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The complete genome sequence of radioresistant bacterium Deinococcus radiodurans and the benefits of phylogenomic analysis.

 

Jonathan A. Eisen

The Institute for Genomic Research

 

D. radiodurans is the most radiation resistant organism known. It is highly resistant to ionizing radiation, desiccation, UV irradiation, and chemical mutagenesis. Analysis of the complete genome sequence identifies many features (gene and genome) that may be related to the extreme radiation and desiccation resistance of this species. However, many non-radiation resistant bacterial species possess similar gene and genome features (such as the number and types of DNA repair protein homologs). I will show how the use of phylogenomic methods, in which evolutionary reconstructions are combined with genomic analysis, can greatly improve our understanding of the radiation resistance of this species and can identify candidate genes for future experimental research. A phylogenomic approach is beneficial in this case becuase it allows one to go beyond simple database searches and to identify interesting genes or features by way of their evolutionary history. Examples of evolutionary information that are informative in understanding the radiation resistance of this species include gene duplications, in particular ones since D. rediodurans diverged from other lineages; genetic exchange within the genome; the evolutionary origins of the different genetic elements; the relationships of the genome to that of Thermus species; and evolutionary studies of DNA repair gene families.

 

 

 

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