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Draft Genome Sequence of Enterococcus faecium Strain 58m, Isolated from Intestinal Tract Content of a Woolly Mammoth,

Artemiy Goncharov1, Semyon Grigorjev2, Alena Karaseva3

  • 1FSBSI Institute of Experimental Medicine, Saint Petersburg, Russian Federation North-Western State Medical University named after I. I. Mechnikov, Saint Petersburg, Russian Federation Saint Petersburg State University, Saint Petersburg, Russian Federation.

Genome Announcements
|February 13, 2016
PubMed

Insights

We sequenced the ancient Enterococcus faecium 58m strain from a woolly mammoth intestine. Genomic analysis revealed its genetic makeup and lack of pathogenic potential, offering insights into ancient gut microbiomes.

Area of Science:

  • Microbiology
  • Genomics
  • Paleontology

Background:

  • Enterococcus faecium is a common bacterium with both commensal and pathogenic strains.
  • Ancient DNA offers insights into the evolution of microorganisms and their hosts.
  • Mammoth intestinal contents are a unique source of ancient microbial life.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To perform a draft genome sequencing of the ancient Enterococcus faecium 58m strain.
  • To analyze the genetic features of this ancient strain.
  • To assess the pathogenic potential of Enterococcus faecium 58m using in silico methods.

Main Methods:

  • Isolation of Enterococcus faecium 58m from woolly mammoth intestinal content.
  • Draft genome sequencing using next-generation sequencing technologies.
  • In silico genomic analysis, including comparative genomics and virulence factor identification.

Main Results:

  • The draft genome sequence of Enterococcus faecium 58m was assembled into 60 contigs.
  • Genomic analysis identified specific genetic features relevant to its ancient origin.
  • No significant virulence factors or antibiotic resistance genes associated with pathogenicity were detected.

Conclusions:

  • The ancient Enterococcus faecium 58m strain is likely nonpathogenic.
  • Its genome provides a valuable resource for understanding the evolution of Enterococcus faecium.
  • This study highlights the potential of ancient samples for microbial discovery.

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