Functional diversity ofNocardiain metabolism

Abstract

SummaryBacteria affiliated in the genus Nocardia are aerobic and Gram-positive actinomycetes that are widely found in aquatic and terrestrial habitats. As occasional pathogens, several of them cause infection diseases called 'nocardiosis' affecting lungs, central nervous system, cutaneous tissues and others. In addition, members of the genus Nocardia exhibit an enormous metabolic versatility. On one side, many secondary metabolites have been isolated from members of this genus that exhibit various biological activities such as antimicrobial, antitumor, antioxidative and immunosuppressive activities. On the other side, many species are capable of degrading or converting aliphatic and aromatic toxic hydrocarbons, natural or synthetic polymers, and other widespread environmental pollutants. Because of these valuable properties and the application potential, Nocardia species have attracted much interest in academia and industry in recent years. A solid basis of genetic tools including a set of shuttle vectors and an efficient electroporation method for further genetic and metabolic engineering studies has been established to conduct efficient research. Associated with the increasing data of nocardial genome sequences, the functional diversity of Nocardia will be much faster and better understood.

Insights into the Microbial Degradation of Rubber and Gutta-Percha by Analysis of the Complete Genome of Nocardia nova SH22a

“…griseus, and Streptomyces avermitilis (93), was therefore somewhat unexpected. This result provides clues that the genus Nocardia, which was previously known for its pathogenic and potent catabolic properties (16), could also be a valuable source for the production of useful secondary metabolism products.…”

“…The biosynthesis pathways of certain metabolites have been elucidated, particularly in actinobacterial species (89)(90)(91)(92). As with many other actinobacteria, strains of Nocardia species exhibit potent capabilities in the synthesis of secondary metabolites (16). In the present study, the genetic basis for the synthesis of these metabolites was examined in N. nova.…”

“…Members of the genus Nocardia exhibit potent metabolic capabilities on a wide range of hydrocarbons (16). They are found to grow on linear and/or branched alkanes with different chain lengths as the sole carbon and energy source (60,76,77).…”

“…Based on the experimental results and an in silico genome analysis, a more detailed polyisoprene degradation pathway (for both the cis-isomer and the transisomer) is illustrated. Moreover, the elaboration of the N. nova genome is also quite helpful for a better understanding of the genus Nocardia with respect to the anabolism of secondary intermediates and the catabolism of other organic environmental pollutants (16).…”

Isolation and Characterization of Oil-Degrading Microorganisms for Bench-Scale Evaluations of Autochthonous Bioaugmentation for Soil Remediation

“…Genus Nocardia are aerobic and Gram-positive actinomycetes that are widely distributed in aquatic and terrestrial environments. Many species of Nocardia are capable of degrading linear and branched alkanes or alkenes, alkylbenzenes, phenol and its derivates, alicyclic compounds, polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs), organic sulfur compounds, rubber, and various nitriles (Luo et al 2014;Nhi-Cong et al 2010;Quatrini et al 2008). As the largest genus of Actinobacteria (A bacterial phylum), Streptomyces are Gram-positive and are widely distributed in terrestrial environments (Madigan and Martinko 2006).…”