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Four salt-tolerant and aromatics degrading strains used in this study were isolated from polluted technogenic soil on the territory of the Verkhnekamsk potash deposit (Russia). The strains were aerobic, Gram-stain-positive, non-motile, non-endospore-forming irregular rods, exhibiting a marked rod-coccus growth cycle. They contained lysine-based peptidoglycan, teichulosonic acid and poly(glycosyl phosphate) polymers in the cell walls. The major menaquinone was MK-9(H 2 ), the predominant fatty acids were saturated, anteiso- and iso-branched, and the major compounds of polar lipid profiles included phosphatidylglycerol, diphosphatidylglycerol, phosphatidylinositol and two glycolipids (monogalactosyldiacylglycerol and dimannosylglyceride). The strains showed the highest 16S rRNA gene sequence similarity to Arthrobacter crystallopoietes (99.6-99.9%), followed by A. mangrovi (98.3-98.5%) and A. globiformis, the type species of the genus Arthrobacter (97.6-97.8%). The values of overall genome related indices (ANI, dDDH, AAI and POCP) indicated that the target strains and A. crystallopoietes represented three species within a new genus. These species clearly differed from each other and from A. mangrovi and A. globiformis in the phenotypic traits, including the peptidoglycan type and the structures and compositions of cell wall glycopolymers. Based on the findings of this study and the previously published data, we provide the description of the new genus Crystallibacter gen. nov. with the type species Crystallibacter crystallifaciens comb. nov. (type strain, VKM Ac-1107  T ) and two newly revealed species, Crystallibacter permensis sp. nov. (type strain, B905 T  = VKM Ac-2550 T  = LMG 33113 T ) and Crystallibacter degradans sp. nov. (type strain, SF27 T  = VKM Ac-2063 T  = LMG 33112 T )., Competing Interests: Declarations. Conflict of interest: The authors declare no competing interests. Ethical approval: This article does not contain any studies with animals performed by any of the authors. Consent for publication: The manuscript is submitted with the consent of all authors., (© 2024. The Author(s), under exclusive licence to Springer Nature Switzerland AG.)

In recent decades, most studies of microbial rhodopsins have focused on their identification and characterization in aquatic bacteria. In 2021, actinomycetes of the family Geodermatophilaceae, commonly inhabiting terrestrial ecosystems in hot and arid regions, have been reported to contain rhodopsins with DTEW, DTEF and NDQ amino acid motifs. An advanced bioinformatics analysis performed in this work additionally revealed NTQ rhodopsin and heliorhodopsins. The absorption maxima identified for rhodopsins from the above five groups ranged from 513 nm (NTQ rhodopsin) to 559 nm (heliorhodopsin). An assessment of pumping specificity showed that DTEW and DTEF rhodopsins possessed outward H + -transport activities. Ca 2+ ions were required for pumping if E. coli C43(DE3) was used as an expression strain, but were unnecessary in the case of E. coli BL21(DE3). For NDQ rhodopsin, outward H + -transport was detected in NaCl and KCl solutions at pH 5 and 6, but not at neutral pH. A weak Na + -efflux was observed for this rhodopsin at pH 6 and 7 in a NaCl solution only in the presence of proton ionophore. NTQ rhodopsin acted as an inward Cl - -, Br - -, and I - - pump, with a much weaker activity towards NO 3- . No pumping activity was detected for the heliorhodopsin tested. The finding of rhodopsins with novel properties further expands the rhodopsin landscape., Competing Interests: Declaration of competing interest The authors declare that they have no known competing financial interests or personal relationships that could have appeared to influence the work reported in this paper., (Copyright © 2024 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.)

