Genome-Based Characterization of a Plasmid-Associated Micrococcin P1 Biosynthetic Gene Cluster and Virulence Factors in Mammaliicoccus sciuri IMDO-S72

Analysis of the de novo assembled genome of Mammaliicoccus sciuri IMDO-S72 revealed the genetically encoded machinery behind its earlier reported antibacterial phenotype and gave further insight into the repertoire of putative virulence factors of this recently reclassified species. A plasmid-encoded biosynthetic gene duster was held responsible for the antimicrobial activity of M. sciuri IMDO-S72, comprising genes involved in thiopeptide production. The compound encoded by this gene cluster was structurally identified as micrococcin P1. Further examination of its genome highlighted the ubiquitous presence of innate virulence factors mainly involved in surface colonization. Determinants contributing to aggressive virulence were generally absent, with the exception of a plasmid-associated ica cluster. The native antibiotic resistance genes sal(A) and mecA were detected within the genome, among others, but were not consistently linked with a resistance phenotype. While mobile genetic elements were identified within the genome, such as an untypeable staphylococcal cassette chromosome (SCC) element, they proved to be generally free of virulence- and antibiotic-related genes. These results further suggest a commensal lifestyle of M. sciuri and indicate the association of antibiotic resistance determinants with mobile genetic elements as an important factor in conferring antibiotic resistance, in addition to their unilateral annotation. IMPORTANCE Mammaliicoccus sciuri has been put forward as an important carrier of virulence and antibiotic resistance genes, which can be transmitted to clinically important staphylococcal species such as Staphylococcus aureus. As a common inhabitant of mammal skin, this species is believed to have a predominant commensal lifestyle, although it has been reported as an opportunistic pathogen in some cases. This study provides an extensive genome-wide description of its putative virulence potential taking into consideration the genomic context in which these genes appear, an aspect that is often overlooked during virulence analysis. Additional genome and biochemical analysis linked M. sciuri with the production of micrococcin P1, gaining further insight into the extent to which these biosynthetic gene clusters are distributed among different related species. The frequent plasmid-associated character hints that these traits can be horizontally transferred and might confer a competitive advantage to its recipient within its ecological niche.

Automated summary

The analysis of the genome of Mammaliicoccus sciuri IMDO-S72 has revealed the genetic mechanisms behind its antibacterial phenotype and provided insights into the potential virulence factors of this species. The presence of a plasmid-encoded gene cluster responsible for antimicrobial activity, as well as the identification of micrococcin P1 as the compound produced, were significant findings. The genome also showed the presence of innate virulence factors and antibiotic resistance genes, although their consistent link to a resistance phenotype was not observed. Importantly, this study highlights the commensal lifestyle of M. sciuri and the role of mobile genetic elements in conferring antibiotic resistance.