression of iNOS in mice. These results suggest that pseudane-VII exerted anti-inflammatory effects on LPS-stimulated macrophage activation via inhibition of ERK, JNK, p38 MAPK phosphorylation, and pro-inflammatory gene expression. These findings may provide new approaches in the effort to develop anti-inflammatory therapeutics.

[Expression and characterization of the agarase gene aga3311 from an Antarctic bacterium]

OBJECTIVE

The complete genome of the agarolytic bacterium Pseudoalteromonas sp. NJ21 from Antarctic sample was analyzed by bioinformatics methods and putative agarase aga3311was screened. Expression and characterization of the putative agarase aga3311 were studied.

METHODS

Gene aga3311 was cloned and expressed by genetic engineering method firstly; then, the recombinant enzyme was purified by Ni-NTA chromatography and the characterization of recombinant enzyme was determined by dinitrosalicylic acid method; the hydrolysis product of recombinant enzyme Aga3311 was analyzed by thin-layer chromatography (TLC) and mass spectrometry (MS).

RESULTS

The recombinant expression vectors (pET-30(a)+aga3311) was overexpressed in E. coli BL21(DE3) and 30% of the recombinant protein was soluble. The purified agarase (Aga3311) revealed a single band on sodium dodecyl sulfate-polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis, with an apparent molecular weight of 87 kDa. The optimum temperature of the recombinant agarase was 35℃, and it maintained higher activity between 30 and 45℃, but the activity declined rapidly above 50℃, typical of thermal instability enzyme. The optimum pH was 7.0, and it maintained 50% of its maximum activity between pH 4 and 10. Aga3311 was significantly activated by Fe3+, Be2+, Zn2+ and Ca2+, especially Ca2+ doubled the enzyme activity. The pattern of agar hydrolysis of Aga3311 is an exo-β-agarase, producing neoagarobiose (NA2) as the final main product.

CONCLUSION

Aga3311 is an exo-β-agarase of Glyco_hydro_42 family, producing neoagarobiose (NA2) as the final main product.

Modification of the Secondary Binding Site of Xylanases Illustrates the Impact of Substrate Selectivity on Bread Making

To investigate the importance of substrate selectivity for xylanase functionality in bread making, the secondary binding site (SBS) of xylanases from Bacillus subtilis (XBS) and Pseudoalteromonas haloplanktis was modified. This resulted in two xylanases with increased relative activity toward water-unextractable wheat arabinoxylan (WU-AX) compared to water-extractable wheat arabinoxylan, i.e., an increased substrate selectivity, without changing other biochemical properties. Addition of both modified xylanases in bread making resulted in increased loaf volumes compared to the wild types when using weak flour. Moreover, maximal volume increase was reached at a lower dosage of the mutant compared to wild-type XBS. The modified xylanases were able to solubilize more WU-AX and decreased the average degree of polymerization of soluble arabinoxylan in dough more during fermentation. This possibly allowed for additional water release, which might be responsible for increased loaf volumes. Altered SBS functionality and, as a result, enhanced substrate selectivity most probably caused these differences.

Enhancement of antibiotic activity against multidrug-resistant bacteria by the efflux pump inhibitor 3,4-dibromopyrrole-2,5-dione isolated from a Pseudoalteromonas sp

Members of the resistance nodulation cell division (RND) of efflux pumps play essential roles in multidrug resistance (MDR) in Gram-negative bacteria. Here, we describe the search for new small molecules from marine microbial extracts to block efflux and thus restore antibiotic susceptibility in MDR bacterial strains. We report the isolation of 3,4-dibromopyrrole-2,5-dione (1), an inhibitor of RND transporters, from Enterobacteriaceae and Pseudomonas aeruginosa, from the marine bacterium Pseudoalteromonas piscicida. 3,4-Dibromopyrrole-2,5-dione decreased the minimum inhibitory concentrations (MICs) of two fluoroquinolones, an aminoglycoside, a macrolide, a beta-lactam, tetracycline, and chloramphenicol between 2- and 16-fold in strains overexpressing three archetype RND transporters (AcrAB-TolC, MexAB-OprM, and MexXY-OprM). 3,4-Dibromopyrrole-2,5-dione also increased the intracellular accumulation of Hoechst 33342 in wild-type but not in transporter-deficient strains and prevented H33342 efflux (IC50 = 0.79 μg/mL or 3 μM), a hallmark of efflux pump inhibitor (EPI) functionality. A metabolomic survey of 36 Pseudoalteromonas isolates mapped the presence of primarily brominated metabolites only within the P. piscicida phylogenetic clade, where a majority of antibiotic activity was also observed, suggesting a link between halogenation and enhanced secondary metabolite biosynthetic potential. In sum, 3,4-dibromopyrrole-2,5-dione is a potent EPI and deserves further attention as an adjuvant to enhance the effectiveness of existing antibiotics.

[Modification of Levels of Adhesion Molecule Expression of Human Innate Immune Cells by Glycopolymers of Marine Bacteria]

By flow cytometry it was demonstrated that lipopolysaccharide and exopolysaccharide of marine proteobacteria Pseudoalteromonas nigrifaciens alter the expression of adhesion molecules on human neutrophils and monocytes, reducing the expression level of molecules CD62L and increasing the expression of CD11b, CD11c and CD54.

Marine-derived quorum-sensing inhibitory activities enhance the antibacterial efficacy of tobramycin against Pseudomonas aeruginosa

Bacterial epiphytes isolated from marine eukaryotes were screened for the production of quorum sensing inhibitory compounds (QSIs). Marine isolate KS8, identified as a Pseudoalteromonas sp., was found to display strong quorum sensing inhibitory (QSI) activity against acyl homoserine lactone (AHL)-based reporter strains Chromobacterium violaceum ATCC 12472 and CV026. KS8 supernatant significantly reduced biofilm biomass during biofilm formation (-63%) and in pre-established, mature P. aeruginosa PAO1 biofilms (-33%). KS8 supernatant also caused a 0.97-log reduction (-89%) and a 2-log reduction (-99%) in PAO1 biofilm viable counts in the biofilm formation assay and the biofilm eradication assay respectively. The crude organic extract of KS8 had a minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) of 2 mg/mL against PAO1 but no minimum bactericidal concentration (MBC) was observed over the concentration range tested (MBC > 16 mg/mL). Sub-MIC concentrations (1 mg/mL) of KS8 crude organic extract significantly reduced the quorum sensing (QS)-dependent production of both pyoverdin and pyocyanin in P. aeruginosa PAO1 without affecting growth. A combinatorial approach using tobramycin and the crude organic extract at 1 mg/mL against planktonic P. aeruginosa PAO1 was found to increase the efficacy of tobramycin ten-fold, decreasing the MIC from 0.75 to 0.075 µg/mL. These data support the validity of approaches combining conventional antibiotic therapy with non-antibiotic compounds to improve the efficacy of current treatments.

