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July 7, 2019  |  

Characterization of oqxAB in Escherichia coli isolates from animals, retail meat, and human patients in Guangzhou, China.

The purpose of this study was to investigate the prevalence and genetic elements of oqxAB among Escherichia coli isolates from animals, retail meat, and humans (patients with infection or colonization) in Guangzhou, China. A total of 1,354 E. coli isolates were screened for oqxAB by PCR. Fifty oqxAB-positive isolates were further characterized by pulsed-field gel electrophoresis (PFGE), multilocus sequence typing (MLST), S1-PFGE, genetic environment analysis, plasmid replicon typing, and plasmid sequencing. oqxAB was detected in 172 (33.79%), 60 (17.34%), and 90 (18.07%) E. coli isolates from animal, food, and human, respectively. High clonal diversity was observed among oqxAB-positive isolates. In 21 oqxAB-containing transformants, oqxAB was flanked by two IS26 elements in the same orientation, formed a composite transposon Tn6010 in 19 transformants, and was located on plasmids (33.3~500 kb) belonging to IncN1-F33:A-:B- (n = 3), IncHI2/ST3 (n = 3), F-:A18:B- (n = 2), F-:A-:B54 (n = 2), or others. Additionally, oqxAB was co-located with multiple resistance genes on the same plasmid, such as aac(6′)-Ib-cr and/or qnrS, which were identified in two F-:A18:B- plasmids from pigs, and blaCTX-M-55, rmtB, fosA3, and floR, which were detected in two N1-F33:A-:B- plasmids from patients. The two IncHI2/ST3 oqxAB-bearing plasmids, pHNLDF400 and pHNYJC8, which were isolated from human patient and chicken meat, respectively, contained a typical IncHI2-type backbone, and were similar to each other with 2-bp difference, and also showed 99% identity to the Salmonella Typhimurium oqxAB-carrying plasmids pHXY0908 (chicken) and pHK0653 (human patient). Horizontal transfer mediated by mobile elements may be the primary mechanism underlying oqxAB spread in E. coli isolates obtained from various sources in Guangzhou, China. The transmission of identical oqxAB-carrying IncHI2 plasmids between food products and humans might pose a serious threat to public health.


July 7, 2019  |  

Evaluation of the impact of ul54 gene-deletion on the global transcription and DNA replication of pseudorabies virus.

Pseudorabies virus (PRV) is an animal alphaherpesvirus with a wide host range. PRV has 67 protein-coding genes and several non-coding RNA molecules, which can be classified into three temporal groups, immediate early, early and late classes. The ul54 gene of PRV and its homolog icp27 of herpes simplex virus have a multitude of functions, including the regulation of viral DNA synthesis and the control of the gene expression. Therefore, abrogation of PRV ul54 function was expected to exert a significant effect on the global transcriptome and on DNA replication. Real-time PCR and real-time RT-PCR platforms were used to investigate these presumed effects. Our analyses revealed a drastic impact of the ul54 mutation on the genome-wide expression of PRV genes, especially on the transcription of the true late genes. A more than two hour delay was observed in the onset of DNA replication, and the amount of synthesized DNA molecules was significantly decreased in comparison to the wild-type virus. Furthermore, in this work, we were able to successfully demonstrate the utility of long-read SMRT sequencing for genotyping of mutant viruses.


July 7, 2019  |  

Complete genome sequence of Corynebacterium glutamicum CP, a Chinese l-leucine producing strain.

Here, we report the complete genome sequence of Corynebacterium glutamicum CP, an industrial l-leucine producing strain in China. The whole genome consists of a circular chromosome and a plasmid. The comparative genomics analysis shows that there are many mutations in the key enzyme coding genes relevant to l-leucine biosynthesis compared to C. glutamicum ATCC 13032. Copyright © 2016 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.


July 7, 2019  |  

Genomic analyses reveal that partial sequence of an earlier pseudorabies virus in China is originated from a Bartha-vaccine-like strain.

