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Comparative genomics of the genus Desulfitobacterium
Thomas Kruse1, Tobias Goris2, Julien Maillard3
1Laboratory of Microbiology, Wageningen University, Stippeneng 4, 6708 WE Wageningen, The Netherlands.
FEMS Microbiology Ecology
|October 18, 2017
Summary
Genomic analysis of Desulfitobacterium reveals diverse metabolic capabilities, including organohalide respiration. Despite encoding reductive dehalogenases, some strains surprisingly lack these enzymes, highlighting complex metabolic pathways in these anaerobic bacteria.
Area of Science:
- Microbiology
- Genomics
- Environmental Science
Background:
- The Desulfitobacterium genus consists of anaerobic, Gram-positive bacteria known for organohalide respiration.
- Understanding their genomic makeup is crucial for elucidating their metabolic functions and environmental roles.
Purpose of the Study:
- To present and compare the genomes of eight Desulfitobacterium strains.
- To analyze the metabolic potential, particularly reductive dehalogenase genes and cofactor synthesis pathways.
Main Methods:
- Whole-genome sequencing of eight Desulfitobacterium strains.
- Comparative genomic analysis with four existing genomes.
- Identification and analysis of reductive dehalogenase and cofactor synthesis pathways.
Main Results:
- Genome sizes vary across species, averaging 5.5 Mbp (D. hafniense), 4.3 Mbp (D. dehalogenans), and 3.4 Mbp (D. dichloroeliminans/metallireducens).
- Up to seven reductive dehalogenases were identified, with notable exceptions in D. hafniense DP7 and D. metallireducens 853-15AT.
- All strains possess complete cobalamin synthesis pathways; menaquinone synthesis is present in all except D. dichloroeliminans DCA1T.
Conclusions:
- Desulfitobacterium exhibits a remarkably broad metabolic repertoire.
- The absence of reductive dehalogenases in certain strains despite reported organohalide respiration suggests alternative mechanisms or uncharacterized genes.
- Reductive dehalogenase gene clusters, excluding pceABCT, appear genetically stable.