AUC Scientists Discover New Enzymes in the Red Sea

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September 16, 2013, Cairo – Scientists from the American University in Cairo (AUC) and the King Abdullah University of Science and Technology (KAUST) have discovered new resistant enzymes thousands of meters beneath the Red Sea with vast applications, from new antimicrobial drugs to paper production. Sixty experts from AUC and KAUST set sail on research vessel RV/Aegeo, in a collaborative project, to examine microbial life in marine systems in the Red Sea. They conducted a close study of brine pools, coral reefs and seabed sediments that are characterized by inhospitable conditions. Experts scanned the waters for the existence of extremophilic microorganisms, which can survive extreme conditions such as the lack of oxygen, high salinity, harsh temperatures and intense pressure.

"Our research addresses unanswered questions on the evolution of microbial life and their potential utilization in biotechnological and pharmaceutical industries," said Rania Siam, chair of the Department of Biology, who led the research team.

The expedition’s quest for life in hostile waters involved the study of five poorly explored brine pools, including the Atlantis II and Discovery Deep pools. These pools are the least researched marine ecosystems in the region. Atlantis II is located in the central rift of the Red Sea, at a depth of 2,200 meters and temperature of 70 degrees Celsius. Not only is the pool eight times saltier than the Red Sea’s surface water, but it also hosts a diverse spectrum of heavy metals at very high, toxic concentrations. Siam explained that "Microbes that can withstand such harsh conditions have evolved sophisticated processes to withstand its habitat and, therefore, have profound uses," explained Siam.

Siam and her group recently submitted a patent for such an extremophilic enzyme, adapted to function in conditions of extreme temperature, pressure and heavy metal concentration. Isolated from one of the Red Sea brine pools, the enzyme has vast potential for use in various industries including detergents, pulp and paper, leather, dairy products, sweeteners, the biofuels market and pharmaceuticals.

Humans have been using enzymes in food-manufacturing processes for many years. Siam said that biotechnology has made it possible to segregate and identify various enzyme qualities that are required in these food processes. "It has allowed the development of specialized strains, which may aid in improving the flavor and quality of food products. Some enzymes may be used to make the process cheaper and more predictable, while other enzymes prolong expiry dates, stabilize food products, or control alcohol and sugar content."

In detergents for example, this special enzyme may be used to disintegrate proteins that cause stains. "A prevalent area of research is the investigation of thermotolerant enzymes," explained Siam. "The search for these kinds of enzymes spans the globe, since they are especially desirable for improving laundry processes in hot-water cycles and for the removal of difficult stains. This would give detergent manufacturers an edge within the industry."

Siam’s recent discoveries also have vast applications in the paper and pulp industry. Additionally, enzymes and peptides are used in mainstream medicine. "We are currently researching therapeutic enzyme uses and looking at potential antimicrobial drugs," said Siam.

Siam and her team study the collective DNA maps of bacteria, from which enzymes are extracted, at AUC’s High Throughput Genomic facility in the Department of Biology and the biotechnology lab of the Yousef Jameel Science and Technology Research Center, where the samples are brought back for DNA isolation and sequencing –– a process by which accurate and quantitative deciphering of the DNA is performed. "By analyzing DNA," explained Siam, "we have an understanding of the genetic makeup of biological life in this particular community. Rather than studying life in such extreme environments by inspecting microorganisms with the naked eye or through the use of a microscope, which is not possible at such depth and condition, we use the DNA we isolate to give us an idea about biological life in places where we can’t take a microscope or visualize ourselves."

In addition, by analyzing the DNA, scientists gain an understanding of the genes, as well as their translated proteins that allows them to reside in such an environment. Siam, hopes to contribute to the regional scientific advancement by establishing a comprehensive environmental genomics database. "Our Red Sea genomic dataset is a wealth of information, not only to understand our surrounding marine environment, but it also provides a natural resource of potential biotechnology products. The accessibility of this database means that this information is readily available for researchers everywhere."

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The American University in Cairo (AUC) was founded in 1919 and is major contributor to the social, political and cultural life of the Arab Region. It is a vital bridge between East and West, linking Egypt and the region to the world through scholarly research, partnerships with academic and research institutions, and study abroad programs. An independent, nonprofit, apolitical, non-sectarian and equal opportunity institution, AUC is fully accredited in Egypt and the United States.

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