Bacillus subtilis strain:MMA7 Genome sequencing. Bacillus subtilis strain:MMA7

Bacillus subtilis is a Gram-positive, endospore-forming bacterium that is ubiquitous in nature and is a renowned producer of antimicrobial agents. It is the model organism for cell differentiation and sporulation studies. B. subtilis are commonly used as spores in probiosis. In this study B. subtilis strains isolated from different coastal and deep water marine sponges appear to phylogenetically cluster together, however they are distinct from previously sequenced strains. Although these isolates phylogenetically group together, they are phenotypically, morphologically and genetically quite different from each other. Genome sequencing of two coastal sponge isolates (MMA7 & CC15) and one from a deep sea sponge (126-43), has shown there to be a genome of 4.1 – 4.3 Mb in size with an overall G+C content of 43%. The acquisition and loss of several gene clusters may have played a role in the evolution of these strains and their ability to survive the harsh environment within marine sponges. The sequencing of these genomes provides a comparative resource for directing functional analysis of other marine derived B. subtilis isolates. It also enhances the understanding of the divergence of this distinct marine sponge B. subtilis group from other previously identified bacilli. Genomic technologies and functional screens have uncovered the biotechnological potential of these bacteria, further emphasising the importance of bio-prospecting in untapped environments to identify industrially important bacteria strains.