Comparison and Analysis of the Genomes of Two Aspergillus oryzae Strains

A. oryzae 3.042 (China) and A. oryzae RIB40
(Japan) used for soy sauce fermentation
show some regional differences. We sequenced the genome of A. oryzae 3.042 and compared it to A. oryzae RIB40 in an attempt to understand why different
features are shown by these two A. oryzae strains. We predict 11 399 protein-coding genes in A. oryzae 3.042. The genomes of these two A. oryzae strains are collinear revealed by MUMmer
analysis, indicating that the differences are not obvious between
them. Several strain-specific genes of two strains are identified
by genome sequences’ comparison, and they are classified into
some groups, which have the relationship with cell growth, cellular
response and regulation, resistance, energy metabolism, salt tolerance,
and flavor formation. A. oryzae 3.042
showed stronger potential for mycelial growth and environmental stress
resistance, such as the genes of chitinase and quinone reductase.
Some genes unique to A. oryzae RIB40
were related to energy metabolism and salt tolerance, especially genes
for Na+ and K+ transport, while others were
associated with signal transduction and flavor formation. The genome
sequence of A. oryzae 3.042 will facilitate
the identification of the genetic basis of traits in A. oryzae 3.042, and accelerate our understanding
of the different genetic traits of the two A. oryzae strains.