Pseudorabies virus (PRV), the causative agent of Aujeszky?s disease, has gained increased attention in China in recent years as a result of the outbreak of emergent pseudorabies. Several genomic and partial sequences are available for Chinese emergent and European-American strains of PRV, but limited sequence data exist for the earlier Chinese strains. In this study, we determined the complete genomic sequence of one earlier Chinese strain SC and one emergent strain HLJ8. Compared with other known sequences, we demonstrated that PRV strains from distinct geographical regions displayed divergent evolution. Additionally, we report for the first time, a recombination event between PRV strains, and show that strain SC is a recombinant of an endemic Chinese strain and a Bartha-vaccine-like strain. These results contribute to our understanding of PRV evolution. Copyright © 2016 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.


July 7, 2019  |  

Dissemination of the mcr-1 colistin resistance gene.

Since our first report on plasmid- mediated colistin resistance gene mcr-1,1 strains previously collected in seven countries (Denmark, the Netherlands, Laos, Nigeria, Thailand, France, and the UK) have been found to carry mcr-1.2–6 Furthermore, the sequences in GenBank show that mcr-1 might also be circulating in Portugal and Malaysia. The earliest mcr-1- positive strain was collected from cattle in France in 2008 (GenBank accession number LMBK01000308). These findings confirm our initial concern that mcr-1 could have already disseminated worldwide.


July 7, 2019  |  

Genome sequence of the nicotine-degrading Agrobacterium tumefaciens S33.

Agrobacterium tumefaciens S33 is capable of growing with nicotine as the sole source of carbon and nitrogen, and has the potential to dispose of tobacco wastes and transform nicotine into functionalized pyridines intermediates, which are important precursors for some valuable drugs and insecticides. Here we report the complete genome sequence of strain S33 and predict the gene cluster involved in nicotine catabolism according to the annotation. Copyright © 2016 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.


July 7, 2019  |  

Gene duplication confers enhanced expression of 27-kDa ?-zein for endosperm modification in quality protein maize.

The maizeopaque2(o2) mutant has a high nutritional value but it develops a chalky endosperm that limits its practical use. Genetic selection foro2modifiers can convert the normally chalky endosperm of the mutant into a hard, vitreous phenotype, yielding what is known as quality protein maize (QPM). Previous studies have shown that enhanced expression of 27-kDa ?-zein in QPM is essential for endosperm modification. Taking advantage of genome-wide association study analysis of a natural population, linkage mapping analysis of a recombinant inbred line population, and map-based cloning, we identified a quantitative trait locus (q?27) affecting expression of 27-kDa ?-zein.q?27was mapped to the same region as the majoro2 modifier(o2 modifier1) on chromosome 7 near the 27-kDa ?-zein locus.q?27resulted from a 15.26-kb duplication at the 27-kDa ?-zein locus, which increases the level of gene expression. This duplication occurred before maize domestication; however, the gene structure ofq?27appears to be unstable and the DNA rearrangement frequently occurs at this locus. Because enhanced expression of 27-kDa ?-zein is critical for endosperm modification in QPM,q?27is expected to be under artificial selection. This discovery provides a useful molecular marker that can be used to accelerate QPM breeding.


July 7, 2019  |  

Selfish drive can trump function when animal mitochondrial genomes compete.

Mitochondrial genomes compete for transmission from mother to progeny. We explored this competition by introducing a second genome into Drosophila melanogaster to follow transmission. Competitions between closely related genomes favored those functional in electron transport, resulting in a host-beneficial purifying selection. In contrast, matchups between distantly related genomes often favored those with negligible, negative or lethal consequences, indicating selfish selection. Exhibiting powerful selfish selection, a genome carrying a detrimental mutation displaced a complementing genome, leading to population death after several generations. In a different pairing, opposing selfish and purifying selection counterbalanced to give stable transmission of two genomes. Sequencing of recombinant mitochondrial genomes showed that the noncoding region, containing origins of replication, governs selfish transmission. Uniparental inheritance prevents encounters between distantly related genomes. Nonetheless, in each maternal lineage, constant competition among sibling genomes selects for super-replicators. We suggest that this relentless competition drives positive selection, promoting change in the sequences influencing transmission.


