Draft genome sequence of Penicillium chrysogenum strain HKF2, a fungus with potential for production of prebiotic synthesizing enzymes

In this study, we have characterized a novel set of extracellular enzymes produced by Penicillium chrysogenum strain HKF2. A draft genome data of 31.5 Mbp was generated and annotation suggested a total of 11,243 protein-coding genes out of which 609 were CAZymes, majority of which were found to have homology with Penicillium rubens, Penicillium chrysogenum followed by Penicillium expansum and Penicillium roqueforti . The prominent CAZyme genes identified in the draft genome encoded for enzymes involved in the production of prebiotics such as inulo-oligosaccharides and fructo-oligosaccharides. Corresponding enzyme assay indicated that the isolate possessed the potential to produce 11.8 and 3.8 U/mL of β-fructofuranosidase and inulinase, respectively. This study highlights the significance of Effluent Treatment Plants as novel and under-explored niche for isolation of fungi having the potential for production of prebiotics synthesizing enzymes.