Leuconostoc citreum strain:NRRL B-1355 Genome sequencing and assembly

The goal of this research proposal is to sequence the entire genetic code (genome) of the beneficial bacterial species Leuconostoc citreum B-1355. Determining the genome of this beneficial bacterial species is the basis and prerequisite for understanding its systems biology and functional characterization, and for enhancing biotechnology applications. The genome information collected from this proposal will be used as foundational knowledge for a systems approach to decipher the interplay among regulatory networks and metabolic pathways encoded by this microbe. The goal is to understand how environmental factors will influence microbial behavior and bioproduct (enzyme and metabolite) formation. This gained knowledge using systems biology will improve microbial product formation and enhance other biotechnology applications of this organism and additional similar microbes.