Analysis of the core genome and pangenome of Clostridium butyricum

Clostridium butyricum is an anaerobic bacterium that inhabits broad niches. Clostridium butyricum is known for its production of butyrate, 1,3-propanediol, and hydrogen. This study aimed to present a comparative pangenome analysis of 24 strains isolated from different niches. We sequenced and annotated the genome of C. butyricum 3-3 isolated from the Chinese baijiu ecosystem. The pangenome of C. butyricum was open. The core genome, accessory genome, and strain-specific genes comprised 1011, 4543, and 1473 genes, respectively. In the core genome, Carbohydrate metabolism was the largest category, and genes in the biosynthetic pathway of butyrate and glycerol metabolism were conserved (in the core or soft-core genome). Furthermore, the 1,3-propanediol operon existed in 20 strains. In the accessory genome, numerous mobile genetic elements belonging to the Replication, recombination, and repair (L) category were identified. In addition, genome islands were identified in all 24 strains, ranging from 2 (strain KNU-L09) to 53 (strain SU1), and phage sequences were found in 17 of the 24 strains. This study provides an important genomic framework that could pave the way for the exploration of C. butyricum and future studies on the genetic diversification of C. butyricum.