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Published on: December 28, 2017
Draft Genome Sequence of Leuconostoc citreum CW28 Isolated from Pozol, a Pre-Hispanic Fermented Corn Beverage
Clarita Olvera1, Rosa I Santamaría2, Patricia Bustos2
1Departamento de Ingeniería Celular y Biocatálisis, Instituto de Biotecnología, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México, Cuernavaca, Morelos, Mexico.
Abstract:
Leuconostoc citreum CW28 was isolated from pozol, a Mayan fermented corn beverage. This strain produces a cell-associated inulosucrase, the first described in bacteria. Its draft genome sequence, announced here, has an estimated size of 1.98 Mb and harbors 1,915 coding genes, 12 rRNAs, 68 tRNAs, 17 putative pseudogenes, and 1 putative phage.
Insights
The bacterium Leuconostoc citreum CW28, isolated from fermented corn beverage, produces a novel cell-associated inulosucrase. Its draft genome reveals key genetic features for this unique enzyme production.
Area of Science:
- Microbiology
- Genomics
- Biochemistry
Background:
- Pozol is a traditional Mayan fermented corn beverage.
- Bacterial enzymes play crucial roles in food fermentation and biotechnology.
- Inulosucrases are enzymes involved in carbohydrate metabolism.
Purpose of the Study:
- To report the isolation and characterization of Leuconostoc citreum CW28 from pozol.
- To describe the novel cell-associated inulosucrase produced by this strain.
- To present the draft genome sequence of Leuconostoc citreum CW28.
Main Methods:
- Isolation of bacterial strains from pozol.
- Enzyme assays to detect inulosucrase activity.
- Whole-genome sequencing and bioinformatic analysis.
Main Results:
- Leuconostoc citreum CW28 was identified as the source of cell-associated inulosucrase activity.
- This is the first description of an inulosucrase produced by a bacterial species.
- The draft genome is approximately 1.98 Mb with 1,915 coding genes, 12 rRNAs, 68 tRNAs, and other genetic elements.
Conclusions:
- Leuconostoc citreum CW28 represents a novel source of bacterial inulosucrase.
- The genome sequence provides a foundation for understanding the biosynthesis and function of this enzyme.
- This discovery opens avenues for biotechnological applications of bacterial inulosucrases.
