Author: Mohammad Mehbub
Mehbub, Mohammad, 2015 Development and validation of a novel approach for delineating the role of sponge-bacteria interactions: Aplysilla rosea as a model sponge, Flinders University, School of Medicine
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Sponge interactions are hypothesized to play a critical role in the biosynthesis of sponge-derived natural products. However, this hypothesis is experimentally difficult to test as there are a number of sponges interactions. To experimentally test this hypothesis this study proposed a novel approach using a controlled experimental aquarium system.
As it is not possible to observe and test the interaction between sponge and microbes under the sea, this controlled experimental aquarium system is a very valuable experimental tool to simulate a range of sponge interaction conditions where experimental data can be obtained and analyzed to test many hypotheses on the roles of the sponge interactions. This study has shown for the first time that the sponge A. rosea can be elicited to significantly alter its bacterial community, metabolite profiles and antibacterial activity against S. aureus. Another significant finding is that a diverse range of metabolites was produced. This finding opens up a new avenue for sponge-derived natural product discovery. The experimental approach established in our laboratory could be extended for future studies of the roles of sponge interactions, which call for more systematic design.
Keywords: Sponge-bacteria interactions, Sponge-derived natural products, Sponges (Porifera), Aplysilla rosea, Role of sponge-bacteria interactions, Marine natural products
Subject: Medical Biochemistry thesis
Thesis type: Doctor of Philosophy
Completed: 2015
School: School of Medicine
Supervisor: Wei Zhang