Genome-wide analysis of codon usage in sesame (Sesamum indicum L.)

Genome-wide identification and expression analysis of the lipoxygenase gene family in sesame reveals regulatory networks in response to abiotic stress

BACKGROUND

Plant lipoxygenase (Lox) genes, catalyze polyunsaturated fatty acids and play essential roles in plant growth, development, and stress responses. It is extensively studied under various stresses, their role in abiotic stress responses remains unexplored in sesame.

METHODS AND RESULTS

This study identified seven Lox genes in sesame divided into two subfamilies: 9-Lox (Silox1, Silox2 and Silox3) are likely involved in pathogen defence and signalling and 13-Lox (Type-I: Silox4 and Type-II: Silox5, Silox6 and Silox7) play crucial roles in jasmonic acid biosynthesis and abiotic stress responses. Silox genes have undergone purifying selection, promoting the stability of gene function and prefer codons with A or T in the third position. The chromosomal distribution, sequence similarity, and subcellular localization, with conserved lipoxygenase domains and motifs were analysed. Promoter regions contained 34 cis-acting regulatory elements (e.g. WRKY, ERF, and bHLH) and 35 transcription factors binding sites (TFBS) linked to light, stress (e.g. MYC, W-box, ERE and STRE), phytohormones, and growth. Differential Gene Expression (DGE) analysis showed Lox1 was upregulated in Drought sensitive (DS) and in Drought tolerant (DT) the Lox1 & Lox3 were upregulated when compared to control. In addition, weighted gene co-expression network analysis (WGCNA) of Lox, showed that blue module is positively correlated with drought tolerance. Fourteen hub genes related to stress were identified, which closely associated with Lox1. Gene ontology and KEGG pathway analyses showed that these genes were linked to linoleic acid metabolism, lipid metabolism, and stress response. Quantitative Real-Time PCR (qRT-PCR) analysis confirmed that Silox genes showed time-varying differential expression under drought, salt and a combined drought-salt stress treatments.

CONCLUSION

This research lays the groundwork for future studies on the role of Lox genes in sesame's growth and stress adaptation.

Analysis of heavy metal tolerance and genomics in an indigenous Kurthia strain from Kulik River reveals multi-metal resistance and dominance of selection pressure on codon usage patterns

Heavy metal(loid) contamination poses significant risks to biological entities and the ecosystem. Many metal(loid)-resistant bacteria have been isolated from different environmental sites, but still no work has described multi-metal resistant Kurthia sp. In this study, an indigenous Kurthia strain isolated from the surface water of River Kulik was studied to determine its level of tolerance to various metal(loid)s. This study aimed to isolate, characterize and determine the growth kinetics and efficiency of Kurthia gibsonii strain M6 to remove and bioaccumulate As(V), Ni and Pb in vitro. This study also aimed to sequence the whole genome of the bacterium, identify metal resistance genes and analyze the codon usage patterns and factors that affect the codon usage bias of these genes. The bacterium showed elevated resistance to As(V), Pb, Ni and Zn. Under metal(loid) stressed conditions, live cells of Kurthia strain M6 bioaccumulated 212.74, 91.51 and 40.38 mg g-1 of As(V), Pb and Ni, respectively. The removal efficiency was 97%, 69.15% and 25.88% for Pb, Ni and As(V), respectively. Genome analysis revealed the existence of different genes conferring heavy metal resistance. A comprehensive analysis of codon usage patterns for metal resistance genes depicted the predominance of selection pressure as a prime force influencing codon usage patterns. This is the first time a multi-metal resistant K. gibsonii strain has been systematically studied regarding its heavy metal resistance biology. These findings will provide insights into the metal resistance mechanisms of the genus Kurthia and assist in devising new strategies for the bioremediation of metal-polluted environments.

