Genome Sequence of Trichoderma lixii MUT3171, A Promising Strain for Mycoremediation of PAH-Contaminated Sites

Abstract

Mono- and polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) are widespread and recalcitrant pollutants that threaten both environmental and human health. By exploiting the powerful enzymatic machinery of fungi, mycoremediation in contaminated sites aims at removing a wide range of pollutants in a cost-efficient and environmentally friendly manner. Next-generation sequencing (NGS) techniques are powerful tools for understanding the molecular basis of biotransformation of PAHs by selected fungal strains, allowing genome mining to identify genetic features of biotechnological value. Trichoderma lixii MUT3171, isolated from a historically PAH-contaminated soil in Italy, can grow on phenanthrene, as a sole carbon source. Here, we report the draft genome sequence of T. lixii MUT3171 obtained with high-throughput sequencing method. The genome of T. lixii MUT3171 was compared with other 14 Trichoderma genomes, highlighting both shared and unique features that can shed a light on the biotransformation of PAHs. Moreover, the genes potentially involved in the production of important biosurfactants and bioactive molecules have been investigated. The gene repertoire of T. lixii MUT3171 indicates a high degrading potential and provides hints on putative survival strategies in a polluted environment.

A Genomic and Transcriptomic Study on the DDT-Resistant Trichoderma hamatum FBL 587: First Genetic Data into Mycoremediation Strategies for DDT-Polluted Sites

“…The SM BSGC potential of T. hamatum FBL 587, which includes PKSs, NRPSs and terpenes, was compared with those of other Trichoderma species of the section Trichoderma (see [ 15 ]), such as T. atroviride IMI 2060, which is publicly available at the antiSMASH database [ 30 ], and T. lixii MUT3171 [ 4 ] of the clade Harzianum/Virens (see [ 15 ]) as outgroup. Most of the antiSMASH-6.0-detected gene clusters cannot be annotated in T. hamatum FBL 587 as their composition is not similar to any known fungal BGC.…”

“…However, even though it is known that the siderophore ferricrocin is used for intracellular storage of iron and that it is involved in the protection of fungal cells from oxidative stress [ 51 ], the g775 was not upregulated by exposure to DDT. Therefore, although the role of siderophores in fungal resistance to oxidative stress was proposed in previous studies [ 4 , 40 , 41 ], their contribution to the resistance against DDT-induced ROS should be evaluated under varying DDT contamination and exposure conditions.…”

“…Mycoremediation of polluted areas is a promising method to remove many hazardous pollutants [ 4 ]. The biodegradation of DDT using microfungi has been regarded as an efficient method to remove DDT in DDT-polluted sites without causing significant ecological consequences [ 5 ].…”

Molecular methods unravel the biosynthetic potential of Trichoderma species

“…59 Sequencing of the T. lixii MUT3171 genome resulted in the iden-tication of 23 polyketide synthases, 19 non-ribosomal peptide synthetases, and 8 NRPS-PKS hybrids. 17 Nevertheless, the research on secondary metabolite biosynthetic gene clusters in Trichoderma spp. has lagged behind progress in other genera such as Penicillium and Aspergillus, which may be, at least partially, ascribed to the complex and tight control over secondary metabolism in Trichoderma species.…”

“…are known to produce important antibacterial, antifungal and antinematode natural products [14][15][16] and are also reported to be used in the mycoremediation of contaminated soils and water. 17,18 Trichoderma species nd use as BCA mainly by direct application of the fungi to the plant or the soil, which has some limitations. One of them is the variation in the environmental conditions that can affect the chemical prole of the fungi and that oen leads to either a decline in the production of benecial natural products or unintended production of mycotoxins.…”