Origin of Chemical Diversity in Prochloron-Tunicate Symbiosis

• DOI: 10.1128/aem.00860-16
• Publication Date: 2016-04-02T03:20:07Z
• Authors: Zhenjian Lin; Joshua P. Torres; M. Diarey Tianero; Jason C. Kwan; Eric W. Schmidt
• Keywords: Synthetic Biology; Commodity chemicals; Chemical Biology

Diversity-generating metabolism leads to the evolution of many different chemicals in living organisms. Here, by examining a marine symbiosis, we provide precise evolutionary model how nature generates family novel chemicals, cyanobactins. We show that tunicates and their symbiotic Prochloron cyanobacteria share congruent phylogenies, indicating phylogeny is related host not external habitat or geography. observe exchanges discrete functional genetic modules for cyanobactin secondary metabolite biosynthesis an otherwise conserved background. The module exchange gain loss chemical groups. Because underlying enzymes exhibit broad substrate tolerance, substrates between strains rapid generation novelty. These results have implications choosing biochemical pathways engineered combinatorial biosynthesis.While most biosynthetic lead one few products, subset are diversity generating capable producing thousands millions derivatives. This property highly useful biotechnology since it enables synthetic biological methods create desired chemicals. A fundamental question has been itself creates this diversity. symbiosis coral reef animals bacteria, describe basis variation with unprecedented precision. New compounds from created either varying importing needed enzymatic functions other organisms via both mechanisms. natural process matches successful laboratory strategies engineer new teaches strategy direct biosynthesis.