Chromohalobacter Salexigens

A Microbial Biorealm page on the genus Chromohalobacter Salexigens

Classification

Higher order taxa

Bacteria; Proteobacteria; Gammaproteobacteria; Oceanospirillales; Halomonadaceae; Chromohalobacter;

NCBI: Taxonomy Genome

Species

C. Salexigens

Description and significance

Describe the appearance, habitat, etc. of the organism, and why it is important enough to have its genome sequenced. Describe how and where it was isolated. Include a picture or two (with sources) if you can find them.

Genome Sequence of C. Salexigens. Courtesy ofBacMap Genome Atlas

This bacterium is a moderate halophile, yet does not require high concentrations of sodium chloride. The salt requirements of this organism can be met by ions of other salts, such as potassium, rubidium, ammonium, bromide, and others.

Genome structure

Describe the size and content of the genome. How many chromosomes? Circular or linear? Other interesting features? What is known about its sequence? Does it have any plasmids? Are they important to the organism's lifestyle?

DNA Bases: 3696649

Chromosome Type: Circular

Total Genes: 3403

Protein Coding Genes: 3319
RNA Genes:              84
Pseudo Genes:           21

Cell structure and metabolism

Describe any interesting features and/or cell structures; how it gains energy; what important molecules it produces.

The growth rate of Chromohalobacter salexigens DSM 3043 can be stimulated in media containing 0.3 M NaCl by a 0.7 M concentration of other salts of Na+, K+, Rb+, or NH4+, Cl-, Br-, NO3-, or SO4(2-) ions.

Ecology

Describe any interactions with other organisms (included eukaryotes), contributions to the environment, effect on environment, etc.

N(gamma)-acetyl-2,4-diaminobutyrate (NADA), the precursor of the compatible solute ectoine, was shown to function as an osmoprotectant for the non-halophilic bacterium Salmonella enterica serovar Typhimurium. The addition of NADA-containing extracts of an ectoine synthase mutant of the broad salt-growing halophile Chromohalobacter salexigens DSM 3043(T) could alleviate the inhibitory effects of high salinity in S. enterica, which lacks the ectoine biosynthetic pathway. NADA, purified from extracts of the mutant, protected S. enterica against salinity stress.

Pathology

C. Salexigens is not known to be pathogenic

Application to Biotechnology

Does this organism produce any useful compounds or enzymes? What are they and how are they used?

The halophilic bacterium Chromohalobacter salexigens synthesizes and accumulates compatible solutes in response to salt and temperature stress. The ectD gene, which is involved in the synthesis of the compatible solute hydroxyectoine, is essential for thermoprotection of the halophilic bacterium Chromohalobacter salexigens.

Current Research

Enter summaries of the most recent research here--at least three required

References

Stothard P, Van Domselaar G, Shrivastava S, Guo A, O'Neill B, Cruz J, Ellison M, Wishart DS (2005) BacMap: an interactive picture atlas of annotated bacterial genomes. Nucleic Acids Res 33:D317-D320

O'Connor K, Csonka LN. The high salt requirement of the moderate halophile Chromohalobacter salexigens DSM3043 can be met not only by NaCl but by other ions. Department of Biological Sciences, Purdue University, West Lafayette, Indiana 47907-1392.

Garcia-Estepa R, Argandona M, Reina-Bueno M, Capote N, Iglesias-Guerra F, Nieto JJ, Vargas C. The ectD gene, which is involved in the synthesis of the compatible solute hydroxyectoine, is essential for thermoprotection of the halophilic bacterium Chromohalobacter salexigens. Department of Microbiology and Parasitology, Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Seville, c/ Profesor Garcia Gonzalez 2, 41012 Seville, Spain.

Edited by Chris Wittrock, a student of Rachel Larsen and Kit Pogliano