Exploring the hologenome concept in marine bivalvia: haemolymph microbiota as a pertinent source of probiotics for aquaculture

Haemolymph-associated microbiota of marine bivalves was explored for antibacterial activity against important aquaculture pathogens. A collection of 843 strains were cultured from the haemolymph of four bivalve species (Crassostrea gigas, Mytilus edulis, Pecten maximus and Tapes rhomboides) collected by deep-sea diving in the Glenan Archipelago (France). Cell-free culture supernatants were investigated for antibacterial activity using the well-diffusion assay. About 3% of haemolymph-associated cultivable bacteria displayed antibacterial activity toward Gram-negative pathogens. Among the active bacteria, Pseudoalteromonas strains exhibited the highest antibacterial activity. The cell-free culture supernatant of one of them, named hCg-51, was able to inhibit the growth of bacterial pathogens even after drastic dilution (1 : 1024). Hemocyte survival was not significantly altered in the presence of the haemolymph-associated strains assayed. Moreover, a dose-dependent beneficial effect on hemocyte survival rates was observed with the hCg-51 strain. These results suggest that haemolymph microbiota may participate in bivalve protection and therefore confer a health benefit on the host. As a result, the results highlight bivalve haemolymph microbiota as a promising novel source for aquaculture probiotics. This work also gives a first insight into the contribution of the haemolymph-associated microbiota as part of the bivalve 'hologenome'.

Identification and characterization of single-stranded DNA-binding protein from the facultative psychrophilic bacteria Pseudoalteromonas haloplanktis

Single-stranded DNA-binding protein (SSB) plays an important role in DNA metabolism such as DNA replication, repair, and recombination, and is essential for cell survival. This study reports on the ssb-like gene cloning, gene expression and characterization of a single-stranded DNA-binding protein of Pseudoalteromonas haloplanktis (PhaSSB) and is the first report of such a protein from psychrophilic microorganism. PhaSSB possesses a high sequence similarity to Escherichia coli SSB (48% identity and 57% similarity) and has the longest amino acid sequence (244 amino acid residues) of all the known bacterial SSBs with one OB-fold per monomer. An analysis of purified PhaSSB by means of chemical cross-linking experiments, sedimentation analysis and size exclusion chromatography revealed a stable tetramer in solution. Using EMSA, we characterized the stoichiometry of PhaSSB complexed with a series of ssDNA homopolymers, and the size of the binding site was determined as being approximately 35 nucleotides long. In fluorescence titrations, the occluded site size of PhaSSB on poly(dT) is 34 nucleotides per tetramer under low-salt conditions (2mM NaCl), but increases to 54-64 nucleotides at higher-salt conditions (100-300mM NaCl). This suggests that PhaSSB undergoes a transition between ssDNA binding modes, which is observed for EcoSSB. The binding properties of PhaSSB investigated using SPR technology revealed that the affinity of PhaSSB to ssDNA is typical of SSB proteins. The only difference in the binding mode of PhaSSB to ssDNA is a faster association phase, when compared to EcoSSB, though compensated by faster dissociation rate. When analyzed by differential scanning calorimetry (DSC), the melting temperature (Tm) was determined as 63 °C, which is only a few degrees lower than for EcoSSB.

Molecular cloning, expression and enzymatic characterization of glutathione S-transferase from Antarctic sea-ice bacteria Pseudoalteromonas sp. ANT506

A glutathione S-transferase (GST) gene from Antarctic sea-ice bacteria Pseudoalteromonas sp. ANT506 (namely PsGST), was cloned and expressed in Escherichia coli. The open reading frame of PsGST comprised 654 bp encoding a protein of 217 amino acids with a calculated molecular size of 24.3 kDa. The rPsGST possesses the conserved amino acid defining the binding sites of glutathione (G-site) and substrate binding pocket (H-site) in GST N_3 family. PsGST was expressed in E. coli and the recombinant PsGST (rPsGST) was purified by Ni-affinity chromatography with a high specific activity of 74.21 U/mg. The purified rPsGST showed maximum activity at 40 °C and exhibited 14.2% activity at 0 °C. It was completely inactivated at 50 °C for 40 min. These results indicated that rPsGST was a typical cold active GST with low thermostability. The enzyme was little affected by H2O2 and Triton X-100, and 50.2% of the remaining activity was detected in the presence of high salt concentrations (2M NaCl). The enzymatic Km values for CDNB and GSH was 0.22 mM and 1.01 mM, respectively. These specific enzyme properties may be related to the survival environment of Antarctic sea ice bacteria.

Isolation, structure elucidation, and iron-binding properties of lystabactins, siderophores isolated from a marine Pseudoalteromonas sp

The marine bacterium Pseudoalteromonas sp. S2B, isolated from the Gulf of Mexico after the Deepwater Horizon oil spill, was found to produce lystabactins A, B, and C (1-3), three new siderophores. The structures were elucidated through mass spectrometry, amino acid analysis, and NMR. The lystabactins are composed of serine (Ser), asparagine (Asn), two formylated/hydroxylated ornithines (FOHOrn), dihydroxy benzoic acid (Dhb), and a very unusual nonproteinogenic amino acid, 4,8-diamino-3-hydroxyoctanoic acid (LySta). The iron-binding properties of the compounds were investigated through a spectrophotometric competition.

[Nonribosomal peptides synthetases gene clusters and core domain in Pseudoalteromonas sp. NJ631]

OBJECTIVE

We studied nonribosomal peptides synthetases (NRPSs) gene clusters and the core module of NRPSs in Pseudoalteromonas sp. NJ631 using genome mining approach.

METHODS

The genome of Pseudoalteromonas sp. NJ631 was constructed by the next genome sequencing (NGS) technology. We adopted an online available software called NRPS-PKS knowledgebase to identify potential NRPSs gene clusters within genes involved in the biosynthesis of secondary metabolite of Pseudoalteromonas sp. NJ631. The genes encoding adenylation (A) domains, the core module of NRPSs, were collected and analyzed using genome mining method.

RESULTS

We identified three typical NRPS gene clusters comprising three ORFs which encode six continuous modular NRPSs. The result of genome mining indicates that genome of Pseudoalteromonas sp. NJ631 contains 38 A domain genes which show 60% similarity below to their closest relatives. The substrate of these A domains was predicted to specifically bind 18 types of amino acids using the specificity-conferring selection rule.

