A Scheduling Algorithm for Computational Grids that Minimizes Centralized Processing in Genome Assembly of Next-Generation Sequencing Data

Improvements in genome sequencing techniques have resulted in generation of huge volumes of data. As a consequence of this progress, the genome assembly stage demands even more computational power, since the incoming sequence files contain large amounts of data. To speed up the process, it is often necessary to distribute the workload among a group of machines. However, this requires hardware and software solutions specially configured for this purpose. Grid computing try to simplify this process of aggregate resources, but do not always offer the best performance possible due to heterogeneity and decentralized management of its resources. Thus, it is necessary to develop software that takes into account these peculiarities. In order to achieve this purpose, we developed an algorithm aimed to optimize the functionality of de novo assembly software ABySS in order to optimize its operation in grids. We run ABySS with and without the algorithm we developed in the grid simulator SimGrid. Tests showed that our algorithm is viable, flexible, and scalable even on a heterogeneous environment, which improved the genome assembly time in computational grids without changing its quality

Whole genome sequencing of the multidrug-resistant Chryseobacterium indologenes isolated from a patient in Brazil

Chryseobacterium indologenes is a non-glucose-fermenting Gram-negative bacillus. This emerging multidrug resistant opportunistic nosocomial pathogen can cause severe infections in neonates and immunocompromised patients. This study aimed to present the first detailed draft genome sequence of a multidrug-resistant C. indologenes strain isolated from the cerebrospinal fluid of an infant hospitalized at the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit of Brazilian Tertiary Hospital. We first analyzed the susceptibility of C. indologenes strain to different antibiotics using the VITEK 2 system. The strain demonstrated an outstanding resistance to all the antibiotic classes tested, including β-lactams, aminoglycosides, glycylcycline, and polymyxin. Next, C. indologenes was whole-genome-sequenced, annotated using Prokka and Rapid Annotation using Subsystems Technology (RAST), and screened for orthologous groups (EggNOG), gene ontology (GO), resistance genes, virulence genes, and mobile genetic elements using different software tools. The draft genome contained one circular chromosome of 4,836,765 bp with 37.32% GC content. The genomic features of the chromosome present numerous genes related to cellular processes that are essential to bacteria. The MDR C. indologenes revealed the presence of genes that corresponded to the resistance phenotypes, including genes to β-lactamases (blaIND–13, blaCIA–3, blaTEM–116, blaOXA–209, blaVEB–15), quinolone (mcbG), tigecycline (tet(X6)), and genes encoding efflux pumps which confer resistance to aminoglycosides (RanA/RanB), and colistin (HlyD/TolC). Amino acid substitutions related to quinolone resistance were observed in GyrA (S83Y) and GyrB (L425I and K473R). A mutation that may play a role in the development of colistin resistance was detected in lpxA (G68D). Chryseobacterium indologenes isolate harbored 19 virulence factors, most of which were involved in infection pathways. We identified 13 Genomic Islands (GIs) and some elements associated with one integrative and conjugative element (ICEs). Other elements linked to mobile genetic elements (MGEs), such as insertion sequence (ISEIsp1), transposon (Tn5393), and integron (In31), were also present in the C. indologenes genome. Although plasmids were not detected, a ColRNAI replicon type and the most resistance genes detected in singletons were identified in unaligned scaffolds. We provided a wide range of information toward the understanding of the genomic diversity of C. indologenes, which can contribute to controlling the evolution and dissemination of this pathogen in healthcare settings

The diversity and evolution of pollination systems in large plant clades: Apocynaceae as a case study

