The complete genome sequence of the algicidal bacterium Bacillus subtilis strain JA and the use of quorum sensing to evaluate its antialgal ability.

ABSTRACT: We describe the isolation of Bacillus subtilis strain JA and demonstrate that this bacterium exhibited strong algicidal effects on the algae Alexandrium minutum with an inhibition rate exceeding 80 % within 48 h. B. subtilis JA significantly reduced the photosynthetic efficiency of A. minutum and caused extensive morphological damage to the algae. Genomic analysis of B. subtilis JA demonstrated that a putative AI-2 type quorum sensing (QS) gene (LuxS) is present in its genome cluster, which is regulate pheromone biosynthesis. Interestingly, the exogenous addition of a QS-oligopeptide (ComX-pheromone) improved the algicidal efficiency of B. subtilis JA, thus indicating that the algicidal activity of this bacterium is potentially regulated by QS. Collectively, our data describe a potential antialgal bacterium and speculated that its behavior can be modulated by QS signal. B. subtilis JA may therefore represent a valuable tool for the development of novel chemical-ecological methods with which to control harmful algae.

SUBMITTER: Zhang SJ 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC6961068 | biostudies-literature | 2020 Mar

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature