Discovering functional novelty in metagenomes: examples from light-mediated processes

Item Type:	Article
Title:	Discovering functional novelty in metagenomes: examples from light-mediated processes
Creators Name:	Singh, A.H. and Doerks, T. and Letunic, I. and Raes, J. and Bork, P.
Abstract:	The emerging coverage of diverse habitats by metagenomic shotgun data opens new avenues of discovering functional novelty using computational tools. Here, we apply three different concepts for predicting novel functions within light-mediated microbial pathways in five diverse environments. Using phylogenetic approaches, we discovered two novel deep-branching subfamilies of photolyases (involved in light-mediated repair) distributed abundantly in high-UV environments. Using neighborhood approaches, we were able to assign to BLUF domain-containing proteins (involved in light-sensing) seven novel functional partners in luciferase synthesis, nitrogen metabolism, and quorum sensing. Finally, by domain analysis, we predict for RcaE proteins (involved in chromatic adaptation) sixteen novel domain architectures that indicate novel functionalities in habitats with little or no light. Quantification of protein abundance in the various environments supports our findings that bacteria utilize light for sensing, repair, and adaptation far more widely than previously thought. While the discoveries illustrate the opportunities in function discovery, we also discuss the immense conceptual and practical challenges that come along with this new type of data.
Keywords:	Bacteria, Bacterial Proteins, Ecosystem, Environment, Genes, Bacterial Genome, Genomics, Light, Phylogeny, Plants, Ultraviolet Rays
Source:	Journal of Bacteriology
ISSN:	0021-9193
Publisher:	American Society for Microbiology
Volume:	191
Number:	1
Page Range:	32-41
Date:	January 2009
Official Publication:	https://doi.org/10.1128/JB.01084-08
PubMed:	View item in PubMed

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