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Relationship between whole proteome aminoacid composition and static DNA curvature.

To study possible relationships between an organism's genomic DNA curvature and the aminoacid composition of its proteome, every peptidic sequence from fully determined genomes was retrotranslated using the E. coli codon preferences, and the curvature profiles of the resulting DNA sequences were calculated and compared. A clear interdependence between these two variables was observed, as each retrotranslated proteome presented a distinctive, statistically significant DNA curvature profile biased toward its natural DNA curvature profile. In addition, by comparing the profiles arising from real and randomly permuted proteomes, we also found a position-dependent contribution of the peptidic sequence to DNA curvature. The implications of these results support the idea of a possible selection toward a specific global curvature of genomes.

Amino Acids↗

The isochore organization and the compositional distribution of homologous coding sequences in the nuclear genome of plants.

The isochore structure of the nuclear genome of angiosperms described by Salinas et al. (1) was confirmed by using a different experimental approach, namely by showing that the levels of coding sequences from both dicots and Gramineae are linearly correlated with GC levels of the corresponding flanking sequences. The compositional distribution of homologous coding sequences from several orders of dicots and from Gramineae were also studied and shown to mimick the compositional distributions previously seen (1) for coding sequences in general, most coding sequences from Gramineae being much higher than those of the dicots explored. These differences were even stronger for third codon positions and led to striking codon usages for many coding sequences especially in the case of Gramineae.

Cell Nucleus↗

On the origin of sex as vaccination.

In the theory of the origin of sex as vaccination, I propose that the eukaryote genome accreted from prokaryan symbiont genomes in numerous rounds of lateral gene transfer during which sex diverged from unilateral parasitic infection, as an increasingly ritualized, reciprocal vaccination against superinfection. Sex-as-syngamy (fusion sex) arose when infected proto-eukaryan hosts began swapping nuclearized genomes containing coevolved, vertically transmitted ("attenuated") symbionts that conveyed protection against horizontal superinfection by more virulent symbionts. Sex-as-meiosis (fission sex) evolved as a host strategy to uncouple (and thereby emasculate) the acquired symbiont genomes. The chimeric nature, distribution over discrete chromosomes, and mosaic composition of the eukaryan nuclear genome derive from multiple rounds of acquiring and uncoupling prokaryan genomes. Genome compatibility-based recognition of self and mates came to define sex, mate choice, and the biological species. By generating unique individuality, sex now persists as an elaborate (hence tamper-proof) periodic device for an organism to thwart both endo- and exogenous challengers, and stay ahead of an environment whose capriciousness may largely result from the success of its own forebears.

Animals↗

Sequencing strategies for parasite genomes.

Recent advances in the field of sequencing have enabled the determination of the complete nucleotide sequence of a large number of complex genomes. The complete genome sequence of the parasite Plasmodium falciparum has been published recently, and many other parasite genome initiatives are underway. Parasite genomes vary in size, nucleotide composition, polymorphism level, content, and distribution of repetitive elements. These genomic features affect the performance of sequencing strategies. As a consequence, each of the ongoing parasite genome projects has adopted distinct sequencing approaches. The degree of completeness and accuracy desired as well as available funds should be considered carefully when choosing the most appropriate sequencing strategy.

Animals↗

High-Density Genome-Wide Association Mapping Identifies Candidate Loci Associated with Maize Stalk Cell Wall Composition.

Maize (Zea mays L.) stalk cell wall composition is a key determinant of forage digestibility, lodging resistance, and biomass utilization efficiency. Although previous genome-wide association studies (GWAS) have identified loci associated with lignin (LIG), cellulose (CEL), and hemicellulose (HC), advances in genomic resources provide an opportunity to revisit existing phenotypic datasets at substantially higher resolution. Here, we re-analyzed a maize association panel consisting of 341 diverse inbred lines using an expanded genotype dataset containing 10.77 million SNPs, two derived compositional indices (CEL/HC and [LIG/(CEL + HC)], and six complementary GWAS models. Across all traits and models, we identified 855 unique significant SNPs associated with 579 candidate genes. Among the traits examined, LIG/(CEL + HC) yielded the greatest number of associations, suggesting that indices representing the relative balance among cell wall components may better capture the genetic architecture of cell wall composition than individual component measurements alone. Integration of multiple GWAS models with functional enrichment, haplotype, and selective sweep analyses prioritized three biologically relevant candidate genes encoding a MYB58 transcription factor, the glycosyltransferase Xt9, and a putative xyloglucan 6-xylosyltransferase. Haplotype analysis revealed significant effects of Xt9 and the xyloglucan 6-xylosyltransferase on cell wall composition, while selective sweep analysis identified Xt9 as a target of repeated selection during maize domestication, ecological adaptation, and modern breeding. Although these candidate genes provide promising targets for future investigation, the associations identified here are based on a single association panel and require functional and independent population validation. Collectively, our results demonstrate how high-density genotyping combined with complementary GWAS models can refine candidate associations and generate testable hypotheses from existing phenotypic datasets.

cell wall composition↗

Identification of genomic regions controlling plasma FSH concentrations in Meishan-White Composite boars.

The Chinese Meishan (ME) breed of pig is unique for many reproductive traits. Compared with Western breeds of swine, ME females reach puberty earlier, ovulate more ova per estrus, and have greater uterine capacity, while intact males (boars) have smaller testes and extremely elevated plasma levels of pituitary-derived glycoprotein hormones. In an effort to identify the genetic mechanisms controlling the elevated plasma levels of pituitary-derived glycoprotein hormones [in particular, follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH)] and to determine whether some of these genetic factors are also responsible for differences in other phenotypes, we scanned the entire genome for regions that affected plasma FSH in boars from a Meishan-White Composite (equal contributions of Chester White, Landrace, Large White, and Yorkshire) resource population. Initially, the entire genome of 121 boars was scanned for regions that potentially influenced plasma FSH. The most significant genomic regions were further studied in a total of 436 boars. Three genomic regions located on chromosomes 3, 10, and X apparently possess genes that significantly affect FSH level, and one region provided suggestive evidence for the presence of FSH-controlling genes located on chromosome 8. The region on the X chromosome also affected testes size. Similar genomic regions to those identified on chromosomes 3, 8, and 10 in this study have been identified to affect ovulation rate in female litter mates, supporting the hypothesis that plasma FSH in pubertal boars and ovulation rate in females is controlled by a similar set of genes.

Animals↗

Recombination and base composition: the case of the highly self-fertilizing plant Arabidopsis thaliana.

BACKGROUND: Rates of recombination can vary among genomic regions in eukaryotes, and this is believed to have major effects on their genome organization in terms of base composition, DNA repeat density, intron size, evolutionary rates and gene order. In highly self-fertilizing species such as Arabidopsis thaliana, however, heterozygosity is expected to be strongly reduced and recombination will be much less effective, so that its influence on genome organization should be greatly reduced. RESULTS: Here we investigated theoretically the joint effects of recombination and self-fertilization on base composition, and tested the predictions with genomic data from the complete A. thaliana genome. We show that, in this species, both codon-usage bias and GC content do not correlate with the local rates of crossing over, in agreement with our theoretical results. CONCLUSIONS: We conclude that levels of inbreeding modulate the effect of recombination on base composition, and possibly other genomic features (for example, transposable element dynamics). We argue that inbreeding should be considered when interpreting patterns of molecular evolution.

Arabidopsis↗

Identification of quantitative trait loci affecting birth characters and accumulation of backfat and weight in a Meishan-White Composite resource population.

A search for genomic regions affecting birth characters and accretion of weight and backfat was conducted in a Meishan-White Composite reciprocal backcross resource population. Birth traits analyzed (n = 750) were vigor score, number of nipples, and birth weight. Subsequent measures on gilts and barrows (n = 706) analyzed were weaning weight, 8-wk weight, ADG from 8 to 18 wk of age, ADG from 18 to 26 wk of age, 26-wk weight, and backfat over the first rib, last rib, and last lumbar vertebrae at 14 and 26 (n = 599) wk of age. Feed intake and growth of 92 individually penned barrows were also analyzed. A genomic scan was conducted with microsatellite markers spaced at approximately 20-cM intervals, a least squares regression interval analysis was implemented, and significance values were converted to genomewide levels. No associations were detected for traits measured at birth except for number of nipples, where one significant and two suggestive regions were identified on chromosomes (SSC) 10, 1, and 3, respectively. Early growth was affected by a region on SSC 1 as evidenced by associations with weights collected at weaning and 8 wk of age and ADG from 8 to 18 wk of age. Other regions detected for early growth rate were on SSC 2, 12, and X. Chromosomal regions on SSC 6 and 7 affected ADG from 18 to 26 wk of age. All measures of backfat were affected by regions on SSC 1 and X, whereas SSC 7 consistently affected backfat measures recorded at 26 wk of age. Suggestive evidence for QTL affecting backfat at 14 wk of age was also detected on SSC 2, 6, 8, and 9. These results have improved our knowledge about the genetics of growth rate and fat accretion at the molecular level in swine.

