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Reconstructing a Thauera genome from a hydrogenotrophic-denitrifying consortium using metagenomic sequence data
Yanping Mao1, Yu Xia, Zhiping Wang
1Environmental Biotechnology Laboratory, Department of Civil Engineering, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, SAR, China.
Applied Microbiology and Biotechnology
|April 29, 2014
Summary
We reconstructed the Thauera R4 genome from metagenomic data, revealing its hydrogen-oxidizing, autotrophic-denitrifying, and mixtrophic metabolism. This provides insights into Thauera
Area of Science:
- Microbial Ecology
- Genomics
- Environmental Microbiology
Background:
- Thauera species are significant in environmental processes.
- Understanding their metabolic capabilities is crucial for bioremediation and biogeochemical cycling.
Purpose of the Study:
- To reconstruct and analyze the genome of a dominant Thauera strain (Thauera R4) from a mixed microbial consortium.
- To elucidate the hydrogen-oxidizing, autotrophic-denitrifying, and mixtrophic metabolism of Thauera R4.
Main Methods:
- Shotgun metagenomic sequencing of an enriched Thauera-dominated consortium.
- Coverage-defined binning to retrieve the draft genome of Thauera R4.
- Comparative genomic analysis with Thauera aminoaromatica MZ1T.
Main Results:
- A draft genome of Thauera R4 (>90% complete) was reconstructed.
- Thauera R4 possesses a [NiFe]-hydrogenase operon for hydrogen oxidation.
- Thauera R4 exhibits both autotrophic CO2 fixation and heterotrophic acetate assimilation.
Conclusions:
- Thauera R4 demonstrates a unique mixtrophic metabolism, combining autotrophic and heterotrophic pathways.
- The study presents a valuable pipeline for reconstructing dominant genomes from mixed cultures.
- This work enhances our understanding of Thauera's ecological niches and metabolic versatility.
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