MyMedR

Fulltext Phenotypic and genomic survey on organic acid utilization profile of Pseudomonas mendocina strain S5.2, a vineyard soil isolate

Chong TM, Chen JW, See-Too WS, Yu CY, Ang GY, Lim YL, et al.

AMB Express, 2017 Dec;7(1):138.

PMID: 28655216 DOI: 10.1186/s13568-017-0437-7

Root exudates are chemical compounds that are released from living plant roots and provide significant energy, carbon, nitrogen and phosphorus sources for microbes inhabiting the rhizosphere. The exudates shape the microflora associated with the plant, as well as influences the plant health and productivity. Therefore, a better understanding of the trophic link that is established between the plant and the associated bacteria is necessary. In this study, a comprehensive survey on the utilization of grapevine and rootstock related organic acids were conducted on a vineyard soil isolate which is Pseudomonas mendocina strain S5.2. Phenotype microarray analysis has demonstrated that this strain can utilize several organic acids including lactic acid, succinic acid, malic acid, citric acid and fumaric acid as sole growth substrates. Complete genome analysis using single molecule real-time technology revealed that the genome consists of a 5,120,146 bp circular chromosome and a 252,328 bp megaplasmid. A series of genetic determinants associated with the carbon utilization signature of the strain were subsequently identified in the chromosome. Of note, the coexistence of genes encoding several iron-sulfur cluster independent isoenzymes in the genome indicated the importance of these enzymes in the events of iron deficiency. Synteny and comparative analysis have also unraveled the unique features of D-lactate dehydrogenase of strain S5.2 in the study. Collective information of this work has provided insights on the metabolic role of this strain in vineyard soil rhizosphere.

Ethnic differences in acute myocardial infarction in Singapore

Mak KH, Chia KS, Kark JD, Chua T, Tan C, Foong BH, et al.

Eur Heart J, 2003 Jan;24(2):151-60.

PMID: 12573272

AIMS: We compare the myocardial infarction (MI) event and mortality rates among Chinese, Malay and Indian residents of Singapore.

METHODS: Residents, aged 20 to 64 years, with an MI event were identified from hospital discharge listings, postmortem reports, and the Registry of Births and Deaths. All pathology laboratories flagged patients with elevated creatine phosphokinase (CPK) levels. Modified MONICA (multinational monitoring of trends and determinants in cardiovascular disease) criteria were used for determining MI events.

RESULTS: From 1991 to 1999, 12 481 MI events were identified. Chinese patients were older and less likely to have typical symptoms or previous MI. Malays had the highest peak CPK level. Among all three ethnic groups, MI event and age-adjusted case-fatality rates declined. Compared with Chinese, MI event rates were >2-fold and >3-fold higher, and age-standardized coronary mortality rates were 2.4 and 3.0 higher times for Malays and Indians, respectively. Malays have the highest 3.1-year case-fatality, with an adjusted hazard ratio of 1.26 (95% confidence interval, 1.14 to 1.38) compared with Chinese.

CONCLUSION: We found strong ethnic differences in MI event, case-fatality and coronary mortality rates among the three ethnic groups in Singapore. While Indians have the greatest MI event rates, Malays have the highest case-fatality.

Fulltext Complete Genome Sequence Analysis of Pandoraea pnomenusa Type Strain DSM 16536(T) Isolated from a Cystic Fibrosis Patient

Lim YL, Ee R, Yong D, Yu CY, Ang GY, Tee KK, et al.

Front Microbiol, 2016;7:109.

PMID: 26903988 DOI: 10.3389/fmicb.2016.00109

Fulltext In silico Analysis Reveals Distribution of Quorum Sensing Genes and Consistent Presence of LuxR Solos in the Pandoraea Species

Chua KO, See-Too WS, Ee R, Lim YL, Yin WF, Chan KG

Front Microbiol, 2019;10:1758.

