An Update on Trichoderma Mitogenomes: Complete De Novo Mitochondrial Genome of the Fungal Biocontrol Agent Trichoderma harzianum (Hypocreales, Sordariomycetes), an Ex-Neotype Strain CBS 226.95, and Tracing the Evolutionary Divergences of Mitogenomes in Trichoderma.

Members of the genus Trichoderma (Hypocreales), widely used as biofungicides, biofertilizers, and as model fungi for the industrial production of CAZymes, have actively been studied for the applications of their biological functions. Recently, the study of the nuclear genomes of Trichoderma has expanded in the directions of adaptation and evolution to gain a better understanding of their ecological traits. However, Trichoderma's mitochondria have received much less attention despite mitochondria being the most necessary element for sustaining cell life. In this study, a mitogenome of the fungus Trichoderma harzianum CBS 226.95 was assembled de novo. A 27,632 bp circular DNA molecule was revealed with specific features, such as the intronless of all core PCGs, one homing endonuclease, and a putative overlapping tRNA, on a closer phylogenetic relationship with T. reesei among hypocrealean fungi. Interestingly, the mitogenome of T. harzianum CBS 226.95 was predicted to have evolved earlier than those of other Trichoderma species and also assumed with a selection pressure in the cox3. Considering the bioavailability, both for the ex-neotype strain of the T. harzianum species complex and the most globally representative commercial fungal biocontrol agent, our results on the T. harzianum CBS 226.95 mitogenome provide crucial information which will be helpful criteria in future studies on Trichoderma.

Complete Mitochondrial Genome of the Fungal Biocontrol Agent Trichoderma atroviride: Genomic Features, Comparative Analysis and Insight Into the Mitochondrial Evolution in Trichoderma.

The improvement of biopesticides for use in the agriculture industry requires an understanding of the biological- and ecological principles underlying their behavior in natural environments. The nuclear genomes of members of the genus Trichoderma, which are representative fungal biocontrol agents, have been actively studied in relation to the unique characteristics of these species as effective producers of CAZymes/secondary metabolites and biopesticides, but their mitochondrial genomes have received much less attention. In this study, the mitochondrial genome of Trichoderma atroviride (Hypocreales, Sordariomycetes), which targets wood-decaying fungal pathogens and has the ability to degrade chemical fungicides, was assembled de novo. A 32,758 bp circular DNA molecule was revealed with specific features, such as a few more protein CDS and trn genes, two homing endonucleases (LAGLIDADG-/GIY-YIG-type), and even a putative overlapping tRNA gene, on a closer phylogenetic relationship with T. gamsii among hypocrealean fungi. Particularly, introns were observed with several footprints likely to be evolutionarily associated with the intron dynamics of the Trichoderma mitochondrial genomes. This study is the first to report the complete de novo mitochondrial genome of T. atroviride, while comparative analyses of Trichoderma mitochondrial genomes were also conducted from the perspective of mitochondrial evolution for the first time.

Draft genome sequence of Mycobacterium rufum JS14(T), a polycyclic-aromatic-hydrocarbon-degrading bacterium from petroleum-contaminated soil in Hawaii.

Mycobacterium rufum JS14(T) (=ATCC BAA-1377(T), CIP 109273(T), JCM 16372(T), DSM 45406(T)), a type strain of the species Mycobacterium rufum sp. . belonging to the family Mycobacteriaceae, was isolated from polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbon (PAH)-contaminated soil in Hilo (HI, USA) because it harbors the capability of degrading PAH. Here, we describe the first genome sequence of strain JS14(T), with brief phenotypic characteristics. The genome is composed of 6,176,413 bp with 69.25 % G + C content and contains 5810 protein-coding genes with 54 RNA genes. The genome information on M. rufum JS14(T) will provide a better understanding of the complexity of bacterial catabolic pathways for degradation of specific chemicals.

High quality draft genome sequence of the type strain of Pseudomonas lutea OK2(T), a phosphate-solubilizing rhizospheric bacterium.