Codon usage patterns and genomic variation analysis of chloroplast genomes provides new insights into the evolution of Aroideae

Aroideae is an important subfamily of the Araceae family and contains many plants with medicinal and edible value. It is difficult to identify and classify Aroideae species accurately on the basis of morphology alone because of their polymorphic phenotypic traits. The chloroplast genome (CPG) is useful for studying on plant taxonomy and phylogeny, and the analysis of codon usage bias (CUB) in CPGs provides further insights into the intricate phylogenetic relationships among Aroideae. The results showed that the codon third position of the chloroplast genome coding sequence in Aroideae was rich in A and T, with a GC content of 37.91%. The ENC-plot and PR2-plot revealed that the codon usage bias of Aroideae was influenced by multiple factors, with natural selection as the dominant factor. Thirteen to twenty optimal codons ending in A/T were identified in 61 Aroideae species. Additionally, the comparative analysis of CPGs revealed that two single copy regions and non-coding regions were variable in Aroideae. Eight highly divergent regions (Pi > 0.064) were identified (ndhF, rpl32, ccsA, ndhE, ndhG, ndhF-rpl32, ccsA-ndhD, and ndhE-ndhG) , in which ndhE have the potential to serve as a reliable DNA marker to discriminate chloroplasts in Aroideae subfamily. Furthermore, the maximum likelihood-based phylogenetic trees constructed from complete chloroplast genomes and protein-coding sequences presented similar topologies. Principal component clustering analysis based on relative synonymous codon usage values (RSCUs) revealed that Calla was clearly deviated from Montrichardia and Anubias, and that Alocasia was closer to Colocasieae than to Arisaemateae. These findings suggest that the use of RSCU for clustering analysis could offer new theoretical support for species classification and evolution. Our research could provide a theoretical foundation for the chloroplast genetic engineering, taxonomy, and phylogenetic relationships of Aroideae chloroplasts.

Codon usage analysis in selected virulence genes of Staphylococcal species

The Staphylococcus genus, composed of Gram-positive bacteria, includes several pathogenic species such as Staphylococcus aureus, S. epidermidis, S. haemolyticus, and S. saprophyticus, each implicated in a range of infections. This study investigates the codon usage patterns in key virulence genes, including Autolysin (alt), Elastin Binding protein (EbpS), Lipase, Thermonuclease, Intercellular Adhesion Protein (IcaR), and V8 Protease, across four Staphylococcus species. Using metrics such as the Effective Number of Codons (ENc), Relative Synonymous Codon Usage (RSCU), Codon Adaptation Index (CAI), alongside neutrality and parity plots, we explored the codon preferences and nucleotide composition biases. Our findings revealed a pronounced AT-rich codon preference, with AT-rich genomes likely aiding in energy-efficient translation and bacterial survival in host environments. These insights provide a deeper understanding of the evolutionary adaptations and translational efficiency mechanisms that contribute to the pathogenicity of Staphylococcus species. This knowledge could pave the way for novel therapeutic interventions targeting codon usage to disrupt virulence gene expression.

Complete Mitochondrial Genome of Apis cerana (Hymenoptera: Apidae) from Two Geographical Regions: Insights into Structure and Genetic Differentiation

The honeybee Apis cerana plays a crucial role as a pollinator, contributing significantly to biodiversity and supporting ecological processes [...].

The assembly and comparative analysis of the first complete mitogenome of Lindera aggregata

Lindera aggregata, a member belongs to the genus Lindera of Lauraceae family. Its roots and leaves have been used as traditional Chinese medicine or functional food for thousands of years. However, its mitochondrial genome has not been explored. Our aim is to sequence and assemble the mitogenome of L. aggregata to elucidate the genetic mechanism and evolutionary pathway. The results had shown that the mitogenome was extremely complex and had a unique multi-branched conformation with total size of 912,473 bp. Comprehensive analysis of protein coding genes of 7 related species showed that there were 40 common genes in their mitogenome. Interestingly, positive selection had become an important factor in the evolution of ccmB, ccmFC, rps10, rps11 and rps7 genes. Furthermore, our data highlighted the repeated trend of homologous fragment migrations between chloroplast and mitochondrial organelles, and 38 homologous fragments were identified. Phylogenetic analysis identified a tree that was basically consistent with the phylogeny of Laurales species described in the APG IV system. To sum up, this study will be helpful to the study of population genetics and evolution of Lindera species.

