TY  - EJOU
AU  - Martínez-López, Nancy Abril 
AU  - Peña-Ocaña, Betsy Anaid 
AU  - García-Contreras, Rodolfo 
AU  - Maeda, Toshinari 
AU  - Rincón-Rosales, Reiner 
AU  - Gutiérrez-Miceli, Federico Antonio 
AU  - Ruíz-Valdiviezo, Víctor Manuel 

TI  - Genomic and Functional Characterization of Thermophilic <i>Paenibacillus</i> sp. VCA1: A Biocontrol Agent Isolated from El Chichón Volcano Crater Lake
T2  - Phyton-International Journal of Experimental Botany

PY  - 2025
VL  - 94
IS  - 9
SN  - 1851-5657

AB  - Species of the genus <i>Paenibacillus</i>, especially those from extreme environments that have been reported, are known for producing bioactive compounds with agricultural and biotechnological applications. In this study, we investigated the genomic and biochemical potential of <i>Paenibacillus</i> sp. VCA1 strain isolated from a thermophilic environment. Taxonomic identification was performed using whole genome similarity analysis, TETRA four-nucleotide frequency of occurrence analysis, ANI average nucleotide identity analysis, and gene distance analysis using digital DNA-DNA hybridization (dDDH). Functional analysis of the strain VCA1 was performed by detecting genes, enzymes, and genome subsystems involved in biocontrol and plant growth promotion, which was carried out using the RAST (Rapid Annotation using Subsystem Technology), the seed server and antiSAMSH (antibiotics & Secondary Metabolite Analysis Shell). Genetic analyses showed the existence of 11 fatty acid and isoprenoid production genes, 56 motility and chemotaxis genes, 29 N-acetylglucosamine genes, and five siderophore genes. Finally, the antifungal and emulsifying activities demonstrated that strain VCA1 has activity against <i>Fusarium oxysporum</i> strain 45ta using integrated genomic and experimental validation, and the antifungal properties of the <i>Paenibacillus</i> sp. VCA1 has suggested potential use as a biocontrol agent against phytopathogenic fungi, and its continuous study can have beneficial applications in sustainable agriculture and biotechnology.
KW  - <i>Paenibacillus</i> sp.; extremophile; antifungal; antiSMASH; biocontrol agent

DO  - 10.32604/phyton.2025.068176