Bacillus thuringiensis produces the lipopeptide thumolycin to antagonize microbes and nematodes

Bacillus thuringiensis has been widely used as a bio-insecticide. However, novel biological activities other than insect toxicity of B. thuringiensis are still underestimated. In this study, a new lipopeptide biosynthesis gene cluster in B. thuringiensis BMB171 was discovered by genome mining and verified by reverse genetics. Thumolycin, the lipopeptide synthesized by this gene cluster, was then isolated and purified. Mass spectrum analysis revealed the molecular mass of thumolycin is 696.51 Da with the predicted molecular formula of C38H64N8O4. Further bioactivities assay showed that thumolycin endowed B. thuringiensis BMB171 with broad spectrum antimicrobial and nematocidal activities.