PMID: 31447806 DOI: 10.3389/fmicb.2019.01758

The most common quorum sensing (QS) system in Gram-negative bacteria consists of signaling molecules called N-acyl-homoserine lactones (AHLs), which are synthesized by an enzyme AHL synthase (LuxI) and detected by a transcriptional regulator (LuxR) that are usually located in close proximity. However, many recent studies have also evidenced the presence of LuxR solos that are LuxR-related proteins in Proteobacteria that are devoid of a cognate LuxI AHL synthase. Pandoraea species are opportunistic pathogens frequently isolated from sputum specimens of cystic fibrosis (CF) patients. We have previously shown that P. pnomenusa strains possess QS activity. In this study, we examined the presence of QS activity in all type strains of Pandoraea species and acquired their complete genome sequences for holistic bioinformatics analyses of QS-related genes. Only four out of nine type strains (P. pnomenusa, P. sputorum, P. oxalativorans, and P. vervacti) showed QS activity, and C8-HSL was the only AHL detected. A total of 10 canonical luxIs with adjacent luxRs were predicted by bioinformatics from the complete genomes of aforementioned species and publicly available Pandoraea genomes. No orphan luxI was identified in any of the genomes. However, genes for two LuxR solos (LuxR2 and LuxR3 solos) were identified in all Pandoraea genomes (except two draft genomes with one LuxR solo gene), and P. thiooxydans was the only species that harbored no QS-related activity and genes. Except the canonical LuxR genes, LuxIs and LuxR solos of Pandoraea species were distantly related to the other well-characterized QS genes based on phylogenetic clustering. LuxR2 and LuxR3 solos might represent two novel evolutionary branches of LuxR system as they were found exclusively only in the genus. As a few luxR solos were located in close proximity with prophage sequence regions in the genomes, we thus postulated that these luxR solos could be transmitted into genus Pandoraea by transduction process mediated by bacteriophage. The bioinformatics approach developed in this study forms the basis for further characterization of closely related species. Overall, our findings improve the current understanding of QS in Pandoraea species, which is a potential pharmacological target in battling Pandoraea infections in CF patients.

Fulltext Novel Methyltransferase Recognition Motif Identified in Chania multitudinisentens RB-25(T) gen. nov., sp. nov

Ee R, Lim YL, Yin WF, See-Too WS, Roberts RJ, Chan KG

Front Microbiol, 2016;7:1362.

PMID: 27630623 DOI: 10.3389/fmicb.2016.01362

Fulltext Complete Genome Sequence of Pseudomonas aeruginosa Strain YL84, a Quorum-Sensing Strain Isolated from Compost

Chan KG, Yin WF, Lim YL

Genome Announc, 2014;2(2).

PMID: 24699957 DOI: 10.1128/genomeA.00246-14

Here, we report the complete genome sequence of Pseudomonas aeruginosa strain YL84, which was isolated from compost. This strain was found to be a chitinase-producing quorum-sensing bacterium.

Fulltext De Novo Assembly of the Quorum-Sensing Pandoraea sp. Strain RB-44 Complete Genome Sequence Using PacBio Single-Molecule Real-Time Sequencing Technology

Ee R, Lim YL, Yin WF, Chan KG

Genome Announc, 2014;2(2).

PMID: 24699956 DOI: 10.1128/genomeA.00245-14

We report the first complete genome sequence of Pandoraea sp. strain RB-44, which was found to possess quorum-sensing properties. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first documentation of both a complete genome sequence and quorum-sensing properties of a Pandoraea species.

Fulltext Complete Genome Sequence and Methylome Analysis of Aeromonas hydrophila Strain YL17, Isolated from a Compost Pile

Lim YL, Roberts RJ, Ee R, Yin WF, Chan KG

Genome Announc, 2016 Mar 03;4(2).

PMID: 26941143 DOI: 10.1128/genomeA.00060-16

In this report, we announce the complete genome sequence of Aeromonas hydrophila strain YL17. Single-molecule real-time (SMRT) DNA sequencing was used to generate the complete genome sequence and the genome-wide DNA methylation profile of this environmental isolate. A total of five unique DNA methyltransferase recognition motifs were reported here.

Fulltext Insights on Quorum-Quenching Properties of Lysinibacillus fusiformis Strain RB21, a Malaysian Municipal Solid-Waste Landfill Soil Isolate, via Complete Genome Sequence Analysis

Yong D, Ee R, Lim YL, Chang CY, Yin WF, Chan KG

Genome Announc, 2015;3(3).

