Mycolicibacterium houstonense

General Information

Mycolicibacterium houstonense is a fascinating microorganism belonging to the genus Mycolicibacterium. This genus is known for its complex cell wall structure, which includes mycolic acids, contributing to its resilience and unique staining properties. One of the most intriguing aspects of M. houstonense is its potential role in environmental and clinical settings. Environmental Resilience: M. houstonense has been isolated from various environmental sources, indicating its ability to thrive in diverse and often harsh conditions. This resilience makes it a subject of interest for studies on microbial survival and adaptation. Clinical Relevance: Although not as well-known as some of its relatives, M. houstonense has been identified in clinical specimens, suggesting it may have implications for human health. Its presence in clinical settings warrants further investigation into its pathogenic potential and mechanisms of infection. Biotechnological Potential: The unique metabolic pathways of M. houstonense could be harnessed for biotechnological applications. For instance, its ability to degrade complex organic compounds might be useful in bioremediation efforts, where microorganisms are employed to clean up contaminated environments. Research Interest: The study of M. houstonense can provide insights into the broader characteristics of the Mycolicibacterium genus, particularly in understanding the genetic and biochemical pathways that confer its unique properties. This can lead to advancements in developing new antibiotics or treatments for infections caused by related species. In summary, Mycolicibacterium houstonense is a microorganism of significant interest due to its environmental resilience, potential clinical relevance, and promising biotechnological applications. Its study not only enhances our understanding of microbial diversity but also opens up new avenues for practical applications in medicine and environmental science.

Mycolicibacterium houstonense is a species of actinobacteria that has garnered attention due to its unique biochemical properties and ecological significance. This organism is notable for its ability to produce mycolic acids, which are long-chain fatty acids that are characteristic of the cell walls of mycobacteria. These mycolic acids contribute to the organism's resistance to environmental stressors, making it an interesting subject for studies on microbial survival and adaptation in harsh conditions. One of the most compelling aspects of M. houstonense is its potential role in bioremediation. The organism has been isolated from various environmental samples, including soil and water, suggesting that it may play a role in the degradation of complex organic compounds. This capability positions M. houstonense as a candidate for research into sustainable environmental practices and the development of biotechnological applications aimed at pollution mitigation. Furthermore, M. houstonense has been studied for its antimicrobial properties. Some strains have shown activity against various pathogens, which opens avenues for exploring its use in developing new antimicrobial agents. This is particularly relevant in the context of rising antibiotic resistance, making M. houstonense a valuable organism for pharmaceutical research. In summary, Mycolicibacterium houstonense stands out due to its unique biochemical characteristics, potential applications in bioremediation, and promising antimicrobial properties, making it a significant focus for ongoing research in microbiology and environmental science.

Taxonomy

Superkingdom: Bacteria

Phylum: Actinomycetota

Class: Actinomycetes

Order: Mycobacteriales

Family: Mycobacteriaceae

Genus: Mycolicibacterium

Species: Mycolicibacterium houstonense

NCBI ID

146021

Genome Info

FTP Path:
ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/genomes/all/GCF/025/823/315/GCF_025823315.1_ASM2582331v1

File for sequence-based predictions:
GCF_025823315.1_ASM2582331v1_genomic.fasta

Descriptions

Clinical Implications and Relevance

Source: gpt-4o-mini-2024-07-18

The organism Mycolicibacterium houstonense is a member of the genus Mycolicibacterium, which is known for its association with various clinical implications. This microorganism has been implicated in infections primarily in immunocompromised patients, particularly those with underlying conditions such as HIV/AIDS or diabetes. It is recognized for its potential to cause pulmonary infections, which can mimic those caused by more well-known pathogens like Mycobacterium tuberculosis. The clinical presentation may include chronic cough, fever, and weight loss, necessitating differential diagnosis to rule out other mycobacterial infections. One of the significant concerns regarding Mycolicibacterium houstonense is its antimicrobial resistance. Strains of this organism have shown resistance to multiple classes of antibiotics, complicating treatment options. This resistance is often attributed to the organism's ability to form biofilms and its inherent mechanisms of immune evasion, which allow it to survive in hostile environments, including the human body. In terms of medical applications, while Mycolicibacterium houstonense itself is not used therapeutically, understanding its pathogenic mechanisms can inform the development of new treatment strategies for mycobacterial infections. Research into its interactions with the human immune system may also provide insights into potential vaccine targets or therapeutic interventions. Overall, Mycolicibacterium houstonense represents a growing concern in clinical microbiology, particularly in the context of opportunistic infections and the challenges posed by antimicrobial resistance.

