Genomic Insights into Bombiscardovia sp. JNUCC 75 Isolated from the Flowers of Prunus yedoensis

Bombiscardovia sp. JNUCC 75 (=CH12) was isolated from the flowers of Prunus yedoensis on Jeju Island, representing one of the few known flower-associated members of the Bombiscardovia asteroides group. Whole-genome sequencing revealed a compact 2.28 Mb genome and a functional gene profile enriched in translation, amino-acid metabolism, and DNA repair. Although the strain contains a pseudogene content comparable to other B. asteroides-group members, the overall genomic architecture—together with the presence of stress-response and polyprenyl/terpenoid biosynthetic pathways—suggests adaptation to oxygen-variable, phenolic-rich, and UV-exposed floral environments. Comparative genomic analyses (OrthoANIu 97.16%; dDDH 72.7%) demonstrated that JNUCC 75 is closely related to B. polysaccharolytica yet forms a genetically distinct lineage within the group. Genome mining uncovered two previously unreported terpenoid/polyprenyl biosynthetic gene clusters, indicating a novel isoprenoid-derived metabolic repertoire with potential roles in membrane stabilization and oxidative-stress defense. These genomic features collectively position JNUCC 75 as a bridge between gut-associated and environmental bifidobacteria and highlight its potential as a promising microbial resource for postbiotic, antioxidant, and skin-barrier-enhancing applications. This study expands the ecological range of bifidobacteria and provides a genomic framework for evaluating flower-derived Bombiscardovia strains in cosmeceutical and functional food innovation.