Draft Genome Sequence of Agrobacterium sp. Strain R89-1, a Morphine Alkaloid-Biotransforming Bacterium

Jiří Zahradník1, Eva Kyslíková2, Pavel Kyslík3

  • 1Laboratory of Enzyme Technology, Institute of Microbiology CAS, v.v.i., Prague, Czech Republic Department of Genetics and Microbiology, Faculty of Science, Charles University Prague, Prague, Czech Republic Department of Biochemistry, Faculty of Science, Charles University Prague, Prague, Czech Republic zahradj@ibt.cas.cz kyslik@biomed.cas.cz.

Genome Announcements
|April 9, 2016
PubMed

Insights

Agrobacterium strain R89-1, isolated from poppy waste, biotransforms codeine and morphine into 14-OH derivatives. Its genome assembly reveals a unique phylogenetic position within the Agrobacterium genus.

Area of Science:

  • Microbiology
  • Genomics
  • Biotechnology

Background:

  • Agrobacterium strains are known for their metabolic capabilities.
  • Biocatalysis offers sustainable routes for chemical transformations.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To characterize the genome of Agrobacterium strain R89-1.
  • To investigate its potential for biotransforming codeine and morphine.

Main Methods:

  • Whole-genome sequencing and assembly of Agrobacterium R89-1.
  • Analysis of the R89-1 genome for relevant metabolic pathways.

Main Results:

  • A 4.7 Mb draft genome assembly for Agrobacterium R89-1 was generated.
  • Agrobacterium R89-1 effectively biotransforms codeine and morphine into 14-OH derivatives.
  • Phylogenetic analysis places R89-1 within a distinct lineage of the Agrobacterium genus.

Conclusions:

  • Agrobacterium R89-1 possesses unique genetic features enabling the biotransformation of opiates.
  • The strain represents a novel phylogenetic branch within Agrobacterium, expanding our understanding of the genus.

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