CONCLUSION

This is the first reported on the systematic screening and analysis of NRPSs gene clusters and A domains in genus Pseudoalteromonas, suggesting that the genus Pseudoalteromonas possesses a vast array of secondary metabolite biosynthesis genes that were previously found mostly in actinomycetes and fungi. The information on secondary metabolite genes from Pseudoalteromonas sp. NJ631 will facilitate us to isolate novel nonribosomal peptides.

Pseudoalteromone B: a novel 15C compound from a marine bacterium Pseudoalteromonas sp. CGH2XX

A novel 15C compound, pseudoalteromone B (1), possessing a novel carbon skeleton, was obtained from a marine bacterium Pseudoalteromonas sp. CGH2XX. This bacterium was originally isolated from a cultured-type octocoral Lobophytum crassum, that was growing in cultivating tanks equipped with a flow-through sea water system. The structure of 1 was established by spectroscopic methods. Pseudoalteromone B (1) displayed a modestly inhibitory effect on the release of elastase by human neutrophils.

Using bacterial extract along with differential gene expression in Acropora millepora larvae to decouple the processes of attachment and metamorphosis

Biofilms of the bacterium Pseudoalteromonas induce metamorphosis of acroporid coral larvae. The bacterial metabolite tetrabromopyrrole (TBP), isolated from an extract of Pseudoalteromonas sp. associated with the crustose coralline alga (CCA) Neogoniolithon fosliei, induced coral larval metamorphosis (100%) with little or no attachment (0–2%). To better understand the molecular events and mechanisms underpinning the induction of Acropora millepora larval metamorphosis, including cell proliferation, apoptosis, differentiation, migration, adhesion and biomineralisation, two novel coral gene expression assays were implemented. These involved the use of reverse-transcriptase quantitative PCR (RT-qPCR) and employed 47 genes of interest (GOI), selected based on putative roles in the processes of settlement and metamorphosis. Substantial differences in transcriptomic responses of GOI were detected following incubation of A. millepora larvae with a threshold concentration and 10-fold elevated concentration of TBP-containing extracts of Pseudoalteromonas sp. The notable and relatively abrupt changes of the larval body structure during metamorphosis correlated, at the molecular level, with significant differences (p<0.05) in gene expression profiles of 24 GOI, 12 hours post exposure. Fourteen of those GOI also presented differences in expression (p<0.05) following exposure to the threshold concentration of bacterial TBP-containing extract. The specificity of the bacterial TBP-containing extract to induce the metamorphic stage in A. millepora larvae without attachment, using a robust, low cost, accurate, ecologically relevant and highly reproducible RT-qPCR assay, allowed partially decoupling of the transcriptomic processes of attachment and metamorphosis. The bacterial TBP-containing extract provided a unique opportunity to monitor the regulation of genes exclusively involved in the process of metamorphosis, contrasting previous gene expression studies that utilized cues, such as crustose coralline algae, biofilms or with GLW-amide neuropeptides that stimulate the entire onset of larval metamorphosis and attachment.

Properties of the endogenous components of the thioredoxin system in the psychrophilic eubacterium Pseudoalteromonas haloplanktis TAC 125

The endogenous components of the thioredoxin system in the Antarctic eubacterium Pseudoalteromonas haloplanktis have been purified and characterised. The temperature dependence of the activities sustained by thioredoxin (PhTrx) and thioredoxin reductase (PhTrxR) pointed to their adaptation in the cold growth environment. PhTrxR was purified as a flavoenzyme and its activity was significantly enhanced in the presence of molar concentration of monovalent cations. The energetics of the partial reactions leading to the whole electron transfer from NADPH to the target protein substrate in the reconstituted thioredoxin system was also investigated. While the initial electron transfer from NADPH to PhTrxR was energetically favoured, the final passage to the heterologous protein substrate enhanced the energetic barrier of the whole process. The energy of activation of the heat inactivation process essentially reflected the psychrophilic origin of PhTrxR. Vice versa, PhTrx possessed an exceptional heat resistance (half-life, 4.4 h at 95 °C), ranking this protein among the most thermostable enzymes reported so far in psychrophiles. PhTrxR was covalently modified by glutathione, mainly by its oxidised or nitrosylated forms. A mutagenic analysis realised on three non catalytic cysteines of the flavoenzyme allowed the identification of C(303) as the target for the S-glutathionylation reaction.

Purification and optimization of production conditions of a marine-derived antibiotic and ultra-structural study on the effect of this antibiotic against MRSA

OBJECTIVES

In this study we have attempted to partially purify, characterize and optimize the fermentation condition for the antimicrobial compound production with anti-MRSA (Methicillin Resistant Staphylococcus aureus) activity produced by Pseudoalteromonas piscicida PG-02 bacterium, isolated from the Persian Gulf, and finally understand the morphological changes in MRSA due to this antibiotic.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Optimization process of antibacterial compound production was studied based on the sources of carbon and nitrogen, optimum temperature, optimum pH and optimum incubation time. The purification of intended antibiotic was done using TLC and also thermostability and enzymatic stability treatment was studied. Ultrastructural study on the effect of intended antibacterial compound on MRSA was done using a Transmission Electron Microscopy (TEM).

RESULTS

The optimized bioprocess conditions for the maximum production were at temperature 28 degrees C, pH 7, NaCI 0.5% (w/v), 96 hrs (incubation time), glucose and tryptone as carbon source and nitrogen source, respectively. The antibacterial component showed thermal sensitivity but it was sensitive to proteinase K, so this compound may have proteinaceous nature. The results of sonication revealed that this compound is accumulated in both intra- and extra-cellular locations. TEM pictures showed disorganization of cytoplasmic membrane upon the extract treatment comparing to control so, it can be said that this antibacterial compound can be considered as a bactericidal agent against MRSA.

CONCLUSION

On the basis of obtained results, this bacterium can be regarded as a valuable strain for discovery of new weapon as bactericidal agent in fighting against multi-drug resistant bacteria especially MRSA.

