Genomic analysis for the identification of bioactive compounds in Xenorhabdus stockiae strain RT25.5

Elucidating microorganism genomes holds great promise for the discovery of novel bioactive
compounds with diverse applications. In this study, we investigated the complete genome
of Xenorhabdus stockiae strain RT25.5, which is recognized for its symbiotic association with
entomopathogenic nematodes (EPNs) and its biosynthesis of secondary metabolites relevant to the
pharmaceutical industry, agriculture, and ecology. Through high-throughput genome sequencing,
assembly, and annotation, followed by advanced bioinformatics analyses, we elucidated the genetic
basis of its antimicrobial potential. Our analysis revealed 21 putative biosynthetic gene clusters (BGCs)
associated with bioactive compound production. Notably, LC‒MS/MS analysis of the bacterial cultures
confirmed the presence of diverse secondary metabolites, which aligned with the in silico predictions.
Furthermore, the crude extract of X. stockiae strain RT25.5 exhibited antibacterial activity against 10
pathogenic bacterial isolates, highlighting its potential as a source of novel antimicrobial agents. This
study highlights the importance of X. stockiae as a promising candidate for natural product discovery.
The integration of genome mining, LC‒MS/MS, and bioassays not only advances our understanding of
its biosynthetic capabilities but also paves the way for the development of novel antimicrobial agents.
Future research should focus on the isolation and structural characterization of key metabolites, as
well as evaluations of their mechanisms of action against multidrug-resistant pathogens.