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April 21, 2020

The complete genome sequence of Ethanoligenens harbinense reveals the metabolic pathway of acetate-ethanol fermentation: A novel understanding of the principles of anaerobic biotechnology.

Ethanol-type fermentation is one of three main fermentation types in the acidogenesis of anaerobic treatment systems. Non-spore-forming Ethanoligenens is as a typical genus capable of ethanol-type fermentation in mixed culture (i.e. acetate-ethanol fermentation). This genus can produce ethanol, acetate, CO2, and H2 using carbohydrates, and has application potential in anaerobic bioprocesses. Here, the complete genome sequences and methylome of Ethanoligenens harbinense strains with different autoaggregative and coaggregative abilities were obtained using the PacBio single-molecule real-time sequencing platform. The genome size of E. harbinense strains was about 2.97-3.10?Mb with 55.5% G+C content. 3020-3153 genes were annotated, most of which were methylated at specific sites or motifs. The methylation types included 6mA, 4mC, and unknown types. Comparative genomic analysis demonstrated low levels of genetic similarity between E. harbinense and other well-known hydrogen-producing bacteria (i.e., Clostridium and Thermoanaerobacter) in phylogenesis. Hydrogen production of E. harbinense was catalyzed by genes that encode [FeFe]-hydrogenases and that were synthesized by three maturases of [FeFe]-H2ase. The metabolic mechanism of H2-ethanol co-production fermentation, catalyzed by pyruvate ferredoxin oxidoreductase was proposed. This study provides genetic and evolutionary information of a model genus for the further investigation of the metabolic pathway and regulatory network of ethanol-type fermentation and anaerobic bioprocesses for waste or wastewater treatment.Copyright © 2019. Published by Elsevier Ltd.


April 21, 2020

5’UTR-mediated regulation of Ataxin-1 expression.

Expression of mutant Ataxin-1 with an abnormally expanded polyglutamine domain is necessary for the onset and progression of spinocerebellar ataxia type 1 (SCA1). Understanding how Ataxin-1 expression is regulated in the human brain could inspire novel molecular therapies for this fatal, dominantly inherited neurodegenerative disease. Previous studies have shown that the ATXN1 3’UTR plays a key role in regulating the Ataxin-1 cellular pool via diverse post-transcriptional mechanisms. Here we show that elements within the ATXN1 5’UTR also participate in the regulation of Ataxin-1 expression. PCR and PacBio sequencing analysis of cDNA obtained from control and SCA1 human brain samples revealed the presence of three major, alternatively spliced ATXN1 5’UTR variants. In cell-based assays, fusion of these variants upstream of an EGFP reporter construct revealed significant and differential impacts on total EGFP protein output, uncovering a type of genetic rheostat-like function of the ATXN1 5’UTR. We identified ribosomal scanning of upstream AUG codons and increased transcript instability as potential mechanisms of regulation. Importantly, transcript-based analyses revealed significant differences in the expression pattern of ATXN1 5’UTR variants between control and SCA1 cerebellum. Together, the data presented here shed light into a previously unknown role for the ATXN1 5’UTR in the regulation of Ataxin-1 and provide new opportunities for the development of SCA1 therapeutics. Copyright © 2019. Published by Elsevier Inc.


April 21, 2020

Complete genome sequence data of Flavobacterium anhuiense strain GSE09, a volatile-producing biocontrol bacterium isolated from cucumber (Cucumis sativus) root.

Flavobacterium anhuiense (previously identified as Flavobacterium johnsoniae) strain GSE09 is a volatile-producing bacterium that exhibits significant biocontrol activity against an oomycete pathogen, Phytophthora capsici, on pepper plants. Here, we report the complete genome sequence data of strain GSE09, isolated from surface-sterilized cucumber root. The genome consists of a circular 5,109,718-bp chromosome with a G + C content of 34.30%. A total of 4,138 complete coding sequences including 15 rRNA, 66 tRNA, 3 ncRNA, and 51 pseudogene sequences were retrieved. Thus, the genome sequence data of F. anhuiense GSE09 may facilitate the elucidation of many biological traits related to the biocontrol against plant pathogens.


April 21, 2020

Plasmid analysis of Escherichia coli isolates from South Korea co-producing NDM-5 and OXA-181 carbapenemases.

