Subterranean marvels: microbial communities in caves and underground mines and their promise for natural product discovery

IF 10.2 1区化学 Q1 BIOCHEMISTRY & MOLECULAR BIOLOGY

Natural Product Reports Pub Date : 2025-01-20 DOI:10.1039/d4np00055b

Paris S. Salazar-Hamm , Frances E. Homan , Shyleigh A. Good , Jennifer J. M. Hathaway , Ashley E. Clements , Evelyn G. Haugh , Lindsay K. Caesar

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引用次数: 0

Abstract

Covering: 2014 to 2024

Since the dawn of human history, caves have played an intimate role in our existence. From our earliest ancestors seeking shelter from the elements to more recent generations harnessing cave substances for medicinal purposes, caves have served as essential resources and havens. The last 40 years of geomicrobiology research has replaced the outdated perception of subterranean environments as lifeless and unchanging with the realization that vibrant microbial communities have adapted to thrive in extreme conditions over millions of years. The ability of subterranean microbial communities to withstand nutrient deprivation and darkness creates a unique reservoir of untapped biosynthetic potential. These communities offer exciting prospects for medicine (e.g., antimicrobial and antitumor therapies) and biotechnology (e.g., redox chemical properties and biomineralization). This article highlights the significance of caves and mines as reservoirs of microbial diversity, the potential impact of their bioactive compounds on the fields of healthcare and biotechnology, and the significant challenges that must be overcome to access and harness the biotechnological potential of subterranean microbial communities. Additionally, it emphasizes the conservation efforts needed to protect these delicate ecosystems, ensuring the preservation of both ancient traditions and tomorrow's medicines.

Abstract Image

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地下奇迹：洞穴和地下矿井中的微生物群落及其对天然产物发现的承诺。

从人类历史的黎明开始，洞穴就在我们的生存中扮演着亲密的角色。从我们最早的祖先在大自然中寻求庇护，到最近的几代人利用洞穴物质用于医疗目的，洞穴一直是必不可少的资源和避风港。过去40年的地球微生物学研究已经取代了地下环境没有生命和不变的过时观念，认识到充满活力的微生物群落已经适应了数百万年的极端条件。地下微生物群落承受营养剥夺和黑暗的能力创造了一个尚未开发的生物合成潜力的独特水库。这些群落为医学（如抗菌和抗肿瘤治疗）和生物技术（如氧化还原化学性质和生物矿化）提供了令人兴奋的前景。本文强调了洞穴和矿山作为微生物多样性水库的重要性，其生物活性化合物对医疗保健和生物技术领域的潜在影响，以及必须克服的重大挑战，以获取和利用地下微生物群落的生物技术潜力。此外，它还强调了为保护这些脆弱的生态系统所需要的养护工作，确保古代传统和未来的药物得到保存。

本文章由计算机程序翻译，如有差异，请以英文原文为准。

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来源期刊

Natural Product Reports 化学-生化与分子生物学

CiteScore

21.20

自引率

3.40%

发文量

127

审稿时长

1.7 months

期刊介绍： Natural Product Reports (NPR) serves as a pivotal critical review journal propelling advancements in all facets of natural products research, encompassing isolation, structural and stereochemical determination, biosynthesis, biological activity, and synthesis. With a broad scope, NPR extends its influence into the wider bioinorganic, bioorganic, and chemical biology communities. Covering areas such as enzymology, nucleic acids, genetics, chemical ecology, carbohydrates, primary and secondary metabolism, and analytical techniques, the journal provides insightful articles focusing on key developments shaping the field, rather than offering exhaustive overviews of all results. NPR encourages authors to infuse their perspectives on developments, trends, and future directions, fostering a dynamic exchange of ideas within the natural products research community.