First report on molecular and in silico characterization of derma-pharmaceutical potent arbutin from the deep sea halophilic bacteria, Shigella sp. NIOT- DSB91 of Andaman and Nicobar Islands

Abstract

Arbutin is a hydroquinone glucoside and a natural product present in microorganisms and plants. Arbutin inhibits the tyrosinase activity in skin cells and due to this property; this compound has been highly exploited in derma-pharmaceutical applications. Arbutin also possesses broad biological activities, which includes; anti-oxidative, anti-inflammatory, anti-microbial and anti-cancer properties. In this study, the arbutin biosynthesis gene was PCR amplified from the genomic DNA of deep sea halophilic bacteria, Shigella sp. NIOT-DSB91. The amplified gene was cloned and nucleotide sequences were determined. Sequencing results revealed that ascF gene is encoded by polynucleotides of 1458 bp. The ascF gene encodes proteins of 485 amino acids with calculated molecular mass of 51026 Da. In silico sequence and phylogenetic analysis of nucleotides and amino acids revealed that the ascF gene sequences of Shigella sp. NIOT-DSB91 were conserved in many eubacteria.