Compilation of Halobacterial Protein Coding Genes, the Halobacterial Codon Usage Table and its Use

Abstract

Before 1988 only four sequences of halobacterial protein coding genes were known, but in recent years the number has increased dramatically. Today 130 protein coding genes have been sequenced, belonging to a limited set of protein families. Here a compilation of these genes is given. Most of the genes have the same codon preference. A halobacterial codon usage table is presented and its characteristic features are discussed. The genes of the gas vesicle gene clusters exhibit a different codon usage, which is also shown. The use of the halobacterial codon usage table for the identification of protein coding genes as well as its application as a guide in sequencing halobacterial DNA and construct oligonucleotides are exemplified.