Abstract
We report the sequencing of seven genomes from two haloarchaeal genera, Haloferax and Haloarcula. Ease of cultivation and the existence of well-developed genetic and biochemical tools for several diverse haloarchaeal species make haloarchaea a model group for the study of archaeal biology. The unique physiological properties of these organisms also make them good candidates for novel enzyme discovery for biotechnological applications. Seven genomes were sequenced to ∼20×coverage and assembled to an average of 50 contigs (range 5 scaffolds - 168 contigs). Comparisons of protein-coding gene compliments revealed large-scale differences in COG functional group enrichment between these genera. Analysis of genes encoding machinery for DNA metabolism reveals genera-specific expansions of the general transcription factor TATA binding protein as well as a history of extensive duplication and horizontal transfer of the proliferating cell nuclear antigen. Insights gained from this study emphasize the importance of haloarchaea for investigation of archaeal biology.
Highlights
In recent years, the Archaea have been shown to play major roles in global element cycling [1,2,3,4,5,6], form animal-archaeal symbiosis with potential medical importance [7], possess metabolic pathways unknown to the other two domains of life [3,8,9] and produce stressresistant enzymes with great potential for a variety of industrial applications [10,11]
The family Halobacteriacea in the phylum Euryarchaeota has enormous potential to serve as a model group for the study of archaeal biology
United by their ability to thrive at high salinities, haloarchaea possess a wide range of physiologies [12] and diverse metabolic strategies [13], making them model organisms for exploring archaeal biology
Summary
The Archaea have been shown to play major roles in global element cycling [1,2,3,4,5,6], form animal-archaeal symbiosis with potential medical importance [7], possess metabolic pathways unknown to the other two domains of life [3,8,9] and produce stressresistant enzymes with great potential for a variety of industrial applications [10,11]. Many haloarchaea are cultivated in the laboratory, making them one of the most widely studied archaeal groups and leading to the development of a variety of biochemical, genetic and genomic tools for several diverse haloarchaeal species United by their ability to thrive at high salinities, haloarchaea possess a wide range of physiologies (including alkaliphiles, facultative thermophiles, thermoalkaliphiles, and psychrotolerant species) [12] and diverse metabolic strategies [13], making them model organisms for exploring archaeal biology. The Haloarchaea are promising sources of salt and ionic liquid tolerant enzymes for various industrial processes, including biofuels manufacturing [14,15,16,17,11] and bioplastics production
Sign-in/Register to view highlights & summary Sign-in/Register to access full text options 
Free) 
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 call
