Query: NC_008148:2156873 Rubrobacter xylanophilus DSM 9941, complete genome Lineage: Rubrobacter xylanophilus; Rubrobacter; Rubrobacteraceae; Rubrobacterales; Actinobacteria; Bacteria General Information: Cellulose-degrading bacterium. This genus contains two species: Rubrobacter radiotolerans and Rubrobacter xylanophilus. These two species represent the oldest lineage (deepest branch) of the Actinobacteria and are distantly related to Mycobacteria and Streptomycetes. Both species are thermophilic and exhibit high tolerance to radiation. Very little research has been done on these organisms and little is known other than their taxonomic characterization. Rubrobacter xylanophilus was isolated from a thermally polluted industrial runoff in the United Kingdom. Some strains of this species are capable of degrading hemicellulose and xylan (polymers of plant origin), and could play a significant role in the degradation of these compounds in the wood and paper industry as well as in the environment.
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General Information: Bartonella henselae str. Houston-1 (ATCC 49882) was isolated from human blood in Houston Texas. Causative agent of cat scratch fever. This group of alpha proteobacteria are unique among pathogens in that they cause angiogenic lesions. This organism was identified as the causative agent of cat scratch fever, a disease found commonly in children or in immunocompromised adults. The proliferation of the vascular endothelium (bacillary angiomatosis) is characterisitic of Bartonella infection and results in multiplication of the bacterium's host cells. Infected macrophages are stimulated to release vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) and interleukin 1 beta, both of which promote angiogenesis. Endothelial cells are also stimulated to grow and divide by direct contact with bacterial cells. In addition, programmed cell death (apoptosis) of endothelial cells is inhibited, combatting a common mechanism eukaryotic cells use to deal with bacterial infection. Other pathogenicity factors include pili and outer membrane adhesins for attachment to host cells.