Tool and databases providing at NITE for safe and appropriate use of microorganisms.

Abstract

In order to handle microorganisms safely, it is necessary to know in advance the risk of the microorganisms to be used. In recent years, with the rapid development of next-generation DNA sequencing technology, there has been a requirement to assess the estimation of safety at the gene level based on genome sequences. In addition, since the application of whole genome sequences to microbial classification is progressing, microbial taxa are being reclassified and scientific names are being changed. In order to support the safe and appropriate use of microorganisms, NITE has developed “MiFuP Safety”, a tool for detecting potential genes involved in toxins and other functions with risks from genome sequences. We also provide the database “the Microorganism Risk Information List”, that organizes the latest scientific names and centralizes information on biosafety levels and domestic regulations related to handling of microorganisms. This paper describes the background and usage of these tools and databases, and introduces the recent renewal of these databases.