July 7, 2019  |  

The Lysobacter capsici AZ78 genome has a gene pool enabling it to interact successfully with phytopathogenic microorganisms and environmental factors.

Lysobacter capsici AZ78 has considerable potential for biocontrol of phytopathogenic microorganisms. However, lack of information about genetic cues regarding its biological characteristics may slow down its exploitation as a biofungicide. In order to obtain a comprehensive overview of genetic features, the L. capsici AZ78 genome was sequenced, annotated and compared with the phylogenetically related pathogens Stenotrophomonas malthophilia K729a and Xanthomonas campestris pv. campestris ATCC 33913. Whole genome comparison, supported by functional analysis, indicated that L. capsici AZ78 has a larger number of genes responsible for interaction with phytopathogens and environmental stress than S. malthophilia K729a and X. c. pv. campestris ATCC 33913. Genes involved in the production of antibiotics, lytic enzymes and siderophores were specific for L. capsici AZ78, as well as genes involved in resistance to antibiotics, environmental stressors, fungicides and heavy metals. The L. capsici AZ78 genome did not encompass genes involved in infection of humans and plants included in the S. malthophilia K729a and X. c. pv. campestris ATCC 33913 genomes, respectively. The L. capsici AZ78 genome provides a genetic framework for detailed analysis of other L. capsici members and the development of novel biofungicides based on this bacterial strain.


July 7, 2019  |  

Complete genome sequence of Brevibacterium linens BS258, a potential marine Actinobacterium for environmental remediation via microbially induced calcite precipitation

Brevibacterium linens BS258 is a urease positive actinobacterium isolated from marine sediment of China Yellow Sea, which demonstrated to have strong capability of calcite precipitation and bioremediation of heavy metal pollution. Here, we report the complete genome sequence of this strain, which might provide a lot of valuable information for environmental remediation, wastewater treatment and atmospheric CO2 sequestration.


July 7, 2019  |  

Genomes and transcriptomes of duckweeds.

Duckweeds (Lemnaceae family) are the smallest flowering plants that adapt to the aquatic environment. They are regarded as the promising sustainable feedstock with the characteristics of high starch storage, fast propagation, and global distribution. The duckweed genome size varies 13-fold ranging from 150 Mb in Spirodela polyrhiza to 1,881 Mb in Wolffia arrhiza. With the development of sequencing technology and bioinformatics, five duckweed genomes from Spirodela and Lemna genera are sequenced and assembled. The genome annotations discover that they share similar protein orthologs, whereas the repeat contents could mainly explain the genome size difference. The gene families responsible for cell growth and expansion, lignin biosynthesis, and flowering are greatly contracted. However, the gene family of glutamate synthase has experienced expansion, indicating their significance in ammonia assimilation and nitrogen transport. The transcriptome is comprehensively sequenced for the genera of Spirodela, Landoltia, and Lemna, including various treatments such as abscisic acid, radiation, heavy metal, and starvation. The analysis of the underlying molecular mechanism and the regulatory network would accelerate their applications in the fields of bioenergy and phytoremediation. The comparative genomics has shown that duckweed genomes contain relatively low gene numbers and more contracted gene families, which may be in parallel with their highly reduced morphology with a simple leaf and primary roots. Still, we are waiting for the advancement of the long read sequencing technology to resolve the complex genomes and transcriptomes for unsequenced Wolffiella and Wolffia due to the large genome sizes and the similarity in their polyploidy.


July 7, 2019  |  

Complete genome sequence of the dissimilatory azo reducing thermophilic bacterium Novibacillus thermophiles SG-1.