Purification and characterization of antibacterial compounds of Pseudoalteromonas flavipulchra JG1

Pseudoalteromonas flavipulchra JG1 produces a protein PfaP and a range of small-molecule compounds with inhibitory activities against Vibrio anguillarum. The PfaP protein was purified from the extracellular products of JG1 by electroelution, and antibacterial activity was observed by an in-gel antibacterial assay. The complete amino acid sequence (694 aa) of PfaP was determined by de novo peptide sequencing and subsequent alignment with the proteome sequence of strain JG1. The calculated molecular mass of PfaP was 77.0 kDa. PfaP was 58 % identical to l-lysine oxidase AlpP of Pseudoalteromonas tunicata D2, and 54 % identical to the marinocine antimicrobial protein of Marinomonas mediterranea MMB-1. Five small molecules (compounds 1-5) with antibacterial activity, which were identified as p-hydroxybenzoic acid (1), trans-cinnamic acid (2), 6-bromoindolyl-3-acetic acid (3), N-hydroxybenzoisoxazolone (4) and 2'-deoxyadenosine (5), were purified by sequential column chromatography over silica gel, Sephadex LH-20 and RP-18 from ethyl acetate extract of strain JG1, and their structures were determined by NMR and MS. Brown compound 3, the only brominated compound, showed antibacterial activity against both Gram-positive and Gram-negative bacteria.

Bioactivity, chemical profiling, and 16S rRNA-based phylogeny of Pseudoalteromonas strains collected on a global research cruise

One hundred one antibacterial Pseudoalteromonas strains that inhibited growth of a Vibrio anguillarum test strain were collected on a global research cruise (Galathea 3), and 51 of the strains repeatedly demonstrated antibacterial activity. Here, we profile secondary metabolites of these strains to determine if particular compounds serve as strain or species markers and to determine if the secondary metabolite profile of one strain represents the bioactivity of the entire species. 16S rRNA gene similarity divided the strains into two primary groups: One group (51 strains) consisted of bacteria which retained antibacterial activity, 48 of which were pigmented, and another group (50 strains) of bacteria which lost antibacterial activity upon sub-culturing, two of which were pigmented. The group that retained antibacterial activity consisted of six clusters in which strains were identified as Pseudoalteromonas luteoviolacea, Pseudoalteromonas aurantia, Pseudoalteromonas phenolica, Pseudoalteromonas ruthenica, Pseudoalteromonas rubra, and Pseudoalteromonas piscicida. HPLC-UV/VIS analyses identified key peaks, such as violacein in P. luteoviolacea. Some compounds, such as a novel bromoalterochromide, were detected in several species. HPLC-UV/VIS detected systematic intra-species differences for some groups, and testing several strains of a species was required to determine these differences. The majority of non-antibacterial, non-pigmented strains were identified as Pseudoalteromonas agarivorans, and HPLC-UV/VIS did not further differentiate this group. Pseudoalteromonas retaining antibacterial were more likely to originate from biotic or abiotic surfaces in contrast to planktonic strains. Hence, the pigmented, antibacterial Pseudoalteromonas have a niche specificity, and sampling from marine biofilm environments is a strategy for isolating novel marine bacteria that produce antibacterial compounds.

Characterization of the volatile profile of Antarctic bacteria by using solid-phase microextraction-gas chromatography-mass spectrometry

Bacteria belonging to the Burkholderia cepacia complex (Bcc) are significant pathogens in Cystic Fibrosis (CF) patients and are resistant to a plethora of antibiotics. In this context, microorganisms from Antarctica are interesting because they produce antimicrobial compounds inhibiting the growth of other bacteria. This is particularly true for bacteria isolated from Antarctic sponges. The aim of this work was to characterize a set of Antarctic bacteria for their ability to produce new natural drugs that could be exploited in the control of infections in CF patients by Bcc bacteria. Hence, 11 bacterial strains allocated to different genera (e.g., Pseudoalteromonas, Arthrobacter and Psychrobacter) were tested for their ability to inhibit the growth of 21 Bcc strains and some other human pathogens. All these bacteria completely inhibited the growth of most, if not all, Bcc strains, suggesting a highly specific activity toward Bcc strains. Experimental evidences showed that the antimicrobial compounds are small volatile organic compounds, and are constitutively produced via an unknown pathway. The microbial volatile profile was obtained by SPME-GC-MS within the m/z interval of 40-450. Solid phase micro extraction technique affords the possibility to extract the volatile compounds in head space with a minimal sample perturbation. Principal component analysis and successive cluster discriminant analysis was applied to evaluate the relationships among the volatile organic compounds with the aim of classifying the microorganisms by their volatile profile. These data highlight the potentiality of Antarctic bacteria as novel sources of antibacterial substances to face Bcc infections in CF patients.

The anti-biofilm activity secreted by a marine Pseudoalteromonas strain

Bacterial biofilms occur on all submerged structures in marine environments. The authors previously reported that the marine bacterium Pseudoalteromonas sp. 3J6 secretes antibiofilm activity. Here, it was discovered that another Pseudoalteromonas sp. strain, D41, inhibited the development of strain 3J6 in mixed biofilms. Confocal laser scanning microscope observations revealed that the culture supernatant of strain D41 impaired biofilm formation of strain 3J6 and another marine bacterium. A microtiter plate assay of the antibiofilm activity was set up and validated with culture supernatants of Pseudoalteromonas sp. 3J6. This assay was used to determine the spectra of action of strains D41 and 3J6. Each culture supernatant impaired the biofilm development of 13 marine bacteria out of 18. However, differences in the spectra of action and the physical behaviours of the antibiofilm molecules suggest that the latter are not identical. They nevertheless share the originality of being devoid of antibacterial activity against planktonic bacteria.

Performance evaluation on a wide set of matrix-assisted laser desorption ionization matrices for the detection of oligosaccharides in a high-throughput mass spectrometric screening of carbohydrate depolymerizing enzymes

Compared to other analytical methods, matrix-assisted laser desorption ionization mass spectrometry (MALDI-MS) presents several unique advantages for the structural characterization of degradation products of carbohydrates. Our final goal is to implement this technique as a high-throughput platform, with the aim of exploring natural bio-diversity to discover new carbohydrate depolymerizing enzymes. In this approach, a variety of carbohydrates will be used as enzymes substrates and MALDI-MS will be employed to monitor the oligosaccharides produced. One drawback of MALDI, however, is that the choice of the matrix is largely dependent on the chemical properties of the analyte. In this context, our objective in the present work was to find the smallest set of MALDI matrices able to detect chemically heterogeneous oligosaccharides. This was done through the performance evaluation of more than 40 MALDI matrices preparations. Homogeneity of analyte-matrix deposits was considered as a critical feature, especially since the final objective is to fully automate the analyses. Evaluation of the matrices was done by means of a rigorous statistical approach. Amongst all tested compounds, our work proposes the use of the DHB/DMA ionic matrix as the most generic matrix, for rapid detection of a variety of polysaccharides including neutral, anionic, methylated, sulfated, and acetylated compounds. The selected matrices were then used to screen crude bacterial incubation media for the detection of enzymatic degradation products.

