Plant, Animal & Microbe Genomes X Conference Plant, Animal & Microbe Genomes X ConferenceJanuary 12-16, 2002
Town & Country Convention Center
San Diego, CA
Poster: Microbial Sequencing and Genome Programs
A collaborative project between the Scottish Crop Research Institute and the Sanger Centre has been initiated to obtain the complete genome sequence of Erwinia carotovora subspecies atroseptica (Eca). Eca is an important pathogen of potato and is the predominant cause of soft rot and blackleg in temperate climates. Genomics efforts on this pathogen have so far included the building of a physical map using BAC library end sequencing, AFLP fingerprinting and hybridisation studies. An area of ca. 200 kb has been targeted for detailed analysis by 1-fold sample sequencing, contig building and gene order mapping. These investigations have revealed many novel sequences that may be involved in pathogenicity and host range, including an entire type III secretion system; haemolysin and haemagglutinin-like genes; novel regulatory genes; opine catabolism genes; novel iron acquisition genes; and syringomycin synthesis genes. To facilitate functional analyses, the construction of a random mutant library (c. 40,000 clones), plant assays and proteomic studies have been initiated. The complete sequence will be generated by standard whole-genome shotgun and finishing techniques, and will act as a blueprint for future research on this pathogen, allowing the identification of further novel genes and regions of interest and facilitating expression and functional studies. The complete sequence will also allow comparison with E. coli, other enterobacteria and other plant pathogens, including the closely related Erwinia chrysanthemi.