Genome Sequencing and Antimicrobial Metabolite Synthesis Genes of Bacillus mojavensis JK-18

Objective Sequence and annotation of Bacillus mojavensis JK-18 genome were obtained, and gene clusters related to the synthesis of antimicrobial secondary metabolites in the bacterium identified for the development of a biocontrol agent for walnut tree blight.

Method The whole genome of B. mojavensis JK-18 isolated from the rhizosphere soil of walnut trees was sequenced using the PacBio technology. The characteristics, functions, and classification of the gene and secondary metabolites secreted by the bacterium were analyzed.

Results  The genome was a closed circular DNA with a size of 4 166 746 bp containing 4 138 protein-coding genes and 4 kinds of CRISPR. It had 5 844, 2 299, 3 257, 183, and 7 functional genes annotated in GO, KEGG, EGGNOG, CAZY, and CARD databases, respectively. Predicted by antiSMASH, the genes related to the synthesis of secondary metabolites including the antimicrobial substances like polyketide compounds (e.g., Lichenysin, Macrobrevin and Aurantinin), peptidolipids (e.g., Surfactin, Bacillomycin, Plipastatin and Fengycin), and macrolides (e.g., Dumulmycin and Dactylocycline A).

Conclusion Identification of the genes in B. mojavensis JK-18 that related to the syntheses of secondary metabolites with an antimicrobial property would aid further study leading to the development of bioagents for blight prevention and control on walnut trees.