Highly brominated antimicrobial metabolites from a marine Pseudoalteromonas sp

Extracts of a marine Pseudoalteromonas sp. (CMMED 290) isolated from the surface of a nudibranch collected in Kaneohe Bay, Oahu, displayed significant antimicrobial activity against methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus. Bioassay-guided fractionation of the lipophilic extract led to the isolation and structure elucidation of two new highly brominated compounds, 2,3,5,7-tetrabromobenzofuro[3,2-b]pyrrole (1) and 4,4',6-tribromo-2,2'-biphenol (2). In addition, we have identified the known compounds pentabromopseudilin and bromophene. We describe the isolation and structure elucidation of the compounds 1 and 2 together with their antimicrobial activities against methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus.

Antibacterial activity of marine culturable bacteria collected from a global sampling of ocean surface waters and surface swabs of marine organisms

The purpose of the present study was to isolate marine culturable bacteria with antibacterial activity and hence a potential biotechnological use. Seawater samples (244) and 309 swab samples from biotic or abiotic surfaces were collected on a global Danish marine research expedition (Galathea 3). Total cell counts at the seawater surface were 5 x 10(5) to 10(6) cells/ml, of which 0.1-0.2% were culturable on dilute marine agar (20 degrees C). Three percent of the colonies cultured from seawater inhibited Vibrio anguillarum, whereas a significantly higher proportion (13%) of colonies from inert or biotic surfaces was inhibitory. It was not possible to relate a specific kind of eukaryotic surface or a specific geographic location to a general high occurrence of antagonistic bacteria. Five hundred and nineteen strains representing all samples and geographic locations were identified on the basis of partial 16S rRNA gene sequence homology and belonged to three major groups: Vibrionaceae (309 strains), Pseudoalteromonas spp. (128 strains), and the Roseobacter clade (29 strains). Of the latter, 25 strains were identified as Ruegeria mobilis or pelagia. When re-testing against V. anguillarum, only 409 (79%) retained some level of inhibitory activity. Many strains, especially Pseudoalteromonas spp. and Ruegeria spp., also inhibited Staphylococcus aureus. The most pronounced antibacterial strains were pigmented Pseudoalteromonas strains and Ruegeria spp. The inhibitory, pigmented Pseudoalteromonas were predominantly isolated in warmer waters from swabs of live or inert surfaces. Ruegeria strains were isolated from all ocean areas except for Arctic and Antarctic waters and inhibitory activity caused by production of tropodithietic acid.

[Molecular cloning, gene expression and characterization of purine nucleoside phosphorylase from Pseudoalteromonas sp. XM2107]

OBJECTIVE

Purine nucleoside phosphorylase (PNP, EC 2.4.2.1) is an important enzyme which is applied in nucleoside medication and intermediate biosynthesis. In this paper, we aimed to obtain the PNP gene from cold-adapted marine bacterium Pseudoalteromonas sp. XM2107 and study the characteristics of enzyme for applying in nucleoside medication and intermediate biosynthesis.

METHODS

Purine nucleoside phosphorylas gene which amplified from the cold-adapted marine bacterium Pseudoalteromonas sp. XM2107 genome by homology-based PCR cloning was cloned, sequenced and expressed at E. coli BL21 (DE3) by using expression vector pET-His. The recombinant purine nucleoside phosphorylas enzyme (XmPNP) was purified by metal chelate chromatography and its several characteristics were determined completely.

RESULTS

Analysis of entire sequences of XmPNP revealed that the whole sequence is 702 bp and coded a peptide of 233 amino acids with a calculated molecular mass of 25 kDa. Compared with mesophilic counterparts, XmPNP showed a lower temperature optimum (50 degrees C). The optimal pH for inosine phosphorolysis catalyzed by XmPNP was around 7.6 at sodium phosphate buffer. XmPNP showed the highest activity toward inosine (K(m) value, 0.382 mmol/L, at 37 degrees C) and the activity decreased in the order of guanosine and adenosine. Furthermore, XmPNP still expressed high catalytic activity and excellent thermalstability at ordinary temperature.

CONCLUSION

Both high catalytic activity and good thermalstability at ordinary temperature indicated that it will provide attractive candidate for prodrug activation and nucleoside medication biotransformation.

Influence of bacterial lysate quality on growth of two bacterioplankton species

All physico-chemical parameters that affect bacterial growth rate will also affect bacterial molecular composition, which in turn influences the chemical composition of bacterial lysate and its turnover rate in the ecosystem. To produce qualitatively different lysates, Vibrio sp. cells were grown under different pH, salt, or temperature conditions in rich growth media and then washed and lysed by autoclaving. Both the absolute concentrations and the ratios between elements in the lysates varied with different growth conditions, implying differences in lysate quality. Either Pseudoalteromonas sp. or Vibrio sp. was grown on the lysates at non-limiting lysate concentrations. Different lysates supported growth rates of Pseudoalteromonas sp. in the range from 0.25 to 1.53 h(-1). On the other hand, growth rates of Vibrio sp. grown on its own lysates were around 0.4 h(-1) and were not dependent on lysate quality. Two orders of magnitude decrease in Zn concentration in Vibrio sp. cells grown on different lysates as compared to cells grown on rich growth medium suggested that Zn might be a factor limiting growth. In the simple microbial loop studied, the initial difference in lysate quality was preserved in Pseudoalteromonas sp., whereas Vibrio sp. decreased the initial differences in lysate quality, thereby neutralizing the primary effect of environmental conditions on carbon turnover.

[FTIR spectrum and coagulation enhancement of exopolysaccharide secreted by an Antarctica bacterium Pseudoalteromona sp. Bsi20310]

Bsi20310 exopolysaccharide (Bsi20310 EPS) was secreted by a bacteria named Pseudoalteromonas sp. Bsi20310, isolated from Antarctic Sea ice. Crude Bsi20310 EPS was prepared by precipitation of the culture solution with ethanol, with proteins removed by using chloroform and butanol preparatorily. The results showed that Bsi20310 EPS improved the FeCl3 coagulation performance on synthetic water-soluble dye reactive red X-3B dyeing wastewater, obviously. The optimum coagulation enhancement of Bsi20310 EPS expressed by decolorization rate is from 16% to 84%, at pH near 10, Fe(III) concentration of 0. 98 mmol x L(-1) and Bsi20310 EPS concentration of 150 mg x L(-1), respectively. Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) was used to investigate the functional groups of Bsi20310 EPS, Fe(III)-Bsi20310 EPS floc and Fe(III)-Bsi20310 EPS-reactive red X-3B floc. The spectra showed that Bsi20310 EPS contained a large number of functional groups such as -OH, -COOH and glycosidic bond. Some certain functional groups of Bsi20310 EPS changed being combined with Fe(III) hydrolysate. For instance, narrow peaks at 3429 and 1650 cm(-1) became wide; the peak at 2 921 cm(-1) weakened or disappeared; the peak at 1242 cm(-1) red-shifted slightly; peaks in the region of 1151-1038 cm(-1) became single and sharp, etc. The change in spectra indicated that -OH, -OOH and glycosidic bond might be the main functional groups. The study suggested a bright prospect of Bsi20310 EPS performing as an approach to safe and effective microbial coagulation enhancement.

