CompàreGenome: a command-line tool for genomic diversity estimation in prokaryotes and eukaryotes

Area of Science:

• Genomics
• Bioinformatics

Background:

• Comparative genomics is crucial for understanding organismal differences.
• Existing tools can be complex to select during early-stage analysis.
• A need exists for user-friendly tools for initial genomic diversity assessments.

Purpose of the Study:

• Introduce CompàreGenome, a command-line tool for genomic diversity estimation.
• Facilitate early-stage comparative genomic analyses for prokaryotes and eukaryotes.
• Simplify the identification of genetic variations and similarities.

Main Methods:

• CompàreGenome analyzes genomic data to identify unique features.
• The tool detects conserved and divergent genes.
• Functional annotation and strain-level discrimination are performed.

Main Results:

• Successfully identified specific genetic features across tested organisms.
• Pinpointed conserved and highly divergent genes with functional annotations.
• Quantified genetic distances using three analytical methods and distinguished organisms at the strain level.

Conclusions:

• CompàreGenome provides actionable insights into genomic differences.
• The tool is valuable for initial exploration of genomic diversity.
• Applicable to various genome sizes, particularly microbial genomes.