Adipose Tissue↗

Large-scale genome clustering across life based on a linguistic approach.

With the availability of genome sequences, the possibility of new phylogenetic reconstructions arises in order to reveal genomic relationships among organisms. According to the compositional-spectra (CS) approach proposed in our previous studies, any genomic sequence can be characterized by a distribution of frequencies of imperfect matching of words (oligonucleotides). In the current application of CS-analysis, we attempted to analyze the cluster structure of genomes across life. It appeared that compositional spectra show a clear three-group clustering of the compared prokaryotic and eukaryotic genomes. Unexpectedly, this grouping seriously differs from the classical Universal Tree of Life structure represented by common kingdoms known as Eubacteria, Archaebacteria, and Eukarya. The revealed CS-clustering displays high stability, putatively reflecting its objective nature, and still enigmatic biological significance that may result from convergent evolution driven by ecological selection. We believe that our approach provides a new and wider (compared to traditional methods) perspective of extracting genomic information of high evolutionary relevance.

Base Composition↗

Codon usage bias from tRNA's point of view: redundancy, specialization, and efficient decoding for translation optimization.

The selection-mutation-drift theory of codon usage plays a major role in the theory of molecular evolution by explaining the co-evolution of codon usage bias and tRNA content in the framework of translation optimization. Because most studies have focused only on codon usage, we analyzed the tRNA gene pool of 102 bacterial species. We show that as minimal generation times get shorter, the genomes contain more tRNA genes, but fewer anticodon species. Surprisingly, despite the wide G+C variation of bacterial genomes these anticodons are the same in most genomes. This suggests an optimization of the translation machinery to use a small subset of optimal codons and anticodons in fast-growing bacteria and in highly expressed genes. As a result, the overrepresented codons in highly expressed genes tend to be the same in very different genomes to match the same most-frequent anticodons. This is particularly important in fast-growing bacteria, which have higher codon usage bias in these genes. Three models were tested to understand the choice of codons recognized by the same anticodons, all providing significant fit, but under different classes of genes and genomes. Thus, co-evolution of tRNA gene composition and codon usage bias in genomes seen from tRNA's point of view agrees with the selection-mutation-drift theory. However, it suggests a much more universal trend in the evolution of anticodon and codon choice than previously thought. It also provides new evidence that a selective force for the optimization of the translation machinery is the maximization of growth.

Anticodon↗

The evolution of introns in human duplicated genes.

In previous work [Jabbari, K., Rayko, E., Bernardi, G., 2003. The major shifts of human duplicated genes. Gene 317, 203-208], we investigated the fate of ancient duplicated genes after the compositional transitions that occurred between the genomes of cold- and warm-blooded vertebrates. We found that the majority of duplicated copies were transposed to the "ancestral genome core", the gene-dense genome compartment that underwent a GC enrichment at the compositional transitions. Here, we studied the consequences of the events just outlined on the introns of duplicated genes. We found that, while intron number was highly conserved, total intron size (the sum of intron sizes within any given gene) was smaller in the GC-rich copies compared to the GC-poor copies, especially in dispersed copies (i.e., copies located on different chromosomes or chromosome arms). GC-rich copies also showed higher densities of CpG islands and Alus, whereas GC-poor copies were characterized by higher densities of LINEs. The features of the copies that underwent the compositional transition and became GC-richer are suggestive of, or related to, functional changes.

Alu Elements↗

Quantitative relationships for specific growth rates and macromolecular compositions of Mycobacterium tuberculosis, Streptomyces coelicolor A3(2) and Escherichia coli B/r: an integrative theoretical approach.

