Genome reduction in Paenibacillus polymyxa DSM 365 for chassis development

Area of Science:

• Microbial biotechnology and synthetic biology
• Genomics and genome engineering

Background:

• Paenibacillus polymyxa DSM 365 is a metabolically versatile microbe with potential for biotechnological applications.
• Development of robust microbial platforms is crucial for replacing fossil-based processes.
• A complete genome sequence is essential for engineering Paenibacillus polymyxa into a microbial chassis.

Purpose of the Study:

• To report the first complete genome sequence of Paenibacillus polymyxa DSM 365.
• To engineer genome-reduced variants of Paenibacillus polymyxa for enhanced bioproduction.
• To validate the suitability of engineered strains for further genetic modification.

Main Methods:

• Whole-genome sequencing and assembly of Paenibacillus polymyxa DSM 365.
• Construction of single knock-out mutants and genome-reduced variants (GR1, GR2).
• Evaluation of growth characteristics and production titers of engineered strains.

Main Results:

• A closed genome sequence for Paenibacillus polymyxa DSM 365 was established (5,889,536 bp).
• Two genome-reduced variants (GR1 and GR2) were successfully created with reduced genome sizes (3.0% and 0.6%).
• Engineered variants exhibited wild-type growth and unaffected production of 2,3-butanediol and exopolysaccharides.

Conclusions:

• The complete genome sequence provides a foundation for Paenibacillus polymyxa DSM 365 as a microbial chassis.
• Genome reduction strategies yield viable chassis variants suitable for industrial biotechnology.
• Engineered strains are validated for further genetic engineering and bioproduction optimization.