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Genome sequence of the PCE-dechlorinating bacterium Dehalococcoides ethenogenes
Rekha Seshadri1, Lorenz Adrian, Derrick E Fouts
1Institute for Genomic Research, 9712 Medical Center Drive, Rockville, MD 20850, USA. rekha@tigr.org
Science (New York, N.Y.)
|January 8, 2005
Summary
Dehalococcoides ethenogenes is the sole bacterium capable of detoxifying groundwater pollutants like tetrachloroethene (PCE) and trichloroethene to ethene. Its genome reveals specialized genes for reductive dehalogenases, indicating adaptation for halogenated compound metabolism.
Area of Science:
- Microbiology
- Environmental Science
- Genomics
Background:
- Dehalococcoides ethenogenes is unique in its ability to perform reductive dechlorination of groundwater contaminants.
- Tetrachloroethene (PCE) and trichloroethene are significant environmental pollutants.
- Understanding the organism's metabolic capabilities is crucial for bioremediation strategies.
Purpose of the Study:
- To analyze the genome of Dehalococcoides ethenogenes.
- To identify genes responsible for reductive dechlorination.
- To understand the organism's evolutionary adaptations and metabolic potential.
Main Methods:
- Whole-genome sequencing of Dehalococcoides ethenogenes.
- Bioinformatic analysis to identify gene functions.
- Comparative genomics to infer evolutionary history.
Main Results:
- The 1,469,720-base pair genome contains dynamic duplicated regions and integrated elements.
- Seventeen putative reductive dehalogenase genes and five hydrogenase complexes were identified.
- Genes for reductive dehalogenases were often located near transcription regulators, suggesting coordinated regulation.
Conclusions:
- Dehalococcoides ethenogenes is highly specialized for utilizing halogenated organic compounds and H2.
- Recent genetic exchange and amplification likely drove the diversification of dehalogenase functions.
- The genome suggests an evolutionary history involving nitrogen fixation and autotrophic metabolism, with complex nutrient requirements.
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