Comparative genomic analysis of two Schlegelella species brings novel insights into polyhydroxyalkanoates production

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Polyhydroxyalkanoates (PHAs) are biodegradable and renewable polymers synthesized by many bacteria under nutrient-limited conditions. Schlegelella thermodepolymerans and Schlegelella aquatica are capable producers of PHAs with promising characteristics for industrial applications. Genus Schlegelella covers several species and has so far two synonyms, Caldimonas and Caenibacterium, providing new opportunities for the exploration of genomic features using additional species currently classified outside the genus under study. Understanding the regulation of PHA production in these bacteria is crucial for improving PHA yield. However, the regulatory mechanisms are still poorly understood. Here, we report the identified key elements involved in PHA biosynthesis and the comparison between strains Schlegelella thermodepolymerans DSM 15344T, DSM 15264, LMG 21645, and Schlegelella aquatica LMG 23380T. Through genome sequencing and analysis, we found that the PHA biosynthetic pathway in these bacteria is regulated by a complex network of genes, including phaC, phaA, phaB, phaR, phaP, and phaZ. In addition, our attention was directed towards the control of sugar metabolism, and we discovered a unique regulatory mechanism responsible for the utilization of xylose among the bacteria examined. Our findings provide insights into the genetic basis of PHA biosynthesis in these bacteria and lay the foundation for further genetic engineering to improve PHA production in the genus Schlegelella/Caldimonas. These results have important implications for the development of sustainable bioplastics and the mitigation of plastic pollution. This work has been supported by grant project GACR 22-10845S.

Caldimonas; PHA; bioinformatics

MUSILOVÁ, J.; KOUŘILOVÁ, X.; HEŘMÁNKOVÁ, K.; BEZDÍČEK, M.; OBRUČA, S.; SEDLÁŘ, K.

24. 4. 2023