Genomic analysis for heavy metal resistance in S. maltophilia

Abstract Stenotrophomonas maltophilia is highly resistant to heavy metals, but the genetic knowledge of metal resistance in S. maltophilia is poorly understood. In this study, the genome of S.maltophilia Pho isolated from the contaminated soil near a metalwork factory was sequenced using PacBio RS II. Its genome is composed of a single chromosome with a GC content of 66.4% and 4434 protein-encoding genes. Comparative analysis revealed high syntney between S.maltophilia Pho and the model strain, S.maltophilia K279a. Then, the type and number of mechanisms for heavy metal uptake were analyzed firstly. Results revealed 7 unspecific ion transporter genes and 13 specific ion transporter genes, most of which were involved in iron transport. But the sulfate permeases belonging to the family of SulT/CysP that can uptake chromate and the high affinity ZnuABC/SitABCD were absent. Secondly, the putative genes controlling metal efflux were identified. Results showed that this bacterium encoded 5 CDFs, 1 copper exporting ATPase and 4 RND systems, including 2 CzcABC efflux pumps. Moreover, the putative metal transformation genes including arsenate and mercury detoxification genes were also identified. This study may provide useful information on the metal resistance mechanisms of S.maltophilia.