Background and Aims Large clades of angiosperms are often characterized by diverse interactions with pollinators, but how these pollination systems are structured phylogenetically and biogeographically is still uncertain for most families. Apocynaceae is a clade of >5300 species with a worldwide distribution. A database representing >10 % of species in the family was used to explore the diversity of pollinators and evolutionary shifts in pollination systems across major clades and regions. Methods The database was compiled from published and unpublished reports. Plants were categorized into broad pollination systems and then subdivided to include bimodal systems. These were mapped against the five major divisions of the family, and against the smaller clades. Finally, pollination systems were mapped onto a phylogenetic reconstruction that included those species for which sequence data are available, and transition rates between pollination systems were calculated. Key Results Most Apocynaceae are insect pollinated with few records of bird pollination. Almost three-quarters of species are pollinated by a single higher taxon (e.g. flies or moths); 7 % have bimodal pollination systems, whilst the remaining approx. 20 % are insect generalists. The less phenotypically specialized flowers of the Rauvolfioids are pollinated by a more restricted set of pollinators than are more complex flowers within the Apocynoids + Periplocoideae + Secamonoideae + Asclepiadoideae (APSA) clade. Certain combinations of bimodal pollination systems are more common than others. Some pollination systems are missing from particular regions, whilst others are over-represented. Conclusions Within Apocynaceae, interactions with pollinators are highly structured both phylogenetically and biogeographically. Variation in transition rates between pollination systems suggest constraints on their evolution, whereas regional differences point to environmental effects such as filtering of certain pollinators from habitats. This is the most extensive analysis of its type so far attempted and gives important insights into the diversity and evolution of pollination systems in large clades

Evidence for Reductive Genome Evolution and Lateral Acquisition of Virulence Functions in Two Corynebacterium pseudotuberculosis Strains

Ruiz JC, D'Afonseca V, Silva A, et al. Evidence for Reductive Genome Evolution and Lateral Acquisition of Virulence Functions in Two Corynebacterium pseudotuberculosis Strains. PLoS ONE. 2011;6(4): e18551.Background: Corynebacterium pseudotuberculosis, a Gram-positive, facultative intracellular pathogen, is the etiologic agent of the disease known as caseous lymphadenitis (CL). CL mainly affects small ruminants, such as goats and sheep; it also causes infections in humans, though rarely. This species is distributed worldwide, but it has the most serious economic impact in Oceania, Africa and South America. Although C. pseudotuberculosis causes major health and productivity problems for livestock, little is known about the molecular basis of its pathogenicity. Methodology and Findings: We characterized two C. pseudotuberculosis genomes (Cp1002, isolated from goats; and CpC231, isolated from sheep). Analysis of the predicted genomes showed high similarity in genomic architecture, gene content and genetic order. When C. pseudotuberculosis was compared with other Corynebacterium species, it became evident that this pathogenic species has lost numerous genes, resulting in one of the smallest genomes in the genus. Other differences that could be part of the adaptation to pathogenicity include a lower GC content, of about 52%, and a reduced gene repertoire. The C. pseudotuberculosis genome also includes seven putative pathogenicity islands, which contain several classical virulence factors, including genes for fimbrial subunits, adhesion factors, iron uptake and secreted toxins. Additionally, all of the virulence factors in the islands have characteristics that indicate horizontal transfer. Conclusions: These particular genome characteristics of C. pseudotuberculosis, as well as its acquired virulence factors in pathogenicity islands, provide evidence of its lifestyle and of the pathogenicity pathways used by this pathogen in the infection process. All genomes cited in this study are available in the NCBI Genbank database (http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/genbank/) under accession numbers CP001809 and CP001829

