Whole-genome sequencing of Bacillus thuringiensis strain SY49.1 reveals the detection of novel candidate pesticidal and bioactive compounds isolated from Turkey

BackgroundBacillus thuringiensis SY49.1 (Bt SY49.1) strain is a new strain isolated from a soil sample in Adana city which is nestled in the most fertile agricultural area in Turkey. This strain has insecticidal activity against insect pests from different orders. Also, it is characterized by its significant activity against plant fungal infections and as plant growth promotion. AimsTo report the whole genome sequencing (WGS) and annotation of the Bt SY49.1 strain. Materials and MethodsThe Bt SY49.1 strain was isolated from the soil sample in Adana city by using a sodium acetate enriched medium. Bacterial DNA was extracted then sequenced using Illumina HiSeq technology. After data filtering and quality control, de novo assembly and genomic annotation were applied. Evolutionary and comparative genomic analysis and variant calling were performed using various in silico tools. ResultsThe WGS of strain Bt SY49.1 is 6. 32 Mbp long with a GC content of 34.68%. It reveals large numbers of single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) and InDels. The assembled genome contains 6,562 protein-encoding genes. In addition, it encodes various gene inventories for the biosynthesis of bioactive compounds such as insecticidal delta endotoxins, growth stimulatory deaminase and phosphatases, fungicidal thuricin, bacillibactin, petrobactin, fengycin / plipastin, and zwittermycin A. ConclusionThe strain Bt SY49.1 could have several potential utilities as a source of antibiotics compounds, plant growth promoting metabolites, and biocontrol agents for fungal phytopathogens, and insects. We expect that the draft genome of the Bt SY49.1 strain may provide a model for proper understanding and studying of antimicrobial compound mining, genetic diversity among the B. cereus group, and pathogenicity against insect pests and plant diseases, and growth-promoting activity.