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July 7, 2019

Complete genome sequence of Lactobacillus plantarum ZJ95, a potential probiotic strain producing bacteriocins and B-group vitamin riboflavin.

Lactobacillus plantarum ZJ95 is a potential probiotic isolated from newborn infant fecal and it is identified to produce riboflavin with great antimicrobial activity. The complete genome sequence of this strain was reported in the present study. The genome contains a 3,261,418-bp chromosome and two plasmids. Genes, related to the biosynthesis of bacteriocins and riboflavin, were identified. This work will facilitate to reveal the biosynthetic mechanism of bacteriocins and B-group vitamins in lactic acid bacteria and provide evidence for its potential application in food industry. Copyright © 2016. Published by Elsevier B.V.


July 7, 2019

Complete nucleotide sequence of pH11, an IncHI2 plasmid conferring multi-antibiotic resistance and multi-heavy metal resistance genes in a clinical Klebsiella pneumoniae isolate.

The complete 284,628bp sequence of pH11, an IncHI2 plasmid, was determined through single-molecule, real-time (SMRT) sequencing. Harbored by a clinical Klebsiella pneumoniae strain H11, and isolated in Beijing, this plasmid contains multiple antibiotic resistance genes, including catA2, aac(6′)-Ib, strB, strA, dfrA19, blaTEM-1, blaSHV-12, sul1, qacE delta 1, ereA, arr2, and aac3. The aac(6′)-Ib is carried by a class I integron. Plasmid pH11 also carries several genes associated with resistance to heavy metals, such as tellurium, mercury, cobalt, zinc, nickel, copper, lead and cadmium. This plasmid exhibits numerous characteristics, including HipBA and RelBE toxin-antitoxin systems, two major transfer (Tra) regions closely related to those of Salmonella enterica serovar plasmid pRH-R27, a type II restriction modification system (EcoRII R-M system), several methyltransferases and methylases and genes encoding Hha and StpA. These characteristics suggest that pH11 may adapt to various hosts and environments. Multiple insertion sequence elements, transposases, recombinases, resolvases and integrases are scattered throughout pH11. The presence of these genes may indicate that horizontal gene transfer occurs frequently in pH11 and thus may facilitate the dissemination of antimicrobial resistance determinants. Our data suggest that pH11 is a chimera gradually assembled through the integration of different horizontally acquired DNA segments via transposition or homologous recombination. Copyright © 2016 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.


July 7, 2019

Complete genome sequence of probiotic Lactobacillus reuteri ZLR003 isolated from healthy weaned pig.

Lactobacillus reuteri ZLR003 was isolated from the caecum mucosa of healthy weaned pigs with displaying probiotic properties in our laboratory. Here, we present the complete genome sequence of L. reuteri ZLR003, which consists of a circular 2, 234, 097bp chromosome (G+C content of 38.66%). Such information will provide insights into the molecular mechanism of its probiotic activity and facilitate its application in animal production. Copyright © 2016. Published by Elsevier B.V.


July 7, 2019

Complete genome sequence of the novel thermophilic polyhydroxyalkanoates producer Aneurinibacillus sp. XH2 isolated from Gudao oilfield in China.

Aneurinibacillus sp. XH2 (CGMCC 1.15535) was isolated from Gudao oilfield in China. It is able to use simple carbon resources to accumulate Polyhydroxyalkanoates (PHAs) in a thermophilic fashion. Here, we describe the genomic features of this strain. The total genome size of Aneurinibacillus sp. XH2 is 3,664,835bp and contains 3441 coding sequences and 114 tRNAs. The annotated genome sequence of this strain provides the genetic basis for revealing its role as a themophilic PHAs producing bacterium. Copyright © 2016 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.


July 7, 2019

Complete genome sequence of Vibrio parahaemolyticus FORC_023 isolated from raw fish storage water.

