Jim Boyd and Pam Marrone, Editors  •  05-06-24  •  Issue 003

In this issue:

• Burrowing shrimp project collecting trip

• R&D team update

• ISC growing in headcount

• Senior Scientist Namrata thesis defense in Finland

Update - Burrowing Shrimp Project

Following our initial expedition in December, led by Dr. Pam Marrone, we returned to Washington State in March for further sampling. Despite challenging weather during our first trip, conditions improved significantly this time, allowing us to collect a greater variety of microbial samples. Utilizing advanced techniques for onsite isolation, we enhanced microbial diversity while minimizing contamination risk. These samples were cultured on various media to maximize microbial growth, with isolated strains cryopreserved for future study. Currently, we are sequencing DNA of these microbes to identify potential candidates with anti-shrimp or anti-invasive properties. Simultaneously, we're developing assays to test their efficacy. We were also thrilled to host students from The Evergreen State College during part of our expedition, providing an opportunity to share our research along with the grower’s insights into shrimp ecology and oyster farming. Here are some photos of our team during this trip.

Washington State, burrowing shrimp project

ISC R&D Team: Setting New Milestones in Product Advancement

Microbial Isolation and Assay Development Update: The science team is currently engaged in the isolation, archiving, and identification of microbes, with over 1600 already isolated for further study. Moreover, they have initiated the development of biological assays aimed at screening for various activities, including those relevant to the burrowing shrimp and herbicide and algaecide discovery programs.

Zequanox Gen 2: The ISC team has launched the development program for the Gen 2.0 Zequanox product. This enhanced version features improved fermentation performance to boost productivity and efficacy, alongside novel processing and formulation options. While the current product (Gen 1.0) demonstrates high efficacy against both zebra and quagga mussels within a short exposure period (4-6 hours), it does not rival the cost-effectiveness of environmentally damaging and toxic chemicals like chlorine and copper. The goal of this development program is to create a competitive solution that remains environmentally safe. To achieve this, synthetic biology and chemistry-based analytical tools are being employed, leveraging patented active ingredients such as cellular proteins. These proteins serve as surrogate markers for molluscicide activity, ensuring efficacy while maintaining the product's non-GMO status. Moreover, this program is being expedited to meet the growing demand for sustainable solutions for existing and new infestations.

ISC's Headcount Expansion: Growing Our Team

As our team continues to expand, we are thrilled to extend a warm welcome to our newest members.

Executive Administrator Quynh Le: With over 15 years of professional experience, Quynh has established herself as a dynamic administrator adept at navigating diverse corporate landscapes. She has excelled within esteemed corporations like Toshiba, as well as governmental realms such as the Australian Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade. Having worked across multiple continents, including Asia, Europe, and the Middle East, Quynh boasts a richly diverse background and a keen understanding of global business dynamics. Her expertise extends to providing comprehensive support to CEOs and top-level executives across various industries. However, Quynh's true passion lies in supporting the growth and development of local biotech companies. She is driven by a fervent desire to contribute meaningfully to the local community, leveraging her skills and knowledge to make a tangible difference in the biotech sector.

Scientist Kara Talbott: Kara Talbott graduated with a Bachelor's degree in Biochemistry from the University of the Pacific in 2021, where she was involved in projects focusing on secondary protein structure prediction models and marine natural product exploration, including inducing protein mutations, activating dormant fungal metabolites, and creating stress-induced environments for actinomycete metabolite production. In 2023, Kara earned her Master's degree in Pharmaceutical and Chemical Sciences from the same institution. Her thesis, "Chemically Mediated Algal-Bacterial Interactions: Promotion and Inhibition," explored the dynamics between algae chemistry and associated surface bacteria along the California coast. Throughout her graduate studies, Kara served as a teaching assistant for chemistry labs, mentored over 35 independent research students, and managed the microbiology segment of the natural products laboratory.

Scientist Namrata's Thesis Defense: A Brief Interview

What's your thesis about and why did you pick that topic?

My PhD thesis focused on understanding the mechanism of a potential endophytic bacterial strain, Methylorubrum extorquens DSM13060. This strain was isolated from Scots pine (Pinus sylvestris L.) in the forests of Northern Finland. It is known to promote growth and development in pine seedlings without producing any common plant hormones. This bacterium colonizes the plant throughout various seasons and stages of growth. It is intracellular in nature and can accumulate around the nucleus of pine cells, a mechanism not commonly observed in beneficial microbes. This novel interaction occurring in the Arctic environment differs from commonly found plant growth-promoting rhizobacteria, hence motivating me to pursue it as the topic for my PhD research work.

Why is your topic important?

Vegetation is a major global carbon store as plants consume CO2 during photosynthesis. Plants participate in the carbon budget by emitting monocarbon compounds, which play a key role in climate forcing and ozone depletion. Methanol is produced in plant tissue and they lack mechanisms for detoxifying it, which is mainly emitted through stomata. M. extorquens DSM13060, being a methylotroph, can consume the methanol released from plants and utilize it for the production of storage granules called polyhydroxybutyrate (PHB). PHB provides protection against oxidative stress for both host and endosymbiont cells through its protective oligomers. M. extorquens has the unique property of accumulating itself in the plant cell around the nucleus in Scots pine. A deeper knowledge of this symbiotic relationship has opened up the potential development of endosymbiotic bacteria as biofertilizers or biocontrol agents in agriculture.

What research did you do and what did you find?

One of the findings of this study showed that endosymbiotic strains such as M. extorquens must rely heavily on PHB metabolism to mitigate oxidative stress induced by the host and thus helping minimize the toxic effects of carbon-based compounds from the environment. Additionally, the bacterial nuclear effector protein, Ank_2, is a prerequisite for colonization, nuclear interaction, and plant growth promotion by M. extorquens. Bacterial nuclear effectors are the proteins responsible for hijacking or interfering with multiple nuclear processes of the host plant. Our research unearthed that the Ank_2 protein is also responsible for the transfer of carbon and nitrogen compounds to the actively dividing cells of Scots pine, aiding in plant development. This discovery of new cellular and molecular-level mechanisms plays a role in understanding endosymbiotic interactions and opens the potential for use in sustainable agricultural systems.

What's your next step?

As a senior scientist at ISC, I believe, with my years of experience and skills, I can make a difference. I have been proactive in my work with ISC from the beginning and will work hard to achieve groundbreaking discoveries. I plan to help the team drive biological innovations and aim to make the world around us safer, healthier, and more ecologically sustainable.

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