Achromobacter insolitus and Achromobacter aegrifaciens , bacterial degraders of the herbicide glyphosate, were found to induce phosphonatase (phosphonoacetaldehyde hydrolase, EC 3.11.1.1) when grown on minimal media with glyphosate as the sole source of phosphorus. The phosphonatases of the strains were purified to an electrophoretically homogeneous state and characterized. The enzymes differed in their kinetic characteristics and some other parameters from the previously described phosphonatases. The phosphonatase of A. insolitus was first revealed to separate into two stable forms, which had similar kinetic characteristics but interacted differently with affinity and ion-exchange resins. The genomes of the investigated bacteria were sequenced. The phosphonatase genes were identified, and their context was determined: the bacteria were shown to have gene clusters, which, besides the phosphonatase operon, included genes for LysR-type transcription activator (substrate sensor) and putative iron-containing oxygenase PhnHD homologous to monooxygenases PhnY and TmpB of marine organophosphonate degraders. Genes of 2-aminoethylphosphonate aminotransferase (PhnW, EC 2.6.1.37) were absent in the achromobacterial phosphonatase operons; instead, we revealed the presence of genes encoding the putative flavin oxidase HpnW. In silico simulation showed 1-hydroxy-2-aminoethylphosphonate to be the most likely substrate of the new monooxygenase, and a number of glycine derivatives structurally similar to glyphosate to be substrates of flavin oxidase.

Two novel yellow-pigmented, rod-shaped and non-motile coryneform actinobacteria, strains VKM Ac-2596 T and VKM Ac-2761, were isolated from a plant Tanacetum vulgare (Asteraceae) infested by foliar nematode Aphelenchoides sp. The strains exhibited the highest 16S rRNA gene sequence similarities to Rathayibacter agropyri CA4 T (99.71%), Rathayibacter rathayi DSM 7485 T (99.65%) and Rathayibacter iranicus VKM Ac-1602 T (99.65%). The pairwise average nucleotide identity (ANI) and digital DNA-DNA hybridization (dDDH) values between VKM Ac-2596 T and VKM Ac-2671 towards the type strains of Rathayibacter species did not exceed 85.24% and 29.40%, respectively, that are well below the thresholds for species delineation. The target strains had key chemotaxonomic properties typical of the genus Rathayibacter, namely, the DAB-based peptidoglycan, rhamnose and mannose as the predominant sugars and a rhamnomannan in the cell, the major menaquinone MK-10 and fatty acids of iso-anteiso type, with a large proportion of anteiso-15:0. The strains showed clear differences from the recognized Rathayibacter species in several phenotypic characteristics, including the difference in the composition of cell wall glycopolymers. Based on the results obtained in this study and the data published previously, we provide a description of a new species, Rathayibacter tanaceti sp. nov., with DL-642 T (= VKM Ac-2596 T  = LMG 33114 T ) as the type strain., (© 2024. The Author(s), under exclusive licence to Springer Science+Business Media, LLC, part of Springer Nature.)

This research presents de novo transcriptome shotgun assembly for Curvularia sp. VKM F-3040, which is a putative fungal strain able to modify androstane steroids with production of 7-hydroxy and 17-hydroxylated derivatives-key intermediates in the synthesis of pharmaceutical ingredients. The data are of importance for creating novel microbial biocatalysts., Competing Interests: The authors declare no conflict of interest.

The two novel bacterial strains, designated as VT T and ML, were isolated from roots of cinquefoil (Potentilla sp.) and leaves of meadow-grass (Poa sp.) on the flooded bank of lake, respectively. These isolates were Gram-negative, non-spore-forming, non-motile, rod-shaped cells, utilized methanol, methylamine, and polycarbon compounds as carbon and energy sources. In the whole-cell fatty acid pattern of strains prevailed C 18:1 ω7c and C 19:0cyc . Based on the phylogenetic analysis of 16S rRNA gene sequences, strains VT T and ML were closely related to the representatives of the genus Ancylobacter (98.3-98.5%). The assembled genome of strain VT T has a total length of 4.22 Mbp, and a G + C content is 67.3%. The average nucleotide identity (ANI), average amino acid identity (AAI) and digital DNA-DNA hybridization (dDDH) values between strain VT T and closely related type strains of genus Ancylobacter were 78.0-80.6%, 73.8-78.3% and 22.1-24.0%, respectively, that clearly lower than proposed thresholds for species. On the basis of the phylogenetic, phenotypic, and chemotaxonomic analysis, isolates VT T and ML represent a novel species of the genus Ancylobacter, for which the name Ancylobacter radicis sp. nov. is proposed. The type strain is VT T (= VKM B-3255 T  = CCUG 72400 T ). In addition, novel strains were able to dissolve insoluble phosphates, to produce siderophores and plant hormones (auxin biosynthesis). According to genome analysis genes involved in the biosynthesis of siderophores, polyhydroxybutyrate, exopolysaccharides and phosphorus metabolism, as well as the genes involved in the assimilation of C 1 -compounds (natural products of plant metabolism) were found in the genome of type strain VT T ., (© 2023. The Author(s), under exclusive licence to Springer Nature Switzerland AG.)

