Bacillus licheniformis has been regarded as an exceptional microbial cell
factory for the production of biochemicals and enzymes. The complete genome
sequencing and annotation of the genomes of industrially-relevant Bacillus species has
uplifted our understanding of their properties and helped in the progress of genetic
manipulations in other Bacillus species. The genome sequence analysis has given
information on the different genes and their functional importance. Post-genomic
studies require simple and highly efficient tools to enable genetic manipulation. With
the developments of complete genome sequences and simple genetic manipulation
tools, the metabolic pathways of B. licheniformis could be rewired for the efficient
production of interest chemicals. However, gene editing (such as gene knockout) is
laborious and time consuming using conventional methods. Recently, useful tools for
the genetic engineering of Bacillus species have emerged from the fields of systems
and synthetic biology. The recent progress in genetic engineering strategies as well as
the available genetic tools that have been developed in Bacillus licheniformis species,
has conveniently enabled multiple modifications in the genomes of Bacillus species
and thereby improved its use in the industrial sector.
Keywords: Bacillus licheniformis, Complete genome sequence, CRISPR-Cas9, Gene editing, Genome engineering tools.