Vibrio parahaemolyticusis a Gram-negative halophilic bacterium that causes food-borne gastroenteritis in humans who consumeV. parahaemolyticus-contaminated seafood.The FORC_023 strain was isolated from raw fish storage water, containing live fish at a sashimi restaurant. Here, we aimed to sequence and characterize the genome of the FORC_023 strain. The genome of the FORC_023 strain showed two circular chromosomes, which contained 4227 open reading frames (ORFs), 131 tRNA genes and 37 rRNA genes. Although the genome of FORC_023 did not include major virulence genes, such as genes encoding thermostable direct hemolysin (TDH) and TDH-related hemolysin (TRH), it contained genes encoding other hemolysins, secretion systems, iron uptake-related proteins and severalV. parahaemolyticusislands. The highest average nucleotide identity value was obtained between the FORC_023 strain and UCM-V493 (CP007004-6). Comparative genomic analysis of FORC_023 with UCM-V493 revealed that FORC_023 carried an additional genomic region encoding virulence factors, such as repeats-in-toxin and type II secretion factors. Furthermore,in vitrocytotoxicity testing showed that FORC_023 exhibited a high level of cytotoxicity toward INT-407 human epithelial cells. These results suggested that the FORC_023 strain may be a food-borne pathogen.© FEMS 2016. All rights reserved. For permissions, please e-mail: journals.permissions@oup.com.


July 7, 2019

Multiple parallel pathways of translation initiation on the CrPV IRES.

The complexity of eukaryotic translation allows fine-tuned regulation of protein synthesis. Viruses use internal ribosome entry sites (IRESs) to minimize or, like the CrPV IRES, eliminate the need for initiation factors. Here, by exploiting the CrPV IRES, we observed the entire process of initiation and transition to elongation in real time. We directly tracked the CrPV IRES, 40S and 60S ribosomal subunits, and tRNA using single-molecule fluorescence spectroscopy and identified multiple parallel initiation pathways within the system. Our results distinguished two pathways of 80S:CrPV IRES complex assembly that produce elongation-competent complexes. Following 80S assembly, the requisite eEF2-mediated translocation results in an unstable intermediate that is captured by binding of the elongator tRNA. Whereas initiation can occur in the 0 and +1 frames, the arrival of the first tRNA defines the reading frame and strongly favors 0 frame initiation. Overall, even in the simplest system, an intricate reaction network regulates translation initiation. Copyright © 2016 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.


July 7, 2019

Complete genome sequence of Streptomyces venezuelae ATCC 15439, producer of the methymycin/pikromycin family of macrolide antibiotics, using PacBio technology.

Here, we report the complete genome sequence of Streptomyces venezuelae ATCC 15439, a producer of the methymycin/pikromycin family of macrolide antibiotics and a model host for natural product studies, obtained exclusively using PacBio sequencing technology. The 9.03-Mbp genome harbors 8,775 genes and 11 polyketide and nonribosomal peptide natural product gene clusters. Copyright © 2016 He et al.


July 7, 2019

Regulation of genetic flux between bacteria by restriction-modification systems.

Restriction-modification (R-M) systems are often regarded as bacteria’s innate immune systems, protecting cells from infection by mobile genetic elements (MGEs). Their diversification has been recently associated with the emergence of particularly virulent lineages. However, we have previously found more R-M systems in genomes carrying more MGEs. Furthermore, it has been suggested that R-M systems might favor genetic transfer by producing recombinogenic double-stranded DNA ends. To test whether R-M systems favor or disfavor genetic exchanges, we analyzed their frequency with respect to the inferred events of homologous recombination and horizontal gene transfer within 79 bacterial species. Genetic exchanges were more frequent in bacteria with larger genomes and in those encoding more R-M systems. We created a recognition target motif predictor for Type II R-M systems that identifies genomes encoding systems with similar restriction sites. We found more genetic exchanges between these genomes, independently of their evolutionary distance. Our results reconcile previous studies by showing that R-M systems are more abundant in promiscuous species, wherein they establish preferential paths of genetic exchange within and between lineages with cognate R-M systems. Because the repertoire and/or specificity of R-M systems in bacterial lineages vary quickly, the preferential fluxes of genetic transfer within species are expected to constantly change, producing time-dependent networks of gene transfer.


