A fascinating revelation of a bacterium located in a marine sponge from the Great Barrier Reef closely resembles Mycobacterium tuberculosis, the bacterium that causes tuberculosis (TB). This finding may lead to important advancements in TB research and treatment methods.
Despite being one of the deadliest infectious diseases worldwide, the origins of M. tuberculosis remain unclear.
In a new study published in PLOS Pathogens, research conducted at the Peter Doherty Institute for Infection and Immunity reveals a newly discovered bacterium named Mycobacterium spongiae, found in a marine sponge from near Cooktown, Queensland.
Marine sponges, often labeled as ‘chemical factories’, are known for their rich array of bioactive substances that exhibit strong anticancer, antibacterial, antiviral, and anti-inflammatory effects. While investigating a sponge specimen for its chemical-producing bacteria, researchers from the University of Queensland stumbled upon a bacterium that intrigued them.
The specimen was forwarded to the Doherty Institute, where researchers performed thorough examinations of the genes, proteins, and lipids of M. spongiae. They found that it shares 80 percent of its genetic material with M. tuberculosis, including several critical genes linked to the pathogenicity of the bacteria. However, the researchers noted that, unlike M. tuberculosis, M. spongiae does not cause illness in mice, thus classifying it as non-virulent.
Dr. Sacha Pidot from the University of Melbourne, a Laboratory Head at the Doherty Institute and co-lead author of the study, expressed excitement over this significant discovery.
“We were astonished to find that this bacterium is a very close relative of M. tuberculosis,” remarked Dr. Pidot.
“This discovery offers fresh perspectives on the evolution of M. tuberculosis, indicating that these pathogens may have originated from marine mycobacteria.”
According to Professor Tim Stinear from the University of Melbourne, also a Laboratory Head at the Doherty Institute and co-lead author of the paper, this newfound information is crucial for future studies.
“While we have more research ahead, this discovery is a vital piece of the puzzle in understanding how TB became such a severe affliction,” stated Professor Stinear.
“Our discoveries could help pinpoint vulnerabilities in M. tuberculosis, paving the way for the development of new preventive measures like vaccines against tuberculosis.”
Contributors to this research included experts from Bio21 Institute, University of Queensland, Institut Pasteur, UK Health Security Agency, University of Otago, and WEHI.