The Genome of Anopheles darlingi, the main neotropical malaria vector

Anopheles darlingi is the principal neotropical malaria vector, responsible for more than a million cases of malaria per year on the American continent. Anopheles darlingi diverged from the African and Asian malaria vectors ∼100 million years ago (mya) and successfully adapted to the New World environment. Here we present an annotated reference A. darlingi genome, sequenced from a wild population of males and females collected in the Brazilian Amazon. A total of 10 481 predicted protein-coding genes were annotated, 72% of which have their closest counterpart in Anopheles gambiae and 21% have highest similarity with other mosquito species. In spite of a long period of divergent evolution, conserved gene synteny was observed between A. darlingi and A. gambiae. More than 10 million single nucleotide polymorphisms and short indels with potential use as genetic markers were identified. Transposable elements correspond to 2.3% of the A. darlingi genome. Genes associated with hematophagy, immunity and insecticide resistance, directly involved in vectorhuman and vectorparasite interactions, were identified and discussed. This study represents the first effort to sequence the genome of a neotropical malaria vector, and opens a new window through which we can contemplate the evolutionary history of anopheline mosquitoes. It also provides valuable information that may lead to novel strategies to reduce malaria transmission on the South American continent. The A. darlingi genome is accessible at www.labinfo.lncc.br/index.php/anopheles- darlingi. © 2013 The Author(s)

Análise comparativa de Klebsiella pneumoniae multiresistente pertencente ao grupo clonal endêmico de alto risco GC258

