Ultramicrobacteria Genome Database Project

Ultramicrobacteria (UMB) are a largely uncultured, globally abundant, and metabolically active group of bacteria. UMB have cell diameters ≤0.3μm, cell volumes ≤0.1 μm3, and small streamlined genomes. Recent findings indicate that UMB aid in bioremediation and nutrient cycling, but future investigations and comprehension of current findings are skewed by highly variable nomenclature and a lack of databases for functional, genomic, geochemical, or spatial data specific to candidate UMB. We aim to develop a user-friendly open-access database of various UMB candidates linked to an open-access online map where researchers can gather genomic, spatial, and geochemical data. Our comprehensive review of literature and genomic databases revealed several mis-identified UMB candidates, unique highly-conserved fermentation pathways, and novel membrane proteins. We are actively updating this resource and working to link this database to the K-base bioinformatics platform on the Oak Ridge National Laboratory Supercomputer. This database is one of the first steps towards further investigations of the function, structure, and potential biotechnical applications of UMB.