v7i3.185

ISSN: 1800-427X (print)
eISSN: 1800-427X (online)
Alfred Russel Wallace Centenary Issue
DOI:10.47605/tapro.v7i3.185

Proceedings of the Second International Conference on Alfred Russel Wallace and the Wallacea
Organised by the Indonesian Academy of Sciences
Wakatobi - Indonesia (10–13 November 2013)
J. Supriatna, A.A.T. Amarasinghe, and C. Margules (Editors)
Published date: 30 July 2015
Pp. 131–142, Pls. 1–4.

MINING MICROBIAL SYMBIONTS FOR SPONGE-DERIVED NATURAL PRODUCTS: IMPLICATIONS FOR THE WALLACEA

Christine M. Theodore & Phillip Crews*
*Corresponding author. E-mail: pcrews@ucsc.edu

Abstract
The Indonesian Coral Triangle is a biodiversity hotspot bisected by the Wallace line. It is becoming clear that ecological and anthropogenic factors are impacting the region. Our research is focused on the biosynthetic products of sponges. These natural products, which are beneficial to human health, will be lost if biodiversity were to decrease. For decades, chemists have looked to marine sponges as a source of novel pharmaceuticals. Over time, there has been growing suspicion these metabolites may actually be produced by microbial symbionts. Herein, we discuss a brief history of sponge natural products chemistry. Sponge associated microorganisms and their likely role in the production of clinically relevant compounds are explored through three case studies. The potential intellectual and pharmaceutical impact locked within the sponges of the Indonesian Coral Triangle is immense. We conclude that conservation, protection and management of this resource are vital from an ecological and human health perspective.

Key words : Bacteria, bengamide, fijianolide, Indonesian Coral Triangle, psymberin, symbiosis