Pseudomonas lutea OK2(T) (=LMG 21974(T), CECT 5822(T)) is the type strain of the species and was isolated from the rhizosphere of grass growing in Spain in 2003 based on its phosphate-solubilizing capacity. In order to identify the functional significance of phosphate solubilization in Pseudomonas Plant growth promoting rhizobacteria, we describe here the phenotypic characteristics of strain OK2(T) along with its high-quality draft genome sequence, its annotation, and analysis. The genome is comprised of 5,647,497 bp with 60.15 % G + C content. The sequence includes 4,846 protein-coding genes and 95 RNA genes.

Complete mitochondrial genome of Cygnus olor (Aves, Anseriformes, Anatidae).

The complete mitochondrial genome of Cygnus olor (Aves, Anseriformes, Anatidae) was revealed in this study. Total 16 739 base pairs (bp) of this mitogenome encoded genes for 13 protein coding genes (PCGs), two ribosomal RNAs (rRNAs), 22 transfer RNAs (tRNAs) and a D-loop (control region). The 12S rRNA and 16S rRNA genes are located between tRNA-Phe and tRNA-Leu (UUR) and segmentalized by the tRNA-Val. D-loop is located between tRNA-Glu and tRNA-Phe. The overall base composition of C. olor is G + C: 47.8%, A + T: 52.2%, apparently with a slight AT bias. Following the phylogenetic analysis, the C. olor was closed to Anser cygnoides.

Complete mitochondrial genome of Cygnus cygnus (Aves, Anseriformes, Anatidae).

In this study, the complete mitochondrial genome of Cygnus cygnus (Aves, Anseriformes, Anatidae) was sequenced. The genome, consisting of 16 724 base pairs (bp), encoded 13 protein coding genes (PCGs), two ribosomal RNAs (rRNAs), 22 transfer RNAs (tRNAs), and a control region (CR). Two rRNA genes for 12S rRNA (991 bases) and 16S rRNA (1608 bases) are located between tRNA-Phe and tRNA-Leu (UUR) and divided by the tRNA-Val. The CR, of 1156 bp in length, is located between tRNA-Glu and tRNA-Phe. The overall base composition of C. cygnus is G + C: 47.2%, A + T: 52.8%, apparently with a slight AT bias. Phylogenetic analysis showed that the C. cygnus was closed to Cygnus columbianus.

Complete mitochondrial genome of the endemic species Korean aucha perch Coreoperca herzi (Teleostei, Centrarchiformes, Sinipercidae).

In this study, we sequenced the complete mitochondrial genome of the endemic species Korean aucha perch Coreoperca herzi (Teleostei, Centrarchiformes, Sinipercidae). The mitogenome, consisting of 16 495 base pairs (bp), encoded 13 protein-coding genes (PCGs), 2 ribosomal RNAs (rRNAs), 22 transfer RNAs (tRNAs) and 2 non-coding region. The overall base composition of C. herzi is G + C: 46.3%, A + T: 53.7%, apparently with a slight AT bias. Phylogenetic analysis showed that the C. herzi was closed to Coreoperca kawamebari.

The complete mitochondrial genome sequence of Squalidus japonicus coreanus (Teleostei, Cypriniformes, Cyprinidae).

The short-barbel gudgeon Squalidus japonicus coreanus (Teleostei, Cypriniformes, Cyprinidae) is a subspecies of S. japonicus, and is endemic to Korea. The complete mitochondrial genome sequence consisted of 16 597 base pairs (bp) encoding 13 protein-coding genes (PCGs), two ribosomal RNAs (rRNAs), 22 transfer RNAs (tRNAs), and two non-coding regions. The overall base composition of S. japonicus coreanus was G + C: 47.4% and A + T: 52.6%, apparently with a slight AT bias. Phylogenetic analysis showed that S. japonicus coreanus was closely related to Pungtungia herzi.

First Azospirillum genome from aquatic environments: Whole-genome sequence of Azospirillum thiophilum BV-S(T), a novel diazotroph harboring a capacity of sulfur-chemolithotrophy from a sulfide spring.

Azospirillum thiophilum BV-S(T), isolated from a sulfide spring, is a novel nitrogen-fixing bacterium harboring sulfur-lithotrophy. In order to identify genetic characteristics with habitat- and metabolic features contrasting to those from terrestrial Azospirillum species, we present here the genome sequence of a novel species A. thiophilum BV-S(T), with a significance of first genome report in the aquatic Azospirillum species. The genome of strain BV-S(T) is comprised of 7.6Mb chromosome with a GC content of 68.2%. This information will contribute to expand understandings of sulfur-oxidizer microbes that preserve inherencies as a diazotroph, and further it will provide insights into genome plasticity of the genus Azospirillum for niche specific adaptations.

