Complete genome analysis and gene disruption of the hyperthermophilic archaeon, Thermococcus kodakaraensis and its application for hydrogen production

Abstract

Here, we describe our research on the hyperthermophilic archaeon, Thermococcus kodakaraensis KOD1. Recently, we have determined the complete genome sequence of the archaeon. The genome (2,088,737-base) contained a total of 2,306 coding DNA sequences (CDSs), among which half (1,165 CDSs) are annotatable whereas the functions of 41% (936 CDSs) cannot be predicted from the primary structures. To analyze the physiological function of each gene, we have developed a system for specifically disrupting (or replacing) genes in the genome, which is the first system in the hyperthermophiles. The availability of both genome information and gene exchange technique make the archaeon an attractive organism for analyzing and manipulating its metabolic pathways. Therefore, we have applied these features to improve the hydrogen(H₂)-producing potential of the archaeon.