Whole Genome Sequencing, Comparative Genome Analysis, and Biotechnological Potential of <i>Emericellopsis alkalina</i> and <i>E. fimetaria</i> (<i>Bionectriaceae</i>, <i>Ascomycota</i>) from the Sediment of Alkaline, Saline Lakes

<i>Emericellopsis</i> species from extreme environmental conditions provide a rich source of unique and biologically active secondary metabolites. The paper exhibits a comprehensive genomic analysis including complete genome sequencing, phylogenetic reconstruction, and functional annotation of two Emericellopsis species from highly saline and alkaline coastal soil ecosystems. Comparative genomics has been applied to reveal the genetic evolution, metabolic diversity, and environmental adaptation of the <i>Emericellopsis</i> genus. The genomes of <i>E. alkalina</i> E101 and <i>E. fimetaria</i> p24 have been found to encode various enzymes, including carbohydrate-active enzymes such as endoxylanases, that are useful for many ecological adaptations. The genomes of <i>E. alkalina</i> E101 and <i>E. fimetaria</i> p24 feature numerous biosynthetic gene clusters (BGCs), capable of synthesizing both known and potentially novel secondary metabolites with antimicrobial activity. Some BGCs show similarity to those producing known secondary metabolites, such as leucostatin A/B, clavaric acid, ascochlorin, (-)-mellein, and apicidin, among others. However, the majority of BGCs do not display any known similarities. Thus, comparative genomics offers new insights into the biology, adaptation, and evolutionary history of <i>Emericellopsis</i> fungi and may serve as a highly useful tool within biotechnological applications.