Uncovering major genomic features of essential genes in Bacteria and a methanogenic Archaea.

ABSTRACT: Identification of essential genes is critical to understanding the physiology of a species, proposing novel drug targets and uncovering minimal gene sets required for life. Although essential gene sets of several organisms have been determined using large-scale mutagenesis techniques, systematic studies addressing their conservation, genomic context and functions remain scant. Here we integrate 17 essential gene sets from genome-wide in vitro screenings and three gene collections required for growth in vivo, encompassing 15 Bacteria and one Archaea. We refine and generalize important theories proposed using Escherichia coli. Essential genes are typically monogenic and more conserved than nonessential genes. Genes required in vivo are less conserved than those essential in vitro, suggesting

SUBMITTER: Grazziotin AL 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC4558319 | biostudies-literature | 2015 Sep

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature