MYCOLab Ai Logo - gold and army green

Multi-metal-resistant Staphylococcus warneri strain TWSL_1: revealing heavy metal-resistant genomic features by whole-genome sequencing and analysis

Summary

Scientists discovered a special type of bacteria called Staphylococcus warneri TWSL_1 from textile factory wastewater that can survive and remove dangerous heavy metals like lead, cadmium, and copper from contaminated water. By analyzing the bacteria’s complete genetic code, researchers identified specific genes that help this bacteria resist and detoxify these toxic metals. This discovery suggests the bacteria could be used as a natural cleaning solution to remove heavy metal pollution from industrial wastewater, offering an eco-friendly alternative to current cleanup methods.

Background

Heavy metal pollution from industrial sources, particularly textile dyeing industries, poses significant environmental and health risks. Staphylococcus warneri is a Gram-positive bacterium that has shown promise for thriving in metal-contaminated industrial environments. Understanding the genomic basis of heavy metal resistance in environmental bacterial isolates is crucial for developing bioremediation strategies.

Objective

To characterize the genomic basis of heavy metal resistance in Staphylococcus warneri strain TWSL_1 isolated from textile industry effluent. To identify key genetic determinants associated with cadmium, lead, and copper resistance through whole-genome sequencing and comparative genomic analysis.

Results

The assembled genome of S. warneri TWSL_1 is 2.66 Mb with 2,603 protein-coding genes and 99.81% ANI to S. warneri WS479. The strain displayed high resistance with MICs of 50 mg/l for Cd²⁺, 1,200 mg/l for Pb²⁺, and 75 mg/l for Cu²⁺. Comparative analysis revealed unique heavy metal resistance genes including cadmium efflux system accessory protein and cadmium resistance protein absent in pathogenic Staphylococcus species. The strain achieved over 70% Pb²⁺ removal efficiency in bioremoval assays.

Conclusion

S. warneri TWSL_1 possesses a unique and expanded repertoire of heavy metal resistance genes that distinguish it as an exceptional candidate for bioremediation applications. The identified genetic determinants provide insights into bacterial adaptation to metal-rich environments and support the strain’s potential for environmental detoxification of industrial waste.
  • Published in:Access Microbiology,
  • Study Type:Genomic Analysis Study,
  • Source: PMID: 40438772, DOI: 10.1099/acmi.0.000954.v5
Scroll to Top