Abstract
Sphingomonas morindae 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 Sphingomonas morindae sp. NBD5 and Sphingopyxis sp. USTB-05. The genome of Sphingomonas morindae 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 (ackA, pgm, gpmI and pckA) are unique. These genes, pckG, porB, meh, and fldA, are unique in Sphingopyxis sp. USTB-05. The analysis of Sphingomonas morindae sp. NBD5 and Sphingopyxis 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 Sphingomonas morindae sp. NBD5 and Sphingopyxis sp. USTB-05. This study expands the understanding of the pathway for complete biosynthesis of MP by Sphingomonas morindae sp. NBD5 and Sphingopyxis sp. USTB-05.