Pan-Genome Analysis of Delftia tsuruhatensis Reveals Important Traits Concerning the Genetic Diversity, Pathogenicity, and Biotechnological Properties of the Species
Zhiqiu Yin, Xinbei Liu, Chengqian Qian, Li Sun, Shiqi Pang, Jianing Liu, Wei Li, Weiwei Huang, Shiyu Cui, Chengkai Zhang, Weixing Song, Dandan Wang, Zhihong Xie
Abstract
D. tsuruhatensis is considered a plant growth-promoting rhizobacterium (PGPR), an organic pollutant degradation strain, and an emerging opportunistic pathogen to the human. However, the genetic diversity, the evolutionary dynamics, and the genetic basis of these remarkable traits are still little known. We constructed a pan-genome analysis for D. tsuruhatensis and revealed extensive genetic diversity and genetic plasticity exhibited by open pan-genome, diverse mobile genetic elements (MGEs), genomic rearrangement, and horizontal genes. Our results highlight that horizontal gene transfer (HGT) and purifying selection are important forces in D. tsuruhatensis genetic evolution. The abundant virulence-related elements associated with macromolecular secretion systems, virulence factors, and antimicrobial resistance could contribute to the pathogenicity of this bacterium. Therefore, clinical microbiologists need to be aware of D. tsuruhatensis as an opportunistic pathogen. The genetic profiles of secondary metabolism, carbohydrate active enzymes (CAZymes), and phosphate transporter could provide insight into the genetic armory of potential applications for agriculture and biological control of D. tsuruhatensis in general.