Exploring the nattokinase production of Kurthia gibsonii VITAM20 isolated from butcher soil and its complete genome analysis

Background: Nattokinase is known for its strong thrombolytic effects, safety profile, and its economic viability. Results: Among 53 bacterial isolates, VITAM20 exhibited remarkable clot lysis activity within a period of 30 minutes. This strain was distinguished by morphological, biochemical, and whole-genome sequencing. Whole-genome sequencing study classified the isolate as Kurthia gibsonii , revealing a genome encompassing 1,858,485 base pairs. The de novo assembly techniques resulted in the construction of a draft genome measuring approximately 2.97 megabases, which harbored 6,973 predicted coding sequences. Of these entities, a sum of 899 genes was annotated and linked with molecular functions as established within the Gene Ontology framework. Genome annotation identified pivotal genes such as aprN, aprE, sigA, degU, degS, spo0A, prsA, and pckA, which encoded Nattokinase enzyme production and associated functional pathways. Fibrinolytic enzyme production was evaluated for the strain across six distinct media formulations, with maximum enzyme production observed in P3 and P6. Nattokinase was identified with High-Performance Liquid Chromatography along with the presence of Vitamin MK-7. Conclusions: Notably, this study represents the first report documenting Nattokinase production by Kurthia gibsonii VITAM20, thereby underscoring the therapeutic potential and the imperative for further investigational studies.