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The Draft Genome Sequence of the Yersinia entomophaga Entomopathogenic Type Strain MH96T
Mark R H Hurst1, Amy Beattie2, Eric Altermann3,4
1AgResearch, Farm Systems & Environment, Lincoln Research Centre, Christchurch 8140, New Zealand. mark.hurst@agresearch.co.nz.
Abstract:
Here we report the draft genome of Yersinia entomophaga type strain MH96T. The genome shows 93.8% nucleotide sequence identity to that of Yersinia nurmii type strain APN3a-cT, and comprises a single chromosome of approximately 4,275,531 bp. In silico analysis identified that, in addition to the previously documented Y. entomophaga Yen-TC gene cluster, the genome encodes a diverse array of toxins, including two type III secretion systems, and five rhs-associated gene clusters. As well as these multicomponent systems, several orthologs of known insect toxins, such as VIP2 toxin and the binary toxin PirAB, and distant orthologs of some mammalian toxins, including repeats-in-toxin, a cytolethal distending toxin, hemolysin-like genes and an adenylate cyclase were identified. The genome also contains a large number of hypothetical proteins and orthologs of known effector proteins, such as LopT, as well as genes encoding a wide range of proteolytic determinants, including metalloproteases and pathogen fitness determinants, such as genes involved in iron metabolism. The bioinformatic data derived from the current in silico analysis, along with previous information on the pathobiology of Y. entomophaga against its insect hosts, suggests that a number of these virulence systems are required for survival in the hemocoel and incapacitation of the insect host.
Insights
The draft genome of Yersinia entomophaga reveals numerous toxins and virulence factors. These genetic elements likely contribute to its ability to survive in insect hemocoel and cause incapacitation.
Area of Science:
- Microbiology
- Genomics
- Insect Pathology
Background:
- Yersinia entomophaga is an insect pathogen.
- Understanding its genetic makeup is crucial for insect pest control.
Purpose of the Study:
- To report the draft genome sequence of Yersinia entomophaga type strain MH96T.
- To identify potential virulence factors and toxin genes within the genome.
Main Methods:
- Whole-genome sequencing of Yersinia entomophaga MH96T.
- In silico analysis of the genome for gene content and functional annotation.
Main Results:
- The Yersinia entomophaga genome is approximately 4.28 Mb with high similarity to Yersinia nurmii.
- The genome encodes diverse toxins, including two type III secretion systems, rhs-associated gene clusters, VIP2 toxin, PirAB binary toxin, and mammalian toxin orthologs.
- Numerous hypothetical proteins, effector proteins (e.g., LopT), proteolytic enzymes, and iron metabolism genes were identified.
Conclusions:
- The identified virulence systems suggest mechanisms for Yersinia entomophaga survival in insect hemocoel.
- These genetic determinants are likely essential for incapacitating insect hosts.
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