Recently, Escherichia coli isolates co-producing New Delhi metallo-ß-lactamase (NDM)-5 and oxacillinase (OXA)-181 were identified in a tertiary-care hospital of South Korea. Isolate CC1702-1 was collected from urine in January 2017 and isolate CC1706-1 was recovered from a transtracheal aspirate of a hospitalized patient in May 2017. Carbapenemase genes were identified by multiplex PCR and sequencing, and whole genome sequencing was performed subsequently using the PacBio RSII system. Both E. coli isolates belonged to the same clone (ST410) and were resistant to all ß-lactams including carbapenems. We obtained whole plasmid sequences of the isolates: pCC1702-NDM-5 from CC1702-1 and pCC1706-NDM-5 and pCC1706-OXA-181 from CC1706-1. The two E. coli isolates belonged to the same clone (ST410) and they were completely resistant to all ß-lactams, as well as carbapenems. Two blaNDM-5-harboring plasmids belonged to the same incompatibility group, IncFIA/B, and consisted of 79,613?bp and 111,890?bp with 87 and 130 coding sequences, respectively. The genetic structures of the two blaNDM-5-bearing plasmids, which were distinct from the blaNDM-5-bearing plasmids from the Klebsiella pneumoniae isolates previously transmitted from the United Arab Emirates (UAE) to South Korea, differed from each other. While pCC1702-NDM-5 showed high degree of identity with the plasmid from a multidrug-resistant isolate of Citrobacter fruendii P5571 found in China, pCC1706-NDM-5 was very similar to the plasmid from a multidrug-resistant isolate of E. coli AMA1176 found in Denmark. pCC1706-OXA-181, which was a 51?kb, self-transmissible IncX3 plasmid, was identical to the E. coli plasmids pAMA1167-OXA-181 from Denmark and pOXA-181-WCHEC14828 from China. Plasmids harboring blaNDM-5 in E. coli isolates might not be transferred from K. pneumoniae isolates co-producing NDM-5 and OXA-181. They probably originated from multiple sources.Copyright © 2019 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.


April 21, 2020

Complete genome sequence of Hahella sp. KA22, a prodigiosin-producing algicidal bacterium

Hahella sp. KA22 is a gamma-proteobacteria bacterium that belongs to the family Hahellaceae and order Oceanospirillales. Strain KA22 is capable of producing prodigiosin, which is a compound with algicidal activity. It is for this reason that further investigation of the genome of strain KA22 will help in revealing the prodigiosin producing mechanism and its ecological functions. In this study, we sequenced and annotated the complete genome of Hahella sp. KA22, the second complete genome sequence of prodigiosin-producing bacteria in the family Hahellacaeae. The genome of strain KA22 is 6,927,416 base pairs in size, contains one chrome with no plasmid and predicted to contain 6167 protein-coding genes and 86 RNA-only encoding genes. Genomic analysis of Hahella sp. KA22 reveals that this strain of bacteria can be used for biological elimination or control of harmful algal blooms (HABs).


April 21, 2020

Complete genome sequence of Flavobacterium arcticum SM1502T, exhibiting adaption to the Arctic marine salty environment

Flavobacterium arcticum SM1502T, isolated from the surface seawater of King’s Fjord, Svalbard, Arctic, is an aerobic, non-flagellated, rod-shaped and yellow-pigmented bacterium belonging to the family Flavobacteriaceae. It is the first isolated Arctic Flavobacterium bacterium. To date, no genomes of Flavobacterium species isolated from the Arctic region have been sequenced. Here, we reported the complete genomic compositions and metabolic features of F. arcticum SM1502T. The genome consists of 2,970,356?bp with an average GC content of 35.0%. A total of 2652 protein-coding sequences and 50 RNA genes were identified in the genome. SM1502T had lower protein pIs with higher ratios of acidic residues to basic residues compared to the relative bacteria and contains genes related to iron transport and organic osmoprotectant uptake, which could maintain cellular osmotic balance. These related genes and protein pI characteristics indicated that SM1502T has high salt tolerance and could accommodate the changing Arctic salty environments.


