Base frequencies at the second codon position of Vibrio cholerae genes connect with protein function

Consistent Clustering Pattern of Prokaryotic Genes Based on Base Frequency at the Second Codon Position and its Association with Functional Category Preference

In 2002, our research group observed a gene clustering pattern based on the base frequency of A versus T at the second codon position in the genome of Vibrio cholera and found that the functional category distribution of genes in the two clusters was different. With the availability of a large number of sequenced genomes, we performed a systematic investigation of A2–T2 distribution and found that 2694 out of 2764 prokaryotic genomes have an optimal clustering number of two, indicating a consistent pattern. Analysis of the functional categories of the coding genes in each cluster in 1483 prokaryotic genomes indicated, that 99.33% of the genomes exhibited a significant difference (p < 0.01) in function distribution between the two clusters. Specifically, functional category P was overrepresented in the small cluster of 98.65% of genomes, whereas categories J, K, and L were overrepresented in the larger cluster of over 98.52% of genomes. Lineage analysis uncovered that these preferences appear consistently across all phyla. Overall, our work revealed an almost universal clustering pattern based on the relative frequency of A2 versus T2 and its role in functional category preference. These findings will promote the understanding of the rationality of theoretical prediction of functional classes of genes from their nucleotide sequences and how protein function is determined by DNA sequence.

Graphical abstract

The Most Deviated Codon Position in AT-rich Bacterial Genomes: A Function Related Analysis

We have performed systematic study on more than 120 archaeal and bacterial genomes. Based on the index proposed in the current paper, clear patterns are observed showing the relation between the base compositional deviation at three codon positions and the genomic GC content. For AT-rich genomes, the Most Deviated Codon Position (MDCP) is the 1st codon position, while for GC-rich genomes, MDCP appears at the 2nd or 3rd codon position alternatively. According to MDCP, the CDSs of a genome can be classified into two types: typical and atypical. In AT-rich genomes the typical represent the majority and account for about 3/4 of all the CDSs. Based on the functional classification of COG database, the two types of CDSs are examined. An apparent bias of distribution is observed that the CDSs with the function of 'information processing' are more likely to present in typical type.

Compositional variation in bacterial genes and proteins with potential expression level

Usage of guanine and cytosine at three codon sites in eubacterial genes vary distinctly with potential expressivity, as predicted by Codon Adaptation Index (CAI). In bacteria with moderate/high GC-content, G(3) follows a biphasic relationship, while C(3) increases with CAI. In AT-rich bacteria, correlation of CAI is negative with G(3), but non-specific with C(3). Correlations of CAI with residues encoded by G-starting codons are positive, while with those by C-starting codons are usually negative/random. Average Size/Complexity Score and aromaticity of gene-products decrease with CAI, confirming general validity of cost-minimization principle in free-living eubacteria. Alcoholicity of bacterial gene-products usually decreases with expressivity.