Genomic potential of crustose coralline algae-associated bacteria for the biosynthesis of novel antimicrobials

The global rise of antimicrobial resistance has intensified efforts in bioprospecting, with researchers increasingly exploring unique marine environments for novel antimicrobials. In line with this trend, our study focused on bacteria isolated from the unique microbiome of crustose coralline algae (CCA), which has yet to be investigated for antimicrobial discovery. In the present work, bacteria were isolated from a CCA collected from Varadero Reef located in Cartagena Bay, Colombia. After performing antimicrobial assays against antibiotic-resistant human and marine pathogens, three isolates were selected for genome sequencing using the Oxford Nanopore technology. Genome mining of the high-quality assemblies revealed 115 putative biosynthetic gene clusters (BGCs) and identified genes in relevant biosynthetic pathways across the three genomes. Nonetheless, we hypothesize that the biosynthesis of antimicrobial compounds results from the expression of undescribed BGCs. Further analysis revealed the absence of genes pertaining to the synthesis of coral larvae settling molecule tetrabromopyrrole, commonly produced by CCA-associated bacteria. We also discuss how differential representation of gene functions between the three isolates may be attributed to the distinct ecological niches they occupy within the CCA. This study provides valuable resources for future research aimed at the discovery of novel antimicrobials, particularly in the face of the antibiotic-resistance global crisis, and highlights the potential of specialized marine environments like CCA.