Evolution of a microbial nitrilase gene family: a comparative and environmental genomics study.

ABSTRACT:

Background

Completed genomes and environmental genomic sequences are bringing a significant contribution to understanding the evolution of gene families, microbial metabolism and community eco-physiology. Here, we used comparative genomics and phylogenetic analyses in conjunction with enzymatic data to probe the evolution and functions of a microbial nitrilase gene family. Nitrilases are relatively rare in bacterial genomes, their biological function being unclear.

Results

We examined the genetic neighborhood of the different subfamily genes and discovered conserved gene clusters or operons associated with specific nitrilase clades. The inferred evolutionary transitions that separate nitrilases which belong to different gene clusters correlated with changes in their enzymati

SUBMITTER: Podar M 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC1199592 | biostudies-literature | 2005 Aug

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature