title: Complete genome sequence and cell structure ofLimnochorda pilosa, a Gram-negative spore-former within the phylumFirmicutes.
abstract: Limnochorda pilosais a pleomorphic facultative anaerobe and the sole species in the classLimnochordia, which has tentatively been placed in the phylumFirmicutes. In the present study, the complete genome sequence ofL. pilosaHC45Twas obtained and analysed. The genome size was 3.82 Mbp and the DNA G+C content was 69.73 %. Phylogenetic analyses based on the 30S-50S ribosomal proteins and 23S rRNA gene consistently indicated thatL. pilosais phylogenetically isolated from the other members of the phylumFirmicutes. Ultrastructural observation revealed thatL. pilosapossesses a Gram-negative-type cell wall and the capacity to form endospores. Accordingly, theL. pilosagenome has characteristics that are specific to Gram-negative bacteria and contains many genes that are involved in sporulation. On the other hand, several sporulation genes were absent from theL. pilosagenome although they have been regarded as essential for the endospore-forming system of members of the phylumFirmicutes. ThegyrB gene ofL. pilosapossesses an intein sequence. The genome has a high percentage of GTG start codons and lacks several conserved genes related to cell division.
authors.affiliation: The Institute of Low Temperature Science, Hokkaido University,Sapporo,Japan.|Graduate School of Environmental Science, Hokkaido University,Sapporo,Japan.
authors.forename: Miho
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Watanabe
authors.affiliation: The Institute of Low Temperature Science, Hokkaido University,Sapporo,Japan.
authors.forename: Hisaya
authors.initials: H
authors.lastname: Kojima
authors.affiliation: The Institute of Low Temperature Science, Hokkaido University,Sapporo,Japan.
authors.forename: Manabu
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Fukui