Mycolicibacterium sphagni

General Information

Mycolicibacterium sphagni is a fascinating microorganism that belongs to the genus Mycolicibacterium. This genus is known for its members' ability to produce mycolic acids, which are long-chain fatty acids that contribute to the unique properties of their cell walls. One of the most intriguing aspects of M. sphagni is its environmental niche. It was originally isolated from sphagnum peat bogs, which are acidic, nutrient-poor environments. This indicates that M. sphagni has adapted to survive in harsh conditions, making it a subject of interest for studies on microbial ecology and extremophiles. From a biotechnological perspective, M. sphagni holds potential due to its metabolic capabilities. Members of the Mycolicibacterium genus are known for their ability to degrade complex organic compounds, including pollutants. This makes M. sphagni a candidate for bioremediation efforts, particularly in environments contaminated with hydrocarbons or other persistent organic pollutants. Additionally, the unique lipid composition of M. sphagni's cell wall, which includes mycolic acids, is of interest for research into novel antibiotics and other therapeutic agents. The resilience and adaptability of M. sphagni also make it a model organism for studying microbial survival strategies in extreme environments. In summary, Mycolicibacterium sphagni is notable for its adaptation to acidic, nutrient-poor environments, its potential in bioremediation, and its unique cell wall composition that could inspire new medical and biotechnological applications.

Mycolicibacterium sphagni is a fascinating species of actinobacteria that has garnered attention due to its unique ecological niche and potential applications in biotechnology. This microorganism is primarily isolated from sphagnum moss, which is a critical component of peatland ecosystems. Its ability to thrive in such a specialized habitat highlights its adaptability and ecological significance in nutrient cycling and organic matter decomposition in these environments. One of the most interesting aspects of M. sphagni is its metabolic versatility. It has been shown to possess the capability to degrade complex organic compounds, which makes it a valuable candidate for bioremediation efforts, particularly in environments contaminated with organic pollutants. This characteristic positions M. sphagni as a potential tool in environmental microbiology, where it could be utilized to restore ecosystems affected by human activity. Additionally, the unique lipid composition of M. sphagni, particularly its mycolic acids, contributes to its distinctive cell wall structure. This feature not only aids in its survival in harsh conditions but also makes it a subject of interest in studies related to antibiotic resistance and the development of novel antimicrobial agents. The exploration of its biosynthetic pathways could lead to the discovery of new compounds with therapeutic potential. Furthermore, the ecological role of M. sphagni in peatland ecosystems cannot be overstated. By participating in the decomposition of organic matter, it plays a crucial role in carbon cycling, which is vital for understanding climate change dynamics. The study of this organism can provide insights into the interactions within microbial communities in peatlands and their responses to environmental changes. In summary, Mycolicibacterium sphagni stands out due to its ecological importance, biotechnological potential, and unique biochemical properties, making it a valuable subject for further research in microbiology, ecology, and environmental science.

Taxonomy

Superkingdom: Bacteria

Phylum: Actinomycetota

Class: Actinomycetes

Order: Mycobacteriales

Family: Mycobacteriaceae

Genus: Mycolicibacterium

Species: Mycolicibacterium sphagni

NCBI ID

1786

Genome Info

FTP Path:
ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/genomes/all/GCF/025/821/515/GCF_025821515.1_ASM2582151v1

File for sequence-based predictions:
GCF_025821515.1_ASM2582151v1_genomic.fasta

Descriptions

Clinical Implications and Relevance

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

The organism Mycolicibacterium sphagni is a member of the genus Mycolicibacterium, which has garnered attention for its potential clinical implications. While research on M. sphagni is still emerging, it is known to be associated with certain environmental niches, particularly in wetland ecosystems. Its relevance to human health primarily stems from its potential role in infections and its interactions with the human microbiome. Pathogenicity: Although M. sphagni is not widely recognized as a primary pathogen, its presence in clinical samples raises questions about its role in opportunistic infections, especially in immunocompromised individuals. The organism's ability to survive in various environments suggests it may possess certain virulence factors that could contribute to its pathogenic potential. Immune Evasion Strategies: Like other mycobacterial species, M. sphagni may exhibit mechanisms to evade the immune response, which could include the production of mycolic acids that help in resisting phagocytosis. Understanding these strategies is crucial for developing effective therapeutic approaches. Antimicrobial Resistance: There is a growing concern regarding the antimicrobial resistance of mycobacterial species. While specific resistance patterns for M. sphagni are not well-documented, the genus is known for its potential to develop resistance to common antibiotics, which complicates treatment options for infections caused by related species. Medical Applications: Research into the use of mycobacteria, including M. sphagni, in probiotics or as a source of novel therapeutics is ongoing. The unique properties of mycobacteria may offer insights into developing new treatments or vaccines, particularly in the context of enhancing the human microbiome or combating antibiotic-resistant infections. In summary, while Mycolicibacterium sphagni is not yet fully understood in terms of its clinical implications, its potential role in infections, immune evasion, and antimicrobial resistance highlights the need for further research to elucidate its significance in human health.

Habitat and Ecological Niches

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

Mycolicibacterium sphagni is a species of bacterium that is primarily associated with sphagnum moss habitats, which are prevalent in peatlands and bog ecosystems. These environments are characterized by their waterlogged conditions, acidic pH, and low nutrient availability, creating a unique ecological niche for this microorganism. In these wetland biomes, Mycolicibacterium sphagni plays a crucial role in the decomposition of organic matter, particularly in the breakdown of plant materials. This process is essential for nutrient cycling within the ecosystem, as it helps release nutrients that are otherwise locked in the dense organic layers of sphagnum moss. The bacterium's ability to thrive in such extreme conditions showcases its remarkable environmental adaptation and metabolic versatility. Furthermore, Mycolicibacterium sphagni may engage in symbiotic relationships with other microorganisms, contributing to the overall health and stability of the peatland ecosystem. Its interactions with fungi and other bacteria can enhance the degradation of complex organic compounds, facilitating the growth of plant life in these nutrient-poor environments. Overall, the presence of Mycolicibacterium sphagni in sphagnum-dominated habitats underscores its importance in maintaining the ecological balance and promoting biodiversity within these unique biomes.

Industrial Application

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

The microorganism Mycolicibacterium sphagni has shown significant potential in various industrial applications. One of the primary areas of interest is in biotechnology, where Mycolicibacterium sphagni is utilized for its unique metabolic capabilities. This organism is known for its ability to degrade complex organic compounds, making it valuable in waste management processes. It can effectively break down pollutants in contaminated environments, contributing to bioremediation efforts. In the realm of biofuel production, Mycolicibacterium sphagni can be involved in fermentation processes that convert biomass into biofuels. Its enzymatic activity allows for the efficient breakdown of lignocellulosic materials, which are abundant in agricultural waste, into fermentable sugars that can be further processed into ethanol or other biofuels. Additionally, this microorganism has potential applications in pharmaceutical development. Its unique metabolic pathways may lead to the discovery of novel compounds with antimicrobial properties, which can be harnessed for drug development. The ability of Mycolicibacterium sphagni to produce specific enzymes also opens avenues for the development of biocatalysts in various chemical processes. Overall, Mycolicibacterium sphagni represents a promising candidate for advancing technologies in biotechnology, waste management, biofuel production, and pharmaceutical development, showcasing its versatility and importance in industrial applications.

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: 8

LLM predicted phenotypes: 5

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

Back to Search