Detection and diversity of the mannosylerythritol lipid (MEL) gene cluster and lipase A and B genes of Moesziomyces antarcticus isolated from terrestrial sites chronically contaminated with crude oil in Trinidad ...

• Main Authors: Ramdass, Amanda C., Rampersad, Sephra N.
• Format: Article in Journal/Newspaper
• Language: unknown
• Published: figshare 2024
• Subjects: Genetics; FOS: Biological sciences; Trinidad; Antarc*; antarcticus
• Online Access: https://dx.doi.org/10.6084/m9.figshare.c.5826920.v1; https://springernature.figshare.com/collections/Detection_and_diversity_of_the_mannosylerythritol_lipid_MEL_gene_cluster_and_lipase_A_and_B_genes_of_Moesziomyces_antarcticus_isolated_from_terrestrial_sites_chronically_contaminated_with_crude_oil_in_Trinidad/5826920/1

Abstract Background Mannosylerythritol lipids (MELs) belong to the class of glycolipid biosurfactants and are produced by members of the Ustilago and Moesziomyces genera. Production of MELs is regulated by a biosynthetic gene cluster (MEL BGC). Extracellular lipase activity is also associated with MEL production. Most microbial glycolipid-producers are isolated from oil-contaminated environments. MEL-producing yeast that are capable of metabolizing crude oil are understudied, and there is very limited data on indigenous strains from tropical climates. Analysis of the MEL BGC and lipase genes in Trinidad M. antarcticus strains, using a gene-targeted approach, revealed a correlation between their intrinsic capability to degrade crude oil and their adaptation to survive in a chronically polluted terrestrial environment. Results M. antarcticus was isolated from naturally-occurring crude oil seeps and an asphaltic mud volcano in Trinidad; these are habitats that have not been previously reported for this species. ...