Genomic Analysis Provides New Insights Into Biotechnological and Industrial Potential of Parageobacillus thermantarcticus M1

Abstract

Parageobacillus thermantarcticus strain M1 is a Gram-positive, motile, facultative anaerobic, spore forming, and thermophilic bacterium, isolated from geothermal soil of the crater of Mount Melbourne (74°22′ S, 164°40′ E) during the Italian Antarctic Expedition occurred in Austral summer 1986–1987. Strain M1 demonstrated great biotechnological and industrial potential owing to its ability to produce exopolysaccharides (EPSs), ethanol and thermostable extracellular enzymes, such as an xylanase and a β-xylosidase, and intracellular ones, such as xylose/glucose isomerase and protease. Furthermore, recent studies revealed its high potential in green chemistry due to its use in residual biomass transformation/valorization and as an appropriate model for microbial astrobiology studies. In the present study, using a systems-based approach, genomic analysis of P. thermantarcticus M1 was carried out to enlighten its functional characteristics. The elucidation of whole-genome organization of this thermophilic cell factory increased our understanding of biological mechanisms and pathways, by providing valuable information on the essential genes related to the biosynthesis of nucleotide sugar precursors, monosaccharide unit assembly, as well as the production of EPSs and ethanol. In addition, gene prediction and genome annotation studies identified genes encoding xylanolytic enzymes that are required for the conversion of lignocellulosic materials to high-value added molecules. Our findings pointed out the significant potential of strain M1 in various biotechnological and industrial applications considering its capacity to produce EPSs, ethanol and thermostable enzymes via the utilization of lignocellulosic waste materials.

Ecological versatility and biotechnological promise: Comprehensive characterization of the isolated thermophilic Bacillus strains

“…Further, by correlating these genetic markers with phenotypic traits, a more comprehensive understanding of how genetic variations manifest in physiological characteristics can be achieved [ 36 ]. Placing these findings within the broader context of bacterial genomics underscores their significance, paving the way for future research, such as functional genomics studies, to explore the roles of specific genes in adaptability and the potential exploitation of these strains in various biotechnological arenas [ 37 ]. This comprehensive analysis, therefore, illuminates the intricate interplay between genetic composition, environmental adaptability, and evolutionary history in Bacillus species, opening new avenues for scientific exploration and practical applications.…”

Production and Biological Activities of Exopolysaccharides Synthesized by Thermophilic Bacilli Isolated from Hot Springs in Türkiye

“…Whole genome based analysis has provided new insights regarding EPSs biosynthesis capabilities of thermophilic Brevibacillus thermoruber 423 (Yildiz et al 2015), Geobacillus sp. WSUCF1 (Wang et al 2019) and Parageobacillus thermantarcticus M1 (Yasar Yildiz et al 2022).…”

Characterization of Parageobacillus Bacteriophage vB_PtoS_NIIg3.2—A Representative of a New Genus within Thermophilic Siphoviruses

“…Unsurprisingly, as genera derived from extreme environments, Parageobacillus , and its closest relatives Geobacillus , serve as sources of proteins that remain stable at high temperatures and are functional under extreme conditions. Consequently, these bacteria hold great potential in various biotechnological, industrial, and medical applications [ 7 , 8 , 9 ]. On the other hand, bacteria of these genera cause food spoilage or form biofilms on different abiotic surfaces, which generates significant financial losses in the food industry [ 10 , 11 ].…”