A New Bacterial Genus Discovered Through Dr. Simge Arkan Özdemir’s Study
As part of the doctoral dissertation conducted by Dr. Simge Arkan Özdemir, Head of the Podology Program at Üsküdar University Vocational School of Health Services, a new bacterial genus, Facivitalis istanbulensis, was discovered from samples taken from aircraft fuel. The study was carried out under the supervision of Prof. Esra Sungur, a faculty member in the Department of Fundamental and Industrial Microbiology at Istanbul University Faculty of Science, with the participation of Assoc. Prof. Miray Onan from Istanbul University. After a three-year research process, the newly identified genus was introduced to the global scientific literature. The newly discovered bacterium is expected to be used in critical fields such as environmental pollution prevention and sustainable energy production.
Dr. Simge Arkan Özdemir identified the bacterium as part of her doctoral research, and it was characterized using a polyphasic approach, eventually being named Facivitalis istanbulensis.
The study was added to global scientific literature
The newly identified genus and its first species, discovered after three years of research, were published in the highly reputable journal Antonie van Leeuwenhoek, which holds a significant and respected position in microorganism taxonomy.
Additionally, this new discovery was also covered by national and international media outlets.
Unique genes identified that contribute to survival in harsh conditions…
Advanced molecular analyses revealed that Facivitalis istanbulensis contains unique genes that contribute to survival under extreme conditions, combat various stress factors, and resist virulence and pathogenicity. However, the functions of some of these genes have not yet been fully elucidated.
The new bacterium is expected to be used in critical applications such as environmental pollution prevention and sustainable energy production.
100 genes identified in the bacterium’s genome…
A bioinformatic orthology analysis of Facivitalis istanbulensis was conducted using the HADEG (Hydrocarbon Aerobic Degradation Enzymes and Genes) database.
It was determined that the bacterium's genome contains 100 genes encoding proteins involved in the metabolic degradation of hydrocarbons.
Among these metabolic processes, the most prominent one is the degradation of aromatics (58%), followed by alkane degradation (18%), plastic degradation (9%), alkene degradation (7%), and biosurfactant production (4%).
Furthermore, nine of the genes involved in hydrocarbon degradation and biosurfactant production were found to be exclusive to Facivitalis istanbulensis.
Due to these characteristics, Facivitalis istanbulensis represents a potential microorganism in biotechnological applications, particularly in the bioremediation of hydrocarbons, especially aromatics, and the development of biosurfactant production processes.
An exciting prospect for bioremediation research
The bacterial species Facivitalis istanbulensis belongs to the Sphingomonadaceae family, whose members are frequently preferred for bioremediation applications.
For this reason, the identification of new genera/species such as Facivitalis istanbulensis within this family, and the subsequent discovery of potential new gene clusters, is considered an exciting advancement for bioremediation research, particularly in hydrocarbon degradation and other environmental applications.
Üsküdar News Agency (ÜNA)