Draft genome sequences of 11 strains of putative new species of Geodermatophilaceae were generated using Illumina technology. The genome sizes ranged from 4.19 to 4.99 Mb, with G+C contents of 73.5% to 74.6%, and contained genes for microbial rhodopsins. This study will contribute to our knowledge of the ecology and diversity of members of the family Geodermatophilaceae ., Competing Interests: The authors declare no conflict of interest.

Bacteria of the genus " Candidatus Cardinium" and related organisms composing the Cardinium clade are intracellular endosymbionts frequently occurring in several arthropod groups, freshwater mussels and plant-parasitic nematodes. Phylogenetic analyses based on two gene sequences (16S rRNA and gyrB ) showed that the Cardinium clade comprised at least five groups: A, B, C, D and E. In this study, a screening of 142 samples of plant-parasitic nematodes belonging to 93 species from 12 families and two orders using PCR with specific primers and sequencing, revealed bacteria of Cardinium clade in 14 nematode samples belonging to 12 species of cyst nematodes of the family Heteroderidae. Furthermore, in this study, the genome of the Cardinium cHhum from the hop cyst nematode, Heterodera humuli, was also amplified, sequenced and analyzed. The comparisons of the average nucleotide identity (ANI) and digital DNA-DNA hybridization (dDDH) values for the strain Cardinium cHhum with regard to related organisms with available genomes, combined with the data on 16S rRNA and gyrB gene sequence identities, showed that this strain represents a new candidate species within the genus " Candidatus Paenicardinium". The phylogenetic position of endosymbionts of the Cardinium clade detected in nematode hosts was also compared to known representatives of this clade from other metazoans. Phylogenetic reconstructions based on analysis of 16S rRNA, gyrB, sufB, gloEL, fusA, infB genes and genomes and estimates of genetic distances both indicate that the endosymbiont of the root-lesion nematode Pratylenchus penetrans represented a separate lineage and is designated herein as a new group F. The phylogenetic analysis also confirmed that endosymbionts of ostracods represent the novel group G. Evolutionary relationships of bacterial endosymbionts of the Cardinium clade within invertebrates are presented and discussed.

Draft genome sequences of 9 strains of known and putative new species of Microbacteriaceae isolated from insect- and nematode-damaged plants were generated using Illumina technology. The data obtained will contribute to the development of the genome-based prokaryote taxonomy and the knowledge on the biology of the microbial group investigated.

Lysobacter capsici VKM B-2533 T and Lysobacter gummosus 10.1.1 are promising strains for use in biomedicine as sources of new antimicrobial agents. Here, we report the whole-genome sequences of both strains (total lengths, 6,239,188 bp and 6,056,609 bp, respectively), obtained using the Illumina and Nanopore platforms.