April 21, 2020

Complete genome sequence of a novel aerobic denitrifying strain, Pseudomonas monteilii CY06

A novel aerobic denitrifying isolate CY06 was obtained from the Western Pacific Ocean, and it was identified as Pseudomonas monteilii. In this study, we present the complete genome sequence of strain CY06. The genome has one circular chromosome of 5,774,879?bp, with an average G?+?C content of 61.00%, and 3319 coding sequences. According to the annotation analysis, strain CY06 encodes 22 proteins related to nitrogen metabolism. It is found that CY06 has promising denitrification capacity, revealing its potential for practical use regarding N-removal applications.


April 21, 2020

Comparative genome analysis provides novel insight into the interaction of Aquimarina sp. AD1, BL5 and AD10 with their macroalgal host.

The Aquimarina genus is widely distributed throughout the marine environment, however little is understood regarding its ecological role, particularly when in association with eukaryotic hosts. Here, we examine the genomes of two opportunistic pathogens, Aquimarina sp. AD1 and BL5, and a non-pathogenic strain Aquimarina sp. AD10, that were isolated from diseased individuals of the red alga Delisea pulchra. Each strain encodes multiple genes for the degradation of marine carbohydrates and vitamin biosynthesis. These traits are hypothesised to promote nutrient exchange between the Aquimarina strains and their algal host, facilitating a close symbiotic relationship. Moreover, each strain harbours the necessary genes for the assembly of a Type 9 Secretion System (T9SS) and the associated gliding motility apparatus. In addition to these common features, pathogenic strains AD1 and BL5, encode genes for the production of flexirubin type pigments and a number of unique non-ribosomal peptide synthesis (NRPS) gene clusters, suggesting a role for these uncharacterised traits in virulence. This study provides valuable insight into the potential ecological role of Aquimarina in the marine environment and the complex factors driving pathogenesis and symbiosis in this genus.Copyright © 2019 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.


April 21, 2020

The complete genome sequence of the denitrifying bacterium Marinobacter sp. Arc7-DN-1 isolated from Arctic Ocean sediment

The general features and genome characteristics of the denitrifying bacterium Marinobacter sp. Arc7-DN-1, isolated from Arctic Ocean sediment, are described. Marinobacter sp. Arc7-DN-1 uses NO3- or NH4+ as the sole nitrogen source to grow at low temperatures. The strain can grow at a wide range of temperatures (0–30?°C) and NaCl concentration (15–90‰). The genome has one circular chromosome of 4,300,456?bp (57.64?mol%?G?+?C content), consisting of 4012 coding genes, including 50 tRNAs and three rRNA operons as 16S-23S-5S rRNA. On the basis of the KEGG analysis, strain Arc7-DN-1 encodes 43 proteins related to nitrogen metabolism, including a complete denitrifying pathway and an assimilatory nitrate reduction pathway.


April 21, 2020

Complete genome sequence of novel Sulfitobacter pseudonitzschiae strain SMR1, isolated from a culture of the marine diatom Skeletonema marinoi.

When studying diatoms, an important consideration is the role of associated bacteria in the diatom-microbiome holobiont. To that end, bacteria isolated from a culture of Skeletonema marinoi strain R05AC were sequenced, one of which being bacterial strain SMR1, presented here. The genome consists of a circular chromosome and seven circular plasmids, totalling 5,121,602 bp. After phylotaxonomic analysis and 16S rRNA sequence comparison, we place this strain in the taxon Sulfitobacter pseudonitzschiae on account of similarity to the type strain. The annotated genome suggests similar interactions between strain SMR1 and its host diatom as have been shown previously in diatom-associated Sulfitobacter, for example bacterial production of growth hormone for its host, and breakdown of diatom-derived DMSP by Sulfitobacter for use as a sulfur source.


April 21, 2020

Characterization of a clinical Clostridioides difficile isolate with markedly reduced fidaxomicin susceptibility and a V1143D mutation in rpoB.