An improved effective microorganism (EM) soil ball-making method for water quality restoration.

Soil balls containing the so-called effective microorganisms (EM) have been applied to improve water quality of small ponds, lakes, and streams worldwide. However, neither the physical conditions facilitating their proper application nor the diversity of microbial community in such soil balls have been investigated. In this study, the application of 0.75% of hardener to the soil balls exerted almost neutral pH (pH 7.3) which caused up to a fourfold increased hardness of the soil ball. Moreover, the 0.75% of hardener in the soil ball also improved the water quality due to a significant reduction in dissolved oxygen, total phosphorus, and total nitrogen contents. Metagenomic analysis of the microbial community in the soil ball with 0.75% hardener was compared with control (traditional soil ball) through next-generation sequencing. The traditional soil ball microbial community comprised 96.1% bacteria, 2.7% eukaryota, and 1% archaea, whereas the soil ball with 0.75% hardener comprised 71.4% bacteria, 27.9% eukaryota, and 0.2% viruses. Additionally, metagenomic profiles for both traditional and improved soil balls revealed that the various xenobiotic biodegradation, such as those for caprolactam, atrazine, xylene, toluene, styrene, bisphenol, and chlorocyclohexane might be responsible for organic waste cleanup.

Genome sequence of a native-feather degrading extremely thermophilic Eubacterium, Fervidobacterium islandicum AW-1.

Fervidobacterium islandicum AW-1 (KCTC 4680) is an extremely thermophilic anaerobe isolated from a hot spring in Indonesia. This bacterium could degrade native chicken feathers completely at 70 °C within 48 h, which is of potential importance on the basis of relevant environmental and agricultural issues in bioremediation and development of eco-friendly bioprocesses for the treatment of native feathers. However, its genomic and phylogenetic analysis remains unclear. Here, we report the high-quality draft genome sequence of an extremely thermophilic anaerobe, F. islandicum AW-1. The genome consists of 2,359,755 bp, which encodes 2,184 protein-coding genes and 64 RNA-encoding genes. This may reveal insights into anaerobic metabolism for keratin degradation and also provide a biological option for poultry waste treatments.

Complete genome sequence of Photorhabdus temperata subsp. thracensis 39-8 T, an entomopathogenic bacterium for the improved commercial bioinsecticide.

Photorhabdus temperata subsp. thracensis 39-8(T), a symbiotic bacterium from an entomopathogenic nematode Heterorhabditis bacteriophora, is a novel bacterium harboring insect pathogenicity. Herein, we present the complete genome sequence of strain 39-8(T), which consists of one circular chromosome of 5,147,098 bp with a GC content of 44.10%. This genetic information will provide insights into biotechnological applications of the genus Photorhabdus producing insecticidal toxins, leading to the enhanced commercial bioinsecticide in agricultural pest control.

Complete genome sequence of Burkholderia pyrrocinia 2327(T), the first industrial bacterium which produced antifungal antibiotic pyrrolnitrin.

Burkholderia pyrrocinia 2327(T) (=DSM 10685(T), having an origin history as a strain Fujisawa Pharm 2327(T) from Fujisawa Pharmaceutical Co., Ltd.) is the first industrial bacterium for the isolation of antifungal antibiotic pyrrolnitrin. Herein, we present the first complete genome sequence of strain 2327(T), which consists of three circular chromosomes with one plasmid for the total 7,961,346bp sized genome with a GC content of 66.5%. This information will provide better understanding of molecular mechanisms in strain 2327(T), leading the insight of whole-cell system for the practical application of strain with the virtue of antibiotic capacity.

Complete genome sequence of a keratin-degrading bacterium Chryseobacterium gallinarum strain DSM 27622(T) isolated from chicken.

Chryseobacterium gallinarum strain DSM 27622(T) is a keratin-degrading bacterium belonging to the class Flavobacteriia, which was isolated from chicken. Here, we report the 4633,632bp complete genome sequence of the strain DSM 27622(T) with 4161 genes.

Complete genome sequence of Paenibacillus beijingensis 7188(T) (=DSM 24997(T)), a novel rhizobacterium from jujube garden soil.