July 7, 2019

Diverse CRISPR-Cas responses and dramatic cellular DNA changes and cell death in pKEF9-conjugated Sulfolobus species.

The Sulfolobales host a unique family of crenarchaeal conjugative plasmids some of which undergo complex rearrangements intracellularly. Here we examined the conjugation cycle of pKEF9 in the recipient strain Sulfolobus islandicus REY15A. The plasmid conjugated and replicated rapidly generating high average copy numbers which led to strong growth retardation that was coincident with activation of CRISPR-Cas adaptation. Simultaneously, intracellular DNA was extensively degraded and this also occurred in a conjugated ?cas6 mutant lacking a CRISPR-Cas immune response. Furthermore, the integrated forms of pKEF9 in the donor Sulfolobus solfataricus P1 and recipient host were specifically corrupted by transposable orfB elements, indicative of a dual mechanism for inactivating free and integrated forms of the plasmid. In addition, the CRISPR locus of pKEF9 was progressively deleted when conjugated into the recipient strain. Factors influencing activation of CRISPR-Cas adaptation in the recipient strain are considered, including the first evidence for a possible priming effect in Sulfolobus. The 3-Mbp genome sequence of the donor P1 strain is presented..© The Author(s) 2016. Published by Oxford University Press on behalf of Nucleic Acids Research.


July 7, 2019

Biosynthetic genes for the tetrodecamycin antibiotics.

We recently described 13-deoxytetrodecamycin, a new member of the tetrodecamycin family of antibiotics. A defining feature of these molecules is the presence of a five-membered lactone called a tetronate ring. By sequencing the genome of a producer strain, Streptomyces sp. strain WAC04657, and searching for a gene previously implicated in tetronate ring formation, we identified the biosynthetic genes responsible for producing 13-deoxytetrodecamycin (the ted genes). Using the ted cluster in WAC04657 as a reference, we found related clusters in three other organisms: Streptomyces atroolivaceus ATCC 19725, Streptomyces globisporus NRRL B-2293, and Streptomyces sp. strain LaPpAH-202. Comparing the four clusters allowed us to identify the cluster boundaries. Genetic manipulation of the cluster confirmed the involvement of the ted genes in 13-deoxytetrodecamycin biosynthesis and revealed several additional molecules produced through the ted biosynthetic pathway, including tetrodecamycin, dihydrotetrodecamycin, and another, W5.9, a novel molecule. Comparison of the bioactivities of these four molecules suggests that they may act through the covalent modification of their target(s).The tetrodecamycins are a distinct subgroup of the tetronate family of secondary metabolites. Little is known about their biosynthesis or mechanisms of action, making them an attractive subject for investigation. In this paper we present the biosynthetic gene cluster for 13-deoxytetrodecamycin in Streptomyces sp. strain WAC04657. We identify related clusters in several other organisms and show that they produce related molecules. Copyright © 2016, American Society for Microbiology. All Rights Reserved.


July 7, 2019

Isolation and complete genome sequence of the thermophilic Geobacillus sp. 12AMOR1 from an Arctic deep-sea hydrothermal vent site.

Members of the genus Geobacillus have been isolated from a wide variety of habitats worldwide and are the subject for targeted enzyme utilization in various industrial applications. Here we report the isolation and complete genome sequence of the thermophilic starch-degrading Geobacillus sp. 12AMOR1. The strain 12AMOR1 was isolated from deep-sea hot sediment at the Jan Mayen hydrothermal Vent Site. Geobacillus sp. 12AMOR1 consists of a 3,410,035 bp circular chromosome and a 32,689 bp plasmid with a G?+?C content of 52 % and 47 %, respectively. The genome comprises 3323 protein-coding genes, 88 tRNA species and 10 rRNA operons. The isolate grows on a suite of sugars, complex polysaccharides and proteinous carbon sources. Accordingly, a versatility of genes encoding carbohydrate-active enzymes (CAZy) and peptidases were identified in the genome. Expression, purification and characterization of an enzyme of the glycoside hydrolase family 13 revealed a starch-degrading capacity and high thermal stability with a melting temperature of 76.4 °C. Altogether, the data obtained point to a new isolate from a marine hydrothermal vent with a large bioprospecting potential.


