SKIN MICROBIOME IN AMPHIBIANS
The skin microbiome of amphibians has been shown to play an important role in the protection of their hosts from pathogenic organisms. Some members of this microbiome are able to inhibit, in vivo and in vitro, the growth of the pathogenic fungi Batrachochytrium dendrobatidis (Bd) and Batrachochytrium salamandrivorans (Bsal). These fungi cause the emerging disease known as chytridiomycosis that has led to dramatic population declines and extinctions of amphibians worldwide.
Recent studies have shown that skin bacterial communities in amphibians are influenced by different biotic and abiotic factors. In my laboratory, we are interested in determining…
THE MICROBIOME OF AMBYSTOMA ALTAMIRANI: EXPLORATION OF BIOTIC AND ABIOTIC FACTORS INFLUENCING THE CUTANEOUS MICROBIOTA OF THE MOUNTAIN STREAM SIRENDON.
In this project we aim to describe for the first time the skin microbiota of Ambystoma altamirani. This paedomorph aquatic salamander lives in the Sierra de Cruces, a mountain range that provides environmental services to central Mexico. A. altamirani is highly threatened due to habitat loss, pollution, and the introduction of exotic species. We want to determine the factors that determine the structure and function of the skin microbiota in this species. Abiotic factors include physicochemical variables of the water over four seasons….
DECIPHERING THE AXOLOTL SKIN MICROBIOME AND THE CONSEQUENCES OF HOST-MICROBIOME INTERACTIONS FOR A LETHAL EMERGING DISEASE
This project aims to determine whether host-associated genetic factors (genetic diversity, demographic history and immune response) modulate the diversity and structure of skin microbial communities in salamanders (Ambystoma) endemic to the Transmexican Volcanic Belt. This information will also allow us to know if the incidence of the pathogenic fungi Batrachochytrium dendrobatidis (Bd) and B. salamandrivorans (Bsal) is associated with specific combinations of host-associated factors or their skin microbiome…
THE SKIN OF MEXICAN SALAMANDERS AS A SOURCE OF BACTERIA AND COMPOUNDS WITH ANTIMICROBIAL ACTIVITY
The amphibian mucosa constitutes the first layer of defense against pathogenic microorganisms. The composition of the mucosa is a combination of molecules secreted by the host (including antimicrobial peptides-AMPs) and a complex community of skin-associated microorganisms.
In our laboratory, and in collaboration with other research groups, we have identified bacteria from the skin microbiota of the salamander Ambystoma altamirani that have antibacterial or antifungal activity. Antibacterial activity has been observed against priority human pathogens (such as Staphylococcus aureus, Pseudomonas aeruginosa and Acinetobacter baumannii), including strains resistant to …..