[S8-2] Matching bacterial genes with methylation signals
One unique feature of PacBio sequencing is that when active DNA methyltransferases (MTases) producing m4C and m6A are present in the genome, the sites of methylation can be accurately located within the sequence. Using bioinformatic techniques it is often possible to match the genes that encode MTases with the motifs they produce, which represent their recognition sequences. As the database of MTases with well-characterized recognition sequences grows so fast, it becomes easier and easier to infer the recognition sequences for the MTases they encode. Recently we have focused much attention on the Type I MTases and have developed software routines that can easily identify their recognition sequences. I will describe our ongoing efforts in this regard.
Since it is quite rare that PacBio sequencing can identify m5C within DNA, we have been developing alternative methods to characterize m5C MTases. Three enzymatic methods have been developed that appear better than bisulfite sequencing for locating m5C-containing recognition sequences in bacterial genomes. These will be presented and compared.
One striking observation that emerges from these studies is that there are many DNA MTases that are not part of traditional restriction-modification systems. In only a few cases are their biological functions known.
Since it is quite rare that PacBio sequencing can identify m5C within DNA, we have been developing alternative methods to characterize m5C MTases. Three enzymatic methods have been developed that appear better than bisulfite sequencing for locating m5C-containing recognition sequences in bacterial genomes. These will be presented and compared.
One striking observation that emerges from these studies is that there are many DNA MTases that are not part of traditional restriction-modification systems. In only a few cases are their biological functions known.