Whole genome sequencing and functional features of UMX-103: a new Bacillus strain with biosurfactant producing capability

The genus Bacillus is a Gram-positive, aerobic, endospore-forming, rod-shaped bacterium commonly found in the environment that have important industrial, medical, agriculture and environmental values. Here, we report the whole genome sequence analysis of UMX-103 which was isolated from a hydrocarbon contaminated site in Terengganu, Malaysia. An integration of both genomics and chemical approaches were conducted to analyse the biosurfactant production by the strain UMX-103. The genome was assembled using a combination of both de novo and reference-guided assembly methods. The genome size of UMX-103 is 4,234,627 bp with 4399 genes comprising of 4301 protein-coding genes and 98 RNA genes. The mapping results showed 93.44% of genome similarity with B. subtilis strain 168. We have identified 25 genes involved in biosurfactants production. Among the 25 identified genes, 14 genes were involved in surfactin biosynthesis and 11 genes were implicated in surfactin regulation. Fifteen genomic islands were identified which are different from other closely related Bacillus species. In addition, our study also revealed the genetic contents of this bacterium and genes which are involved in biosurfactant production.