Comparative Genomic Analysis of sp. NBD5 and sp. USTB-05 for Producing Macular Pigment.

sp. NBD5, which we previously identified and tested, is a new bacterial strain for producing lutein. Here, based on the next-generation sequencing technology, we analyzed high throughput genomic sequences and compared related functional genes of sp. NBD5 and sp. USTB-05. The genome of sp. NBD5 has two sets of chromosomes, which is 4,239,716 bp and harbors 3882 protein coding genes. There are 59 protein-coding genes related to the macular pigment (MP) biosynthesis, of which four genes (, , and ) are unique. These genes, , , , and , are unique in sp. USTB-05. The analysis of sp. NBD5 and sp. USTB-05 genomes gives an insight into the new pathway for MP production. These genes for the transformation of glucose to MP were also found in sp. NBD5 and sp. USTB-05. This study expands the understanding of the pathway for complete biosynthesis of MP by sp. NBD5 and sp. USTB-05.