Transcriptome sequencing and analysis of space environment induced Enterococcus Faecium strain

Objective To compare the differences of gene expression of Enterococcus faecium exposed to space environment through whole transcriptome sequencing. Methods The total RNA of Enterococcus faecium was extracted and library was constructed followed by sequencing on HiSeq 2000. Then the raw datum of transcriptome was obtained, fi ltered, assembled and annotated. The difference of gene expression was analyzed by comparing the transcriptome of Enterococcus faecium after spaceflight with one on the ground. Results After spaceflight, amounts of genes expressed differently, including 1 036 down-regulated genes and 123 upregulated genes. The annotation of GO function and KEGG pathway revealed genes with different expression were mainly associated with bacteria growth and metabolism. Conclusion The whole transcriptome of Enterococcus faecium strain is sequenced and annotated clearly, which suggests that after spaceflight the expression of genes relating with growth and metabolism has changed.