Further understanding of the physiological states of Mycobacterium tuberculosis and other mycobacteria was sought through comparisons with the genomic properties and macromolecular compositions of Streptomyces coelicolor A3(2), grown at 30 degrees C, and Escherichia coli B/r, grown at 37 degrees C. A frame of reference was established based on quantitative relationships observed between specific growth rates ( micro ) of cells and their macromolecular compositions. The concept of a schematic cell based on transcription/translation coupling, average genes and average proteins was developed to provide an instantaneous view of macromolecular synthesis carried out by cells growing at their maximum rate. It was inferred that the ultra-fast growth of E. coli results from its ability to increase the average number of rRNA (rrn) operons per cell through polyploidy, thereby increasing its capacity for ribosome synthesis. The maximum growth rate of E. coli was deduced to be limited by the rate of uptake and consumption of nutrients providing energy. Three characteristic properties of S. coelicolor A3(2) growing optimally ( micro =0.30 h(-1)) were identified. First, the rate of DNA replication was found to approach the rate reported for E. coli ( micro =1.73 h(-1)); secondly, all rrn operons were calculated to be fully engaged in precursor-rRNA synthesis; thirdly, compared with E. coli, protein synthesis was found to depend on higher concentrations of ribosomes and lower concentrations of aminoacyl-tRNA and EF-Tu. An equation was derived for E. coli B/r relating micro to the number of rrn operons per genome. Values of micro =0.69 h(-1) and micro =1.00 h(-1) were obtained respectively for cells with one or two rrn operons per genome. Using the author's equation relating the number of rrn operons per genome to maximum growth rate, it is expected that M. tuberculosis with one rrn operon should be capable of growing much faster than it actually does. Therefore, it is suggested that the high number of insertion sequences in this species attenuates growth rate to still lower values.

Bacterial Proteins↗

An expressed sequence tag SSR map of tetraploid alfalfa (Medicago sativa L.).

A genetic map constructed from a population segregating for a trait of interest is required for QTL identification. The goal of this study was to construct a molecular map of tetraploid alfalfa (Medicago sativa.) using simple sequence repeat (SSR) markers derived primarily from expressed sequence tags (ESTs) and bacterial artificial chromosome (BAC) inserts of M. truncatula. This map will be used for the identification of drought tolerance QTL in alfalfa. Two first generation backcross populations were constructed from a cross between a water-use efficient, M. sativa subsp. falcata genotype and a low water-use efficient M. sativa subsp. sativa genotype. The two parents and their F(1) were screened with 1,680 primer pairs designed to amplify SSRs, and 605 single dose alleles (SDAs) were amplified. In the F(1), 351 SDAs from 256 loci were mapped to 41 linkage groups. SDAs not inherited by the F(1), but transmitted through the recurrent parents and segregating in the backcross populations, were mapped to 43 linkage groups, and 44 of these loci were incorporated into the composite maps. Homologous linkage groups were joined to form eight composite linkage groups representing the eight chromosomes of M. sativa. The composite maps consist of eight composite linkage groups with 243 SDAs from M. truncatula EST sequences, 38 SDAs from M. truncatula BAC clone sequences, and five SDAs from alfalfa genomic SSRs. The total composite map length is 624 cM, with average marker density per composite linkage group ranging from 1.5 to 4.4 cM, and an overall average density of 2.2 cM. Segregation distortion was 10%, and distorted loci tended to cluster on individual homologues of several linkage groups.

Chromosome Mapping↗

The structure and evolution of angiosperm nuclear genomes.

Despite several decades of investigation, the organization of angiosperm genomes remained largely unknown until very recently. Data describing the sequence composition of large segments of genomes, covering hundreds of kilobases of contiguous sequence, have only become available in the past two years. Recent results indicate commonalities in the characteristics of many plant genomes, including in the structure of chromosomal components like telomeres and centromeres, and in the order and content of genes. Major differences between angiosperms have been associated mainly with repetitive DNAs, both gene families and mobile elements. Intriguing new studies have begun to characterize the dynamic three-dimensional structures of chromosomes and chromatin, and the relationship between genome structure and co-ordinated gene function.