The identification and characterization of clinical Clostridioides difficile isolates with reduced fidaxomicin susceptibility.Agar dilution assays were used to determine fidaxomicin MICs. Genome sequence data were obtained by single-molecule real-time (SMRT) sequencing in addition to amplicon sequencing of rpoB and rpoC alleles. Allelic exchange was used to introduce the identified mutation into C. difficile 630?erm. Replication rates, toxin A/B production and spore formation were determined from the strain with reduced fidaxomicin susceptibility.Out of 50 clinical C. difficile isolates, isolate Goe-91 revealed markedly reduced fidaxomicin susceptibility (MIC >64?mg/L). A V1143D mutation was identified in rpoB of Goe-91. When introduced into C. difficile 630?erm, this mutation decreased fidaxomicin susceptibility (MIC >64?mg/L), but was also associated with a reduced replication rate, low toxin A/B production and markedly reduced spore formation. In contrast, Goe-91, although also reduced in toxin production, showed normal growth rates and only moderately reduced spore formation capacities. This indicates that the rpoBV1143D allele-associated fitness defect is less pronounced in the clinical isolate.To the best of our knowledge, this is the first description of a pathogenic clinical C. difficile isolate with markedly reduced fidaxomicin susceptibility. The lower-than-expected fitness burden of the resistance-mediating rpoBV1143D allele might be an indication for compensatory mechanisms that take place during in vivo selection of mutants.


April 21, 2020

Comparative genomics of Lactobacillus sakei supports the development of starter strain combinations.

Strains of Lactobacillus sakei can be isolated from a variety of sources including meat, fermented sausages, sake, sourdough, sauerkraut or kimchi. Selected strains are widely used as starter cultures for sausage fermentation. Recently we have demonstrated that control about the lactic microbiota in fermenting sausages is achieved rather by pairs or strain sets than by single strains. In this work we characterized the pan genome of L. sakei to enable exploitation of the genomic diversity of L. sakei for the establishment of assertive starter strain sets. We have established the full genome sequences of nine L. sakei strains from different sources of isolation and included in the analysis the genome of L. sakei 23K. Comparative genomics revealed an accessory genome comprising about 50% of the pan genome and different lineages of strains with no relation to their source of isolation. Group and strain specific differences could be found, which namely referred to agmatine and citrate metabolism. The presence of genes encoding metabolic pathways for fructose, sucrose and trehalose as well as gluconate in all strains suggests a general adaptation to plant/sugary environments and a life in communities with other genera. Analysis of the plasmidome did not reveal any specific mechanisms of adaptation to a habitat. The predicted differences of metabolic settings enable prediction of partner strains, which can occupy the meat environment to a large extent and establish competitive exclusion of autochthonous microbiota. This may assist the development of a new generation of meat starter cultures containing L. sakei strains. Copyright © 2019 Elsevier GmbH. All rights reserved.


April 21, 2020

The complete genome sequence of Thalassospira indica PB8BT insights into adaptation to the marine environment

Thalassospira indica PB8BT was isolated from the deep water of the Indian Ocean. Here we report the complete genome sequence of type strain PB8BT, which comprises 4,701,725?bp with a G?+?C content of 54.9?mol%. We found that numerous genes related to iron acquisition, resistance, motility and chemotaxis, nitrogen, phosphorus and sulfur metabolism, and stress response. These metabolic features and related genes revealed genetic basis for the adaptation to the marine environment. The genome of T. indica PB8BT will be helpful for further insights into its adaptive evolution and ecological role in marine environment.


April 21, 2020

Improvement of the Pacific bluefin tuna (Thunnus orientalis) reference genome and development of male-specific DNA markers.

The Pacific bluefin tuna, Thunnus orientalis, is a highly migratory species that is widely distributed in the North Pacific Ocean. Like other marine species, T. orientalis has no external sexual dimorphism; thus, identifying sex-specific variants from whole genome sequence data is a useful approach to develop an effective sex identification method. Here, we report an improved draft genome of T. orientalis and male-specific DNA markers. Combining PacBio long reads and Illumina short reads sufficiently improved genome assembly, with a 38-fold increase in scaffold contiguity (to 444 scaffolds) compared to the first published draft genome. Through analysing re-sequence data of 15 males and 16 females, 250 male-specific SNPs were identified from more than 30 million polymorphisms. All male-specific variants were male-heterozygous, suggesting that T. orientalis has a male heterogametic sex-determination system. The largest linkage disequilibrium block (3,174?bp on scaffold_064) contained 51 male-specific variants. PCR primers and a PCR-based sex identification assay were developed using these male-specific variants. The sex of 115 individuals (56 males and 59 females; sex was diagnosed by visual examination of the gonads) was identified with high accuracy using the assay. This easy, accurate, and practical technique facilitates the control of sex ratios in tuna farms. Furthermore, this method could be used to estimate the sex ratio and/or the sex-specific growth rate of natural populations.


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