Boyd, Joel A

Abstract Objectives In order to provide a better insight into the functional capacity of the human gut microbiome, we isolated a novel bacterium, “Candidatus Intestinicoccus colisanans” gen. nov. sp. nov., and performed whole genome sequencing. This study will provide new insights into the functional potential of this bacterium and its role in modulating host health and well-being. We expect that this data resource will be useful in providing additional insight into the diversity and functional potential of the human microbiome. Data description Here, we report the first draft genome sequences of “Candidatus Intestinicoccus colisanans” strains MH27-1 and MH27-2, recovered from faeces collected from healthy human donors. The genomes were sequenced using short-read Illumina technology and whole-genome-based comparisons and phylogenomics reconstruction indicate that “Candidatus Intestinicoccus colisanans” represents a novel genus and species within the family Acutalibacteraceae. Both genomes were estimated to be > 98% completed and to range in size from 2.9 to 3.3 Mb with a G + C content of approximately 51%. The gene repertoire of “Candidatus Intestinicoccus colisanans” indicate it is likely a saccharolytic gut bacterium.

Abstract The methyl-coenzyme M reductase (MCR) complex is a key enzyme in archaeal methane generation and has recently been proposed to also be involved in the oxidation of short-chain hydrocarbons including methane, butane, and potentially propane. The number of archaeal clades encoding the MCR continues to grow, suggesting that this complex was inherited from an ancient ancestor, or has undergone extensive horizontal gene transfer. Expanding the representation of MCR-encoding lineages through metagenomic approaches will help resolve the evolutionary history of this complex. Here, a near-complete Archaeoglobi metagenome-assembled genome (MAG; Ca. Polytropus marinifundus gen. nov. sp. nov.) was recovered from the deep subseafloor along the Juan de Fuca Ridge flank that encodes two divergent McrABG operons similar to those found in Ca. Bathyarchaeota and Ca. Syntrophoarchaeum MAGs. Ca. P. marinifundus is basal to members of the class Archaeoglobi, and encodes the genes for β-oxidation, potentially allowing an alkanotrophic metabolism similar to that proposed for Ca. Syntrophoarchaeum. Ca. P. marinifundus also encodes a respiratory electron transport chain that can potentially utilize nitrate, iron, and sulfur compounds as electron acceptors. Phylogenetic analysis suggests that the Ca. P. marinifundus MCR operons were horizontally transferred, changing our understanding of the evolution and distribution of this complex in the Archaea.