Polyketide Synthase and Nonribosomal Peptide Synthetase Gene Clusters in Type Strains of the Genus Phytohabitans

(1) Background: Phytohabitans is a recently established genus belonging to rare actinomycetes. It has been unclear if its members have the capacity to synthesize diverse secondary metabolites. Polyketide and nonribosomal peptide compounds are major secondary metabolites in actinomycetes and expected as a potential source for novel pharmaceuticals. (2) Methods: Whole genomes of Phytohabitans flavus NBRC 107702(T), Phytohabitans rumicis NBRC 108638(T), Phytohabitans houttuyneae NBRC 108639(T), and Phytohabitans suffuscus NBRC 105367(T) were sequenced by PacBio. Polyketide synthase (PKS) and nonribosomal peptide synthetase (NRPS) gene clusters were bioinformatically analyzed in the genome sequences. (3) Results: These four strains harbored 10, 14, 18 and 14 PKS and NRPS gene clusters, respectively. Most of the gene clusters were annotated to synthesis unknown chemistries. (4) Conclusions: Members of the genus Phytohabitans are a possible source for novel and diverse polyketides and nonribosomal peptides.