Whole-genome sequencing and genomic analysis of the Bacillus licheniformis strain MGMM137 as a potential bioremediation agent for contaminated soils

Abstract

Bacillus licheniformis  species produce a wide array of secondary metabolites and are recognized for their high tolerance to toxins and heavy metals, making them promising bacterial biocontrol agents in agriculture, industry, and medicine. In this study, the complete genome of the  Bacillus licheniformis  strain MGMM137 isolated from the cooling drilling mud of an oil well was examined. The bioinformatics analysis revealed 4439 predicted coding sequences. The assembled genome was 4269212 bp in size and had a GC content of 45.9 %. During the genomic analysis, numerous genes encoding enzymes homologous to known proteins and capable of breaking down aromatic compounds and their derivatives were found. The strain was also shown to contain open reading frames with high sequence similarity to genes of known proteases, lipases, chitinases, cellulases, and amylases. Some of the identified gene clusters turned out to be homologous to known operons encoding genes involved in the synthesis of metabolites with antimicrobial and fungicidal properties. Furthermore, genes encoding proteins of resistance to many antibiotics were detected. Thus, the isolated and characterized strain can be used as a potential agent for the bioremediation of soils contaminated with sewage or oil waste.