Query: NC_009654:2940278 Marinomonas sp. MWYL1, complete genome
Lineage: Marinomonas; Marinomonas; Oceanospirillaceae; Oceanospirillales; Proteobacteria; Bacteria
General Information: Marinomonas MWYL1 was isolated from the root surface of the salt marsh grass Spartina anglica, growing near the North Norfolk, England village of Stiffkey. The genus Marinomonas comprises a widespread group of g -proteobacteria that exist in coastal waters, and which had been earlier been included in the genus Alteromonas. The interest in Marinomonas MWYL 1 was that it could grow on the betaine molecule Dimethylsulphoniopropionate (DMSP) as sole carbon source and, when it did do, it released large amounts of the gas dimethyl sulphide. DMSP is a compatible solute that is used by many marine phytoplankton and seaweed macroalgae as an osmoticum and an anti-stress compound. In addition, a few known land angiosperms make DMSP and these include certain species of Spartina - hence the choice of these plants as a source for DMSP-degrading bacteria. Indeed, others had shown previously that the DMSP-catabolising bacteria isolated from Spartina root surfaces included Marinomonas strains.
Subject: NC_006368:3028286 Legionella pneumophila str. Paris, complete genome
Lineage: Legionella pneumophila; Legionella; Legionellaceae; Legionellales; Proteobacteria; Bacteria
General Information: This serogroup I strain is endemic in France. Causes Legionnaire's disease. This organism is a non-marine bacterium usually found growing inside other organisms such as protozoans in aquatic environments. They can also be found in soil, freshwater, and in biofilms. The first outbreak of Legionnaire's disease occurred in 1976 at an American Legion convention and the resulting pneumonia-like disease resulted in 34 deaths. The cause of the disease was traced to Legionella bacteria. Once the bacteria are brought into the lungs they make contact with alveolar macrophages and are internalized where they can cause severe respiratory distress. Internalization occurs through specialized vacuoles (replicative phagosomes) that allow the bacteria to grow and replicate prior to escape from the macrophage. Formation of the replicative phagosome, which requires reprogramming of the normal phagosome maturation pathway, requires a type IV secretion system called the Dot/Icm system. This type IV system is closely related to the conjugative system of plasmid ColIb-P9, and is involved in the secretion of numerous protein components that aid in formation of the replicative phagosome. Other virulence determinants include a set of multidrug transporters and other efflux pumps for toxic compounds that may allow the organism to persist in its habitat, a set of LPS phase variable genes that enhance immune evasion, and a type II secretion system for transport of hydrolases.