Draft genome sequence of Penicillium chrysogenum strain HKF2, a fungus with potential for production of prebiotic synthesizing enzymes

In this study, we have characterized a novel set of extracellular enzymes produced by Penicillium chrysogenum strain HKF2. A draft genome data of 31.5 Mbp was generated and annotation suggested a total of 11,243 protein-coding genes out of which 609 were CAZymes, majority of which were found to have homology with Penicillium rubens, Penicillium chrysogenum followed by Penicillium expansum and Penicillium roqueforti. The prominent CAZyme genes identified in the draft genome encoded for enzymes involved in the production of prebiotics such as inulo-oligosaccharides and fructo-oligosaccharides. Corresponding enzyme assay indicated that the isolate possessed the potential to produce 11.8 and 3.8 U/mL of beta-fructofuranosidase and inulinase, respectively. This study highlights the significance of Effluent Treatment Plants as novel and under-explored niche for isolation of fungi having the potential for production of prebiotics synthesizing enzymes.