Whole-Genome Sequencing of 351 Prokaryotic Strains Preserved by RIKEN JCM

April 8, 2026

Establishing a foundation for diverse life science research

Researchers from RIKEN BioResource Research Center and RIKEN CSRS have determined the whole-genome sequences of 351 prokaryotic strains (bacteria and archaea) preserved by the Japan Collection of Microorganisms (JCM), an internationally recognized microbial culture collection.
In this study, the research group selected 351 phylogenetically and physiologically diverse strains from the approximately 20,000 strains maintained and distributed by JCM, focusing particularly on type strains representing species and strains that are technically difficult to culture. More than 200 of these strains had not previously had their whole genomes sequenced. Genome analysis revealed strains that may require taxonomic reclassification, strains harboring previously unknown extrachromosomal DNA, and strains potentially possessing novel or unverified metabolic functions. All genome sequence data generated in this study have been made publicly available through public databases.

These results are expected not only to contribute to the establishment of a more reliable taxonomic framework, but also to accelerate the discovery of novel functional genes and metabolic pathways, thereby providing a valuable foundation for a broad range of research fields, including environmental science, health, food, and energy research.

 

Original article

Genome Research　doi: 10.1101/2025.05.25.655001

S. Kato, S. Masuda, A. Shibata, T. Itoh, M. Sakamoto, K. Shirasu, M. Ohkuma,

"Whole-genome sequencing of diverse 351 cultured prokaryotes including as-yet-unsequenced type strains".

Contact

Sachiko Masuda; Research Scientist
Arisa Shibata; Technical Staff II
Ken Shirasu; Group Director
Plant Immunity Research Group