Abstract
Gram-positive methylotrophic bacteria have been known for a long period of time, some serving as model organisms for characterizing the specific details of methylotrophy pathways/enzymes within this group. However, genome-based knowledge of methylotrophy within this group has been so far limited to a single species, Bacillus methanolicus (Firmicutes). The paucity of whole-genome data for Gram-positive methylotrophs limits our global understanding of methylotrophy within this group, including their roles in specific biogeochemical cycles, as well as their biotechnological potential. Here, we describe the isolation of seven novel strains of Gram-positive methylotrophs that include two strains of Bacillus and five representatives of Actinobacteria classified within two genera, Arthrobacter and Mycobacterium. We report whole-genome sequences for these isolates and present comparative analysis of the methylotrophy functional modules within these genomes. The genomic sequences of these seven novel organisms, all capable of growth on methylated amines, present an important reference dataset for understanding the genomic basis of methylotrophy in Gram-positive methylotrophic bacteria. This study is a major contribution to the field of methylotrophy, aimed at closing the gap in the genomic knowledge of methylotrophy within this diverse group of bacteria.
Highlights
Methylotrophy, the ability to utilize substrates containing no carbon-carbon bonds (C1 substrates), is widespread in the domain of Bacteria, with representatives found in Proteobacteria, Firmicutes, Actinobacteria, Verrucomicrobia and the NC10 candidate phylum [1,2]
The Arthrobacter and the Bacillus strains were only isolated from the enrichments set up at 10 °C or at room temperature, while the Mycobacterium strains were only isolated from enrichments set up at 30 °C
Numbers correspond to gene numbering in each genome as annotated in the Integrated Microbial Genomes (IMG)/M database. * EutQ, protein of unknown function that we propose to be involved in methylated amine oxidation, based on its conspicuous location near genes for methylamine oxidases (Mao), trimethylamine monooxygenase (Tmo) and Tmd; OpcA, protein essential for the activity of Zwf in some organisms [33]
Summary
Methylotrophy, the ability to utilize substrates containing no carbon-carbon bonds (C1 substrates), is widespread in the domain of Bacteria, with representatives found in Proteobacteria, Firmicutes, Actinobacteria, Verrucomicrobia and the NC10 candidate phylum [1,2]. While methylotroph representatives within Verrucomicrobia and the NC10 candidate phylum have only been characterized recently, representative genome sequences are already available [4,5,6]. Gram-positive methylotrophs have been known for a long time, some serving as model organisms for characterizing the specific details of methylotrophy pathways/enzymes within this group [1,7,8,9,10,11,12]. A large body of research exists on individual enzymes/pathways in a variety of Gram-positive methylotrophs, providing helpful clues as to the important methylotrophy activities in these organisms [1,7,8,9,10,11,12,15,16,17,18]
Sign-in/Register to view highlights & summary Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a callDisclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.
