Deciphering the Genomic Traits of Multi-Enterocin-Producing E. faecium 1702 from Bottarga: A WGS-Based...

Area of Science:

• Microbiology and Genomics
• Bacteriocin Research
• Probiotic Applications

Background:

• Enterococcus species produce bioactive molecules with applications in biotechnology and health.
• Enterococcus faecium strains are explored for probiotic potential in livestock and humans.
• Understanding the genetic makeup of Enterococcus faecium is crucial for its safe and effective utilization.

Purpose of the Study:

• To perform whole-genome sequencing (WGS) of a bacteriocinogenic Enterococcus faecium 1702 strain.
• To identify genetic traits associated with probiotic properties and potential biotechnological applications.
• To assess the safety profile of the Enterococcus faecium 1702 strain by analyzing genes related to antibiotic resistance and virulence.

Main Methods:

• Whole-genome sequencing (WGS) of Enterococcus faecium 1702 using the NovaSeq6000 platform.
• Bioinformatic analysis of WGS data, including genome assembly and annotation using PGAP and KEGG databases.
• Identification and characterization of genes encoding bacteriocins, enzymes with potential therapeutic activities, and metabolites.

Main Results:

• The Enterococcus faecium 1702 genome is 2,621,416 bp with 38.03% GC content, belonging to sequence type ST722.
• The strain is free of genes associated with clinically relevant antibiotic resistance, virulence factors, plasmids, and prophages.
• Genes encoding three enterocins (entA, entB, entX), L-asparaginase (ansB), L-glutaminase (glsA), arginine deiminase (arcA), and gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA) production (gadB, gadC, gadR) were identified.

Conclusions:

• Enterococcus faecium 1702 possesses significant genetic traits, including bacteriocin production and genes for enzymes with anticancer and GABA-related activities.
• The absence of antibiotic resistance and virulence genes supports the safety of this strain for potential probiotic and pharmaceutical applications.
• The identified genetic features warrant further investigation for the development of Enterococcus faecium 1702 as a probiotic agent or in biotechnological and pharmaceutical contexts.