ABSTRACT
The availability of genomic sequence information for the B. melitensis 16M and B. suis 1330 strains opened the way to a variety of predictions, ranging from the coding sequences delimitation to predictions of function and comparative genomics. In this chapter we briefly summarise the functional predictions made from the putative coding sequences of B. melitensis as obtained using homology search algorithms. Comparisons were made to information stored in a database, which also contains predictions of subcellular localisation and tridimensional structure. The conservation of each putative coding sequence in other α Proteobacteria genomes is also reported, allowing the first steps into comparative genomics within this diversified family. The database described here also allows simple genome-wide investigations, and some examples of such analyses are described. The database is user-friendly and would benefit from a close interaction with experimental work.
