Environ Exp Biol (2024) 22: 79–86

Bioinformatic insights into the xenobiotic degradation potential gene clusters of fish-associated novel Bacillus velezensis SNR14-4

Abstract

Bacillus velezensis is a member of the genus Bacillus, which harbours useful, novel, and efficient secondary metabolites that can be utilized in the disruption of xenobiotics. Although a few strains of B. velezensis and related species are reported every year as having xenobiotic metabolism potential, several novel gene clusters are still unexplored, which could be more potent than those already discovered. The current B. velezensis strain was isolated from gills of healthy Oreochromis niloticus and the novelty of the strain was assessed through whole genome sequence analysis. Prokka, DFAST, BAKTA, and RASTtk were computational tools utilized for genome elucidation following the genome assembly. Protein and protein pathway prediction was achieved through the PATRIC database. Additionally, the resistance genes against microorganisms were examined through CARD (via Proksee), bacteriocin, and RiPPs using BAGEL4, and forecast of virulence factors using VFDB in PATRIC. The analysis led to identification of indicator genes for xenobiotic breakdown. The results were compared to pre-existing strains of B. velezensis and it was compelling to conclude the high biotechnological potential and the candidacy of the strain in xenobiotic degradation.