Comparative genome analysis of Lysinibacillus B1-CDA, a bacterium that accumulates arsenics

• Genome sequencing of a Lysinibacillus strain B1-CDA exhibiting a very high resistance to arsenics
• Comparative genome analysis and identification of genes putatively involved in accumulation of arsenics inside the cell
• Annotation of all genes responsive to arsenics and/or other heavy metals by Rapid Annotations using Subsystems Technology, RAST
• B1-CDA can be used as a potential candidate for removing arsenics and other toxic metals from the contaminated sources.

Previously, we reported an arsenic resistant bacterium Lysinibacillus sphaericus B1-CDA, isolated from an arsenic contaminated lands. Here, we have investigated its genetic composition and evolutionary history by using massively parallel sequencing and comparative analysis with other known Lysinibacillus genomes. Assembly of the sequencing reads revealed a genome of ~ 4.5 Mb in size encompassing ~ 80% of the chromosomal DNA. We found that the set of ordered contigs contains abundant regions of similarity with other Lysinibacillus genomes and clearly identifiable genome rearrangements. Furthermore, all genes of B1-CDA that were predicted be involved in its resistance to arsenic and/or other heavy metals were annotated. The presence of arsenic responsive genes was verified by PCR in vitro conditions. The findings of this study highlight the significance of this bacterium in removing arsenics and other toxic metals from the contaminated sources. The genetic mechanisms of the isolate could be used to cope with arsenic toxicity.