On the biotransformation of pseudomonads secondary metabolites

Bacterial-produced secondary metabolites (SMs) play pivotal roles in microbial interactions. While substantial progress has been made in elucidating the structures, biosynthesis, and functions of many natural products, our understanding of the fate of SMs once released into a specific niche still is limited. Questions about the transformation of SMs within microbiome communities, including the underlying mechanisms and ecological implications for both the producer and recipient microbes, are essential for expanding our comprehension of the role of SMs in nature. Therefore, I will outline our approach to developing a method for selecting minimal microbiomes with “biotransformation activity” Furthermore, I will present novel examples of bacterial strains capable of degrading cyclic lipopeptides produced by Pseudomonads. SMs’ roles in microbial ecosystems are multifaceted, and their transformation is a critical aspect of microbial interactions. Our research aims to elucidate these processes, contributing to a deeper understanding of the intricate web of interactions that govern microbial communities and their environmental impact.

This project is part of the Center for Microbial Secondary Metabolites (CeMiSt) funded by the Danish National Research Foundation (DNRF137).