We present here the complete genome sequence of a novel species Paenibacillus beijingensis 7188(T) (=DSM 24997(T)) from jujube rhizosphere soil that consists of one circular chromosome of 5,749,967 bp with a GC content of 52.5%. On the significance of first genome information in this species, the genome sequence of strain 7188(T) will provide a better comprehension of Paenibacillus species for the practical uses as a biofertilizer in agriculture.

Improvement in phytoremediation potential of Solanum nigrum under cadmium contamination through endophytic-assisted Serratia sp. RSC-14 inoculation.

The growth of hyperaccumulator plants is often compromised by increased toxicity of metals like cadmium (Cd). However, extraction of such metals from the soil can be enhanced by endophytic microbial association. Present study was aimed to elucidate the potential of microbe-assisted Cd phytoextraction in hyperaccumulator Solanum nigrum plants and their interactions under varied Cd concentrations. An endophytic bacteria Serratia sp. RSC-14 was isolated from the roots of S. nigrum. In addition to Cd tolerance up to 4 mM, the RSC-14 exhibited phosphate solubilization and secreted plant growth-promoting phytohormones such as indole-3-acetic acid (54 µg/mL). S. nigrum plants were inoculated with RSC-14 and were grown in different concentrations of Cd (0, 10, and 30 mg Cd kg(-1) sand). Results revealed that Cd treatment caused significant cessation in plant growth, biomass, and chlorophyll content, whereas significantly higher malondialdehyde (MDA) and electrolyte production in leaves were observed in a dose-dependent manner. Conversely, RSC-14 inoculation relived the toxic effects of Cd-induced stress by significantly increasing root/shoot growth, biomass production, and chlorophyll content and decreasing MDA and electrolytes contents. Ameliorative effects on host growth were also observed by the regulation of metal-induced oxidative stress enzymes such as catalase, peroxidase, and polyphenol peroxidase. Activities of these enzymes were significantly reduced in RSC-14 inoculated plants as compared to control plants under Cd treatments. The lower activities of stress responsive enzymes suggest modulation of Cd stress by RSC-14. The current findings support the beneficial uses of Serratia sp. RSC-14 in improving the phytoextraction abilities of S. nigrum plants in Cd contamination.

Genome sequence of Serratia nematodiphila DSM 21420T, a symbiotic bacterium from entomopathogenic nematode.

Serratia nematodiphila DSM 21420(T) (=CGMCC 1.6853(T), DZ0503SBS1(T)), isolated from the intestine of Heterorhabditidoides chongmingensis, has been known to have symbiotic-pathogenic life cycle, on the multilateral relationships with entomopathogenic nematode and insect pest. In order to better understanding of this rare feature in Serratia species, we present here the genome sequence of S. nematodiphila DSM 21420(T) with the significance of first genome sequence in this species.

Complete genome sequence of Pseudomonas rhizosphaerae IH5T (=DSM 16299T), a phosphate-solubilizing rhizobacterium for bacterial biofertilizer.

Pseudomonas rhizosphaerae IH5(T) (=DSM 16299(T)), isolated from the rhizospheric soil of grass growing in Spain, has been reported as a novel species of the genus Pseudomonas harboring insoluble phosphorus solubilizing activity. To understanding the multifunctional biofertilizer better, we report the complete genome sequence of P. rhizosphaerae IH5(T).

Complete genome sequence of the caprolactam-degrading bacterium Pseudomonas mosselii SJ10 isolated from wastewater of a nylon 6 production plant.

Pseudomonas mosselii strain SJ10 is a caprolactam-degrading bacterium belonging to the class Gammaproteobacteria, which was isolated from wastewater of the nylon 6 producing Seongseo industrial complex in Daegu, Republic of Korea. Here, we report the complete genome sequence of the strain, providing genetic information for biodegradation of aromatic compounds.

Draft Genome Sequence of Chryseobacterium sp. Strain P1-3, a Keratinolytic Bacterium Isolated from Poultry Waste.

Chryseobacterium sp. strain P1-3, harboring keratin degrading activity, has recently been isolated from poultry waste. Here, we report the 4.6-Mbp draft genome sequence of the keratinolytic bacterium with a G+C content of 37.0% and 4,087 protein-coding genes.