Essential gene complement of Planctopirus limnophila from the bacterial phylum Planctomycetes

Abstract

AbstractPlanctopirus limnophilabelongs to the bacterial phylumPlanctomycetes, a relatively understudied lineage with remarkable cell biology features. Here, we report a genome-wide analysis of essential gene content inP. limnophila. We show that certain genes involved in peptidoglycan synthesis or cell division, which are essential in most other studied bacteria, are not essential for growth under laboratory conditions in this species. We identify essential genes likely involved in lipopolysaccharide biosynthesis, consistent with the view of Planctomycetes as diderm bacteria, and highlight other essential genes of unknown functions. Furthermore, we explore potential stages of evolution of the essential gene repertoire inPlanctomycetesand the related phylaVerrucomicrobiaandChlamydiae. Our results provide insights into the divergent molecular and cellular biology ofPlanctomycetes.