Metabologenomics analysis reveals antibiotic crypticity of Kutzneria viridogrisea DSM 43850

Abstract Aims This study aimed to explore the secondary metabolic potential of Kutzneria viridogrisea DSM 43850 by conducting whole-genome sequencing and utilizing bioinformatics tools to analyze its biosynthetic gene clusters (BGCs). Additionally, the secondary metabolites produced by this strain were investigated under various chemical elicitors using untargeted metabolomics techniques. Methods and Results The complete genome of Kutzneria viridogrisea DSM 43850 was obtained by re-sequencing, followed by in-depth bioinformatics analysis to assess its secondary metabolic potential. The genome was found to encode a circular 10.2 Mb chromosome, with 4.3% of its functional genes involved in secondary metabolism. The strain harbors 52 BGCs, of which only four are associated with known products. Among these, eight gene clusters were identified as RiPPs (Ribosomally synthesized and post-translationally modified peptides), and the precursor peptide structures of four were predicted, all featuring novel scaffolds. Untargeted metabolomics analysis using LC-MS revealed that the strain could produce a series of novel secondary metabolites when induced with kanamycin and an ebselen derivative. Conclusions This study highlights the significant secondary metabolic potential of Kutzneria viridogrisea DSM 43850, uncovering several novel BGCs and metabolic products.