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Draft Genome Sequences of Three Terrestrial Isoprene-Degrading Rhodococcus Strains
Andrew T Crombie1, Helen Emery2, Terry J McGenity3
1School of Environmental Sciences, University of East Anglia, Norwich, United Kingdom a.crombie@uea.ac.uk.
Genome Announcements
|November 11, 2017
Summary
Plants produce abundant isoprene, a carbon source for microbes. Researchers sequenced genomes of three isoprene-degrading bacteria from the genus Rhodococcus, identified in tree leaves and soil.
Area of Science:
- Microbiology
- Genomics
- Biochemistry
Background:
- Plants release significant quantities of isoprene into the atmosphere.
- Isoprene serves as a crucial carbon source for various microbial communities.
- Understanding microbial degradation pathways of plant-emitted compounds is vital for biogeochemical cycling.
Purpose of the Study:
- To identify and characterize microbial species capable of degrading isoprene.
- To sequence the genomes of isoprene-degrading bacteria for further metabolic analysis.
- To investigate the genetic basis of isoprene metabolism in soil and plant-associated actinobacteria.
Main Methods:
- Isolation of isoprene-degrading microorganisms from tree leaf and soil samples.
- Whole-genome sequencing of selected bacterial isolates.
- Phylogenetic analysis to determine taxonomic classification.
Main Results:
- Three bacterial isolates capable of isoprene degradation were successfully identified.
- All isolates belonged to the genus Rhodococcus, a group of actinobacteria.
- The sequenced genomes revealed high GC-content, characteristic of this genus.
Conclusions:
- Rhodococcus species are significant players in the degradation of plant-derived isoprene.
- Genomic data provides a foundation for understanding the biochemical pathways involved in isoprene metabolism.
- Further research into these Rhodococcus isolates can elucidate novel microbial functions in carbon cycling.
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