Whole genome sequencing of cr(VI) resistant <i>Morganella morganii</i> (1Ab1) towards identification of chromate transporters

Chromium (Cr) present naturally as the most abundant element on Earth's crust. It usually exists combined with other chemical elements as oxygen and potassium in the form of chromium compounds. However, its level is raised due to leather tanning in tannery industries which turns less toxic trivalent chromium [Cr(III)] into highly toxic hexavalent chromium [Cr(VI)]. Chromium-resistant bacteria harbors Chr transporters in their genome which involves in metabolic reduction of toxic Cr to nontoxic Cr with the help of enzyme "chromate reductase." This enzyme acts as a potential agent in bioremediation of highly chrome polluted sites. In this investigation, Whole Genome Sequencing (WGS) was done to find Chr transporters in the identified bacteria Morganella morganii (1Ab1) isolated from tannery effluent contaminated sites of Dindigul district, Tamil Nadu, India. Further, chr genes were confirmed using Real Time PCR and Web-based proteomic analysis tools such as Protter and Swiss Model. Finally output was reckoned for 3-D structure prediction and interactive visualization of the chr gene-encoded Chr protein that involves in Cr(VI) reduction.