PMID: 25953192 DOI: 10.1128/genomeA.00409-15

Lysinibacillus fusiformis strain RB21 is a quorum-quenching bacterium that is able to degrade quorum-sensing signaling molecules. Here, we present the first complete genome sequence of L. fusiformis strain RB21. The finished genome is 4.8 Mbp in size, and the quorum-quenching gene was identified.

Fulltext High-quality Schistosoma haematobium genome achieved by single-molecule and long-range sequencing

Stroehlein AJ, Korhonen PK, Chong TM, Lim YL, Chan KG, Webster B, et al.

Gigascience, 2019 Sep 01;8(9).

PMID: 31494670 DOI: 10.1093/gigascience/giz108

BACKGROUND: Schistosoma haematobium causes urogenital schistosomiasis, a neglected tropical disease affecting >100 million people worldwide. Chronic infection with this parasitic trematode can lead to urogenital conditions including female genital schistosomiasis and bladder cancer. At the molecular level, little is known about this blood fluke and the pathogenesis of the disease that it causes. To support molecular studies of this carcinogenic worm, we reported a draft genome for S. haematobium in 2012. Although a useful resource, its utility has been somewhat limited by its fragmentation.

FINDINGS: Here, we systematically enhanced the draft genome of S. haematobium using a single-molecule and long-range DNA-sequencing approach. We achieved a major improvement in the accuracy and contiguity of the genome assembly, making it superior or comparable to assemblies for other schistosome species. We transferred curated gene models to this assembly and, using enhanced gene annotation pipelines, inferred a gene set with as many or more complete gene models as those of other well-studied schistosomes. Using conserved, single-copy orthologs, we assessed the phylogenetic position of S. haematobium in relation to other parasitic flatworms for which draft genomes were available.

CONCLUSIONS: We report a substantially enhanced genomic resource that represents a solid foundation for molecular research on S. haematobium and is poised to better underpin population and functional genomic investigations and to accelerate the search for new disease interventions.

Chania multitudinisentens gen. nov., sp. nov., an N-acyl-homoserine-lactone-producing bacterium in the family Enterobacteriaceae isolated from landfill site soil

Ee R, Madhaiyan M, Ji L, Lim YL, Nor NM, Tee KK, et al.

Int J Syst Evol Microbiol, 2016 Jun;66(6):2297-2304.

PMID: 26978486 DOI: 10.1099/ijsem.0.001025

Phylogenetic and taxonomic characterization was performed for bacterium RB-25T, which was isolated from a soil sample collected in a former municipal landfill site in Puchong, Malaysia. Growth occurred at 20-37 °C at pH 5-8 but not in the presence of 9 % (w/v) NaCl or higher. The principal fatty acids were C16:0, C18:1ω7c and summed feature 3 (C16:1ω7c and/or iso-C15:0 2-OH). Ubiquinone-8 was the only isoprenoid quinone detected. Polar lipid analysis revealed the presence of phospholipid, phosphoaminolipid, phosphatidylethanolamine, phosphatidylglycerol and one unidentified aminolipid. DNA G+C content was 50.9 mol% phylogenetic analysis based on 16S rRNA gene sequence showed that strain RB-25T formed a distinct lineage within the family Enterobacteriaceae of the class Gammaproteobacteria. It exhibited a low level of 16S rRNA gene sequence similarity with its phylogenetic neighbours Pantoea rwandensis LMG 26275T (96.6 %), Rahnella aquatilis CIP 78.65T (96.5 %), Pectobacterium betavasculorum ATCC 43762T (96.4 %), Pantoea rodasii LMG 26273T (96.3 %), Gibbsiella dentisursi NUM 1720T (96.3 %) and Serratia glossinae C1T (96.2 %). Multilocus sequence analyses based on fusA, pyrG, rplB, rpoB and sucA sequences showed a clear distinction of strain RB-25T from the most closely related genera. Isolate RB-25T could also be distinguished from members of these genera by a combination of the DNA G+C content, respiratory quinone system, fatty acid profile, polar lipid composition and other phenotypic features. Strain RB-25T represents a novel species of a new genus, for which the name Chaniamultitudinisentens gen. nov., sp. nov. is proposed. The type strain is RB-25T (=DSM 28811T=LMG 28304T).