'Isabel' grape ( Vitis labrusca x V. vinifera L. hybrid) is one of the main grape cultivars in Russia and some other countries for processing, due to its vigor, tolerance to the main fungal diseases, high yield and potential for sugar accumulation. The stilbene synthase gene VlvSTS was isolated from the hybrid grape cv. Isabel and cloned into a pSS plant transformation vector under the control of a constitutive 35S RNA double promoter of the cauliflower mosaic virus, CaMV 35SS. VlvSTS -gene containing transgenic tobacco lines were obtained and analyzed. For the first time plants expressing the VlvSTS gene were shown to have an enhanced resistance to the bacterial pathogen Erwinia carotovora subsp. carotovora B15. Transgenic plants were tested for resistance to a number of fungal pathogens. The plants were resistant to the grey mould fungus Botrytis cinerea , but not to the fungi Fusarium oxysporum , F. sporotrichioides , or F. culmorum . According to the results of a high performance liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry analysis, the amount of trans-resveratrol in leaves of transgenic plants with the highest expression of the VlvSTS gene was in a range from 150 to 170 μg/g of raw biomass. Change in the color and a decreased anthocyanin content in the flower corollas of transgenic plants were observed in transgenic lines with the highest expression of VlvSTS . A decrease in total flavonoid content was found in the flower petals but not the leaves of these tobacco lines. High expression of the VlvSTS gene influenced pollen development and seed productivity in transgenic plants. The size of pollen grains increased, while their total number per anther decreased. A decrease in the number of fertile pollen grains resulted in a decreased average weight of a seed boll in transgenic plants.

Draft genome sequences of 28 strains of Microbacteriaceae from plants infested by plant-parasitic nematodes were obtained using Illumina technology. The sequence data will provide useful baseline information for the development of comparative genomics and systematics of Microbacteriaceae and facilitate understanding of molecular mechanisms involved in interactions between plants and nematode-associated bacterial complexes., (Copyright © 2021 Tarlachkov et al.)

Lysobacter capsici VKM B-2533 T is a promising strain for isolation of new lytic agents. Here, we report a draft genome sequence of this strain, consisting of 131 scaffolds with a total length of 6,196,943 bp. The results obtained will aid in the discovery and study of biologically active compounds important for biomedicine., (Copyright © 2021 Tarlachkov et al.)

The Streptomyces sp. VKM Ac-2618D strain has been identified, and its morphological and physiological features have been studied in relation to the production of the immunosuppressant tacrolimus. The phenotypic variability of the strain was analyzed, and a dissociant with a high level of tacrolimus production was selected. Based on a comprehensive study of morphological, physiological, and chemotaxonomic properties and on phylogenetic analysis, the strain was named Streptomyces tsukubensis VKM Ac-2618D. The strain genome contains the full version of the tacrolimus biosynthetic gene cluster. The advantages of fed-batch cultivation mode for tacrolimus biosynthesis are shown. The results broaden the understanding of the characteristics of polyketide biosynthesis and can be used in the development of technology for tacrolimus production., Competing Interests: The authors declare that they have no conflicts of interest., (© Pleiades Publishing, Inc. 2021, ISSN 0003-6838, Applied Biochemistry and Microbiology, 2021, Vol. 57, No. 9, pp. 939–948. © Pleiades Publishing, Inc., 2021.Russian Text © The Author(s), 2021, published in Biotekhnologiya, 2021, Vol. 37, No. 1, pp. 26–36.)

Draft genome sequences of 13 bacterial strains from the family Microbacteriaceae were generated using Illumina technology. The genome sizes varied from 3.0 to 4.8 Mb, and the DNA G+C content was 68.1 to 72.5%. The sequences obtained will contribute to the development of genome-based taxonomy and understanding of molecular interactions between bacteria and plants., (Copyright © 2020 Tarlachkov et al.)

Representatives of filamentous colorless sulfur-oxidizing bacteria often dominate in sulfide biotopes, preventing the diffusion of toxic sulfide into the water column. One of the most intriguing groups is a recently described Beggiatoa leptomitoformis including strains D-401 and D-402 T . Both strains have identical genes encoding enzymes which are involved in the oxidation of hydrogen sulfide and thiosulfate. Surprisingly, the B. leptomitoformis strain D-401 is not capable to grow lithotrophically in the presence of reduced sulfur compounds and to accumulate elemental sulfur inside the cells, in contrast to the D-402 T strain. In general, genomes of D-401 and D-402 T have an extremely high level of identity and only differ in 1 single-letter substitution, 4 single-letter indels, and 16 long inserts. Among long inserts, 14 are transposons. It was shown that in the D-401 strain, a gene coding for a sulfur globule protein was disrupted by one of the mentioned transposons. Based on comparative genomics, RT-qPCR, and HPLC-MS/MS, we can conclude that this gene plays a crucial role in the formation of the sulfur globules inside the cells, and the disruption of its function prevents lithotrophic growth of B. leptomitoformis in the presence of reduced sulfur compounds.