A 2-substituted prodiginine, 2-(p-hydroxybenzyl)prodigiosin, from Pseudoalteromonas rubra

In the course of work aimed at the discovery of new pharmaceutical lead compounds from marine bacteria, a lipophilic extract of the bacterium Pseudoalteromonas rubra displayed significant cytotoxicity against SKOV-3, a human ovarian adenocarcinoma cell line. Bioassay-directed fractionation of this extract resulted in the isolation of a series of known and new prodiginine-type azafulvenes. The structure of the major metabolite was elucidated by interpretation of spectroscopic data as a 2-substituted prodigiosin, which we named 2-(p-hydroxybenzyl)prodigiosin (HBPG).

Flocculation behavior and mechanism of an exopolysaccharide from the deep-sea psychrophilic bacterium Pseudoalteromonas sp. SM9913

Flocculation behavior and mechanism of the exopolysaccharide secreted by Pseudoalteromonas sp. SM9913 (EPS SM9913), a psychrophilic bacterium isolated from 1855m deep-sea sediment, has been studied in this paper. EPS SM9913 showed a peak flocculating activity of 49.3 in 1g/L kaolin suspension with 4.55mmol/L CaCl2 and the optimum pH range of 5-8. It appears that the flocculating activity of EPS SM9913 was stimulated by Ca2+ and Fe2+. This study found that EPS SM9913 showed a better flocculation performance than Al2(SO4)3 at salinity of 5-100 per thousand or temperatures of 5-15 degrees C. In addition, this EPS was effective to flocculate several other suspended solids. The measured zeta-potentials, the size of flocs formed during the flocculation process and the surface profile of flocs revealed by scan electron micrograph suggest that bridging is the main flocculation mechanism of the studied EPS. Deacetylation of EPS SM9913 resulted in a significant decrease in its flocculating activity indicating that the large number of acetyl groups in EPS SM9913 played an important role in its flocculation performance.

Isolation and characterization of two groups of novel marine bacteria producing violacein

Thirteen strains of novel marine bacteria producing a purple pigment were isolated from the Pacific coast of Japan. They were divided into two groups based on their 16S ribosomal RNA gene sequences, and both groups of bacteria belonged to the genus Pseudoalteromonas. The UV-visible spectrum of the pigment was identical to those of violacein, a pigment produced by several species of bacteria including Chromobacterium violaceum, an opportunistic pathogen. Further analysis of the chemical structure of the pigment by mass spectroscopy and nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy showed that the pigment was violacein. The high purity of violacein in the crude extract enabled us to employ simple and nonpolluting procedures to purify the pigment. Isolated bacteria may be useful as a C. violaceum substitute for the safe production of violacein.

Effect of biofilm formation by Pseudoalteromonas spongiae on induction of larval settlement of the polychaete Hydroides elegans

The effects of culture conditions and chloramphenicol treatment on the induction of the marine bacterium Pseudoalteromonas spongiae to larval settlement of Hydroides elegans were investigated. The results showed that P. spongiae cells grown in the medium containing both yeast extract and peptone (YP-grown P. spongiae) was highly inductive to larval settlement, whereas P. spongiae cells grown in the medium containing only peptone (P-grown P. spongiae) or YP-grown P. spongiae cells treated with chloramphenicol at the onset of biofilm development (YPC-grown P. spongiae) did not induce larval settlement. Analysis of biofilm formation, biofilm structure, and the surface protein profile indicated that only the induction-capable YP-grown P. spongiae formed a well-developed biofilm, while the P-grown P. spongiae and the YPC-grown P. spongiae did not. We report here for the first time that bacterial biofilm formation was associated with its induction of larval settlement.

Profiling the secretome of the marine bacterium Pseudoalteromonas tunicata using amine-specific isobaric tagging (iTRAQ)

The eukaryote-associated marine bacterium Pseudoalteromonas tunicata produces a range of target-specific compounds that inhibit different types of marine organisms including invertebrate larvae and algal spores, as well as a broad spectrum of fungi, protozoa, and bacteria. The ability to produce such bioactive compounds is correlated to the expression of a yellow and a purple pigment in P. tunicata. To investigate the regulation and biosynthesis of the pigments and bioactive compounds, the expressed secretome of the pigmented wild-type P. tunicata and a nonpigmented mutant (wmpD-) defective in the type-II secretion pathway were compared. Secreted proteins were digested with trypsin, labeled using amine-specific isobaric tagging reagents (iTRAQ), and identified using two-dimensional SCX and nano C18 RP liquid-chromatography coupled with tandem mass spectrometry (LC/LC-MS/MS). The iTRAQ labeling experiments enabled accurate measurement of the proteins identified in this work. A sequence-base prediction of P. tunicata secretome was also obtained and compared to the expressed proteome to determine the role of the type-II secretion pathway in this bacterium. Our results suggest that this secretion pathway has a role in iron transport and acquisition in P. tunicata.