With the isolation and identification of efficient azo-dye degradation bacteria, bioaugmentation with specific microbial strains has now become an effective strategy to promote the bioremediation of azo dye. However, Azo dye wastewater discharged at high temperature restricted the extensive application of the known mesophilic azoreducing microorganisms. Here we present the complete genome sequence of a bacterium capable of reducing azo dye under thermophilic condition, Novibacillus thermophiles SG-1 (=KCTC 33118T =CGMCC 1.12363T). The complete genome of strain SG-1 contains a circular chromosome of 3,629,225 bp with a G?+?C content of 50.44%. Genome analysis revealed that strain SG-1 possessed genes encoding riboflavin biosynthesis protein that would secrete riboflavin, which could act as electron shuttles to transport the electrons to extracellular azo dye in decolorization process. HPLC analysis showed that the concentration of riboflavin increased from 0.01?µM to 0.255?µM with the growth of strain SG-1 under azo dye reduction. Quantitative real-time PCR analysis further demonstrated that the gene encoding riboflavin biosynthesis protein would be involved in the azo dye decolorization. The results from this study would be beneficial to research the mechanism of anaerobic reduction of azo dye under thermophilic conditions. Copyright © 2018 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.


July 7, 2019  |  

Lifestyle of Lactobacillus hordei isolated from water kefir based on genomic, proteomic and physiological characterization.

Water kefir is a traditional fermented beverage made from sucrose, water, kefir granules, dried or fresh fruits. In our water kefir granules, Lactobacillus (L.) hordei is one of the predominant lactic acid bacteria (LAB) species of this presumed symbiotic consortium. It faces abundant sucrose versus limitation of amino- and fatty acids in an acidic environment. Sequencing of the genome of L. hordei TMW 1.1822 revealed one chromosome plus three plasmids. The size of the chromosome was 2.42?Mbp with a GC content of 35% GC and 2461 predicted coding sequences. Furthermore, we identified 1474 proteins upon growth on water kefir medium. Metabolic prediction revealed all enzymes required for the glycolytic Embden-Meyerhof (EMP) and phosphoketolase (PKP) pathways. Genes encoding all enzymes involved in citrate, pyruvate and mannitol metabolism are present. Moreover, it was confirmed that L. hordei is prototrophic for 11 amino acids and auxotrophic for 6 amino acids when combining putative biosynthesis pathways for amino acids with physiological characterization. Still, for glycine, serine and methionine no sure auxotype could be determined. The OppABCDF peptide transport system is complete, and 13 genes encoding peptidases are present. The arginine deiminase system, was predicted to be complete except for carbamate kinase, thus enabling neutralization reactions via ammonium formation but no additional energy generation. Taken together our findings enable prediction of the L. hordei lifestyle in water kefir: Abundant sucrose is consumed directly via parallel EMP and PK pathways and is also extracellularly converted to dextran and fructose by a glucansucrase, leaving fructose as additional carbon source. Essential amino acids (in the form of peptides) and citrate are acquired from fruits. In the lack of FabB unsaturated fatty acids are synthesized by predicted alternative enzymes. Formation of acetoin and diacetyl as well as arginine conversion reactions enable acidification limitation. Other members of the water kefir consortium (yeasts, acetic acid bacteria) likely facilitate or support growth of L. hordei by delivering gluconate, mannitol, amino- and fatty acids and vitamins. Copyright © 2018 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.


July 7, 2019  |  

Picky comprehensively detects high-resolution structural variants in nanopore long reads.

Acquired genomic structural variants (SVs) are major hallmarks of cancer genomes, but they are challenging to reconstruct from short-read sequencing data. Here we exploited the long reads of the nanopore platform using our customized pipeline, Picky ( https://github.com/TheJacksonLaboratory/Picky ), to reveal SVs of diverse architecture in a breast cancer model. We identified the full spectrum of SVs with superior specificity and sensitivity relative to short-read analyses, and uncovered repetitive DNA as the major source of variation. Examination of genome-wide breakpoints at nucleotide resolution uncovered micro-insertions as the common structural features associated with SVs. Breakpoint density across the genome is associated with the propensity for interchromosomal connectivity and was found to be enriched in promoters and transcribed regions of the genome. Furthermore, we observed an over-representation of reciprocal translocations from chromosomal double-crossovers through phased SVs. We demonstrate that Picky analysis is an effective tool for comprehensive detection of SVs in cancer genomes from long-read data.


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