Planococcus versutus sp. nov., isolated from soil

See-Too WS, Ee R, Madhaiyan M, Kwon SW, Tan JY, Lim YL, et al.

Int J Syst Evol Microbiol, 2017 Apr;67(4):944-950.

PMID: 27959786 DOI: 10.1099/ijsem.0.001721

A taxonomic study was performed on a novel Gram-stain-positive, coccus-shaped, orange-pigmented motile bacterium, designated as strain L10.15T. The organism was isolated from a soil sample collected in Lagoon Island (close to Adelaide Island, western Antarctic Peninsula) using a quorum-quenching enrichment medium. Growth occurred at 4-30 °C, pH 6-11 and at moderately high salinity (0-15 %, w/v, NaCl), with optimal growth at 26 °C, at pH 7-8 and with 6 % (w/v) NaCl. 16S rRNA gene sequence analysis showed that strain L10.15T belonged to the genus Planococcus and was closely related to Planococcus halocryophilus Or1T (99.3 % similarity), Planococcus donghaensis JH1T (99.0 %), Planococcus antarcticus DSM 14505T (98.3 %), Planococcus plakortidis AS/ASP6 (II)T (97.6 %), Planococcus maritimus TF-9T (97.5 %), Planococcus salinarum ISL-6T (97.5 %) and Planococcus kocurii NCIMB 629T (97.5 %). However, the average nucleotide identity-MUMmer analysis showed low genomic relatedness values of 71.1-81.7 % to the type strains of these closely related species of the genus Planococcus. The principal fatty acids were anteiso-C15 : 0, C16 : 1ω7c and anteiso-C17 : 0, and the major menaquinones of strain L10.15T were MK-5 (48 %), MK-6 (6 %) and MK-7 (44 %). Polar lipid analysis revealed the presence of phosphatidylethanolamine, phosphatidylglycerol, diphosphatidylglycerol and aminophospholipid. The DNA G+C content was 39.4 mol%. The phenotypic and genotypic data indicate that strain L10.15T represents a novel species of the genus Planococcus, for which the name Planococcus versutus sp. nov. is proposed. The type strain is L10.15T (=DSM 101994T=KACC 18918T).

Complete genome sequence of oxalate-degrading bacterium Pandoraea vervacti DSM 23571(T)

Ee R, Yong D, Lim YL, Yin WF, Chan KG

J Biotechnol, 2015 Jun 20;204:5-6.

PMID: 25848988 DOI: 10.1016/j.jbiotec.2015.03.020

Pandoraea vervacti DSM 23571(T) is an oxalate metabolizing bacterium isolated from an uncultivated field soil in Mugla, Turkey. Here, we present the first complete genome sequence of P. vervacti DSM 23571(T). A complete pathway for degradation of oxalate was revealed from the genome analysis. These data are important to path new opportunities for genetic engineering in the field of biotechnology.

Complete genome of Pseudomonas sp. strain L10.10, a psychrotolerant biofertilizer that could promote plant growth

See-Too WS, Lim YL, Ee R, Convey P, Pearce DA, Yin WF, et al.

J Biotechnol, 2016 Mar 20;222:84-5.

PMID: 26876481 DOI: 10.1016/j.jbiotec.2016.02.017

Pseudomonas sp. strain L10.10 (=DSM 101070) is a psychrotolerant bacterium which was isolated from Lagoon Island, Antarctica. Analysis of its complete genome sequence indicates its possible role as a plant-growth promoting bacterium, including nitrogen-fixing ability and indole acetic acid (IAA)-producing trait, with additional suggestion of plant disease prevention attributes via hydrogen cyanide production.

Complete genome of Planococcus rifietoensis M8(T), a halotolerant and potentially plant growth promoting bacterium

See-Too WS, Convey P, Pearce DA, Lim YL, Ee R, Yin WF, et al.

J Biotechnol, 2016 Mar 10;221:114-5.