The rapid spread of carbapenem-resistant lineages of Klebsiella pneumoniae, clustered within the clonal group CG258, is a growing public health problem associated with healthcareassociated infections. The objective of this study was to perform a genomic analysis of KPC-2 and/or CTX-M β-lactamase-producing strains of K. pneumoniae belonging to CG258 (ST11, ST258, ST340, ST437) circulating at the human-animal-environment interface, in Brazil and South America. The analysis was conducted to characterize the antimicrobial resistome, virulome, genetic elements of transfer and mobilization associated with the dissemination of the blaKPC-2 gene, and to perform a detailed comparative genomic analysis of the CG258; with subsequent pathogenicity evaluation in an invertebrate (Galleria mellonella) model of infection, aiming to identify biomarkers of virulence. The main results are presented in the format of six manuscripts. Manuscript I: New draft genome sequence of a Klebsiella pneumoniae strain 1194/11, belonging to ST340, showing a wide resisto-me. Manuscript II: The first draft genome sequence of a Klebsiella pneumoniae 606B ST340 carrying blaCTX-M-15 in food-producing animal isolated in Brazil. Manuscript III: The first draft genome sequence of a Klebsiella pneumoniae strain Kp171, recovered from a water sample collected in an urban river in Brazil, demonstrating that anthropogenic activities, including the release of wastewater and sewage from hospitals, may have contributed to the contamination of aquatic environments, raising a concern to public health. Manuscript IV: Identification and complete sequence analysis of an IncX3 plasmid carrying a non-Tn4401 genetic element (NTEKPC-Ic), originating from a hospital associated lineage of K. pneumoniae ST340, showing the spread of blaKPC-2 in new Incompatibility group. Manuscript V: Dissemination of blaKPC-2 in novel non-Tn4401 Element (NTEKPC-IId) carry by new small IncQ1 and Col-Like plasmids in lineages of Klebsiella pneumoniae ST11 and ST340. Manuscript VI: Yersiniabactin, colibactin and wider resistome contribute to enhanced virulence and persistence of KPC-2-producing K. pneumoniae CG258 in South America. The results obtained in the present study allow us to obtain a first genomic landscape of K. pneumoniae lineages of the CG258, circulating at the human-animal-environment interface, in Brazil and South America. In this regard, most likely the interplay of yersiniabactin and/or colibactin, and resistance to clinically significant antibiotics (as carbapenems and polymyxins) are contributing to the emergence of highly virulent and MDR lineages that pose great risk to human health. On the other hand, the wide antimicrobial resistome (antibiotics, disinfectants and heavy metals) could be contributing to adaptation of KPC-2- and/or CTX-M-producing K. pneumoniae CG258 in the human-animal-environment interface, highlighting the urgent need for enhanced control efforts. In conclusion, these findings could contribute to the development of strategies for prevention, diagnosis and treatment of K. pneumoniae infections.A rápida disseminação de linhagens de Klebsiella pneumoniae resistentes aos carbapenêmicos, agrupadas dentro do grupo clonal GC258, e um crescente problema de saúde pública associado com infecções relacionadas a assistência a saúde. O objetivo deste estudo foi realizar uma análise genômica de cepas de K. pneumoniae produtoras de β-lactamases KPC-2 e/ou CTX-M, pertencentes ao GC258 (ST11, ST258, ST340, ST437), circulando na interface humana-ambiente-animal, no Brasil e na América do Sul. A análise foi direcionada para caracterizar o resistoma e viruloma, elementos genéticos de transferência e mobilização associados com a disseminação de genes blaKPC-2, e realizar uma análise de genômica comparativa detalhada do GC258, com posterior avaliação da patogenicidade em modelo invertebrado (Galleria mellonella) de infecção, visando identificar biomarcadores de virulência. Os principais resultados são apresentados na forma de seis manuscritos. Manuscrito I: Nova sequência \"draft\" do genoma de K. pneumoniae 1194/11isolado de amostra clínica, pertencente ao ST340, mostrando um amplo resistoma. Manuscrito II: O reporte da primeira sequência \"draft\" do genoma de K. pneumoniae 606B (ST340), contendo blaCTX-M-15 em animais de produção isolados no Brasil. Manuscrito III: O primeiro esboço da sequência do genoma de K. pneumoniae Kp171, recuperado de uma amostra de água coletada em um rio urbano no Brasil, demonstrando que atividades antrópicas, incluindo a liberação de esgoto e esgoto de hospitais, podem ter contribuído para a contaminação ambientes aquáticos, levantando uma preocupação para a saúde pública. Manuscripto IV: Identificação e análise de sequencia completa de um plasmídeo IncX3 portador de um elemento genético não Tn4401 (NTEKPC-Ic), originado de uma linhagem hospitalar associada a K. pneumoniae ST340, mostrando a disseminação de blaKPC-2 no novo grupo Incompatibilidade. Manuscrito V: Disseminação de blaKPC-2 no novo elemento non-Tn4401 (NTEKPC-IId) portado por novos pequenos plasmídeos IncQ1 e Col-Like em linhagens de K. pneumoniae ST11 e ST340. Manuscrito VI: Os resultados obtidos no presente estudo permitem gerar um panorama genômico das linhagens de K. pneumoniae do GC258, circulando na interface humana-animal-ambiente, no Brasil e na América do Sul. De principal interesse, a convergência da virulência associada com genes codificando yersiniabactina e/ou a colibactina e a resistência a antibióticos clinicamente significativos (como carbapenemicos e polimixinas), estão contribuindo para o aparecimento de linhagens altamente virulentas e multirresistentes que apresentam um grande risco a saúde humana. Por outro lado, a ampla resistência aos antimicrobiana (antibióticos, desinfetantes e metais pesados) poderia estar contribuindo para a adaptação de estirpes de K. pneumoniae do GC258, produtoras de KPC-2- e/ou CTX-M, na interface humana-ambiente-animal, destacando a necessidade urgente de medidas para o controle de disseminação. Em conclusão, esses achados poderiam contribuir para o desenvolvimento de estratégias de prevenção, diagnóstico e tratamento das infecções por K. pneumoniae

Complete nucleotide sequences of two blaKPC-2-Bearing IncN plasmids isolated from sequence Type 442 Klebsiella pneumoniae clinical strains four years apart.