Complete and draft genome sequences of 12 Rathayibacter strains were generated using Oxford Nanopore and Illumina technologies. The genome sizes of these strains are 3.21 to 4.61 Mb, with high G+C content (67.2% to 72.7%) genomic DNA. Genomic data will provide useful baseline information for natural taxonomy and comparative genomics of members of the genus Rathayibacter ., (Copyright © 2020 Tarlachkov et al.)

The genome of an Achromobacter insolitus strain isolated from an agricultural soil polluted with the herbicide glyphosate is reported. The genome size is 6.4 Mb, with an average G+C content of 65.2%. These genomic data could contribute to a better understanding of the biochemistry and regulatory mechanisms of the microbial degradation of glyphosate and aminomethylphosphonate., (Copyright © 2020 Tarlachkov et al.)

Motivation: A small amount of research is focused on investigation of rhodopsins in cultivated bacteria isolated from non-aquatic environments. Furthermore, the abundance of these proteins in strains from hot and arid habitats was not reported previously. Since there is an insignificant amount of such isolates, the enigmatic role of the rhodopsins in dry ecological niches is still poorly understood. The members of the family Geodermatophilaceae could be used as interesting objects to search for new rhodopsin genes that will provide novel insights into versatility and importance of these proteins in non-aquatic conditions., Results: This is the first report of the abundance of different rhodopsins in cultivated bacteria isolated from hot and arid ecological niches. A total of 31 rhodopsin genes were identified in 51 analyzed genomes of strains belonging to the family Geodermatophilaceae. Overall, 88% of the strains harbouring rhodopsins are isolated from non-aquatic environments. It was found that 82% of strains belonging to the genus Geodermatophilus have at least one gene as compared to 38% of strains of other genera which contain rhodopsins. Analysis of key amino acids revealed two types of the studied proteins: DTE type (putative proton pump) and NDQ type (putative sodium pump). Proton pumps were divided into two subtypes (DTEW and DTEF) according to phylogenetic analysis and the presence of highly conserved tryptophan or phenylalanine at position 182. Among all studied rhodopsins DTEF subtype is the most unique one, identified only in this family., Supplementary Information: Supplementary data are available at Bioinformatics online., (© The Author(s) 2019. Published by Oxford University Press. All rights reserved. For permissions, please e-mail: journals.permissions@oup.com.)

The draft genome sequence of the type strain Saccharopolyspora hirsuta subsp. hirsuta VKM Ac-666 was sequenced. This moderately thermophilic actinobacterial strain of sugarcane bagasse origin is able to transform different steroid substrates., (Copyright © 2020 Lobastova et al.)

The 23-membered macrolide tacrolimus (FK506) is an important immunosuppressant that is widely used in the prevention of graft rejection and in the treatment of inflammatory skin diseases and immune diseases. We report here the draft genome sequence of the FK506 producer Streptomyces tsukubensis VKM Ac-2618D., (Copyright © 2019 Poshekhontseva et al.)

The metabolic pathways of one-carbon compounds utilized by colorless sulfur bacterium Beggiatoa leptomitoformis D-402 were revealed based on comprehensive analysis of its genomic organization, together with physiological, biochemical and molecular biological approaches. Strain D-402 was capable of aerobic methylotrophic growth with methanol as a sole source of carbon and energy and was not capable of methanotrophic growth because of the absence of genes of methane monooxygenases. It was established that methanol can be oxidized to CO 2 in three consecutive stages. On the first stage methanol was oxidized to formaldehyde by the two PQQ (pyrroloquinolinequinone)-dependent methanol dehydrogenases (MDH): XoxF and Mdh2. Formaldehyde was further oxidized to formate via the tetrahydromethanopterin (H 4 MPT) pathway. And on the third stage formate was converted to CO 2 by NAD + -dependent formate dehydrogenase Fdh2. Finally, it was established that endogenous CO 2 , formed as a result of methanol oxidation, was subsequently assimilated for anabolism through the Calvin-Benson-Bassham cycle. The similar way of one-carbon compounds utilization also exists in representatives of another freshwater Beggiatoa species- B. alba ., Competing Interests: Compliance with Ethical StandardsThe authors declare that they have no conflict of interest.