Structural characterization and ecological roles of a novel exopolysaccharide from the deep-sea psychrotolerant bacterium Pseudoalteromonas sp. SM9913

Pseudoalteromonas sp. SM9913 is a psychrotolerant bacterium isolated from deep-sea sediment. The structural characterization and ecological roles of the exopolysaccharide (EPS) secreted by this strain were studied in this work. The yield of the EPS increased as the culture temperature decreased in the range 30-10 degrees C, and it reached 5.25 g l(-1) (dry weight) under optimal growth conditions (15 degrees C, 52 h). EPS fraction was purified and its structure was identified by the combination of NMR spectra, high-resolution mass spectrometry (HRMS) analysis and methylation analysis. The ratio of the sugar units, the acetyl group and the ethoxyl group was close to 4 : 5 : 1. The major sugar unit of the EPS was 6-linked glucose (61.8 %); other sugar units present included terminal arabinofuranosyl (11.0 %) and glucopyranosyl (11.2 %) residues and a small amount of other sugar derivatives. Its structure was different from EPSs reported for other marine bacteria. Besides the structural elucidation of the EPS, its ecological roles were studied. This EPS could enhance the stability of the cold-adapted protease MCP-01 secreted by the same strain through preventing its autolysis. It could bind many metal ions, including Fe(2+), Zn(2+), Cu(2+), Co(2+). It was also a very good flocculating agent and could conglomerate colloidal and suspended particles. These results indicated that the EPS secreted by strain SM9913 might help this strain enrich the proteinaceous particles and the trace metals in the deep-sea environment, stabilize the secreted cold-adapted proteases and avoid its diffusion. This is believed to be the first report on the structure of the EPS secreted by a deep-sea psychrotolerant bacterium and its ecological roles. According to these results and other studies, a schematic diagram of the lifestyle of the deep-sea psychrotolerant strain SM9913 is suggested.

Characterization of outer membrane vesicles released by the psychrotolerant bacterium Pseudoalteromonas antarctica NF3

Pseudoalteromonas antarctica NF3 is an Antarctic psychrotolerant Gram-negative bacterium that accumulates large amounts of an extracellular polymeric substance (EPS) with high protein content. Transmission electron microscopy analysis after high-pressure freezing and freeze substitution (HPF-FS) shows that the EPS is composed of a capsular polymer and large numbers of outer membrane vesicles (OMVs). These vesicles are bilayered structures and predominantly spherical in shape, with an average diameter of 25-70 nm, which is similar to what has been observed in OMVs from other Gram-negative bacteria. Analyses of lipopolysaccharide (LPS), phospholipids and protein profiles of OMVs are consistent with the bacterial outer membrane origin of these vesicles. In an initial attempt to elucidate the functions of OMVs proteins, we conducted a proteomic analysis on 1D SDS-PAGE bands. Those proteins putatively identified match with outer membrane proteins and proteins related to nutrient processing and transport in Gram-negative bacteria. This approach suggests that OMVs present in the EPS from P. antarctica NF3, might function to deliver proteins to the external media, and therefore play an important role in the survival of the bacterium in the extreme Antarctic environment.

Bromoalterochromides A and A′, Unprecedented Chromopeptides from a Marine Pseudoalteromonas maricaloris Strain KMM 636T†

The marine strain Pseudoalteromonas maricaloris KMM 636T was found to produce an inseparable mixture of two brominated yellow main pigments, bromoalterochromide A and A', in a ratio of 3: 1. Both pigments are Thr-Val-Asn-Asn-X pentapeptide lactones, where the amino group of Thr is acylated with 9-(3-bromo-4-hydroxyphenyl)-nona-2,4,6,8-tetraenoic acid, and X is aIle and Leu, respectively. They possess cytotoxic effects on developing eggs of the sea urchin Strongylocentrotus intermedius, but no antibiotic activity.

Identification of norharman as the cytotoxic compound produced by the sponge (Hymeniacidon perleve)-associated marine bacterium Pseudoalteromonas piscicida and its apoptotic effect on cancer cells

Marine invertebrates harbour a wealth of micro-organisms in their bodies. Most of these micro-organisms can catabolize antibiotic compounds as chemical-defence compounds. These compounds not only play an important protective role for their producer and for their hosts, but also have high potential in medicinal applications. In order to discover natural anticancer products, 29 marine bacterial strains have been isolated from the sponge Hymeniacidon perleve, samples of which were collected from the intertidal zone during low tide off Nanji island in Eastern China. By means of a cytotoxicity bioassay, one strain, NJ6-3-1, with significant cytotoxic activity, was selected for culture in a 30-litre fermentation tank. The major cytotoxic compound in the metabolites of NJ6-3-1, separated by means of a bioassay-guided fractionation process, has been identified as norharman (a beta-carboline alkaloid) by electron-impact MS and NMR analyses. Norharman showed cytotoxicity towards both the HeLa cervical-cancer cell line and the BGC-823 stomach-cancer cell line, with an IC(50) of 5 microg/ml. Several methods were used to study the mechanism by which norharman is cytotoxic to HeLa cells. By means of an Acridine Orange/ethidium bromide dual-staining assay, condensation of chromatin was observed. A TUNEL (terminal deoxynucleotidyl transferase-mediated dUTP nick-end labelling) assay showed degradation of DNA. Flow-cytometric analysis indicated that norharman could arrest cells at the G(2)/M phase of the cell cycle. These results demonstrate the cytotoxic mechanism of norharman involves the induction of apoptosis in HeLa cells.

Oligosaccharide Binding in Family 8 Glycosidases: Crystal Structures of Active-Site Mutants of the β-1,4-Xylanase pXyl from Pseudoaltermonas haloplanktis TAH3a in Complex with Substrate and Product,

The structures of inactive mutants D144A and E78Q of the glycoside hydrolase family 8 (GH-8) endo-beta-1,4-d-xylanase (pXyl) from the Antarctic bacterium Pseudoalteromonas haloplanktis TAH3a in complex with its substrate xylopentaose (at 1.95 A resolution) and product xylotriose (at 1.9 A resolution) have been determined by X-ray crystallography. A detailed comparative analysis of these with the apo-enzyme and with other GH-8 structures indicates an induced fit mechanism upon ligand binding whereby a number of conformational changes and, in particular, a repositioning of the proton donor into a more catalytically competent position occurs. This has also allowed for the description of protein-ligand interactions in this enzyme and for the demarcation of subsites -3 to +3. An in-depth analysis of each of these subsites gives an insight into the structure-function relationship of this enzyme and the basis of xylose/glucose discrimination in family 8 glycoside hydrolases. Furthermore, the structure of the -1/+1 subsite spanning complex reveals that the substrate is distorted from its ground state conformation. Indeed, structural analysis and in silico docking studies indicate that substrate hydrolysis in GH-8 members is preceded by a conformational change, away from the substrate ground-state chair conformation, to a pretransition state local minimum (2)S(O) conformation.