Habitat and Ecological Niches

Source: gpt-4o-mini-2024-07-18

Mycolicibacterium houstonense is a species of bacteria that is primarily associated with soil environments and aerosolized particles. This microorganism thrives in terrestrial biomes, particularly in areas with rich organic matter and diverse microbial communities. Its presence is often linked to decaying plant material and nutrient-rich substrates, where it plays a crucial role in the decomposition process. In these habitats, Mycolicibacterium houstonense contributes to the cycling of nutrients, particularly through the breakdown of complex organic compounds. This process not only aids in nutrient availability for other organisms but also enhances soil health and fertility. Additionally, this bacterium has been identified in urban environments, where it can be found in dust particles and indoor air. Its ability to survive in these varied conditions demonstrates its ecological adaptability. Notably, Mycolicibacterium houstonense may engage in symbiotic relationships with other microorganisms, contributing to the overall microbial diversity and functionality of its habitat. Its interactions with fungi and other bacteria can lead to enhanced nutrient exchange and improved resilience of the microbial community against environmental stressors. Overall, Mycolicibacterium houstonense exemplifies the intricate relationships within soil ecosystems and highlights the importance of microbial life in maintaining ecological balance.

Industrial Application

Source: gpt-4o-mini-2024-07-18

The microorganism Mycolicibacterium houstonense has shown significant potential in various industrial applications. One of the primary areas of interest is in biotechnology, where this organism is utilized for its unique metabolic capabilities. It is known to participate in fermentation processes, which can be harnessed for the production of valuable metabolites, including organic acids and alcohols. This makes it a candidate for applications in the food and beverage industry, particularly in the development of fermented products. In the realm of waste management, Mycolicibacterium houstonense has demonstrated the ability to degrade complex organic compounds, making it useful in biodegradation processes. This characteristic is particularly valuable in the treatment of contaminated environments, such as oil spills or industrial waste, where the organism can help in breaking down hazardous substances into less harmful components. Furthermore, the organism's enzymatic activity is of interest in pharmaceutical development. It has been studied for its potential to produce enzymes that can be used in drug synthesis or as biocatalysts in various chemical reactions. This could lead to more sustainable and efficient methods of producing pharmaceuticals. Additionally, there is growing interest in the use of Mycolicibacterium houstonense in biofuel production. Its metabolic pathways may be exploited to convert biomass into biofuels, contributing to renewable energy solutions. The organism's ability to ferment different substrates can be particularly advantageous in the development of second-generation biofuels, which utilize non-food biomass. Overall, Mycolicibacterium houstonense presents a versatile platform for various industrial applications, particularly in biotechnology, waste management, pharmaceutical development, and biofuel production, showcasing its potential to contribute to sustainable industrial practices.

Phenotypes and Predictions

The table shows the phenotypes and predictions. Cell colors indicate the class of the value. When literature-based data is available, a checkmark (✓) indicates a correct prediction, while an ✗ indicates an incorrect prediction.

