Genetic and Biotechnological Potential of Thermophilic Streptomyces sp. Isolated from Baikal Freshwater Psychrophilic sponge

Microorganisms inhabiting extreme environmental conditions receive special attention because they possess different adaptations to adverse conditions. Currently, their biotechnological potential and ability to isolate biologically active metabolites have increased. The increasing mortality due to different diseases has become particularly important as one of the notable challenges in modern healthcare. This highlights the necessity of discovering new producers of natural products (NPs). The aim of this study was to evaluate the genetic and biotechnological potential through the assessment of NP synthesis and genome annotation of the thermophilic strain Streptomyces sp. LPB2020-019-1HS. The thermophilic strain was isolated from the Baikal endemic cold water sponge Lubomirskia baikalensis. Subsequently, Streptomyces sp. LPB2020-019-1HS was cultivated at six temperatures (13°C, 28°C, 37°C, 45°C, 55°C, and 65°C) in twelve nutrient media with different compositions (nutrient rich and nutrient poor). Using high-performance liquid chromatography and mass spectrometry approaches, the synthesis of compounds by the strain was assessed at 13°C, 28°C, and 37°C. Antimicrobial activity was evaluated at all temperatures (from 13°C to 65°C). We demonstrated the presence of antibiotic activity against Bacillus subtilis for strains cultivated at 28°C, 37°C, and 45°C. Additionally, we observed activity against Mycobacterium smegmatis when the strain was cultivated at 28°C, 37°C, 45°C, and 55°C. Furthermore, the strain exhibited activity against Escherichia coli, Pseudomonas putida, and Candida glabrata when cultured at 37°C. Overall, we found that Streptomyces sp. LPB2020-019-1HS produces a family of NPs related to Nocardamine and hypothesized that freshwater Actinobacteria have mechanisms for chelating iron ions, making them available for plants/sponges or other symbiotic organisms. Therefore, our research findings underscore the importance of studying extremophilic microorganisms from Lake Baikal in the context of developing new pharmaceuticals and biotechnological solutions for contemporary healthcare challenges.