Comparative genome wise analysis of codon usage of Staphylococcus Genus

The genus Staphylococcus encompasses a diverse array of bacteria with significant implications for human health, including disreputable pathogens such as Staphylococcus aureus and Staphylococcus epidermidis. Understanding the genetic composition and codon usage patterns of Staphylococcus species is crucial for unraveling their evolutionary dynamics, adaptive strategies, and pathogenic potential. In this study, we conducted a comprehensive analysis of codon usage patterns across 48 species within the Staphylococcus genus. Our findings uncovered variations in genomic G-C content across Staphylococcus species, impacting codon usage preferences, with a notable preference for A/T-rich codons observed in pathogenic strains. This preference for A/T-rich codons suggests an energy-saving strategy in pathogenic organisms. Analysis of dinucleotide pair expression patterns unveiled insights into genomic dynamics, with overrepresented codon pairs reflecting trends in dinucleotide expression across genomes. Additionally, a significant correlation between CAI and genomic G-C content underscored the intricate relationship between codon usage patterns and gene expression strategies. Amino acid usage analysis highlighted preferences for energetically cheaper amino acids, suggesting adaptive strategies promoting energy efficiency. This comprehensive analysis sheds light on the evolutionary dynamics and adaptive mechanisms employed by Staphylococcus species, providing valuable insights into their pathogenic potential and clinical implications. Understanding these genomic features is crucial for devising strategies to combat staphylococcal infections and improve public health outcomes.

Analysis of codon usage bias of exonuclease genes in invertebrate iridescent viruses

Invertebrate iridescent viruses (IIVs) are double-stranded DNA viruses that belong to the Iridoviridae family. IIVs result diseases that vary in severity from subclinical to lethal in invertebrate hosts. Codon usage bias (CUB) analysis is a versatile method for comprehending the genetic and evolutionary aspects of species. In this study, we analyzed the CUB in 10 invertebrate iridescent viruses exonuclease genes by calculating and comparing the nucleotide contents, effective number of codons (ENC), codon adaptation index (CAI), relative synonymous codon usage (RSCU), and others. The results revealed that IIVs exonuclease genes are rich in A/T. The ENC analysis displayed a low codon usage bias in IIVs exonuclease genes. ENC-plot, neutrality plot, and parity rule 2 plot demonstrated that besides mutational pressure, other factors like natural selection, dinucleotide content, and aromaticity also contributed to CUB. The findings could enhance our understanding of the evolution of IIVs exonuclease genes.

Investigation of CaMV-host co-evolution through synonymous codon pattern

Cauliflower mosaic virus (CaMV) has a double-stranded DNA genome and is globally distributed. The phylogeny tree of 121 CaMV isolates was categorized into two primary groups, with Iranian isolates showing the greatest genetic variations. Nucleotide A demonstrated the highest percentage (36.95%) in the CaMV genome and the dinucleotide odds ratio analysis revealed that TC dinucleotide (1.34 ≥ 1.23) and CG dinucleotide (0.63 ≤ 0.78) are overrepresented and underrepresented, respectively. Relative synonymous codon usage (RSCU) analysis confirmed codon usage bias in CaMV and its hosts. Brassica oleracea and Brassica rapa, among the susceptible hosts of CaMV, showed a codon adaptation index (CAI) value above 0.8. Additionally, relative codon deoptimization index (RCDI) results exhibited the highest degree of deoptimization in Raphanus sativus. These findings suggest that the genes of CaMV underwent codon adaptation with its hosts. Among the CaMV open reading frames (ORFs), genes that produce reverse transcriptase and virus coat proteins showed the highest CAI value of 0.83. These genes are crucial for the creation of new virion particles. The results confirm that CaMV co-evolved with its host to ensure the optimal expression of its genes in the hosts, allowing for easy infection and effective spread. To detect the force behind codon usage bias, an effective number of codons (ENC)-plot and neutrality plot were conducted. The results indicated that natural selection is the primary factor influencing CaMV codon usage bias.

