Genome mining identifies Micrococcus yunnanensis strain AZMABM 17 as a potential source of Antioxidant,...

The discovery and characterization of novel microbial strains are critical for advancing our understanding of microbial diversity and their potential applications in biotechnology and medicine.

In this study, we identified and characterized Micrococcus yunnanensis strain AZMABM 17 using 16 S rRNA sequencing and Average Nucleotide Identity (ANI) analysis. Whole-genome sequencing was performed to determine the genomic structure and functional potential of the strain. Functional annotation and predictive analysis of secondary metabolite biosynthesis gene clusters (BGCs) were also conducted. The bioactivity of the isolate was evaluated through antidiabetic, antioxidant, and anti-inflammatory assays by measuring inhibition using a spectrophotometer. Antiproliferative activity was assessed using MTT assays against the MCF-7 breast cancer cell line.

The 16 S rRNA sequencing revealed a 98.28% identity with Micrococcus sp. 3455 and Micrococcus sp. GS57, while ANI analysis showed a 98.30% similarity with Micrococcus yunnanensis DSM 21,948, confirming AZMABM 17 as a novel strain. Whole-genome sequencing revealed a circular chromosome of 2,435,094 base pairs with a GC content of 73%, encoding 2,183 protein-coding genes, including 949 assigned to Gene Ontology (GO) and 1,367 to KEGG Orthology (KO). Functional annotation identified genes involved in amino acid transport, carbohydrate metabolism, and secondary metabolite biosynthesis, including terpenoids and carotenoids. The strain exhibited significant antioxidant, antidiabetic, anti-inflammatory, and antiproliferative activities, with higher metabolite concentrations correlating with increased bioactivities. Predictive analysis identified six putative secondary metabolite biosynthesis gene clusters (BGCs), including terpene and NI-siderophore clusters, suggesting the potential to produce novel bioactive compounds.

These findings underscore the biotechnological potential of Micrococcus yunnanensis strain AZMABM 17, particularly in pharmaceutical and environmental applications.