Exploring biosynthetic potential of the endophytic <i>Penicillium turbatum</i> BLH34 using whole-genome sequence analysis and molecular networking

An in-depth genomic and metabolomic investigation was conducted on the endophytic fungus <i>Penicillium turbatum</i> BLH34, isolated from <i>Macleaya cordata</i>. Hybrid sequencing (Illumina-Nanopore) generated a high-quality 27.9 Mb genome (GC 48.6%) encoding 9798 proteins, with functional annotation linking 5350 genes to the NCBI non-redundant database and 3404 to KEGG pathways. AntiSMASH analysis uncovered 35 biosynthetic gene clusters (BGCs), 23 of which lacked homology to known pathways, highlighting BLH34's potential for novel metabolite discovery. Molecular networking (GNPS) and LC-MS/MS identified 19 specialised metabolites, including antimicrobial polyketides. Bioassays demonstrated potent inhibition against <i>Staphylococcus aureus</i> (36 mm), <i>Bacillus subtilis</i> (28 mm) and <i>Escherichia coli</i> (24 mm), underscoring its pharmaceutical relevance.