Pan-Genome Portrait of Bacillus mycoides Provides Insights into the Species Ecology and Evolution
Krzysztof Fiedoruk, Justyna M. Drewnowska, Jacques Mahillon, Monika Zambrzycka, Izabela Święcicka
Abstract
This research allows deeper understanding of the genetic organization of natural bacterial populations, specifically, Bacillus mycoides, a psychrotrophic member of the Bacillus cereus group that is widely distributed worldwide, especially in areas with continental cold climates. These thorough analyses made it possible to describe, for the first time, the B. mycoides pan-genome, phylogenetic relationship within this species, and the mechanisms behind the species ecology and evolutionary history. Our study indicates a set of functional properties and adaptive genes, in particular, those encoding sigma factors, associated with B. mycoides acclimatization to specific ecological niches and changing environmental conditions.