Identification and functional analysis of recent IS transposition events in rhizobia.

Rhizobia are alpha- and beta- Proteobacteria that, through the establishment of symbiotic interactions with leguminous plants, are able to fix atmospheric nitrogen as ammonium. The successful establishment of a symbiotic interaction is highly dependent on the availability of nitrogen sources in the soil, and on the specific rhizobia strain. Insertion sequences (ISs) are simple transposable genetic elements that can move to different locations within the host genome and are known to play an important evolutionary role, contributing to genome plasticity by acting as recombination hot-spots, and disrupting coding and regulatory sequences.

Identification of Ensifer meliloti genes required for survival during peat-based bioinoculant maturation by STM-seq.

Rhizobial inoculants are sold either as rhizobia within a liquid matrix; or as rhizobia adhered to granules composed of peat prill or finely ground peat moss. During the production of peat-based inoculants, a series of physiological changes occur that result in an increased capability of the rhizobia to survive on the seeds. The number of viable rhizobia on preinoculated seeds at the point of sale, however, is often a limiting factor, as is the inefficiency of the inoculant bacteria to compete with the local rhizobia for the host colonization.

The phylogeny of the genus supports its transfer to the family .

The genus encompasses five validly described species belonging to the betaproteobacterial class. Recognized for their potential biotechnological uses, they were first described as belonging to the genus . The phylogeny of the 16S rRNA gene of the original strains as well as newly described species led to a description of these strains within a new bacterial genus, .

Analysis of SARS-CoV-2 synonymous codon usage evolution throughout the COVID-19 pandemic.

SARS-CoV-2, the seventh coronavirus known to infect humans, can cause severe life-threatening respiratory pathologies. To better understand SARS-CoV-2 evolution, genome-wide analyses have been made, including the general characterization of its codons usage profile. Here we present a bioinformatic analysis of the evolution of SARS-CoV-2 codon usage over time using complete genomes collected since December 2019.

Easy identification of insertion sequence mobilization events in related bacterial strains with ISCompare.

Bacterial genomes are composed of core and accessory genomes. The first is composed of housekeeping and essential genes, while the second is highly enriched in mobile genetic elements, including transposable elements (TEs). Insertion sequences (ISs), the smallest TEs, have an important role in genome evolution, and contribute to bacterial genome plasticity and adaptability.

Phylogenomic analysis supports the reclassification of as comb. nov.

is a Betaproteobacterial species isolated from ultramafic soils in New Caledonia. The characterization and classification of this species into the genus was done simultaneously with the proposal of the new genus , initially composed of closely related -like species. Thereafter, some reports based on the use of phylogenetic marker genes suggested that forms part of genus.

Global transcriptome analysis of Rhizobium favelukesii LPU83 in response to acid stress.

Acidic environments naturally occur worldwide and inappropriate agricultural management may also cause acidification of soils. Low soil pH values are an important barrier in the plant-rhizobia interaction. Acidic conditions disturb the establishment of the efficient rhizobia usually used as biofertilizer.