Functional Genes Encoding for Enzyme-associated Function in Bacillus paranthracis B1-S Strain Isolated from the Deep-sea environment of Andaman Sea

Abstract

The ecological distribution of Bacillus paranthracis, primarily reported in terrestrial and clinical settings, remains unexplored in extreme marine ecosystems. This study addresses the knowledge gap by reporting the first isolation of strain B1-S, from the deep-sea sediment at a depth of 3,581 m in the Andaman Sea. The strain demonstrated extracellular production of protease, lipase, and DNase with enzyme activity indices of 1.08, 1.25 and 1.07, respectively. Genome sequencing revealed a 6.39 Mbp genome with 35.92% G + C content, high completeness (99.92%), and contamination (4%). Annotation identified multiple genes encoding hydrolytic enzymes, including proteases, lipases, and DNases, as well as carboxylase and decarboxylase genes, corroborating the observed enzymatic activity. The absence of genes encoding amylase, phosphatase, cellulase, and pectinase matched the negative in vitro assay results. This alignment between genomic and phenotypic data supports the organism’s metabolic capabilities for survival in a nutrient-limited deep-sea habitat. The findings highlight B. paranthracis B1-S may have potential for enzyme-based industrial applications, thereby contributing to the growing field of marine bioprospecting and the blue economy, thereby expanding the knowledge of known ecological niche.

Graphical Abstract

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