Codon usage bias and phylogenetic analysis of chloroplast genome in 36 gracilariaceae species

Gracilariaceae is a group of marine large red algae and main source of agar with important economic and ecological value. The codon usage patterns of chloroplast genomes in 36 species from Graciliaceae show that GC range from 0.284 to 0.335, the average GC3 range from 0.135 to 0.243 and the value of ENC range from 35.098 to 42.327, which indicates these genomes are rich in AT and prefer to use codons ending with AT in these species. Nc plot, PR2 plot, neutrality plot analyses and correlation analysis indicate that these biases may be caused by multiple factors, such as natural selection and mutation pressure, but prolonged natural selection is the main driving force influencing codon usage preference. The cluster analysis and phylogenetic analysis show that the differentiation relationship of them is different and indicate that codons with weak or unbiased preferences may also play an irreplaceable role in these species' evolution. In addition, we identified 26 common high-frequency codons and 8-18 optimal codons all ending in A/U in these 36 species. Our results will not only contribute to carrying out transgenic work in Gracilariaceae species to maximize the protein yield in the future, but also lay a theoretical foundation for further exploring systematic classification of them.

The genome of Salmacisia buchloëana, the parasitic puppet master pulling strings of sexual phenotypic monstrosities in buffalograss

To complete its parasitic lifecycle, Salmacisia buchloëana, a biotrophic fungus, manipulates reproductive organ development, meristem determinacy, and resource allocation in its dioecious plant host, buffalograss (Bouteloua dactyloides; Poaceae). To gain insight into S. buchloëana's ability to manipulate its host, we sequenced and assembled the 20.1 Mb genome of S. buchloëana into 22 chromosome-level pseudomolecules. Phylogenetic analysis suggests that S. buchloëana is nested within the genus Tilletia and diverged from Tilletia caries and Tilletia walkeri ∼40 MYA. We find that S. buchloëana contains a novel chromosome arm with no syntenic relationship to other publicly available Tilletia genomes, and that genes on the novel arm are upregulated upon infection, suggesting that this unique chromosomal segment may have played a critical role in S. buchloëana's evolution and host specificity. Salmacisia buchloëana has one of the largest fractions of serine peptidases (1.53% of the proteome) and one of the highest GC contents (62.3%) in all classified fungi. Analysis of codon base composition indicated that GC content is controlled more by selective constraints than directional mutation, and that S. buchloëana has a unique bias for the serine codon UCG. Finally, we identify 3 inteins within the S. buchloëana genome, 2 of which are located in a gene often used in fungal taxonomy. The genomic and transcriptomic resources generated here will aid plant pathologists and breeders by providing insight into the extracellular components contributing to sex determination in dioecious grasses.

