Nocardiopsis metallicus

General Information

Nocardiopsis metallicus is a fascinating microorganism that belongs to the genus Nocardiopsis, which is known for its diverse metabolic capabilities and ecological versatility. One of the most intriguing aspects of N. metallicus is its ability to thrive in extreme environments, particularly those with high concentrations of heavy metals. This makes it a subject of significant interest in the field of bioremediation, where it can be utilized to detoxify environments contaminated with toxic metals such as cadmium, lead, and mercury. Unique Metabolic Capabilities: N. metallicus has developed specialized metabolic pathways that allow it to not only survive but also to metabolize and precipitate heavy metals. This ability is particularly valuable for cleaning up industrial waste sites and mining areas, where heavy metal contamination is a major environmental concern. Biotechnological Applications: Beyond its environmental applications, N. metallicus is also of interest for its potential in biotechnology. The enzymes produced by this microorganism are often robust and can function under harsh conditions, making them suitable for industrial processes that require high temperatures or extreme pH levels. These enzymes can be harnessed for various applications, including the synthesis of pharmaceuticals, the degradation of pollutants, and the production of biofuels. Genomic Insights: The genome of N. metallicus reveals a wealth of genetic information that underpins its unique capabilities. Studies have shown that it possesses a large number of genes involved in metal resistance and metabolism, as well as genes that encode for secondary metabolites with potential antimicrobial properties. This genetic diversity not only highlights the organism's adaptability but also opens up avenues for discovering new drugs and bioactive compounds. Ecological Role: In its natural habitat, N. metallicus plays a crucial role in the cycling of nutrients and the detoxification of its environment. Its presence in soil and water ecosystems helps to maintain ecological balance by breaking down organic matter and neutralizing harmful substances. In summary, Nocardiopsis metallicus is a microorganism of considerable interest due to its remarkable ability to withstand and detoxify heavy metals, its potential for biotechnological applications, and its genomic richness that offers insights into novel metabolic pathways and bioactive compounds. Its study not only advances our understanding of microbial ecology and evolution but also provides practical solutions for environmental and industrial challenges.

Nocardiopsis metallicus is a fascinating actinobacterium that has garnered attention due to its unique ability to thrive in extreme environments, particularly those rich in heavy metals. This organism is notable for its metal-tolerant properties, which allow it to survive and even flourish in conditions that would be detrimental to many other microorganisms. This characteristic makes Nocardiopsis metallicus a valuable candidate for bioremediation efforts, particularly in the detoxification of contaminated soils and waters where heavy metals such as lead, cadmium, and mercury are prevalent. One of the most interesting aspects of Nocardiopsis metallicus is its potential for antibiotic production. Like many members of the genus Nocardiopsis, this species is known to produce a variety of bioactive compounds, which may have significant implications for pharmaceutical research. The discovery of novel antibiotics from this organism could contribute to the ongoing battle against antibiotic-resistant bacteria, making it a subject of great interest in microbiological and pharmaceutical studies. Additionally, Nocardiopsis metallicus exhibits a unique filamentous morphology, which is characteristic of many actinobacteria. This filamentous structure not only aids in nutrient acquisition but also plays a role in its ecological interactions within its environment. The organism's ability to form spores allows it to endure harsh conditions, further enhancing its survival and adaptability. In summary, Nocardiopsis metallicus stands out due to its extreme metal tolerance, potential for antibiotic production, and unique morphological features. These traits not only make it an intriguing subject for microbiological research but also highlight its potential applications in environmental biotechnology and medicine.