Draft genome sequences of 11 bacteria belonging to the family Microbacteriaceae were obtained using Illumina technology. The genomes of these strains have sizes from 3.14 to 4.30 Mb with their genomic DNA characterized as having high G+C contents (above 65%). These genomic data will be useful for natural taxonomy and comparative genomic studies of bacterial strains of the family Microbacteriaceae.

A rod-shaped, non-endospore-forming and non-motile bacterium, strain DL-329 T , was isolated from the above-ground part of a plant, Androsace koso-poljanskii Ovcz. (Primulaceae), at the the State Natural Reserve 'Belogorie', Russia. On the basis of 16S rRNA gene sequence comparisons, the strain clustered with members of the genus Rathayibacter, showing the highest sequence similarity to Rathayibacter tritici (98.89 %), Rathayibacter rathayi (98.82 %) and Rathayibacter festucae (98.82 %). The DNA hybridization experiments demonstrated that strain DL-329 T represents a separate genomic species. The results of comparative studies of physiological and chemotaxonomic characteristics, including cell-wall sugar patterns, polar lipid profiles, and the matrix-assisted laser desorption/ionization time-of-flight mass spectra of bacterial cells, allowed clear differentiation of VKM Ac-2121 T from the recognized Rathayibacter species at the phenotypic level. Based on the data obtained, a new species, Rathayibacter oskolensis sp. nov., is proposed, with DL-329 T (=VKM Ac-2121 T =LMG 22542 T ) as the type strain.

Here, we report the complete closed genome sequence and methylome analysis of Beggiatoa leptomitoformis strain D-401 (DSM 14945, UNIQEMU 779), which is quite different from the previously described Beggiatoa leptomitoformis neotype strain D-402 T (DSM 14946, UNIQEM U 779) with regard to morphology and lithotrophic growth in the presence of thiosulfate., (Copyright © 2018 Fomenkov et al.)

A draft genome sequence of Rathayibacter sp. strain VKM Ac-2630 was derived using Ion Torrent sequencing technology. The genome size of this strain is 3.88 Mb, with an average G+C content of 72.0%. Genomic evidence of an aerobic mode of respiration and a heterotrophic lifestyle of this bacterium was obtained., (Copyright © 2017 Starodumova et al.)

Diazotrophic Alphaproteobacteria of the genus Azospirillum are usually organotrophs, although some strains of Azospirillum lipoferum are capable of hydrogen-dependent autotrophic growth. Azospirillum thiophilum strain was isolated from a mineral sulfide spring, a biotope highly unusual for azospirilla. Here, the metabolic pathways utilized by A. thiophilum were revealed based on comprehensive analysis of its genomic organization, together with physiological and biochemical approaches. The A. thiophilum genome contained all the genes encoding the enzymes of carbon metabolism via glycolysis, tricarboxylic acid cycle and glyoxylate cycle. Genes for a complete set of enzymes responsible for autotrophic growth, with an active Calvin-Benson-Bassham cycle, were also revealed, and activity of the key enzymes was determined. Microaerobic chemolithoautotrophic growth of A. thiophilum was detected in the presence of thiosulfate and molecular hydrogen, being in line with the discovery of the genes encoding the two enzymes involved in dissimilatory thiosulfate oxidation, the Sox-complex and thiosulfate dehydrogenase and Ni-Fe hydrogenases. Azospirillum thiophilum utilizes methanol and formate, producing CO 2 that can further be metabolized via the Calvin cycle. Finally, it is capable of anaerobic respiration, using tetrathionate as a terminal electron acceptor. Such metabolic versatility is of great importance for adaptation of A. thiophilum to constantly changing physicochemical environment., (© FEMS 2016. All rights reserved. For permissions, please e-mail: journals.permissions@oup.com.)

