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Comparative genomics of three M ethanocellales strains reveal novel taxonomic and metabolic features
Author(s) -
Lyu Zhe,
Lu Yahai
Publication year - 2015
Publication title -
environmental microbiology reports
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 1.229
H-Index - 69
ISSN - 1758-2229
DOI - 10.1111/1758-2229.12283
Subject(s) - genomics , biology , computational biology , genetics , genome , gene
Summary M ethanocellales represents a new order of methanogens, which is widespread in environments and plays specifically the important role in methane emissions from paddy fields. To gain more insights into M ethanocellales , comparative genomic studies were performed among three M ethanocellales strains through the same annotation pipeline. Genetic relationships among strains revealed by genome alignment, pan‐genome reconstruction and comparison of amino average identity suggest that they should be classified in different genera. In addition, multiple copies of cell cycle regulator proteins were identified for the first time in Archaea . Core metabolisms were reconstructed, predicting certain unique and novel features for M ethanocellales , including a set of methanogenesis genes potentially organized toward specialization in utilizing low concentrations of H 2, a new route of disulfide reduction catalysed by a disulfide‐reducing hydrogenase ( Drh ) complex phylogenetically related to sulfate‐reducing prokaryotes, an oxidative tricarboxylic acid ( TCA ) cycle, a sophisticated nitrogen uptake and regulation system as well as a versatile sulfur utilization system. These core metabolisms are largely conserved among the three strains, but differences in gene copy number and metabolic diversity are evident. The present study thus adds new dimensions to the unique ecophysiology of M ethanocellales and offers a road map for further experimental characterization of this methanogen lineage.