Mutational Bias and Gene Expression Level Shape Codon Usage in Thermobifida fusca YX

Abstract

In this study major factors shaping codon and amino acid usage variation in Thermobifida fusca YX are reported. It is a major degrader of plant cell walls. It produces spores that can be allergenic and has been associated with a condition called farmers lung. For comparison, two other closely related Actinobacteria, S. coelicolor and N. farcinica were considered. Correspondence analysis on RSCU (Relative Synonymous Codon Usage) showed significant correlation between the major trend of codon usage variation and gene expression level assessed by the "Codon Adaptation Index" (CAI) values. The result was further confirmed from distribution of genes along the first axis. In addition, N<formula>_{c}</formula> (effective number of codons) plot, SCUO (synonymous codon usage order) plot and correlation analyses showed that base composition and mutational bias have a dominant role in codon usage variation. Furthermore, gene expression level, hydrophobicity and aromaticity have played a significant role in the source of variations for amino acid usage. In addition, codon preference for genes at higher expression level was found to be similar among three different genera. Notably, 14 codons optimally used by Thermobifida fusca YX and its comparative study with S. coelicolor and N. farcinica might provide some useful information for their further study of molecular evolution and genetic engineering.