Organization, evolution and function of fengycin biosynthesis gene clusters in the Bacillus amyloliquefaciens group

Abstract The Bacillus velezensis strain PG12, belonging to the amyloliquefaciens group, is an endophytic bacterium known for its antimicrobial activities against crop pathogens. However, our knowledge of molecular basis underlying biocontrol activity and relatedness different strains in group limited. Here, we sequenced analyzed genome PG12 test taxonomic affiliation identified genes involved activity. phylogenomic analysis results indicate that belongs B. velezensis, a subgroup group. By comparing genomes 22 this confirmed it comprises three phylogenetic lineages: , siamensis . Three secondary metabolism gene clusters related production lipopeptides, namely fengycin, iturin surfactin, were core enriched compared with five pertaining cluster responsible fengycin biosynthesis ( fenBCD ) found but not Phenotypic showed ∆ fenA mutant displayed significantly decreased biofilm formation swarming motility, which indicates contributes colonization pathogen control abilities PG12. Our also suggest have acquired from Paenibacillus spp. by horizontal transfer (HGT). Taken together, provide insights into evolutionary pattern will promote further researches on their taxonomy functional genomics.