AUTHOR=Puopolo Gerardo , Tomada Selena , Sonego Paolo , Moretto Marco , Engelen Kristof , Perazzolli Michele , Pertot Ilaria 

TITLE=The Lysobacter capsici AZ78 Genome Has a Gene Pool Enabling it to Interact Successfully with Phytopathogenic Microorganisms and Environmental Factors

JOURNAL=Frontiers in Microbiology

VOLUME=7

YEAR=2016

URL=https://www.frontiersin.org/journals/microbiology/articles/10.3389/fmicb.2016.00096

DOI=10.3389/fmicb.2016.00096

ISSN=1664-302X

ABSTRACT=<p><italic>Lysobacter capsici</italic> AZ78 has considerable potential for biocontrol of phytopathogenic microorganisms. However, lack of information about genetic cues regarding its biological characteristics may slow down its exploitation as a biofungicide. In order to obtain a comprehensive overview of genetic features, the <italic>L. capsici</italic> AZ78 genome was sequenced, annotated and compared with the phylogenetically related pathogens <italic>Stenotrophomonas malthophilia</italic> K729a and <italic>Xanthomonas campestris</italic> pv. <italic>campestris</italic> ATCC 33913. Whole genome comparison, supported by functional analysis, indicated that <italic>L. capsici</italic> AZ78 has a larger number of genes responsible for interaction with phytopathogens and environmental stress than <italic>S. malthophilia</italic> K729a and <italic>X. c</italic>. pv. <italic>campestris</italic> ATCC 33913. Genes involved in the production of antibiotics, lytic enzymes and siderophores were specific for <italic>L. capsici</italic> AZ78, as well as genes involved in resistance to antibiotics, environmental stressors, fungicides and heavy metals. The <italic>L. capsici</italic> AZ78 genome did not encompass genes involved in infection of humans and plants included in the <italic>S. malthophilia</italic> K729a and <italic>X. c</italic>. pv. <italic>campestris</italic> ATCC 33913 genomes, respectively. The <italic>L. capsici</italic> AZ78 genome provides a genetic framework for detailed analysis of other <italic>L. capsici</italic> members and the development of novel biofungicides based on this bacterial strain.</p>