July 7, 2019

Antibiotic resistance mechanisms of Myroides sp.

Bacteria of the genus Myroides (Myroides spp.) are rare opportunistic pathogens. Myroides sp. infections have been reported mainly in China. Myroides sp. is highly resistant to most available antibiotics, but the resistance mechanisms are not fully elucidated. Current strain identification methods based on biochemical traits are unable to identify strains accurately at the species level. While 16S ribosomal RNA (rRNA) gene sequencing can accurately achieve this, it fails to give information on the status and mechanisms of antibiotic resistance, because the 16S rRNA sequence contains no information on resistance genes, resistance islands or enzymes. We hypothesized that obtaining the whole genome sequence of Myroides sp., using next generation sequencing methods, would help to clarify the mechanisms of pathogenesis and antibiotic resistance, and guide antibiotic selection to treat Myroides sp. infections. As Myroides sp. can survive in hospitals and the environment, there is a risk of nosocomial infections and pandemics. For better management of Myroides sp. infections, it is imperative to apply next generation sequencing technologies to clarify the antibiotic resistance mechanisms in these bacteria.


July 7, 2019

Dynamics of mutations during development of resistance by Pseudomonas aeruginosa against five antibiotics.

Pseudomonas aeruginosa is an opportunistic pathogen that causes considerable morbidity and mortality, specifically in the intensive care. Antibiotic resistant variants of this organism are more difficult to treat and cause substantial extra costs compared to susceptible strains. In the laboratory, P. aeruginosa rapidly developed resistance against five medically relevant antibiotics upon exposure to step-wise increasing concentrations. At several time points during the acquisition of resistance samples were taken for whole genome sequencing. The increase of MIC for ciprofloxacin was linked to specific mutations in gyrA, parC and gyrB, appearing sequentially. In the case of tobramycin, mutations were induced in fusA, HP02880, rplB and capD The MIC for the beta-lactam compounds meropenem, ceftazidime and the combination piperacillin/tazobactam correlated linearly with the beta-lactamase activity, but not always with individual mutations. The genes that were mutated during development of beta-lactam resistance differed for each antibiotic. A quantitative relationship between the frequency of mutations and the increase in resistance could not be established for any of the antibiotics. When the adapted strains are grown in the absence of the antibiotic, some mutations remained and others were reverted, but this reversal did not necessarily lower the MIC. The increased MIC came at the cost of moderately reduced cellular functions, or somewhat lower growth rate. In all cases except ciprofloxacin, the increase of resistance seems to be the result of a complex interaction between several cellular systems, rather than individual mutations. Copyright © 2016, American Society for Microbiology. All Rights Reserved.


July 7, 2019

The kiwifruit genome

The whole-genome sequence of Actinidia chinensis var. chinensis ‘Hongyang’ was published in 2013 and was represented as the first publicly available Ericales genome sequence. Publication in 2015 of an improved linkage map for A. chinensis and interspecific comparison analyses coupled with the availability of a second whole-genome sequence of a genotype closely related to ‘Hongyang’ have enabled the kiwifruit research community to improve the existing whole-genome sequence. This chapter describes the original genome sequence and steps towards its improvement.


July 7, 2019

Near-Complete Genome Sequence of Clostridium paradoxum Strain JW-YL-7.

Clostridium paradoxum strain JW-YL-7 is a moderately thermophilic anaerobic alkaliphile isolated from the municipal sewage treatment plant in Athens, GA. We report the near-complete genome sequence of C. paradoxum strain JW-YL-7 obtained by using PacBio DNA sequencing and Pilon for sequence assembly refinement with Illumina data. Copyright © 2016 Lancaster et al.


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