Comparative whole-genome analysis of a Thar desert strain Streptomyces sp. JB150 provides deep insights into the encoded parvome and adaptations to desert edaphic system

We sequenced the genome of Streptomyces sp. JB150, isolated from a unique site of the Thar desert in India. Genome mining of the JB150 genome revealed the presence of many interesting secondary metabolic biosynthetic gene clusters (BGCs). The encoded parvome of JB150 includes non-ribosomal peptides, polyketides including {beta}-lactone, butyrolactone, ectoine, lantipeptides, lasso peptides, melanin, resorcinol, siderophores, terpenoids, thiopeptides, and other types of hybrid compounds. Among them, ~30% BGCs displayed a high degree of novelty. The genome of JB150 was enriched for a large assortment of specialized genes coding for the production of many interesting biomolecules comprising compatible solutes, multiple stress-response regulators, transport proteins, protein secretion systems, signaling molecules, chaperones and storage reserves, etc. The presence of diverse members of CAZymes enzyme families, high numbers of riboflavin, flavin mononucleotide (FMN) and flavin adenine dinucleotide (FAD), trehalose and aromatic compounds synthesis genes, putative orthologues to several of the classical fatty acid synthesis components, prototrophy for many essential amino acids exhibit metabolic versatility of JB150 to inhabit in the extreme desert environment. Besides, the genome of JB150 was observed to specifically encode thiazole-oxazole-modified thiazolemicrocin (TOMM) and ectoine. The comparison of the complete genomes of Streptomyces sp. JB150 and seven other actinomycete strains belonging to different desert ecosystems unveiled the presence of many previously undetected, distinctive, biological, and genomic signatures. We propose that these genetic traits endowed by these strains are essential for their adaptation in the highly underprivileged, extreme ecosystem of the Thar desert to cope with multiple abiotic stressors, oligotrophic nutrient conditions and to produce a huge repertoire of diverse secondary metabolites.