Molecular biological tools for the assessment of hydrocarbon-degrading potential in coastal environments

LOZADA, M.; DIONISI, H. M.

Biology and Biotechnology of Patagonian Microorganisms

Springer International Publishing

Año: 2016;

Abstract This Chapter includes the advances achieved so far in the design and implementation of molecular biological tools (MBTs) for the assessment of hydrocarbon-degrading potential in microbial communities from coastal environments of Patagonia. A brief introduction on the role of hydrocarbon-degrading bacteria in marine environments will precede, followed by basic concepts on MBTs, methods and applications. The review will then focus on studies performed in the Patagonian coast to identify functional biomarker genes associated with hydrocarbon biodegradation, with emphasis on polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs): a- advances on uncovering the identity, abundance and biogeographic distribution of dioxygenase gene variants from known obligate PAH-degrading marine bacteria as well as yet-uncultured microorganisms; b- testing of selected variants in experimental systems; c- results of recent metagenomic analyses revealing the genetic context and PAH-degrading capabilities of uncultured microorganisms from Patagonia carrying an ecologically relevant biomarker gene. Alkane biodegradation biomarker genes will also be covered. We will follow by analyses based on phylogenetic biomarker genes. Obligate and specialized hydrocarbon degraders identified in microbial communities from Patagonia by culture independent approaches based on 16S rRNA gene. Lastly, the design and testing of a community-level ecological indicator based on high-throughput sequencing of the16S rRNA gene, and perspectives of the use of MBTs in Argentinean Patagonian coastal regions.