Rapid identification of Lentzea members: based on ribosomal protein biomarkers and MALDI-TOF MS

Abstract:

[Objective] Metabolites from members of Lentzea (Actinobacteria) have a wide range of bioactivities, thus showing potential application value in biopharmaceutical field. This study aims to establish a method to identify members of Lentzea based on ribosomal protein biomarkers and matrix-assisted laser desorption/ionization-time of flight mass spectrometry (MALDI-TOF MS). [Methods] We searched public genome database to obtain the sequences of 15 ribosomal proteins from the type strains of Lentzea and calculated the theoretical molecular weights. The molecular weight comparison was performed to investigate the matching of 15 ribosomal proteins between the type strains of Lentzea and that between the type strains of Lentzea and its closely related genera (Actinosynnema and Saccharothrix). Identification criteria for Lentzea at the species and genus level were proposed based on the number of ribosomal protein matches. Subsequently, the identification criteria were tested with target and non-target organisms and improved. [Results] MALDI-TOF MS peaks from an unknown organism were compared with the weight list of 15 ribosomal protein biomarkers from each Lentzea type strain and the number of peaks that matched each strain’s biomarkers was obtained. Based on the maximum of matches and peak intensity mode, the organism can be identified at the genus or species level. [Conclusion] This study established a method for identifying Lentzea members based on 15 ribosomal protein biomarkers and MALDI-TOF MS, which can provide a reference for the rapid identification of other Actinobacteria groups.