Genome-Wide Analysis of PL7 Alginate Lyases in the Genus Zobellia

We carried out a detailed investigation of PL7 alginate lyases across the Zobellia genus. The main findings were obtained using the methods of comparative genomics and spatial structure modeling, as well as a phylogenomic approach. Initially, in order to elucidate the alginolytic potential of Zobellia, we calculated the content of polysaccharide lyase (PL) genes in each genome. The genus-specific PLs were PL1, PL6, PL7 (the most abundant), PL14, PL17, and PL40. We revealed that PL7 belongs to subfamilies 3, 5, and 6. They may be involved in local and horizontal gene transfer and gene duplication processes. Most likely, an individual evolution of PL7 genes promotes the genetic variability of the Alginate Utilization System across Zobellia. Apparently, the PL7 alginate lyases may acquire a sub-functionalization due to diversification between in-paralogs.