Whole Genome Sequencing, Comparative Genome Analysis, and Biotechnological Potential of Emericellopsis alkalina and E. fimetaria (Bionectriaceae, Ascomycota) from the Sediment of Alkaline, Saline Lakes

Emericellopsis species from extreme environmental conditions provide a rich source of unique and biologically active secondary metabolites. The paper exhibits a comprehensive genomic analysis including complete genome sequencing, phylogenetic reconstruction, and functional annotation of two Emericellopsis species from highly saline and alkaline coastal soil ecosystems. Comparative genomics has been applied to reveal the genetic evolution, metabolic diversity, and environmental adaptation of the Emericellopsis genus. The genomes of E. alkalina E101 and E. fimetaria p24 have been found to encode various enzymes, including carbohydrate-active enzymes such as endoxylanases, that are useful for many ecological adaptations. The genomes of E. alkalina E101 and E. fimetaria p24 feature numerous biosynthetic gene clusters (BGCs), capable of synthesizing both known and potentially novel secondary metabolites with antimicrobial activity. Some BGCs show similarity to those producing known secondary metabolites, such as leucostatin A/B, clavaric acid, ascochlorin, (-)-mellein, and apicidin, among others. However, the majority of BGCs do not display any known similarities. Thus, comparative genomics offers new insights into the biology, adaptation, and evolutionary history of Emericellopsis fungi and may serve as a highly useful tool within biotechnological applications.