Amid global warming, researchers from CIIMAR are part of the team responsible for a study published in Nature Microbiology demonstrating that a specific group of algae is among the primary producers of an anti-stress compound that, when cleaved by bacteria or algae, helps cool the climate.
Every year, billions of tons of dimethylsulfoniopropionate (DMSP) are produced in the oceans by marine microorganisms, protecting them from various types of stress. Another important characteristic of DMSP is that it is the primary source of dimethylsulfide (DMS), a gas that promotes climate cooling.
The study titled “Alternative dimethylsulfoniopropionate biosynthesis enzymes in diverse and abundant microorganisms”, now published in the journal Nature Microbiology, involving researchers from CIIMAR’s Cyanobacterial Natural Products team, Pedro Leão and Ana Vieira, identified the new enzymes responsible for the synthesis of dimethylsulfoniopropionate (DMSP) in various bacteria, photosynthetic cyanobacteria, and algae. The study also showed that a particular group of marine algae, the Pelagophyceae, which form blooms, appear to be significant producers of DMSP. Furthermore, since they are among the most abundant algae on the planet, they may be responsible for DMSP production.
The study by CIIMAR researchers suggests that the production of DMSP, and consequently the release of DMS, is higher than expected, especially now that the climate is warmer. This finding seems to indicate a fundamental role of these producing microorganisms in regulating global climate.
Read the full Press Release.
Photo: Strain LEGE-CC 11467 – Zarconia navalis