Pseudoalteromonas byunsanensis sp. nov., isolated from tidal flat sediment in Korea

A Gram-negative, motile, strictly aerobic, violet-pigment-producing bacterium, designated strain FR1199T, was isolated from tidal flat sediment of Byunsan, South Korea. Phylogenetic analysis of the 16S rRNA gene sequence revealed that strain FR1199T represents a distinct line of descent within the genus Pseudoalteromonas. The phenotypic features of strain FR1199T were similar to those of Pseudoalteromonas phenolica and Pseudoalteromonas luteoviolacea, but several physiological and chemotaxonomical properties readily distinguished strain FR1199T from these species. Major fatty acids were straight-chain saturated (C(16 : 0)) and monounsaturated C(18 : 1)omega7c fatty acids. The DNA G+C content was 39 mol%. On the basis of polyphasic evidence, it is concluded that the isolate represents a novel species within the genus Pseudoalteromonas, for which the name Pseudoalteromonas byunsanensis sp. nov. is proposed. The type strain is FR1199T (=JCM 12483T=KCTC 12274T).

Isolation and structure elucidation of a novel yellow pigment from the marine bacterium Pseudoalteromonas tunicata

The marine environment is a major source for many novel natural compounds. A new yellow pigment has been isolated from the marine bacterium P. tunicata and identified as a new member of the tambjamine class of compounds. The structural identification was achieved by a combination of 1D and 2D-NMR spectroscopy and high resolution mass spectrometry data.

The structure of the O-polysaccharide of the Pseudoalteromonas rubra ATCC 29570T lipopolysaccharide containing a keto sugar

The structure of the phenol-soluble polysaccharide from Pseudoalteromonas rubra type strain ATCC 29570T has been elucidated using 1H and 13C NMR spectroscopy, including 2D COSY, TOCSY, gNOESY, ROESY, 1H,13C gHMQC and gHMBC experiments. It is concluded that the trisaccharide repeating unit of the polysaccharide has the following structure: [carbohydrate structure: see text] where Sug is 2-acetamido-2,6-dideoxy-D-xylo-hexos-4-ulose, Am is acetimidoyl and Acyl is a malic acid residue, which is O-acetylated in approximately 70% of the units.

The O-chain structure from the LPS of marine halophilic bacterium Pseudoalteromonas carrageenovora-type strain IAM 12662T

The O-chain polysaccharide of the lipopolysaccharide from the halophilic marine bacterium Pseudoalteromonas carrageenovora IAM 12662T was characterized. The structure was studied by means of chemical analysis and 2D NMR spectroscopy of the de-O-acylated lipopolysaccharide and shown to be the following:Col is colitose, 3,6-di-deoxy-L-xylo-hexose.

Calcium influences cellular and extracellular product formation during biofilm-associated growth of a marine Pseudoalteromonas sp

Bacteria undergo a variety of physiological changes following a switch from planktonic growth to surface-associated biofilm growth. Here, it is shown that biofilm development of a marine isolate, Pseudoalteromonas sp. 1398, results in global changes in its cytosolic and extracellular proteomes. Calcium influences these proteome responses, and affects the amount of surface-associated biomass and extracellular matrix material produced by Pseudoalteromonas sp. 1398. Four extracellular proteins, characterized by N-terminal sequencing, showed increased abundances, while one protein, flagellin, showed reduced abundance at higher [Ca2+]. Immunoblotting and transmission-electron-microscopy analysis confirmed that higher [Ca2+] and surface-associated growth results in the repression of flagella production. Two-dimensional gel electrophoresis (2DGE) studies combined with cluster analysis of global proteome responses demonstrated that Ca2+ had a greater regulatory influence on Pseudoalteromonas sp. growing in biofilms than on planktonic cultures. Approximately 22 % of the total cytosolic proteins resolved by 2DGE had differing abundances in response to a switch from planktonic growth to surface-associated growth when the cells were cultivated in 1 mM Ca2+. At higher [Ca2+] this number increased to 38 %. Fifteen cellular proteins that were differentially expressed in response to biofilm growth and/or Ca2+ were analysed by N-terminal sequencing and/or MS/MS. These proteins were identified as factors involved in cellular metabolic functions, putative proteases and transport proteins, although there were several proteins that had not been previously characterized. These results indicate that Ca2+ causes global changes in matrix material, as well as in cellular and extracellular protein profiles of Pseudoalteromonas sp. 1398. These changes are more pronounced when the bacterium grows in biofilms than when it grows in planktonic culture.

Exocellular peptides from Antarctic psychrophile Pseudoalteromonas Haloplanktis

A novel diketopiperazine, named cyclo-(D-pipecolinyl-L-isoleucine) (DKP 1), and 7 known diketopiperazines were isolated from the cell-free culture supernatant of the Antarctic psychrophilic bacterium Pseudoalteromonas haloplanktis TAC125. Two diketopiperazines containing pipecolinyl moiety were isolated for the first time from a natural source. Two new linear peptides, stable to bacterial proteolytic enzymes, were also characterized. The structures of the isolated compounds were elucidated by means of spectroscopic data (1D-, 2D-NMR, EIMS, FABMS, and ESIMS/MS) and chiral high-performance liquid chromatography. The potential antioxidant activity of the isolated compounds was evaluated by a DPPH free radical scavenging assay.

Structure of an acidic polysaccharide from the agar-decomposing marine bacterium Pseudoalteromonas atlantica strain IAM 14165 containing 5,7-diacetamido-3,5,7,9-tetradeoxy-L-glycero-L-manno-non-2-ulosonic acid

The structure of an acidic polysaccharide from Pseudoalteromonas atlantica strain 14165 containing 5,7-diacetamido-3,5,7,9-tetradeoxy-L-glycero-L-manno-non-2-ulosonic acid (di-N-acetylpseudaminic acid, Pse5Ac7Ac) has been elucidated. The polysaccharide was studied by 1H and 13C NMR spectroscopy, including 2D experiments, along with sugar and methylation analyses. After a selective hydrolysis a modified polysaccharide devoid of its side chain could be isolated. It was found that the polysaccharide has pentasaccharide repeating units with following structure: [structure: see text].

[Taxonomical study of bacteria from genera Alteromonas and Pseudoalteromonas isolated from Black Sea water and invertebrates]

Nineteen (19) strains of bacteria have been isolated from the Black Sea water and invertebrates (mollusks and actinia). Most of them have been identified as Alteromonas macleodii, Pseudoalteromonas citrea and P. haloplanktis on the basis of polyphasic taxonomical analysis. Six strains showed 96-97 % similarity to 16S rRNA sequence of the known species of Pseudoalteromonas and obviously belonged to new species. The studied strains have been characterized by a wide spectrum of phenotypic features (morphology, enzyme activity, spectra of carbon nutrition, antibiotic sensitivity); high sensitivity of P. haloplanktis strains to cephalotin and resistance of A. macleodii strains to furadonin made them different than other studied strains of Alteromonas and Pseudoalteromonas.