Ministério da Saúde. Secretaria de Vigilância em Saúde. Instituto Evandro Chagas. Ananindeua, PA, Brasil.Ministério da Saúde. Secretaria de Vigilância em Saúde. Instituto Evandro Chagas. Ananindeua, PA, Brasil / Grupo Fleury. São Paulo, SP, Brazil.Universidade Federal do Pará. Instituto de Ciências Biológicas. Laboratório de Tecnologia Biomolecular. Belém, Pará, Brazil.Ministério da Saúde. Secretaria de Vigilância em Saúde. Instituto Evandro Chagas. Ananindeua, PA, Brasil.Universidade Estadual de Campinas. Faculdade de Ciências Médicas. Departamento de Patologia Clínica. Campinas, SP, Brazil.Universidade de São Paulo. Faculdade de Ciências Farmacêuticas. Departamento de Análises Clínicas e Toxicológicas. São Paulo, SP, Brazil.Universidade de São Paulo. Faculdade de Ciências Farmacêuticas. Departamento de Análises Clínicas e Toxicológicas. São Paulo, SP, Brazil / Universidade de São Paulo. Instituto de Ciências Biomédicas. Departamento de Microbiologia. São Paulo, SP, Brazil.Ministério da Saúde. Secretaria de Vigilância em Saúde. Instituto Evandro Chagas. Ananindeua, PA, Brasil / Universidade Federal do Pará. Instituto de Ciências Biológicas. Laboratório de Tecnologia Biomolecular. Belém, Pará, Brazil.Universidade de São Paulo. Faculdade de Ciências Farmacêuticas. Departamento de Análises Clínicas e Toxicológicas. São Paulo, SP, Brazil.Grupo Fleury. São Paulo, SP, Brazil / Universidade de São Paulo. Faculdade de Ciências Farmacêuticas. Departamento de Análises Clínicas e Toxicológicas. São Paulo, SP, Brazil.Ministério da Saúde. Secretaria de Vigilância em Saúde. Instituto Evandro Chagas. Ananindeua, PA, Brasil.Ministério da Saúde. Secretaria de Vigilância em Saúde. Instituto Evandro Chagas. Ananindeua, PA, Brasil / Universidade Federal do Pará. Instituto de Ciências Biológicas. Laboratório de Tecnologia Biomolecular. Belém, Pará, Brazil.We sequenced the oldest blaKPC-2-bearing plasmid isolated in Brazil and another plasmid also carried by a Klebsiella pneumoniae strain of sequence type 442 (ST442), isolated 52 months later. Both plasmids present an IncN backbone and few acquired regions. Because the 2005 plasmid presented deletions and a truncated gene within Tn4401b compared to the 2009 plasmid, we can thus infer that IncN blaKPC-2-bearing plasmids pFCF1305 and pFCF3SP had a common ancestor circulating in Brazil prior toMay 2005

A Novel Multifunctional β-N-Acetylhexosaminidase Revealed through Metagenomics of an Oil-Spilled Mangrove.

The use of culture-independent approaches, such as metagenomics, provides complementary access to environmental microbial diversity. Mangrove environments represent a highly complex system with plenty of opportunities for finding singular functions. In this study we performed a functional screening of fosmid libraries obtained from an oil contaminated mangrove site, with the purpose of identifying clones expressing hydrolytic activities. A novel gene coding for a β-N-acetylhexosaminidase with 355 amino acids and 43KDa was retrieved and characterized. The translated sequence showed only 38% similarity to a β-N-acetylhexosaminidase gene in the genome of Veillonella sp. CAG:933, suggesting that it might constitute a novel enzyme. The enzyme was expressed, purified, and characterized for its enzymatic activity on carboxymethyl cellulose, p-Nitrophenyl-2acetamide-2deoxy-β-d-glucopyranoside, p-Nitrophenyl-2acetamide-2deoxy-β-d-galactopyranoside, and 4-Nitrophenyl β-d-glucopyranoside, presenting β-N-acetylglucosaminidase, β-glucosidase, and β-1,4-endoglucanase activities. The enzyme showed optimum activity at 30 °C and pH 5.5. The characterization of the putative novel β-N-acetylglucosaminidase enzyme reflects similarities to characteristics of the environment explored, which differs from milder conditions environments. This work exemplifies the application of cultivation-independent molecular techniques to the mangrove microbiome for obtaining a novel biotechnological product