Comparative genomics based exploration of xenobiotic degradation patterns in Glutamicibacter, Arthrobacter, and Pseudarthrobacter isolated from diverse ecological habitats

Xenobiotics pose a substantial threat to environmental integrity by disrupting normal ecosystems. The genus <i>Arthrobacter</i>, known for its metabolic versatility can degrade several xenobiotic compounds. <i>Arthrobacter</i> strains have also undergone frequent taxonomic revisions and reclassifications to strains including <i>Pseudarthrobacter</i> and <i>Glutamicibacter</i>. Here, we present the complete genome sequence of <i>Glutamicibacter protophormiae</i> strain NG4, isolated from a coastal area surrounded by chemical plants. Further, through comparative genomics involving 55 strains from <i>Glutamicibacter</i>, <i>Arthrobacter</i>, and <i>Pseudarthrobacter</i>, we elucidated taxonomic relationships and xenobiotic degradation potential. Our genomics-based findings revealed a generally even distribution of xenobiotic-degrading genes and pathways among the studied strains. <i>Glutamicibacter</i> species emerged as potential candidate for steroid degradation. A significant number of host-specific and environmental isolates predominantly possessed pathways for 4-hydroxybenzoate (4-HB) degradation and only the environmental isolates possessed benzoate degradation pathway. Certain <i>Arthrobacter</i> and <i>Pseudarthrobacter</i> species isolated from the environmental settings were identified as potential degraders of toluene, xylene, and phenanthrene. Notably, most strains contained pathways for azathioprine, capecitabine, and 5-fluorouridine pharmaceutical drug metabolism. Overall, our findings shed light on microbial metabolic diversity among 55 strains isolated from diverse sources and hint the importance of strict environmental monitoring. Further, for the application of the putative xenobiotic degrading strains, experimental validation is required in the future.