Bt Research 2024, Vol.15, No.1, 20-29 http://microbescipublisher.com/index.php/bt 20 Research Insight Open Access Comparative Genomic Analysis of Bacillus thuringiensis Strains for Uncovering Evolutionary Mechanisms Wenfei Zhang College of Life Sciences, Hainan Normal University, Haikou, 570100, Hainan, China Corresponding email: wenfei2007@163.com Bt Research, 2024, Vol.15, No.1 doi: 10.5376/bt.2024.15.0003 Received: 15 Nov., 2023 Accepted: 30 Dec., 2023 Published: 26 Jan., 2024 Copyright © 2024 Zhang, This is an open access article published under the terms of the Creative Commons Attribution License, which permits unrestricted use, distribution, and reproduction in any medium, provided the original work is properly cited. Preferred citation for this article: Zhang W.F., 2024, Comparative genomic analysis of Bacillus thuringiensis strains for uncovering evolutionary mechanisms, Bt Research, 15(1): 20-29 (doi: 10.5376/bt.2024.15.0003) Abstract Bacillus thuringiensis (Bt), widely used as a biopesticide, exhibits significant genetic variability, which is crucial for its adaptability and functional capabilities. This study outlines the general characteristics, biological functions, and applications of Bt strains, emphasizing the importance of genetic diversity. Utilizing advanced genomic sequencing technologies and bioinformatics tools, the study analyzes the core and pan-genome compositions, and explores the genetic essence of highly virulent and novel Bt strains through case studies, providing insights into their evolutionary trajectories. The comprehensive genomic approach not only advances our understanding of microbial biodiversity and evolution but also enhances the role of comparative genomics in fostering biotechnological innovations. This research, through comparative genomic analysis of different Bacillus thuringiensis (Bt) strains, aims to reveal their genetic foundations and evolutionary mechanisms, providing a scientific basis for developing more effective biopesticide strategies and supporting theoretical advancements in biotechnological innovation. Keywords Bacillus thuringiensis; Comparative genomics; Evolutionary mechanisms; Biopesticides; Genetic diversity 1 Introduction Bacillus thuringiensis (Bt) is a Gram-positive, spore-forming bacterium that has garnered significant attention due to its entomopathogenic properties. It is widely used as a biopesticide, producing crystal proteins (Cry toxins) that are toxic to various insect orders. Despite its extensive use and study, the evolutionary mechanisms that drive the diversity and adaptability of Bt strains remain poorly understood. Bacillus thuringiensis is a member of the Bacillus cereus group, which also includes Bacillus cereus and Bacillus anthracis. These species share a close phylogenetic relationship but differ significantly in their pathogenicity and ecological niches (Ehling-Schulz et al., 2019). Bt is distinguished by its ability to produce parasporal crystals containing Cry toxins during sporulation, which are lethal to a wide range of insect larvae upon ingestion (Deng et al., 2014). The genetic basis for this insecticidal activity lies in the presence of Cry genes, which are often located on plasmids and can be transferred between strains, facilitating rapid adaptation to new hosts (Zheng et al., 2017). Comparative genomic analysis is a powerful tool for understanding the genetic diversity and evolutionary dynamics of bacterial species. By comparing the genomes of different Bt strains, researchers can identify core and accessory genes, elucidate the roles of mobile genetic elements, and uncover the genetic basis for host specificity and virulence (Alcaraz et al., 2010). This approach has revealed that Bt strains possess a high degree of genomic plasticity, with significant portions of their genomes dedicated to virulence factors, fitness traits, and mobile elements such as bacteriophages and transposases. Understanding these genomic features is crucial for developing more effective biopesticides and for predicting the evolutionary trajectories of Bt populations. This study analyzes the genetic diversity and evolutionary relationships among different Bt strains, identifies key genomic features and gene clusters associated with their insecticidal properties, explores the genetic basis of host specificity and the mechanisms of host-pathogen interactions, and provides insights into the evolutionary mechanisms driving the diversification and specialization of Bt strains. This study aims to conduct in-depth comparative genomic analysis of different Bt strains to promote their development and application in biotechnology and agriculture.
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