Comparative genomics of Paraburkholderia kururiensis and its potential in bioremediation, biofertilization, and biocontrol of plant pathogens

Burkholderia harbors versatile Gram-negative species and is beta-Proteobacteria. Recently, it was proposed to split the genus in two main branches: one of animal and plant pathogens and another, Paraburkholderia, harboring environmental and plant-beneficial species. Currently, Paraburkholderia comprises more than 70 species with ability to occupy very diverse environmental niches. Herein, we sequenced and analyzed the genome of Paraburkholderia kururiensis type strain KP23(T), and compared to P. kururiensis M130, isolated in Brazil, and P. kururiensis susbp. thiooxydans, from Korea. This study focused on the gene content of the three genomes with special emphasis on their potential of plant-association, biocontrol, and bioremediation. The comparative analyses revealed several genes related to plant benefits, including biosynthesis of IAA, ACC deaminase, multiple efflux pumps, dioxygenases, and degradation of aromatic compounds. Importantly, a range of genes for protein secretion systems (type III, IV, V, and VI) were characterized, potentially involved in P. kururiensis well documented ability to establish endophytic association with plants. These findings shed light onto bacteria-plant interaction mechanisms at molecular level, adding novel information that supports their potential application in bioremediation, biofertilization, and biocontrol of plant pathogens. P. kururiensis emerges as a promising model to investigate adaptation mechanisms in different ecological niches.