Literature-based phenotypes: 9

LLM predicted phenotypes: 4

Phenotype	High-quality annotation	google/gemini-pro	meta-llama/llama-3-70b-instruct:nitro	google/gemini-flash-1.5	mistralai/mixtral-8x7b-instruct:nitro	anthropic/claude-3.5-sonnet	mistralai/mistral-7b-instruct	meta-llama/llama-3-8b-instruct:nitro	perplexity/llama-3-sonar-small-32k-chat	microsoft/phi-3-mini-128k-instruct	google/gemma-7b-it	google/gemma-7b-it	openai/gpt-3.5-turbo-0125	openai/gpt-3.5-turbo-0125	google/palm-2-chat-bison-32k	google/palm-2-chat-bison-32k	openai/gpt-4	openai/gpt-4	openai/gpt-4o	openai/gpt-4o	google/gemini-pro-1.5	google/gemini-pro-1.5	anthropic/claude-3-haiku:beta	anthropic/claude-3-haiku:beta	openchat/openchat-7b	openchat/openchat-7b	microsoft/wizardlm-2-8x22b	microsoft/wizardlm-2-8x22b
Motility	FALSE	false ✓	false ✓	false ✓	false ✓	false ✓	false ✓	false ✓	false ✓	false ✓	true ✗	true ✗	false ✓	false ✓	false ✓	false ✓	false ✓	false ✓	true ✗	true ✗	false ✓	false ✓	false ✓	false ✓	false ✓	false ✓	false ✓	false ✓
Gram staining	gram stain positive	gram stain positive ✓	gram stain positive ✓	gram stain positive ✓	gram stain negative ✗	gram stain positive ✓	gram stain variable ✗	gram stain negative ✗	gram stain positive ✓	gram stain negative ✗	N/A	gram stain negative ✗	N/A	gram stain positive ✓	N/A	gram stain positive ✓	N/A	gram stain positive ✓	N/A	gram stain positive ✓	N/A	gram stain positive ✓	N/A	gram stain positive ✓	N/A	gram stain positive ✓	N/A	gram stain positive ✓
Aerophilicity	aerobic	aerobic ✓	aerobic ✓	aerobic ✓	facultatively anaerobic ✗	aerobic ✓	N/A	N/A	N/A	N/A	N/A	N/A	aerobic ✓	aerobic ✓	aerobic ✓	aerobic ✓	aerobic ✓	aerobic ✓	aerobic ✓	aerobic ✓	aerobic ✓	aerobic ✓	N/A	N/A	N/A	N/A	N/A	N/A
Extreme environment tolerance	N/A	false	false	false	false	true	true	true	true	false	true	true	false	false	false	false	false	false	true	true	false	false	true	true	false	false	false	false
Biofilm formation	N/A	true	true	true	true	true	true	true	true	true	true	true	true	true	true	true	false	false	true	true	true	true	true	true	true	true	true	true
Animal pathogenicity	TRUE	true ✓	true ✓	true ✓	false ✗	true ✓	false ✗	false ✗	false ✗	false ✗	false ✗	false ✗	false ✗	false ✗	false ✗	false ✗	false ✗	false ✗	false ✗	false ✗	true ✓	true ✓	true ✓	true ✓	false ✗	false ✗	true ✓	true ✓
Biosafety level	biosafety level 2	biosafety level 2 ✓	biosafety level 2 ✓	biosafety level 2 ✓	biosafety level 1 ✗	biosafety level 2 ✓	biosafety level 2 ✓	biosafety level 2 ✓	biosafety level 2 ✓	biosafety level 1 ✗	biosafety level 2 ✓	biosafety level 2 ✓	biosafety level 1 ✗	biosafety level 1 ✗	biosafety level 1 ✗	biosafety level 1 ✗	biosafety level 2 ✓	biosafety level 2 ✓	biosafety level 2 ✓	biosafety level 2 ✓	biosafety level 2 ✓	biosafety level 2 ✓	biosafety level 2 ✓	biosafety level 2 ✓	biosafety level 2 ✓	biosafety level 2 ✓	biosafety level 2 ✓	biosafety level 2 ✓
Health association	N/A	true	true	true	true	true	false	true	true	false	true	true	false	false	true	true	true	true	true	true	true	true	true	true	true	true	true	true
Host association	TRUE	true ✓	true ✓	true ✓	true ✓	true ✓	true ✓	true ✓	true ✓	false ✗	false ✗	false ✗	false ✗	false ✗	false ✗	false ✗	true ✓	true ✓	true ✓	true ✓	true ✓	true ✓	true ✓	true ✓	false ✗	false ✗	true ✓	true ✓
Plant pathogenicity	FALSE	false ✓	false ✓	false ✓	false ✓	false ✓	false ✓	false ✓	false ✓	false ✓	false ✓	false ✓	false ✓	false ✓	false ✓	false ✓	false ✓	false ✓	false ✓	false ✓	false ✓	false ✓	false ✓	false ✓	true ✗	true ✗	false ✓	false ✓
Spore formation	FALSE	false ✓	false ✓	false ✓	false ✓	false ✓	false ✓	false ✓	true ✗	false ✓	false ✓	false ✓	false ✓	false ✓	false ✓	false ✓	false ✓	false ✓	false ✓	false ✓	false ✓	false ✓	false ✓	false ✓	false ✓	false ✓	false ✓	false ✓
Hemolysis	N/A	N/A	N/A	N/A	N/A	N/A	N/A	N/A	N/A	N/A	alpha	alpha	N/A	N/A	N/A	N/A	N/A	N/A	N/A	N/A	N/A	N/A	alpha	alpha	N/A	N/A	N/A	N/A
Cell shape	bacillus	bacillus ✓	bacillus ✓	bacillus ✓	bacillus ✓	bacillus ✓	bacillus ✓	bacillus ✓	bacillus ✓	bacillus ✓	bacillus ✓	bacillus ✓	bacillus ✓	bacillus ✓	bacillus ✓	bacillus ✓	bacillus ✓	bacillus ✓	bacillus ✓	bacillus ✓	bacillus ✓	bacillus ✓	bacillus ✓	bacillus ✓	bacillus ✓	bacillus ✓	bacillus ✓	bacillus ✓

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