The draft genome sequence of Methylophaga muralis strain Bur 1 (VKM B-3046T), a non-methane-utilizing methylotroph isolated from a soda lake, is reported here. Strain Bur 1 possesses genes for methanol and methylamine (methylamine dehydrogenase and N-methylglutamate pathway) oxidation. Genes for the biosynthesis of ectoine were also found., (Copyright © 2016 Trotsenko et al.)

Methyloligella halotolerans С2 T is a moderate halophilic obligate methylotroph, accumulating ultra-high-molecular-weight poly-3-hydroxybutyrate (up to 8 to 10 MDa) from methanol. Here we report a draft genome and annotation of Methyloligella halotolerans C2 T (VKM B-2706 T = CCUG 61687 T = DSM 25045 T )., (Copyright © 2016 Vasilenko et al.)

Transgenic kalanchoe plants (Kalanchoe pinnata L.) expressing the antimicrobial peptide cecropin P1 gene (cecP1) under the control of the 35S cauliflower mosaic virus 35S RNA promoter and the selective neomycin phosphotransferase II (nptII) gene under the control of the nopaline synthase gene promoter were studied. The 35S promoter methylation and the cecropin P1 biosynthesis levels were compared in plants growing on media with and without kanamycin. The low level of active 35S promoter methylation further decreases upon cultivation on kanamycin-containing medium, while cecropin P1 synthesis increases.

The draft genome of "Rathayibacter tanaceti" VKM Ac-2596 is 3.17 Mb in size with an average G+C content of 70.7% and comprises at least two nonidentical copies of ribosomal small subunit (SSU-rRNA) genes. The semiconductor sequencing platform Ion Torrent was used., (Copyright © 2016 Vasilenko et al.)

DNA methyltransferases might be used as powerful tools for studies in molecular and cell biology due to their ability to recognize and modify nitrogen bases in specific sequences of the genome. Methylation of the eukaryotic genome using exogenous DNA methyltransferases appears to be a promising approach for studies on chromatin structure. Currently, the development of new methods for targeted methylation of specific genetic loci using DNA methyltransferases fused with DNA-binding proteins is especially interesting. In the present review, expression of exogenous DNA methyltransferase for purposes of in vivo analysis of the functional chromatin structure along with investigation of the functional role of DNA methylation in cell processes are discussed, as well as future prospects for application of DNA methyltransferases in epigenetic therapy and in plant selection.

The effect of isoproterenol (1 microM) on the force of isometric contractions (0.1-1.0 Hz, 30 +/- 1 degree C, 1.8 mM Ca2+) of papillary muscles of the right ventricle of the heart of the ground squirrel during summer activity (n = 5) and hibernation (activity between hibernation bouts, n = 4; torpor, n = 4; and arousal, n = 5) has been studied. It was shown that isoproterenol increases the force of contraction (positive inotropic effect) in active summer ground squirrels by 20 +/- 3 and 61 +/- 7% at stimulation frequencies of 0.4 and 1.0 Hz, respectively. The isoproterenol-induced increase in the force of contraction in animals during hibernation is brief (within 3 min after the onset of treatment) and this parameter decreases by 30-50% of the control level (negative inotropic effect) at stimulation frequencies from 0.3 and 0.8 Hz. The positive inotropic effect of isoproterenol in active summer ground squirrels is associated with a decrease in the relative value of the potentiating effect of the pause (qualitative indicator of calcium content in the sarcoplasmic reticulum), and the negative inotropic effect, with its increase. It was found that the inotropic effect of isoproterenol in all groups of animals examined (irrespective of its direction) is accompanied by an acceleration of the velocity of the contraction-relaxation cycle. The dependence of the effect of isoproterenol in the heart of hibernating animals on seasonal changes in the calcium homeostasis and the activity of the sympathetic nervous system is discussed.