Diversity of cultured actinomycete in the Baltic Sea

Abstract:

Abstract:［Objective］ Actinomycetes (actinobacteria) are getting more and more recognized as a natural source for new drug exploration． In order to find new lead compounds，the diversity and selected bioactivities of cultured actinomycetes in the Baltic Sea (Germany) were investigated． ［Methods］One hundred sediment samples were collected from south of the Baltic Sea，of which 809 purified cultures of actinomycetes were obtained by using 7 media． The phylogenetic analysis of 280 selected strains based on 16S rRNA gene sequences was carried out． In addition，activities of 21 enzymes，which play a role in metabolic processes，and anti-microbial activities were determined． ［Results］ Fifteen genera and eight possible new species of actinobacteria were identified． Members of 3 genera were not isolated from marine habitats before． Of the 280 strains 21% and 20% inhibited the growth of Bacillus subtilis and Staphylococcus lentus，respectively． More than 75% of the strains exhibited 8 types of enzymatic activities，including esterase lipase (C8)，catalase and naphthol-AS-BIphosphohydrolase． ［Conclusion］ Baltic Sea provides a rich diversity of actinobacteria regarding the phylogenetic analysis and the biological activities． Research and utilization of marine actinomycetes should be strengthened．