Comparative, Pangenomic and Functional Analyses of two Bacillus paralicheniformis Soil- Isolated Strains from Bahia Sequenced by WGS Reveal Species Homogeneity and Bioactive Metabolites with Biotechnological Potential

The Bacillus genus includes plant growth-promoting rhizobacteria (PGPR), and the discovery of new strains within this group is of great biotechnological interest due to their ability to produce antimicrobial compounds (AMCs), vitamins, enzymes, and heterologous proteins. Among these, Bacillus paralicheniformis is a recently described species whose phylogeny remains poorly resolved, highlighting the need for further investigation. This study aimed to identify and characterize the isolates BAC30 and BAC220 using whole-genome sequencing (WGS). Both were confirmed as B. paralicheniformis and included in phylogenomic and comparative analyses with 28 other strains to assess the species’ genetic structure and inter-strain similarity. Functional annotation of BAC30 and BAC220 was also performed, focusing on biotechnological potential. Comparative analysis revealed high genomic similarity among strains, including the two isolates. Pangenome analysis showed a low proportion of core genes relative to accessory genes (shell and cloud), and the rarefaction curve suggested an open pangenome, indicating the species’ ubiquity and co-evolution with other organisms. Functional analysis identified genes of defense mechanisms related to beta-lactam resistance. Regarding secondary metabolite production, genes involved in the biosynthesis of vitamins (e.g., riboflavin) and AMCs (e.g., bacitracin) were detected. Although further in vitro and in vivo assays are needed to confirm gene expression, the findings support the biotechnological relevance of these isolates as potential biocontrol agents and/or producers of industrially valuable compounds.