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Seaweeds synthesize a wide range of halogenated metabolites(1-3). The fate of these metabolites remains largely unknown. To address this challenge, the genetic asset encoded by the associated microbiomes of three seaweeds has been annotated. A remarkable gene content potentially active in the degradation of a wide spectrum of halocarbons and haloaromatic molecules has been uncovered. These functional data, which may help in deciphering the still largely unknown role of microbial dark matter(4), support the hypothesis of considering macroalgae as holobionts, capable of managing the metabolism of halogenated compounds. Furthermore, this uncharted genetic diversity encompasses biotechnologically pivotal enzymes(5-8).
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6 Atashgahi S., Sánchez-Andrea I., Heipieper H., Van der Meer J.R., Stams A.J.M., Smidt H. Prospects for harnessing biocide resistance for bioremediation and detoxification. Science 2018. Vol. 360, 743-746. DOI: 10.1126/science.aar3778
7 Bao-Anh Thi Nguyen, Ju-Liang Hsieh, Shou-ChenLo, Sui-YuanWang, Chun Hsiung-Hung, Eugene Huang, Shih-HsunHung, Wei-ChihChin, Chieh-ChenHuang. Biodegradation of dioxins by Burkholderia cenocepacia strain 869T2: Role of 2-haloacid dehalogenase. Journal of Hazardous Materials 2021. Vol 401, 123347. DOI: 10.1016/j.jhazmat.2020.123347
8 Cros A., Alfaro-Espinoza G., De Maria A., Wirth T., Nikel P. I. Synthetic metabolism for biohalogenation. Curr Opin Biotechnol 2022. Vol.74, 180-193. DOI: 10.1016/j.copbio.2021.11.009
