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Complete genome sequence of Finegoldia magna, an anaerobic opportunistic pathogen

Takatsugu Goto1, Atsushi Yamashita, Hideki Hirakawa

  • 1Department of Microbiology, Wakayama Medical University, 811-1 Kimiidera, Wakayama, Wakayama 641-0012, Japan. t-goto@wakayama-med.ac.jp

DNA Research : an International Journal for Rapid Publication of Reports on Genes and Genomes
|February 12, 2008
PubMed

Insights

The complete genome of Finegoldia magna, an opportunistic pathogen, was sequenced. This analysis reveals numerous sortase genes on both its chromosome and plasmid, crucial for bacterial virulence and host interaction.

Area of Science:

  • Microbiology
  • Genomics
  • Bacterial Pathogenesis

Background:

  • Finegoldia magna (formerly Peptostreptococcus magnus) is a Gram-positive anaerobic coccus (GPAC). It is both a human commensal and an opportunistic pathogen causing various infections.
  • Understanding the genetic makeup of F. magna is essential for elucidating its pathogenic mechanisms.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To report the complete genome sequence of Finegoldia magna ATCC 29328.
  • To identify potential virulence factors and understand the genetic basis of F. magna pathogenesis.

Main Methods:

  • Whole-genome sequencing of F. magna ATCC 29328.
  • Bioinformatic analysis including metabolic mapping and identification of virulence-associated genes.
  • Comparative analysis of chromosomal and plasmid-encoded genes.

Main Results:

  • The genome comprises a 1,797,577 bp chromosome and a 189,163 bp plasmid (pPEP1).
  • F. magna exhibits limited sugar fermentation (except fructose) and possesses diverse aminopeptidase activities.
  • Multiple albumin-binding protein homologs (virulence factors) and a high number of sortase genes (4 on chromosome, 7 on plasmid) and their substrates were identified.

Conclusions:

  • The genome sequence provides a comprehensive resource for studying F. magna.
  • The abundance of sortase genes, particularly on the plasmid, suggests a significant role in F. magna pathogenesis, potentially enhancing surface protein diversity for host cell adherence and immune evasion.

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