Evidence for the Biosynthesis of Bryostatins by the Bacterial Symbiont “ Candidatus Endobugula sertula” of the Bryozoan Bugula neritina

• DOI: 10.1128/aem.67.10.4531-4537.2001
• Publication Date: 2002-07-27T10:00:58Z
• Authors: S. K. Davidson; S. W. Allen; G. E. Lim; C. M. Anderson; M. G. Haygood
• Keywords: Symbiotic bacteria

ABSTRACT The marine bryozoan, Bugula neritina , is the source of bryostatins, a family macrocyclic lactones with anticancer activity. Bryostatins have long been suspected to be bacterial products. B. harbors uncultivated gamma proteobacterial symbiont “ Candidatus Endobugula sertula.” In this work several lines evidence are presented that show most likely bryostatins. complex polyketides similar secondary metabolites synthesized by modular type I polyketide synthases (PKS-I). PKS-I gene fragments were cloned from DNA extracted neritina-“E. sertula” association, and then primers specific one these clones, KSa, shown amplify KSa specifically universally total DNA. addition, RNA probe was bind symbiotic bacteria located in pallial sinus larvae not cells or other bacteria. Finally, colonies grown laboratory treated antibiotics reduce numbers symbionts. Decreased levels resulted reduction signal as well bryostatin content. These data provide E. sertula has genetic potential make bryostatins necessary full complement for host bryozoan produce normal This study demonstrates it may possible clone genes directly use heterologous