Genome sequence of the pattern forming Paenibacillus vortex bacterium reveals potential for thriving in complex environments

<p>Abstract</p> <p>Background</p> <p>The pattern-forming bacterium <it>Paenibacillus vortex </it>is notable for its advanced social behavior, which is reflected in development of colonies with highly intricate architectures. Prior to this study, only two other <it>Paenibacillus </it>species (<it>Paenibacillus </it>sp. JDR-2 and <it>Paenibacillus larvae</it>) have been sequenced. However, no genomic data is available on the <it>Paenibacillus </it>species with pattern-forming and complex social motility. Here we report the <it>de novo </it>genome sequence of this Gram-positive, soil-dwelling, sporulating bacterium.</p> <p>Results</p> <p>The complete <it>P. vortex </it>genome was sequenced by a hybrid approach using 454 Life Sciences and Illumina, achieving a total of 289× coverage, with 99.8% sequence identity between the two methods. The sequencing results were validated using a custom designed Agilent microarray expression chip which represented the coding and the non-coding regions. Analysis of the <it>P. vortex </it>genome revealed 6,437 open reading frames (ORFs) and 73 non-coding RNA genes. Comparative genomic analysis with 500 complete bacterial genomes revealed exceptionally high number of two-component system (TCS) genes, transcription factors (TFs), transport and defense related genes. Additionally, we have identified genes involved in the production of antimicrobial compounds and extracellular degrading enzymes.</p> <p>Conclusions</p> <p>These findings suggest that <it>P. vortex </it>has advanced faculties to perceive and react to a wide range of signaling molecules and environmental conditions, which could be associated with its ability to reconfigure and replicate complex colony architectures. Additionally, <it>P. vortex </it>is likely to serve as a rich source of genes important for agricultural, medical and industrial applications and it has the potential to advance the study of social microbiology within Gram-positive bacteria.</p