Genome mining for bioprospecting of biosynthetic genes clusters for bacterial metabolites potentially useful in agroecological production en la producción agroecológica

Objective. To describe the relevance and some tools of genome mining to explore genetic and molecular determinants encoded in bacterial genomes to address agronomic problems. Design/Methodology/Approach. Literature review of the importance of bacteria as a reservoir of biosynthetic gene clusters (BGC), involved in the production of metabolites with biological activity as anti-pathogens; and of genome mining as a tool to reveal this potential. Results. Bioinformatic tools are useful for the exploration of bacterial genomes and have the potential to contribute to the resolution of agronomy problems. For example, the use of bacteria, their genes and metabolites for the control of phytopathogens that attack crops of global importance. Likewise, the limitations of the genome mining and their coupling with other experimental approaches to achieve bioprospecting of BGC or their related metabolites are summarized. Limitations of the study/implications: Although the use of genome mining to explore the potential of bacteria is a very powerful approach, it will always be necessary the experimental corroboration at the laboratory level, to confirm the hypotheses generated by bioinformatics tools. Findings/conclusions: Genome mining allows to take advantage of the large number of bacterial genomes currently sequenced, that are available in public databases to understand the genetic bases of their biological activities. As well as for the heterologous expression of biosynthetic genes, or the identification and purification of new metabolites. The foregoing with the objective of contributing with more effective and environmentally friendly solutions that address agronomic problems.