Evolution and Expression of the Expansin Genes in Emmer Wheat

Expansin proteins, a crucial class of intracellular proteins, are known to play a vital role in facilitating processes like cell wall relaxation and cell growth. Recent discoveries have revealed that expansin proteins also have significant functions in plant growth, development, and response to resistance. However, the expansin gene family, particularly in emmer wheat, has not been thoroughly studied, particularly in terms of evolution. In this study, we identified 63 TdEXPs and 49 TtEXPs from the latest genome versions of wild emmer wheat (WEW) and durum wheat (DW), respectively. The physicochemical properties of the encoded expansin proteins exhibited minimal differences, and the gene structures remained relatively conserved. Phylogenetic analysis categorized the proteins into three subfamilies, namely EXPA, EXPB, and EXLA, in addition to the EXLB subfamily. Furthermore, codon preference analysis revealed an increased usage frequency of the nucleotide "T" in expansin proteins throughout the evolution of WEW and DW. Collinearity analysis demonstrated higher orthology between the expansin proteins of WEW and DW, with a Ka/Ks ratio ranging from 0.4173 to 0.9494, indicating purifying selection during the evolution from WEW to DW. Haplotype analysis of the expansin gene family identified five genes in which certain haplotypes gradually became dominant over the course of evolution, enabling adaptation for survival and improvement. Expression pattern analysis indicated tissue-specific expression of expansin genes in emmer wheat, and some of these genes were quantified through qRT-PCR to assess their response to salt stress. These comprehensive findings present the first systematic analysis of the expansin protein gene family during the evolution from WEW to DW, providing a foundation for further understanding the functions and biological roles of expansin protein genes in emmer wheat.

Application of codon usage and context analysis in genes up- or down-regulated in neurodegeneration and cancer to combat comorbidities

Introduction

Neurodegeneration and cancer present in comorbidities with inverse effects due to the expression of genes and pathways acting in opposition. Identifying and studying the genes simultaneously up or downregulated during morbidities helps curb both ailments together.

Methods

This study examines four genes. Three of these (Amyloid Beta Precursor Protein (APP), Cyclin D1 (CCND1), and Cyclin E2 (CCNE2) are upregulated, and one protein phosphatase 2 phosphatase activator (PTPA) is simultaneously downregulated in both disorders. We investigated molecular patterns, codon usage, codon usage bias, nucleotide bias in the third codon position, preferred codons, preferred codon pairs, rare codons, and codon context.

Results

Parity analysis revealed that T is preferred over A, and G is preferred over C in the third codon position, suggesting composition plays no role in nucleotide bias in both the upregulated and downregulated gene sets and that mutational forces are stronger in upregulated gene sets than in downregulated ones. Transcript length influenced the overall %A composition and codon bias, and the codon AGG exerted the strongest influence on codon usage in both the upregulated and downregulated gene sets. Codons ending in G/C were preferred for 16 amino acids, and glutamic acid-, aspartic acid-, leucine-, valine-, and phenylalanine-initiated codon pairs were preferred in all genes. Codons CTA (Leu), GTA (Val), CAA (Gln), and CGT (Arg) were underrepresented in all examined genes.

Discussion

Using advanced gene editing tools such as CRISPR/Cas or any other gene augmentation technique, these recoded genes may be introduced into the human body to optimize gene expression levels to augment neurodegeneration and cancer therapeutic regimens simultaneously.

Comparative Analysis of Codon Usage Patterns in Nuclear and Chloroplast Genome of Dalbergia (Fabaceae)

The Dalbergia plants are widely distributed across more than 130 tropical and subtropical countries and have significant economic and medicinal value. Codon usage bias (CUB) is a critical feature for studying gene function and evolution, which can provide a better understanding of biological gene regulation. In this study, we comprehensively analyzed the CUB patterns of the nuclear genome, chloroplast genome, and gene expression, as well as systematic evolution of Dalbergia species. Our results showed that the synonymous and optimal codons in the coding regions of both nuclear and chloroplast genome of Dalbergia preferred ending with A/U at the third codon base. Natural selection was the primary factor affecting the CUB features. Furthermore, in highly expressed genes of Dalbergia odorifera, we found that genes with stronger CUB exhibited higher expression levels, and these highly expressed genes tended to favor the use of G/C-ending codons. In addition, the branching patterns of the protein-coding sequences and the chloroplast genome sequences were very similar in the systematic tree, and different with the cluster from the CUB of the chloroplast genome. This study highlights the CUB patterns and features of Dalbergia species in different genomes, explores the correlation between CUB preferences and gene expression, and further investigates the systematic evolution of Dalbergia, providing new insights into codon biology and the evolution of Dalbergia plants.