PMID: 26808870 DOI: 10.1016/j.jbiotec.2016.01.026

Planococcus rifietoensis M8(T) (=DSM 15069(T)=ATCC BAA-790(T)) is a halotolerant bacterium with potential plant growth promoting properties isolated from an algal mat collected from a sulfurous spring in Campania (Italy). This paper presents the first complete genome of P. rifietoensis M8(T). Genes coding for various potentially plant growth promoting properties were identified within its genome.

Complete genome sequence of Pandoraea oxalativorans DSM 23570(T), an oxalate metabolizing soil bacterium

Chan KG, Yong D, Ee R, Lim YL, Yu CY, Tee KK, et al.

J Biotechnol, 2016 Feb 10;219:124-5.

PMID: 26742625 DOI: 10.1016/j.jbiotec.2015.12.037

Pandoraea oxalativorans DSM 23570(T) is an oxalate-degrading bacterium that was originally isolated from soil litter near to oxalate-producing plant of the genus Oxalis. Here, we report the first complete genome of P. oxalativorans DSM 23570(T) which would allow its potential biotechnological applications to be unravelled.

Complete genome sequence of Pandoraea thiooxydans DSM 25325(T), a thiosulfate-oxidizing bacterium

Yong D, Ee R, Lim YL, Yu CY, Ang GY, How KY, et al.

J Biotechnol, 2016 Jan 10;217:51-2.

PMID: 26603120 DOI: 10.1016/j.jbiotec.2015.11.009

Pandoraea thiooxydans DSM 25325(T) is a thiosulfate-oxidizing bacterium isolated from rhizosphere soils of a sesame plant. Here, we present the first complete genome of P. thiooxydans DSM 25325(T). Several genes involved in thiosulfate oxidation and biodegradation of aromatic compounds were identified.

Complete genome of Pandoraea pnomenusa RB-38, an oxalotrophic bacterium isolated from municipal solid waste landfill site

Lim YL, Ee R, Yong D, Tee KK, Yin WF, Chan KG

J Biotechnol, 2015 Nov 20;214:83-4.

PMID: 26393955 DOI: 10.1016/j.jbiotec.2015.09.018

Pandoraea pnomenusa RB-38 is a bacterium isolated from a former sanitary landfill site. Here, we present the complete genome of P. pnomenusa RB38 in which an oxalate utilization pathway was identified. The genome analysis suggested the potential of this strain as an effective biocontrol agent against oxalate-producing phytopathogens.

Complete genome sequence of Serratia fonticola DSM 4576 T, a potential plant growth promoting bacterium

Lim YL, Yong D, Ee R, Krishnan T, Tee KK, Yin WF, et al.

J Biotechnol, 2015 Nov 20;214:43-4.

PMID: 26376471 DOI: 10.1016/j.jbiotec.2015.09.005

Here, we present the first complete genome sequence of Serratia fonticola DSM 4576(T), a potential plant growth promoting (PGP) bacterium which confers solubilization of inorganic phosphate, indole-3-acetic acid production, hydrogen cyanideproduction, siderophore production and assimilation of ammonia through the glutamate synthase (GS/GOGAT) pathway. This genome sequence is valuable for functional genomics and ecological studies which are related to PGP and biocontrol activities.

Complete genome of the potential thermozyme producer Anoxybacillus gonensis G2(T) isolated from the Gönen hot springs in Turkey

Lim YL, Chan KG, Ee R, Belduz AO, Canakci S, Kahar UM, et al.

J Biotechnol, 2015 Oct 20;212:65-6.

PMID: 26297905 DOI: 10.1016/j.jbiotec.2015.08.007

Anoxybacillus gonensis type strain G2(T) (=NCIMB 13,933(T) =NCCB 100040(T)) has been isolated from the Gönen hot springs in Turkey. This strain produces a number of well-studied, biotechnologically important enzymes, including xylose isomerase, carboxylesterase, and fructose-1,6-bisphosphate aldolase. In addition, this strain is an excellent candidate for the bioremediation of areas with heavy metal pollution. Here, we present a high-quality, annotated, complete genome of A. gonensis G2(T). Furthermore, this report provides insights into several novel enzymes of strain G2(T) and their potential industrial applications.

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