Chromosomes↗

The complete sequence of the mitochondrial genome of Buteo buteo (Aves, Accipitridae) indicates an early split in the phylogeny of raptors.

The complete sequence of the mitochondrial (mt) genome of Buteo buteo was determined. Its gene content and nucleotide composition are typical for avian genomes. Due to expanded noncoding sequences, Buteo possesses the longest mt genome sequenced so far (18,674 bp). The gene order comprising the control region and neighboring genes is identical to that of Falco peregrinus, suggesting that the corresponding rearrangement occurred before the falconid/accipitrid split. Phylogenetic analyses performed with the mt sequence of Buteo and nine other mt genomes suggest that for investigations at higher taxonomic levels (e.g., avian orders), concatenated rRNA and tRNA gene sequences are more informative than protein gene sequences with respect to resolution and bootstrap support. Phylogenetic analyses indicate an early split between Accipitridae and Falconidae, which, according to molecular dating of other avian divergence times, can be assumed to have taken place in the late Cretaceous 65-83 MYA.

Animals↗

Faecalibacterium harmsenii sp. nov., an abundant but previously overlooked Faecalibacterium in the human gut.

Faecalibacterium is one of the most abundant anaerobes in the human colon. At the genus level, this bacterium shows a strong positive association with human health. Expanding collections of isolates and metagenome-assembled genomes have revealed its species diversity, yet species-level functions remain so far underexplored. Here, we describe a novel species, Faecalibacterium harmsenii. In addition, we reclassify another isolate as a member of the recently reported Faecalibacterium langellae species. Despite close genomic relatedness, these isolates exhibit distinct physiological and biochemical traits, including differences in carbohydrate utilization, stress tolerance, enzymatic activity, Gram-staining and fatty acid composition. Our present comparative genomics analyses further uncover extensive functional diversity and plasticity across type strains, with F. harmsenii being distinguished by an expanded carbohydrate gene repertoire and reduced defense systems, mobile genetic elements and antibiotic resistance genes. Extending to the species, we identify species-specific ecological niches across hosts and differential sensitivities to human diseases, highlighting certain species as reliable biomarkers of gut health. Together, these findings refine our understanding of Faecalibacterium diversity and provide a framework for its use in microbiome-based diagnostics and therapeutic development.

Faecalibacterium harmsenii↗

Characterization of the mycoplasma genome.

Recent advances on the properties of the mycoplasma genome, including size, base composition, replication, extrachromosomal DNA, and transfer of genetic material are briefly reviewed, with emphasis on their phylogenetic implications. The use of cleavage patterns of the mycoplasma genome by restriction endonucleases as "finger-prints" indicating genetic relatedness among strains is discussed. The data support the notion that strains of mycoplasma species of strict host and tissue specificity exhibit marked genetic homogeneity, suggesting a clonal origin for some species. The regions of the mycoplasma genome carrying the ribosomal RNA (rRNA) genes have been studied using restriction endonucleases, cloning, and hybridization procedures. The mycoplasmal rRNA cistrons cross-hybridized among themselves, and with the seven rRNA cistrons of Escherichia coli, demonstrating the marked conservation of structure during evolution of this part of the procaryotic genome. In most of the mollicutes tested so far the number of rRNA cistrons is two, but a few species appear to carry only one rRNA cistron in their genome.

Acholeplasma↗

Genomic structure around joining segments and constant regions of swine T-cell receptor alpha/delta (TRA/TRD) locus.

A complete genomic region of 131.2 kb including the swine T-cell receptor alpha/delta constant region (TRAC/TRDC) and joining segments (TRAJ/TRDJ) was sequenced. The structure of this region was strikingly conserved in comparison to that of human or mouse. All of the 61 TRAJ segments detected in the human genomic sequence were detected in the swine sequence and the sequence of the protein binding site of T early alpha, the sequence of the alpha enhancer element and the conserved sequence block between TRAJ3 and TRAJ4 are highly conserved. Insertion of the repetitive sequences that interspersed after the differentiation of the species in mammals such as short interspersed nucleotide elements is markedly suppressed in comparison to other genomic regions, while the composition of the mammalian-wide interspersed sequences is relatively conserved in human and swine. This observation indicates the existence of a highly selective pressure to conserve this genomic region around TRAJ throughout the evolution of mammals.

Animals↗