In the heart of Brazil, a groundbreaking study is reshaping our understanding of a microscopic powerhouse with immense potential for agriculture, biotechnology, and beyond. Nine strains of Bacillus velezensis, isolated from the soil of Bahia, have been subjected to cutting-edge genomic analysis, revealing insights that could revolutionize several industries, including the energy sector.
Eduarda Guimarães Sousa, a researcher at the Cellular and Molecular Genetics Laboratory of the Federal University of Minas Gerais, led the team that sequenced and analyzed the genomes of these bacteria using next-generation sequencing (NGS) technology. The results, published in the journal ‘Frontiers in Microbiology’ (Frontiers in Microbiology), not only confirm the identification of these strains but also highlight their genetic diversity and potential applications.
Bacillus velezensis is no stranger to the scientific community. Known for its antimicrobial and antifungal properties, this Gram-positive bacterium has been a subject of interest in various fields. However, the recent study takes our understanding a step further. “The genetic diversity we observed among the strains is remarkable,” Sousa explains. “This diversity could be key to unlocking new applications, especially in areas like biofuel production and bioremediation.”
The team used Average Nucleotide Identity (ANI) and digital DNA-DNA hybridization (dDDH) analyses to identify the strains, revealing a high degree of similarity to the reference strain B. velezensis NRRL B-41580. However, two strains, BAC144 and BAC1273, showed a high similarity to B. amyloliquefaciens subsp. plantarum FZB42, a strain later reclassified as B. velezensis. This finding underscores the need for robust taxonomic technologies to accurately classify prokaryotes, many of which are subject to constant evolutionary changes.
The phylogenomic analysis confirmed the division pattern observed during identification, with BAC144 and BAC1273 clustering with B. amyloliquefaciens subsp. plantarum, while the other strains formed a clade with B. velezensis NRRL B-41580. The synteny analysis further demonstrated greater conservation among the strains from this study compared to the reference strain, with the formation of distinct collinear groups.
But what does this mean for the energy sector? The pangenome analysis revealed an open pangenome, highlighting the genetic diversity within the species. This diversity could be harnessed to develop more efficient biofuels or to clean up environmental pollution through bioremediation. “The functional annotation of these strains could lead to the discovery of new enzymes or metabolic pathways that could be exploited for industrial applications,” Sousa suggests.
The study also underscores the importance of accurate taxonomic classification. Many species within the genus Bacillus are heterotypic synonyms of B. velezensis, including Bacillus oryzicola, B. amyloliquefaciens subsp. plantarum, and Bacillus methylotrophicus. This complexity highlights the need for continuous re-evaluation and reclassification of bacterial species.
As we stand on the brink of a new era in biotechnology, this research serves as a reminder of the power of microbial diversity. The nine strains of Bacillus velezensis from Bahia are not just bacteria; they are a testament to the potential of the microbial world to shape our future. With further research and development, these strains could pave the way for innovative solutions in the energy sector and beyond. The journey from soil to lab to industry is a long one, but with each step, we inch closer to a future powered by the tiny, yet mighty, world of microbes.