Data from: Sequencing of seven haloarchaeal genomes reveals patterns of genomic flux

We report the sequencing of seven genomes from two haloarchaeal genera,
Haloferax and Haloarcula. Ease of cultivation and the existence of
well-developed genetic and biochemical tools for several diverse
haloarchaeal species make haloarchaea a model group for the study of
archaeal biology. The unique physiological properties of these organisms
also make them good candidates for novel enzyme discovery for
biotechnological applications. Seven genomes were sequenced to
~20×coverage and assembled to an average of 50 contigs (range 5 scaffolds
- 168 contigs). Comparisons of protein-coding gene compliments revealed
large-scale differences in COG functional group enrichment between these
genera. Analysis of genes encoding machinery for DNA metabolism reveals
genera-specific expansions of the general transcription factor TATA
binding protein as well as a history of extensive duplication and
horizontal transfer of the proliferating cell nuclear antigen. Insights
gained from this study emphasize the importance of haloarchaea for
investigation of archaeal biology.