The discovery of a bacterium in a marine sponge from the Great Barrier Reef with similarities to Mycobacterium tuberculosis, the pathogen responsible for tuberculosis (TB), has the potential to revolutionize TB research and treatment strategies. TB remains one of the deadliest infectious diseases in the world, yet the origins of M. tuberculosis are still not fully understood. In a study published in PLOS Pathogens, researchers from the Peter Doherty Institute for Infection and Immunity detailed the newly identified bacterium, Mycobacterium spongiae, found in a marine sponge near Cooktown, Queensland. Marine sponges are known as ‘chemical factories’ and are a valuable source of bioactive compounds with various properties, including anticancer, antibacterial, antiviral, and anti-inflammatory.
During a study on a sponge specimen for its chemical-producing bacteria, researchers at the University of Queensland discovered a bacterium that resembled M. tuberculosis. The sample was sent to the Doherty Institute, where extensive analyses of the genes, proteins, and lipids of M. spongiae were conducted. It was revealed that M. spongiae shares 80% of its genetic material with M. tuberculosis, including key genes associated with the bacteria’s ability to cause disease. However, unlike M. tuberculosis, M. spongiae was found to be non-virulent in mice, indicating that it does not cause disease.
Dr. Sacha Pidot, a Laboratory Head at the Doherty Institute and co-lead author of the study, expressed excitement over the discovery, stating that the close relationship between M. spongiae and M. tuberculosis provides new insights into the evolution of TB. Professor Tim Stinear, also a Laboratory Head at the Doherty Institute and co-lead author, emphasized the significance of this discovery as a building block for future research. While more work is needed in this area, the findings could help identify weak links in M. tuberculosis that can inform the development of new strategies, such as vaccines, to prevent and treat TB.
The authors of the study came from various institutions, including the Bio21 Institute, University of Queensland, Institut Pasteur, UK Health Security Agency, University of Otago, and WEHI. The discovery of M. spongiae as a close relative of M. tuberculosis sheds light on the origins and evolution of TB, suggesting that these pathogens may have originated from marine mycobacteria. This finding could potentially lead to breakthroughs in TB research and treatment, offering new paths for developing effective vaccines and combating the disease. With more research and exploration, the insights gained from this discovery could play a crucial role in understanding and addressing the global health impact of TB.