Taxonomy

Superkingdom: Bacteria

Phylum: Actinomycetota

Class: Actinomycetes

Order: Streptosporangiales

Family: Nocardiopsaceae

Genus: Nocardiopsis

Species: Nocardiopsis metallicus

NCBI ID

179819

Genome Info

FTP Path:
ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/genomes/all/GCA/014/201/115/GCA_014201115.1_ASM1420111v1

File for sequence-based predictions:
GCA_014201115.1_ASM1420111v1_genomic.fasta

Descriptions

Clinical Implications and Relevance

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

The organism Nocardiopsis metallicus is a member of the genus Nocardiopsis, which is known for its ability to produce a variety of bioactive compounds. While Nocardiopsis metallicus itself is not commonly associated with human disease, its relatives have been implicated in various clinical contexts. Clinical relevance primarily arises from its potential in antimicrobial resistance and biotechnology applications. This microorganism has been studied for its ability to produce antibiotics and other bioactive metabolites, which may have therapeutic applications in treating infections caused by resistant pathogens. The genus Nocardiopsis is known for its role in the degradation of complex organic materials, which can be beneficial in bioremediation efforts. In terms of pathogenicity, while Nocardiopsis metallicus has not been directly linked to human infections, other species within the genus can cause opportunistic infections, particularly in immunocompromised individuals. These infections can manifest as pulmonary infections, cutaneous lesions, or systemic infections, highlighting the importance of understanding the pathogenic potential of related species. Furthermore, the organism's ability to evade the immune response through various mechanisms, such as biofilm formation and the production of immunosuppressive compounds, is an area of ongoing research. This characteristic may contribute to its survival in hostile environments, including those found in human hosts. Overall, while Nocardiopsis metallicus may not be a direct cause of human disease, its significance lies in its potential applications in medicine and biotechnology, as well as its role in understanding the broader implications of Nocardiopsis species in human health.

Habitat and Ecological Niches

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

Nocardiopsis metallicus is a filamentous bacterium commonly found in a variety of terrestrial environments, particularly in soil and sediments. This microorganism thrives in alkaline and saline conditions, often associated with arid and semi-arid regions. Its ability to degrade complex organic materials allows it to play a crucial role in nutrient cycling within these ecosystems. Soil Biomes: In soil biomes, Nocardiopsis metallicus contributes to the breakdown of organic matter, facilitating the release of nutrients back into the soil. This process is essential for maintaining soil fertility and supporting plant growth. The bacterium's filamentous structure aids in forming biofilms, which can enhance soil stability and moisture retention. Extreme Environments: This organism is particularly notable for its adaptation to extreme environments, such as heavy metal-contaminated soils. Nocardiopsis metallicus exhibits resistance to various heavy metals, making it a potential candidate for bioremediation efforts. By sequestering or transforming toxic metals, it helps mitigate pollution and restore ecological balance in affected areas. Symbiotic Relationships: In addition to its role in nutrient cycling, Nocardiopsis metallicus may engage in symbiotic relationships with plants and fungi. These interactions can enhance plant growth and resilience, particularly in nutrient-poor soils. The bacterium's ability to produce bioactive compounds also suggests potential applications in agriculture and medicine, highlighting its ecological significance. Overall, Nocardiopsis metallicus exemplifies the intricate relationships within soil ecosystems and its potential for environmental applications, showcasing the importance of microbial diversity in maintaining ecological health.

Industrial Application

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

The microorganism Nocardiopsis metallicus has shown significant potential in various industrial applications due to its unique metabolic capabilities. One of the most notable areas is in biotechnology, where Nocardiopsis metallicus is utilized for its ability to produce a range of bioactive compounds, including antibiotics and enzymes. This organism is particularly effective in fermentation processes, where it can convert substrates into valuable products, enhancing the yield of pharmaceutical compounds. In the realm of waste management, Nocardiopsis metallicus has demonstrated proficiency in biodegradation of complex organic pollutants, making it a candidate for bioremediation efforts. Its ability to break down toxic substances can be harnessed to clean up contaminated environments, particularly in industrial sites where heavy metals and organic pollutants are prevalent. Furthermore, this microorganism is being explored for its role in biofuel production. Through fermentation processes, Nocardiopsis metallicus can potentially convert agricultural waste into biofuels, contributing to sustainable energy solutions. The enzymes produced by this organism can also facilitate the breakdown of lignocellulosic biomass, making it easier to convert into fermentable sugars for bioethanol production. In summary, Nocardiopsis metallicus is a versatile microorganism with applications spanning pharmaceutical development, waste management, and biofuel production, showcasing its importance in modern industrial biotechnology.

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