Polyphasic analysis and secondary metabolite patterns in unbranched heterocytous cyanobacteria with different life strategies

Andreja KUST

Doctoral thesis

Polyphasic analysis and secondary metabolite patterns in nostocacean cyanobacteria with different life strategies

Abstract:

Unbranched heterocytous cyanobacteria exhibit complex filament and colony architectures and variable life strategies from symbionts to free living planktic and non-planktic species. They are counted among microbial groups showing an extensive production of secondary metabolites, resulting in both pharmaceutically important and toxic compounds. The main focus of this thesis is to broaden our knowledge on bioactive secondary metabolite potential in this widespread group of cyanobacteria. An effective combination of methods including whole genome sequencing, bioinformatic analysis, and analytical chemistry techniques are applied to accomplish this task. The discrepancies in distribution of various classes of compounds among ecological groups defined by different life strategies are discussed. Additionally, the thesis endeavours to test multidisciplinary approaches to tackle taxonomic assignments of unresolved unbranched heterocytous cyanobacteria using morphological, phylogenetic and ecophysiological methods, including a meta-analysis of morphological traits.

Abstract:

Unbranched heterocytous cyanobacteria exhibit complex filament and colony architectures and variable life strategies from symbionts to free living planktic and non-planktic species. They are counted among microbial groups showing an extensive production of secondary metabolites, resulting in both pharmaceutically important and toxic compounds. The main focus of this thesis is to broaden our knowledge on bioactive secondary metabolite potential in this widespread group of cyanobacteria. An effective combination of methods including whole genome sequencing, bioinformatic analysis, and analytical chemistry techniques are applied to accomplish this task. The discrepancies in distribution of various classes of compounds among ecological groups defined by different life strategies are discussed. Additionally, the thesis endeavours to test multidisciplinary approaches to tackle taxonomic assignments of unresolved unbranched heterocytous cyanobacteria using morphological, phylogenetic and ecophysiological methods, including a meta-analysis of morphological traits.

Keywords

cyanobacteria, polyphasic approach, secondary metabolites, life strategies

Language used: Czech

Date on which the thesis was submitted / produced: 24. 1. 2019

Thesis defence

• Date of defence: 5. 3. 2019
• Supervisor: RNDr. Jan Mareš, Ph.D.

UNIVERSITY OF SOUTH BOHEMIA IN ČESKÉ BUDĚJOVICE

Faculty of Science

Doctoral programme / field:
Biology / Hydrobiology